**Official Dell Inspiron 8500 NoteBook Discussion Thread

[Bing Fung]

Jon, sounds like you were running a typical "Helpdesk"over the weekend

I never knew PPPoE's could be that much of a hassle to set up, I assumed the protocal would be transparent to setup.

Notebooks have been following a trend of Desktop replacements for quite some time. And when I think of this i8500, it truely is a desktop replacement even though it has a Mobile P4. It seems the Centrino is all the rage for mobile computing, and at times I think I would also have like one of those as well. It seems Intel will also have to be marketing that Clock speed isn't everything, much like AMD has for the last few years... The new 1.6Ghz Centrino is almost as fast as a Mobile P4 @ 2.4 Ghz, except in gaming and multimedia applications. However it has 30-40% more battery run time... Good stuff indeed for those that require it. The Centrinos are said to be 4 - 8 hours depending on configuration and particular usage. I'll be interested in knowing what the mean time actually is...

I like to think I'm power monger, so a desktop replacement was my first consideration with some thought to battery run time as well I got nearly 3 hours out of the i8500 running a DVD and playing around in it.




Bing

[Gordon Moore]

Centrino took a page from Apple....Centrino = HUGE CACHE and that's making up the difference. Centrino is getting all the raves in the business world. As a matter of fact, the comparsions to Apple are numerous and that's a real feather in Intel's cap. The only thing they're getting knocked for is no support for 11a or g.

[Gordon Moore]

The mean time from most reports state 5 hours battery life.

Some of these laptops were run with full bore tests including seti@home and that putter'd out around the 3-4 hour mark which is enough for a movie and a half on a flight.

The testing was done here...you won't get a gaming perspective...it's more of a corporate look (how many movies can I watch on a flight?...How fast does this crunch excel>...that sort of thing):

http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/04/18/15centrino-sb_1.html?hardware

[Trevor Schell]

My Laptop arrived today!
The leather case is very nice, but much different than what was pictured prior.
I'll probably set it up tomorrow as I had to work late tonight.




Trevor
My HomeTheater S.E.
Sonically Enhanced
C5

[Trevor Schell]

Well,,I am typing this on the new 8500.
Setting up the wireless card was way too easy!!

Bing is right about the keyboard..It even rattles on the left side while typing.
Looks like DELL will be paying visit here to fix it,,since I have to next business day in home service , might as well put it to use..
Over all build qulity is like a cheap plastic unit..Very disappointing.
My little Sony is built like a tank in comparisin to the 8500.




Trevor
My HomeTheater S.E.
Sonically Enhanced
C5

[JonMarsh]

arty:


Well, there's so many notebooks to choose from these days, but even an diehard shopper like myself can get a little burned out and disgusted... :roll:

My little Sony is built like a tank in comparisin to the 8500.

That resonates for me, as I have a "little" Sony FX35 (1 GHz Athlon), which I picked up at CostCo a little over a year ago- kicked it up to 512 MB of RAM, and upgraded to a 48 GB HD. The XGA display is a little puny for CAD and DTP, though. After seeing the Sony GRV670 that a friend bought for her oldest son, (16" SXGA) I've had "big screen" evny... ;x(

I've really liked my "old" Sony, for what it is and what it cost, but figured I might want to check out what else it out there..., including besides the GFV670, and the similar GRX700. One of my best friends swears by IBM (we've used them at work until recently, and they are very solid mechanically), but they don't do anything bigger than 15" in screesn (it is SXGA or UXGA), and the new G series seems to be impossible to get with more than 256 MB of RAM. We switched to Dell at work, I think on a price basis, but all they buy are Latitude laptops, which have dinky screens.

I do prefer a good solid keyboard, so what I hear about the 8500 is disappointing. Pretty serious rebate offer they have going until the end of today, though.

My FX35 isn't light, but it's solid. Same thing with the GRV, GRX series, but they're even heavier, in order to accomodate the screen. Weight's not an issue for me (6'2", 210 lb), but reliablity and robustness are- I actually do travel a lot, plus I use it in portable mode on the train every day I go to work in the office!

