Review: Dell XPS 15 (9530) QHD 4702HQ GTX 750M

Forums › Laptops and mobile computers › Review: Dell XPS 15 (9530) QHD 4702HQ GTX 750M

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#957318 25-Dec-2013 21:06

MoS: Yes I'm using both Lightroom and Cs6 and they are awfully small. I've seen people scale but haven't been able to figure out how to do that...

I am using Lightroom and it's perfectly usable. Photoshop and all those other apps are the biggest issue. And yes, I'm aware it's an issue with Windows and high-res screens - not a Dell issue.

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#957346 25-Dec-2013 22:03

joker97: I guess I could help people with unlimited resources (aka company) make decisions.

The reason I bought this laptop was because it's the first one in NZ with super high def screen that was Haswell that was light.

Specs: 2kg
- 16GB RAM
- 3200x1800 pixel 15.6 screen
- 500GB Samsung SSD
- Backlit keyboard
- Large touchpad
- Windows 8.1 Pro

Price: you don't want to know

Delivery: Took about 11 days to arrive

Unboxing: You don't get anything other than a box a charger and the laptop. No discs or sleeve.

First impression: Looks like a MacBook pro but half the weight.

I don't think there has ever been a 4kg Macbook Pro - the old discontinued 17 inch model was about 3kg.
The 2012 and 2013 15 inch Macbook Pro Retina models are both listed as 2.02 kg.

Other than thanks for an interesting review thanks - pity about the touchpad, that's a really important thing for me.

#include <standard.disclaimer>

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#957353 25-Dec-2013 22:37

alexx: Other than thanks for an interesting review thanks - pity about the touchpad, that's a really important thing for me.

I have managed to find a touchpad setting sweetspot. but it's not the best I've ever encountered due to the oversensitive smooth pad. but I've lived with this setting pretty well. let's see what the others think

mouse pointer options - 4th dot. (2 clicks from left. each click = 2 dots)
enhance precision yes

dell touchpad settings at around 65 percent. it MUST be at this setting, one click left and one click right is bad. well my preference anyway I don't expect it to suit everyone

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#957354 25-Dec-2013 22:40

alexx: Other than thanks for an interesting review thanks

well this is currently the most advanced thing around I can find in the 15" 2kg sweetspot.

unfortunately their R&D isn't as billiondollar as apple's so do expect problems. I've never owned a PC that has not annoyed me so I've learnt to expect it! I don't think there is one single PC or android company that makes things as troublefree as apple's, mind you apple do get about 1 - 2 major complaints per release so there you go (remember antennagate 4, poor battery life 4s, can't remember what 5's problem was)

basically 100% lockdown ie apple - less problems

free to tweak and transform how you like ie PC ... expect problems

benmurphy66

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#960630 3-Jan-2014 12:15

Thanks for taking the time to right up your findings. This is the laptop I have had an eye on for a while and a replace for my 6 year old MBP (that only runs bootcamp these days). I think the thing that is holding me back is that I keep getting close to buying and then think maybe I am just better with a cheaper model i.e. the top of the range Inspiron range for about half the price. Given the main use is for work purposes and the ability to run some virtual machines for short periods for testing purposes. (No gaming or high performance stuff). But then the XPS15 is cool. :)

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#960743 3-Jan-2014 14:39

in your case the inspiron might be better. there was a 40% off deal the other day on the new inspiron 15

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#998902 4-Mar-2014 15:58

I was interested to see if a couple of months on the XPS15's are still going strong and you don't have any complaints?

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#998923 4-Mar-2014 16:23

it's gotten better.

the trackpad is improved (there was a driver update), and probably a little getting used to mixed with placebo effect.

it still feels really light.

probably learnt to live with it. but i don't know why they didn't put separate page down buttons!

dpw

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#999600 5-Mar-2014 16:46

joker97: it's gotten better.

the trackpad is improved (there was a driver update), and probably a little getting used to mixed with placebo effect.

it still feels really light.

probably learnt to live with it. but i don't know why they didn't put separate page down buttons!

My main gripe on the trackpad is two-finger scrolling. From what I can tell it is over-sensitive in terms of finger positioning. Also, if I scroll a bit too fast with two fingers it tends to go haywire and start flinging the page in opposite direction or highlight content of that page. This is still happening after the latest series of updates.

Anyone else noticed this?

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#1000147 6-Mar-2014 14:00

mine seems to be ok. did you try to play with the settings to decrease the sensitivity you are describing?

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#1000650 7-Mar-2014 11:34

strangely got a quote from Dell yesterday, they gave me a good price. Today they are saying the XPS15 is now end of life and can't be ordered.

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#1000666 7-Mar-2014 11:42

Regarding the OEM Intel HD Graphics and nVidia Optimus drivers relying on OEM customised version.

On my Acer, I have managed to "break" the use of OEM Intel HD Graphic and nVidia drivers, uninstall the drivers from the Device Manager and/or Add or Remove Application, and download the latest from Intel and nVidia. Install Intel's driver first then nVidia official's.

Despite the OEM advices not to, but I think it is far better having done so.

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#1001518 8-Mar-2014 23:39

yup that was the first thing i did :D

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#1001556 9-Mar-2014 07:51

Well, I have finally struck an issue. My charger is dead. The light in the plug still lights up but the laptop is not detecting it. The brick is stone cold too. I'm pretty sure every AC adapter I've had warms up at least slightly when it's charging.

Anyone else had any hardware issues?

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#1002177 10-Mar-2014 16:01

Do you plug your one into an external monitor? What resolution do you get on the external monitor?

In the end it wasn't end of life, it's no longer available via their business channels as the lead times are longer than 3 weeks

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