Dell Studio 1557

Mine did come with 7, but I don't see a Media Center gadget as a choice, though there seems to be options to download them over at live.com

http://gallery.live.com/LiveItemDetail.aspx?li=d9701551-677e-4cac-90fd-0060e8c51510

 

Thank you soo much for confirming! At least I know I'm not an isolated incident... As for the link, I tried it earlier today during my epic quest for an answer, and it doesn't seem to work...Thanks again though...

 

Glad to help!

 

Anyone tried or know if COD MW2 would run on this badboy? COD 4 MW runs pretty decent, but don't want to spend the money unless I know it works... Already tried willmypcrunit.. Wouldn't initialize... than ks.

 

I would say yes it probably would.

I ran the utility at systemsrequirementslab for my Inspiron 1545 (which has essentially the same GPU, but with slower clocks and less VRAM, and this was my result:



I would normally say that these tools are not 100% reliable by a long shot; it tells me I can't run Crysis, but I have done so and it runs fine. After a quick check on the internet, it doesn't look like there is a demo version of the game available at the moment; except via some dodgy torrent sites, which I'm not going to go into details about here.

Perhaps you should keep an eye out on gaming magazines to see if any come with a demo version of the game at all - though it does look unlikely this is going to happen from what I've read.

 

Awesome thx Fragile! I'll let you guys know how it runs... So far LFD2 demo, TF2, and BF2 all run fantastic! BF2142 is a little laggy but that might be my wifi...

 

hi my laptop can't play nba2k10 or left 4 dead. when i run them they shut down my computer in like 2mins. i alrdy turned the settings to low, d/l the direct X 9C n update the graphic driver. but all shuts down when i play.

 

i am running COD MW2 on my 1557. using the auto optimal settings, the resolution is 640x480. the game play is smooth and the graphics is acceptable to me.

 

Hi, I'm new to recent laptop technology and need to buy a laptop for use at uni and to replace an ageing 1GHz Dell desktop. I was going to buy the Samsung Q320 with a Core 2 Duo (2.1GHz T6500) processor until a friend recommended the Dell Studio 15 with the i7-720QM Mobile Processor (1.6GHz, turbo up to 2.8GHz) which is currently on offer at around the same price.

Despite concerns of Dell build quality and bloatware requiring a clean Windows install after purchase, I'm now considering buying a Studio 15 for the processor and overall performance in comparison to a Core 2 Duo based laptop. Considering the info on Intel's Turbo Boost technology at:

http://hothardware.com/Articles/Intel-Core-i7-Mobile-Processor-Launch-Review/?page=3

re the faster Core i7-920XM, I'm questioning whether the i7 processor will ever run at full Turbo Boost with Windows 7 as I suspect Windows will typically always being using at least two hyper-threads. Is Windows smart enough to run these two hyper-threads on just a single core of the i7 or will it always be using at least two cores? In which case, this would reduce the typical max boost of the i7-720QM to about 2.53GHz.

Posts to this forum appear not to have identified any problems with the i7 processor running too hot in the Series 15 which would reduce the speed of the cores. I assume this is at room temperature so has anyone had the Series 15 running in 28+C heat as it would be in the summer? (for those of us without air-con.)

Basically, I'm trying to work out if there are any scenarios where the i7 would be thermally restricted to 1.6GHz when only using 2 hyper-threads and how often this may occur in practice. When comparing this situation to a Core 2 Duo 2.1GHz, would an i7 processor based laptop in this case actually be running slower than the Core 2 Duo based laptop? Given this situation, do all the other improvements to the i7 such as DDR3 memory compared to DDR2 and no requirement for a north-bridge in the i7 actually mean that the i7 based laptop would still be similar in performance to one with a Core 2 Duo?

If it is similar in performance at 1.6GHz then there is no reason not to buy an i7 processor based laptop as it'll always be the same or faster than the Core 2 Duo based laptop, otherwise I'll have to consider how often it might actually be slower during normal use!

Also, does anyone known whether the architecture of the Dell Series 15 allows it to get the best out of the i7 processor?

Thanks for any help given.

Martin

 

Having a desktop i7 CPU running Windows 7 Pro, I can tell you that it would beat hands down any core 2 duo.

Hyper threading is not as efficient as running on two separate cores, but if these two cores are running, it will still overclock - it's not limited to just one single core. Basically, it will overclock (using turbo boost) as long as the temperature is within safe bounds. My desktop machine will overclock all four cores if the temperature remains fine.