And the Toshiba's that I looked at didn't make me feel comfortable, either, especially with all their disclaimers re CPU performance, which implied they'd shut down with high stress applications like CAD.

I think they're competing too much on price in the PC world, vs performance- the Apple Power Books looked awfully good in comparison, and the OS makes XP look like Windows 3.1 ...seriously. Microsoft is building the least they can get away with and still be able to sell it to us... :letitout:

Yeah, last weekend was shopping and helpdesk weekend- but the big grin on my daughter's face at the wireless connection in her bedroom now makes it worthwhile. Also, if you need a high duty cycle printer for relatively low bucks, that Samsung ML1650 I got seems to be a real honey for $350. It's amazing, as it offers performance that 5-6 years ago was 4 to 6 times that money...


~Jon




Earth First!
_______________________________
We'll screw up the other planets later....

[Andrew Pratt]

One of my best friends swears by IBM (we've used them at work until recently, and they are very solid mechanically), but they don't do anything bigger than 15" in screesn (it is SXGA or UXGA), and the new G series seems to be impossible to get with more than 256 MB of RAM. We switched to Dell at work, I think on a price basis, but all they buy are Latitude laptops, which have dinky screens.

We're an IBM shop as well and I really like the IBM T series notebooks but like the latitudes they're aimed at people that travel so their screens are smaller and they're very thin. Putting the IBM T30 beside my 5100 makes for my 5100 look huge! I look at my 5100 (and the 8500) as more of desktop replacements that happen to be luggable where as the thin IBM's and latitudes are more for true mobile users that don't need high power machines or huge screen to check email and the like.

When I bought my 5100 I was seriously considering an IBM but I just couldn't justify the added cost for slower speed...now that I have the Dell at got it working properly I think I made the right choice but I have no doubt which is the better built machine.

[JonMarsh]

I think you've kind of hit it on the head, Andrew, the difference between mobile and truly portable computing? Though sometimes I see a Sony or Fujitsu that is really dinky, and I think, gee, that would be cool if I was just doing PowerPoints and MathCAD and Email, but I've got to do so much more- and the bigger machines finally can almost be a real desktop replacement. Well, in some regards, not really- I'm running dual monitors on my home desktop, and getting to where I don't think I can live wtihout it!! :banana: But now, after seeing the bigger SXGA laptops, I don't want to live without that when I have to work mobile- and that means weird places like on the train, in a hotel room, etc.

After nosing around all the nooks and crannies of the Sony site, I've found you can get a version of the GRX700 that really has me salivating, but still is under control with regards to price (well, sort of)...

You start with the GRX700 CTO with 2.2 GHz P4M, base price $2019, then add the 16" UXGA option (1600X1200 instead of 1280X1024) that's only a 70 dollar upgrade! :T

You good goose the processor up to 2.4 GHz from 2.2, but that costs $300 bucks, not really cost effective; ;zx

Instead, go from 512 MB of RAM to 1024 MB, for another $220; this will give more performance improvement with the CAD programs I use; :T

Go to a 60GB HD instead of $40, for another $180.

Three year warranty is available for $200 more; that's probably not a bad idea, but I don't know; have to think about that....

If we do this, and leave off the DVD_RW drive, but go with the standard CDR/RW/DVD drive, we're looking at a total tariff of $2489.99

Anything remotely comparable from IBM is ~ $3,350. :a>'> IBM :E


For 2.2 GHz, 1 GB RAM, 1200X1600 16" display, 60GB HD, that's not shabby. Not cheap, either, but what the hey.... ;lx

~Jon




Earth First!
_______________________________
We'll screw up the other planets later....

[Andrew Pratt]

Sounds like a nice note book Jon. i noticed on my Dell that the ATI card still has the dual monitor support even though my dell doesn't have a VGA out...i wonder if it will let me use the TV via s-video as a second monitor? Anyway the 8500 might have a vga out and might allow dual monitors maybe Bing can test that for us?

[Bing Fung]

You know I love IBM ThinkPads...

