Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have had my new XPS 1640 for about three weeks. I initially had to exchange it for another one because of a couple of minor issues (1) the A/C plug did not fit very securely into the opening and constantly loosened up (2) the side endcap on the hinge came loose and created a space, not affecting the function, but not looking very good for a brand new computer, and (3) the machine would heat up so much after using continuously for over an hour that I could barely touch the keypad, and could feel significant heat even through a plastic cutting board that I had bought for it to use as a base on my lap. I now realize after receiving the exchange that this XPS Studio simply runs hot, which I had heard was common with many of the newer laptops/notebooks, but didn't realize it would be so hot as to be uncomfortable to touch or have on your lap. The A/C adapter unit is also extremely hot at times....I could not hold it in my hand. I think part of the problem may be the backlit keyboard (which I now don't know how I ever lived without). I've never had this feature before so don't have anything to compare to but it makes sense that this could be creating some extra heat.
I got the basic P7350 2GHz 3MB cache processor and 4GB RAM, but upgraded the video card to the 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD4670. and the display to the FHD 1080P (1920x1080) WLED LCD and it is stunning, well worth the $100 to upgrade the display. I am also very pleased with the look of the computer, all black and shiny both inside and out, very attractive, and even better with the keypad lit. The blue strip of light around the end of the A/C adapter plug is a nice touch also.
It came with a 500GB 7200 RPM Free Fall Sensor Seagate hard drive which was another selling point for me.
It does not feel as heavy as I expected an almost 16" to be. I very much like the seamless CD/DVD slot, no drawer to open and the eject button on the top of the keyboard right where it should be. The keyboard controls are very intuitive with excellent placement in my opinion, and no need to use Function key for some controls, like print screen for screenshots.
I did not upgrade the battery and the basic 56 WHr 6-cell does not last very long, even with the brightness set to only 25%, maybe 1 1/2hrs. That's another thing about the display....it is so brilliantly bright that setting it at half is still sufficiently bright. I also did not upgrade the sound, it has integrated high definition audio 2.2 with good sized speakers on either side and I found the sound to be adequate. I will not be using this computer much for music so it was not important to me.
I wasn't too happy about getting a Vista operating system, and almost passed up the XPS Studio to get a Dell that had the XP option, but I ended up doing it because of the free Windows 7 upgrade, and the lack of my desired upgrade options on other systems.
That's all I can think of for now; I will update after longer term usage. For now I highly recommend it even with its too hot little body!
Update:
After a few months of use I have some additional comments:
--- Yes, the sleek glossy black look is very cool but does not stay that way very long. It has made me realize how much dust there really is in the air, and you can see every speck on the computer, all the time, which of course prompts me to wipe it off, leading to a kind of OCD behavior! The outside cover also has the glossy finish and fingerprints are not easily wiped off like the dust....you have to use some pressure and rub a bit. Any laptop I purchase in the future will have a matte finish!
--- The battery has improved...can now get 2+hrs out of it.
--- The heat generated from the computer continues to be somewhat of a problem but since the weather has cooled off it is not as uncomfortable. I'm still using the plastic cutting board underneath and then a towel under that for when I use it on my lap which is most of the time. I think I will end up buying one of those laptop bases with the pillow attached underneath, which I made fun of to no end when my son purchased one, I thought it was so silly and dorky. I would buy one of the bases they sell that have the built-in fan but that would be awkward to use on your lap. I'm hoping that this system will hold up long term with the constant exposure to this much heat.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Dell Studio XPS 16 (1640) Business and Gaming Laptop with Facial recognition security software - Obsidian Black with Leather Accent, Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 (3MB cache/2.4GHz/1066Mhz FSB) , 2 GB DDR3 , 320GB Sata Hard Drive, 8X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability, Edge-to-Edge HD Widescreen 16.0 inch WLED LCD (1366x768) W/2.0 MP Webcam, ATI Mobility RADEON HD 3670 With 512MB, Wireless A/B/G/N Mini Card, Wireless Bluetooth, Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
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