The only reason to consider a C2D at the moment is if the price is significantly less than an i7.

Oh, and you mention 28C temperature, but list your country as the UK....... erm, we have like maybe two weeks of the year when the temperature is anywhere near that

 

The Dell 1555 I bought last month has close to zero bloatware on it. I was quite pleased.

Just make sure you uncheck the Wildtangent box in the configuration page on the Dell site.

 

My 1557 came with next to no bloatware as well. I opted to have no security software installed, no Office and unchecked the Wild Tangent box. I've had my 1557 for a week now and am quite pleased. The computer runs relatively cool and very quiet. Performance is great in Photoshop and Lightroom (the main reason I went with i7) and the speaker sound is quite good. I also chose the 900p screen and it is really very nice. Haven't noticed any build quality issues.

 

can any1 help me with my problem?

 

One thing that bother me is there is no indicator for num/cap lock and stuff. Blinkie for HD isn't my big concern, but num/cap is a big thing especially when I have to type in password. Any one know a good OSD indicator for this? Or does Dell came w/ one? I wipe the HD clean and repartition it for win7/Ubuntu. So, it's practially 0 bloatware and I only install drivers and no quickset, the restore CD that came w/ it practically an OS install DVD, no factory partition required.

Basically 2 questions.
what does quick set do?
any good OSD num/cap indicator?

 

quickset gives you an on screen display, but also caps / num / scroll lock icons in task bar

 

Hi,

I bought a Dell Studio 1557 and received it four days ago. I really like my laptop, it is blazing fast . There are some issues however. Oh and before I start: yes my subwoofer is performing perfectly hehe.

First issue: heat. The i7 cpu needs quite some power and generates a lot of heat. The laptop doesn't feel THAT hot when under stress but when you start using programs that are both cpu and gpu intensive things get a little bit out of hand. For example: I ran 3dmark06 and got a score of 2.7k, quite disappointing. I read a review of the Studio 15(55?), same config except with a Core 2 Duo 2.4Ghz and it got a score of 3.7k in 3dmark06...
So I ran 3dmark again but this time with my laptop on a box for optimal airflow: my score was now 3k! 300 points difference just from a box!
I fiddled around with core affinity and powerplay feature of my gpu and managed to get 3.3k: still less than the laptop with the Core 2 Duo. I tried disabling hyperthreading but did not find such thing in my BIOS.

second issue: again with the gpu. It has occured two times that when I maximize a video playing in flash my screen turns black and doesn't seem to respond anymore. It hasn't crashed but it just is really slow. In the event viewer I found this message: error atikmdag (id 43029): display is not active. I searched around the web and this is a known issue but the cause could be anything... Reinstalling drivers didn't fix it.

third issue: this one is really weird. Hell, maybe it's a feature . Either way, I want to get rid of it. I was watching a movie in vlc with my laptop on my lap. I noticed that when I tilt my laptop towards me about 45 degrees, it skips 5 minutes backwards in vlc! When I tilt it the other way, it skips 5 minutes ahead. I did some searching but didn't find anyone mentioning this. The command to skip 5 minutes ahead/backwards in vlc is ctrl+alt+left/right.

Thanks for bearing with me and this wall of text and I'm sorry for any spelling/grammar mistakes.

 

That's good news. So, you haven't noticed any flicker with the 1366x768 screen?

Thanks for that and please keep us updated on those issues

 

Hi David, 900p is the 1600x900 option, and no issues with it at all. Very nice.

 

Hi,

I want to share my $0.02 on this thread.
Placed the order in Germany for English Version on 5th Nov and I got the laptop on 13th Nov. Config is base i7, 4GB, base LED screen, Bluetooth, wifi n, 500 7200 HD, 7 Pro.

This machine is HTPC for my purpose. I tried Acer mini Desktop Quad core but was too noisy. 1557 serves this purpose pretty well with barely audible noise level. I am currently running 1557 on power supply with out battery connected to my LCD via Denon 1910 HDMI. All the connectivity is smooth with not many challenges. (Though I have reinstalled the OS after partitioning to my needs). Somewhere I read that ATI graphics are not playing nice with 5.1 / 7.1 sound via Denon AVR which is not the case with me. I checked 5.1 sound and it even shows Dolby Digital on the receiver when there is encoded sound available.