However I have to say, with a bit of BingTech tweaking (Thx Jeff), this Dell i8500 is rising the charts to become my favorite toy of late.

i8500 Springy Keyboard Fix :grab:


* Disclaimer: Be careful and do it at your own risk. I or the HTG will not be held responsible for any negative effects.







First you lay the monitor flat in a 180 degree angle. Then take a flat edged screw driver and pop up the top bezel from the left side. Slowly and carefully pry from left to right until the bezel is released from the notebook. Then unplug the connector on the right side to fully remove the bezel.
___





Remove the 2 top screws that hold down the keyboard and pull up from the center of the board. It will just pop out. Pull up on the keyboard connector to fully remove the keyboard. Place it aside with care as the keys can pop out if your rough with it.
___





You then take your regular automotive gasket material which is then used as a shim to tighten an firm up the keyboard. I was originally was going to use sheet styrene but due to heat that can be generated from the notebook, I decided against using something that could melt or catch fire (I would not recommend using paper ). I just happen to have the gasket material lying around the shop. It is 0.75mm in thickness and can be purchased at any automotive store. As well I would recommend using something that is non conductive.
___



Here is the material cut to fit and in place. Be sure you do not cover any access holes or cooling holes, for that would be very bad.
___

As a side note, check this out... :hump:



Whoo-Hoo!! A removable Ti-4200 Go graphics card on a separate daughter board!
___



So once the material is in place, you just assemble everything back as it was. Be sure to plug in the keyboard and the top bezel.

Tada! It is solid and noise free. The gasket material really dampens the keyboard noise due to it's inherent properties... The springyness is gone unless you really mash on the board, but it just feels tight. I love this thing now! Katherine and Christine were amazed at the results....

Now I feel this Dell is built soild as a brick Shit house and I wave my privates in the direction of Trev's Sony :wedgie:
____







Andrew, the i8500 does support dual head monitor. I just hooked it up to my Sony and it works just as my regular desk top. What is really cool is my Sony has dual inputs as well so I can switch it from the Dell secondary to the Silver Dragon primary. It's simply awesome! Now I just need a bigger desk.




Bing

[JonMarsh]

Sounds like some serious surgery, Bing!

Unfortunatley, most of the images aren't downloading, maybe a bandwidth limit at your host.

The concept reminds me of what I did to get the taller 48 GB drive into my Sony.

Glad to hear you've got it sorted out and are pleased with the results!

-Jon




Earth First!
_______________________________
We'll screw up the other planets later....

[Bing Fung]

Thanks Jon, I have resized the images, let me know how that is now..

If it still doesn't work, I'll ask Lex if it's OK to put it on the HTG servers.

Nothing to serious, especially for somebodyt who is use to building his own D/A converters and other cool-assed electronic equipment (that person ain't me BTW )

Sounds like a nice Sony Jon.




Bing

[Jeff Kowerchuk]

Bing! What can I say? YOU DA MAN!!!!

The mod looks awesome...much better than the 'paper' solution floating around the Dell forums!!

I'm excited now that there is a definite solution.

Could you email me the full res pics so I could get a better look?

[Trevor Schell]

Bing!!Great idea!
Do you offer the Home care service..
This will really make a huge difference.
I can't beleive Dell would release these NoteBooks in this condition in the first place.

I am sure loving this widescreen .17 DP..SWEET!!




Trevor
My HomeTheater S.E.
Sonically Enhanced
C5

[Bing Fung]

Thanks Jeff, sure, I'll send them along, but they'll probably have to be 1024x768 (or around there) other wise my Mail server may choke...

I bought an internal buletooth card for the Dell. Apperently the i8500 has a blue LED that lights up when it's enabled. I'll take some pictures once it's installed. At the time of my order it was not an option, otherwise I would have most definitely ordered it at the time.




Bing

[Bing Fung]

Trev, for you, anytime buddy! :wedgie: :yesnod:

I'm totally in love with this thing now. Funny how such an important interface like the keyboard can be overlooked by Dell. I mean it basically soured the whole experience for me, but now I'm in love!

Tactile and gaphical interfaces are the most important aspect of a PC in my mind... and I think I have it all sorted it out now.

It now feels like the Mercedes Benz of notebooks with it's silky smooth and stealthy quiet keyboard. That sleek silver metal top sheet... (heh, funny how a nice keyboard can adjust ones attitude towards something :g>'> ) After looking at the insides and understanding how it's built, I'm really impressed with how easy it is to remove and replace parts on it. It looks like it's designed to be upgraded as everything is on separate cards and easy access doors. The Harddrive, memory, MiniPCI card, all user accessable. The Graphics card on a separate board, the bluetooth on a separate board, the Wireless Net on a separate board, it's looks to be very well designed.

Must concur Trev, the widescreen .17 monitor is totally awesome. Just don't run it at 120DPI It really is the shinning jewel of the i8500!

Andrew, wha cha talking about your 5100 doesn't have a VGA out?? I looked at the specifications and product views, it clears shows and states the 5100 has a VGA out.



Back Ports
AC Adapter (power) Plug-In

S-Video Out port which allows you to connect your PC to your TV to watch DVD movies or project presentations onto a large screen TV.

(2) USB 2.0 ports, perfect for connecting all of your peripherals from digital cameras and printers to PDA electronics.

Monitor-out port

IEEE 1394 Port to connect digital devices, such as camcorders

Standard 10/100 Ethernet port for easy broadband internet access


Maybe they chinzed you?




Bing

[Andrew Pratt]

ops: My only excuss is the lack of :Z :boohoo: :loser: :crazy: :tired:

[Bing Fung]

Heh, heh, when I read that I was like... "what kind of notebook would not have a VGA out..?? :huh: So I had to look it up.




Bing

[JonMarsh]

Bing Fung: Dell National Advanced Laptop Engineering and Technical support manager!

:B


:-y :-y :-y :-y :-y :-y :-y :-y :-y :-y :-y :-y :-y :-y :-y



They should have got it right on their own, though! :naughty:

~Jon




Earth First!
_______________________________
We'll screw up the other planets later....

[Trevor Schell]

Bing is the Dell Care Dude!! for this part of town.

So truely there really is nothing wrong with the key board.
They just failed to solidify it , by reinforcing the underside.

Bing is a genius!!:T

I wonder if the Processor is upgradable as well?

Here is a picture of clasp on my Leather Case that came with the notebook.








Trevor
My HomeTheater S.E.
Sonically Enhanced
C5

[Trevor Schell]

The built in Wireless G card is amazing,,great range and configured with my Linksys Router with great ease..
I figured I would have my hands full in just trying to get the connection secure.




Trevor
My HomeTheater S.E.
Sonically Enhanced
C5

[Andrew Pratt]

I wonder if the Processor is upgradable as well?

Yes they are:T

[Bing Fung]

:LOL: Ha, Thanks Jon, thanks for the vote of confidence

Trev, take a picture of the entire bag would ya. When I originally seen the leather bag on the web site, I didn't really like it. Now that you say it looks different I'm interested.... My Nylon bag doesn't look anything like the one on the web site and I actually like it, the price was right as well. But I did want a leather bag, I just thought I would buy an after market one seeing as I didn't like the pictured leather Dell.

From what I have ready, the processor maybe upgradable, however Dell does not authorize or warranty it if something goes wrong with the upgrade. maybe if they did the upgrade, but they may not offer that service.. Maybe I need to take my notebook apart some more to see if the CPU is a plug in affair.

One thing is for sure, the BIOS of this thing is locked down tight. No adjustments can be made to the FSB, CPU speed..etc.. All the GeeK-Tweek stuff that I like to dabble with

Trev, I walked around my entire yard testing my wireless connection quality. I got range everywher albit it low in some points. Basiclly I'm covered. But I think I should buy a G router or a booster just because.. :LOL: Still got yours?




Bing

[Trevor Schell]

Bing!!
Your a riot!!
Take it a part..Check it out!!
See if you can put it back together with no extra parts.. :rofl:
I wouldn't worry about your warrenty,,I am sure you have already toasted yours by installing gasket material under the keyboard!! :nutkick:

I did take a picture of the entire case , however when I uploaded it , only half showed up ,likely because I used up all of my WEbspace..
Anyways,,its fixed , so here it is.