Everything is brilliant and works as expected. Checked the Subwoofer, as this was discussed alot, and it works just fine. Windows experience tops at 5, primarily from the graphics limitation. I can tell that my Dell XPS M1330 with integrated graphics makes 720p movies jerky at times but 1557 makes 1080p movies smooth which is what I am interested in. I still do not know how to get internet radio on media center. Any help on that would be great!

The other challenge that I have and prime reason for me to choose 1557, other than low price is the external power button. I was under the impression that I could make the machine sleep & wake-up with the lid closed and tucked away in a cabinet, by just pushing this power button. Strangely the button does not respond if the lid is closed?! Do you think this is normal?

Since I have a feeling that my machine works almost normal as Dell wants it to, if you want any quick checks to be done I can be of help.

I paid ~ 800 Euro, if some one is looking out for a price comparison but I guess they will not got down 875 Euro for a private purchase as mine is a business purchase.

 

The more I use the 1557 the more I'm impressed with how quiet it is, even with a fan running. One thing I notice is that occasionally when in a quiet room and the fan off, there is an occasional, intermittent higher pitched noise coming from the upper left, near where the processor is. I only noticed this this morning and you kind of have to put your ear up to the computer to hear it clearly. It's only intermittent though and not very loud. Anyone else notice this? Just curious if it is normal. Normally I wouldn't notice something like this thanks to music playing.

 

Hi,
I run the 3DMark06 with the HTT enable and here is my result....
http://service.futuremark.com/home.action;jsessionid=9E87B4CCEB9632A7B0ADE8B4AACA54B1
I haven't change any configuration of my gpu....

Hope it can help you....

 

I think that is by design to prevent it from being turned on in a bag and cooking itself. My Samsung NC10 does the same, that's the conclusion I came to. Can't speak for the Dell, as it hasn't arrived yet, still in China :|

 

I have been waiting for my new Dell (in Sig) too.. should be here tommorrow I hope... good luck with yours...

 

Fellow 1557 owners, kindly lend an ear! Tell me if in a quiet background you here any high pitched cpu noises intermittently when your ear is close to the upper left of the notebook? Just want to confirm what is normal. Thanks!

 

The result you are trying to view could not be found.

I'm not quite sure how to share a result actually, I tried to share mine but it doesn't work either. Here's my max pasted on pastebin: http://pastebin.com/m5d68fef5

@darkmage: I don't hear such thing.

 

I don't know to paste it on pastebin....

Though try this one:
http://service.futuremark.com/resultAnalyzer.action?resultId=12480459&resultType=14

Let me know whether is working or not...thx!

 

Not working either. I just selected everything in my browser and copy-pasted in on pastebin.com

 

Ok...
I think I got this right....
http://pastebin.com/mb94d043

It's a bit confused since is showing both results....mine as well as the fastest one....

Though is possible to see the score...

 

Seems you ran on a different resolution: yours is 1280x720, mine was 1280x1024 .

 

Yep...you r right...my screen is just 720p..

Though your processor score higher than mine...wierd

Do you know why???

I just ran 3dMark06 again after download the driver from ATI webpage....and this time I held my laptop to ensure a high airflow underneath it and got a even better score....4335 ( still running in a 1280X720 definition )

Though I dunno if it's normal get different scores....

 

Don't hear anything on mine?.... Just a couple of "tick tick" sometimes from the HD....

Anyone else missing the windows media center gadget? If so please, PLEASE, post here http://social.answers.microsoft.com.../thread/e214e85b-95db-4735-a89c-aaa061bf7d74/

and let Microsoft know this isn't an isolated issue... Thanks!

 

thank you and brian both.

 

Hi

The only two options on the studio 1557 seem to be 1366x768 or the 1920x1080 one. No mention of a 1600x900 on Dell UK. Maybe you live elsewhere or ordered it some time ago?

Are all three of the above resolutions 16:9?

 

I'm in the US. I think I remember reading some time back that the 900p option wasn't available on the Studio 15 for some reason in the UK. All three are 16x9 now.

 

Yeah, shame about that, as 1600x900 would be great . I'm going to wait to see if they reintroduce a middle resolution- or look elsewhere.

 

so um, the laptop has two headphone jacks. I vaugely remember reading that it supported 5.1 sound but in sound settings it seems more like it allows me to desigante output from 2 different stereo outputs.