Bing,,Get the wireless Booster. Just makes it rock solid.
I took back the G Router , since the booster is only compatible with the
the B router and it is all I needed. The range is all that mattered to me ,,,not speed and this was plenty enough.

I also took the BlueTooth Mouse back to Future Shopp as the stupid thing was crapping out on me, It's too bad because I reallly, reallly did like it.




Trevor
My HomeTheater S.E.
Sonically Enhanced
C5

[Trevor Schell]

Maybe I need to take my notebook apart some more to see if the CPU is a plug in affair.

That statement just makes me howl.. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
That's why we all love Bing the way we do!!
You Rock Dude!!:-y


:wedgie: :smackbutt:




Trevor
My HomeTheater S.E.
Sonically Enhanced
C5

[Andrew Pratt]

There's a bunch of posts on the Dell forum about people upgrading their CPU's on older models so I doubt Dell's changed that with these new ones. I'm likely going to wait till closer to the end of the warrenty before thinking of upgrading the CPU (but you never know ) I just need more ram (1 gig would be sweet ;x( )

[Trevor Schell]

Andrew!!
Ram is pretty cheap too.
Order some from Crucial.com
You can't go wrong.




Trevor
My HomeTheater S.E.
Sonically Enhanced
C5

[Bing Fung]

Trev, the beauty of the Gasket mod is it can easily be removed, so Warrantty is still intact ;lx

Thanks for posting the Leather case Trev, it is pretty "slick" looking. Almost too nice to use, kinda looks like a designer's breif case. I'll have to see it in person, as much as I like leather, I kind of like the unassuming balistic nylon cloth for it's rugged utilitarian purpose for a laptop... One states I'm a CEO business man (trev) the other states I'm a goof ball techie (bing)

Here is my case, which I was mildly surprise with for it only cost $50. It looks nothing like th eone on the web page.







What was happening to the Bluetooth mouse Trev?? Crapping out? Like losing signal?

Glad I can make you laff.. :wedgie:




Bing

[Trevor Schell]

Hey Bing!!

I really like that Case.
I will have to see it in person as well.
The leather case I got smells just like the inside of the Vette!! MMM Leather..Yet I am not a fan of Leather..Strange!!
I mean I would never buy Leather pants,,You know , to go with my shiny black X-Box wind shirt.. :rofl:
Yes, Bing,,You definately make me laugh..

So you can cut a peice of Gasket, just like you have??
Do you have extra or should I pick some up..
Where in the heck does one get Gasket material??:E




Trevor
My HomeTheater S.E.
Sonically Enhanced
C5

[Trevor Schell]

Bing,,The Microsoft Blue Mouse was scrolling smooth as I had liked.
I found that when you paused , even for a short period of time, even a couple of seconds ..it would hesitiate to get going again.
Once it was moving though it was very smooth,,unlike the previous Microsoft Wireless I had that was very jerky.

I figured it wasn't worth it and anoyong if it was goin gto pause the way it was..
I did realy like it though,,The looks and feel were awesome..
I just wasn't going to keep something that wasn't close to perfect..
Seems it got worse over time as at first it wasn't so evident with the slight pause.
Dunno!!




Trevor
My HomeTheater S.E.
Sonically Enhanced
C5

[Trevor Schell]

Forgot to mention,,The wireless signal is rock solid outside on the
deck with a 100% signal..
In the far corners of the backyard I still reach a 75% signal..
So I am very pleased with that.

The SCREEN..I Love the SCREEN!!!!
My 21 " Trinitron sucks in comparision after spendig a few hours on the DeLL.




Trevor
My HomeTheater S.E.
Sonically Enhanced
C5

[Bing Fung]

Trev, I don't have any more material that would be suitable (too thick), so maybe if you could pick some up. You can get it at Canadian tire, Parts Source, UAP Nappa.. Tell'em you want typical water pump gasket material (rubber -cellulose). A sheet something like 10"x8" 3/64 thickness will do. Maybe even your store may have something simular. Some thin cork shett would work as well.