I'd love to be able to use all 4 of my satellite speakers, help please!

 

Thanks Herbs! Before my purchase I was looking at Sony and Dell which has this external Power Button. Based on the reasoning you provided, I feel more relieved for not spending more money on a Sony laptop!

 

Hello, i am from Singapore. Bought the Studio 1557, just received it and notice that there are 4 to 5 dark pixels(being honest), called DELL afew times and they refuse to provide me a replacement laptop, citing that DELL's pixel policy is 6 pixels or more.

DELL offered me options to either purchase a replace LCD panel or purchase an additional 1 year warranty and they will replace the current LCD panel for "Free".

BTW: i have purchase studio 1557 with a 1920x1080 LCD panel and 3 years complete cover.

May i ask fellow notebookreview forumers, how can i convince DELL to provide me with a replacement laptop?

Thanks in advance.

 

I got a Dell 1557 4GB Ram Core i7 Windows 7 64 from Dell Uk, numerous issues.

- Power Adapter was causing interference with an external Monitor.

Was getting horizontal interference lines on an external LCD connected with a VGA cable, I bought a new Dell monitor to replace my old one and still had the problem. Drivers and BIOS were all upto date however Dell Tech support tried to remote access the machine and install some old ATI Win7 beta drivers I had to intervene, eventually they sent out a replacement power brick which resolved the issue.

- iPhone 3gs 16gb using itunes does not sync

Tried everything, get numerous error messages. Has anyone been able to successfully Sync an iPhone 3GS with Itunes on Windows 7 64 with the 1557 i7 machine?? Is this anything to do with the Intel p55 issues *reported? Dell support said I would have to pay them for Presto support to get this resolved...

* http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/iphone-and-windows-7-dont-play-nice-intel-p55-chipset-to-blame/

- Infamous Intermittent Sub-woofer problem

Tried everything posted here to fix it with no luck, it just seems to kick in now and again for no reason...

Is it just me or is the fan loud even on idle... I also noticed that the fan gets really really loud even when a screen saver comes on and the CPU is hardly doing anything, is there anything i can do about this??

All in all it seems a good machine and cheap but it's a pain to try and sort out all these issues and get their support to actually do anything.

-Dan

 

One other issue, the 512mb ATI HD 4570 graphic card seems to be lacking performance compared to the rest of the hardware, is there anyway to upgrade this at all??

-Dan

 

Just to clarify as I'm still trying to ascertain if there is a problem, I only hear the noise while the computer is plugged in and/or charging, and it is very faint and only mildly high pitched. Goes on and off quickly and in succession. Probably not an issue at all.

 

No offense, but did you try it an another location? It could be the outlet. The same issue was happening where I work with a certain electrical outlet on the wall. It could be the way the ground is set up. I would also try a using a 3-prong to 2-prong adapter for the plug. Tell me if this fixes it.

 

Heya I've just ordered one and the delivery date is 2009-12-02. I've got the full order confirmation but no money has been taken from my account. I paid with maestro and had no errors in the ecommerce bit. Any thoughts?

 

I ordered mine less than a month ago. They only charged me once the laptop was delivered.

 

Yeah tried different sockets and power strips, the issue was resolved with a replacement adapter in the end.

Still having a problem with the iphone sync. The phone works fine with 2 old laptops win xp and win 7 32...

Anyone got an iphone to sync with this machine yet?? It's driving me crazy!!

 

I have an iphone but haven't tried syncing just yet. Will do tonight when I get home and report back.

 

Mine is fine, I can just hear the fan, however I was getting noise/interference when charging off of the original power adapter model: FA90PE1-00 they have replaced that one and now it works ok.

Thinking about it the fan is pretty loud even on idle, should it be so loud, is there anyway i can replace it with something quieter??

-Dan

 

Yep, I had a day one frenzy (4 hours) trying to get my iphone to even recognize... Turns out the fix (I think) for me was my antivirus, try and stop all antivirus programs and try to plug it in after that.. No joke something so stupid took me 4 hours to figure out, but it worked! Let me know if this fixes the problem?...

 

Yeah I have tried that, well Window recognizes the iphone anyway and i can copy images off of it, it just won't sync with itunes, is your's syncing with itunes ok?

 

Same. Only charged today, and it's supposedly getting delivered tomorrow. It's so they can cancel your order at the last minute without being obliged to give you anything.