I'm going out of town this weekend, so maybe next week sometime?

Yeah, I'll bring my Xbox shirt over and you and I can don them and crusie around in your Vette with the top down.... We won't need the leather pants right away for nobody would see them anyway, but the shirts.. Stylin :T :T




Bing

[Bing Fung]

Bummer about the mouse Trev...

Cool about the signal strength!

I can't say enough about this screen.. It doesn't even have the typical LCD screen door effect :T :hump: I'm with you after working on the Dell for a bit, when I go back to my Sony, text looks fuzzy for a bit. Images are still superiour on the Sony.... However I could be swayed with a monitor just like the .17 pitch but in a 20" widescreen :P




Bing

[Trevor Schell]

I just ran a couple of Benchmarks.

3DMarks came in at 8840

PI came in at 1.17

Low scores but nice for a NoteBook!




Trevor
My HomeTheater S.E.
Sonically Enhanced
C5

[Trevor Schell]

My new 3DMark score is 8936..
Up 96 points from the last after the extra memory install.




Trevor
My HomeTheater S.E.
Sonically Enhanced
C5

[Bing Fung]

Hey, hey... A sticky! Somebody must think we are going to go on and on about this

OK, not to dissapoint, here is another shot of the i8500



Great scores Trev! I'm not sure why my system is about 200 points off the mark :huh: I'll have to tweak some more and see what comes up.




Bing

[Bing Fung]

Just ran it again..






Bing

[Jeff Kowerchuk]

Nice pic of the 8500 Bing. That score looks better than what you guys have been reporting earlier. From what I read the common range is between 9000 and 10000. Did you do a clean reinstall?

If you did - where did you get that wallpaper? It came on our 5100 upon arrival. But the Dell Windows XP CD did not provide it when I reinstalled. I wonder if its on any of the discs we have or if they just put it on?

I am having a bizarre argument with someone on Anandtech. Guy seems pretty intent on trashing me for some reason. :huh:

[Bing Fung]

Thanks Jeff...

No, I didn't do a clean install. The system is as it came to me.

The desktop image came on the Dell as default so you can see it's basically out of the box I can send the image file to you if you would like. How is that Windows/Dell restore CD? :smackbutt: What a cheeze thing to provide. I suspected they would do that rather than provide an actual Windows XP disk.. I mean like :wtf: Didn't we pay for it?

Some of those PC forums are so childish.. The environment is like a bunch of kids argueing about cars most of them will never own much less drive. :roll: Don't let it get ya down.




Bing

[Jeff Kowerchuk]

Bing:

Hey, if you could email the file that would be cool. 8)

Actually, to all intents and purposes, the XP disc they give you really is an XP disc. It looks different - has a Dell logo on it. But otherwise it is an XP disc proper. You can boot up with it and install a nice clean version of Windows. The only difference: there is a small Dell folder that installs Dell Support Centre - but otherwise it is a pukka Windows disc.

The guy is an idiot. I just provided a bunch of quotes from the Microsoft Knowledge Base to refute his baseless claims. I only have a burr up my arse because he accused me of spreading misinformation. :smackbutt:

[Trevor Schell]

Jeff,,Direct us to this post and we will take care of him!!
TTP style..
We 've had this crap go on before.

Bing,,I put up the sticky,,figured there is a lot to talk about with this amazing machine..

Couple of questions?
Why do you put the i before 8500.
I don't see that anywhere's except when you do it.

Also,,Nice score on 3d mark..
Question,,how did you post the score graphic,,not sure.
My goal is to reach 9000. very close.
More tweaking to do.




Trevor
My HomeTheater S.E.
Sonically Enhanced
C5

[Trevor Schell]

Jeff,,Did you get your 8500 yet,,or are you speaking about your 5100

Guys,,I definatley have screen burn,,I can see it..
Even durning start up after leaving it off all night.
When runnning 3D marks ,,I can see my task bar as well as all my icons?




Trevor
My HomeTheater S.E.
Sonically Enhanced
C5

[Jeff Kowerchuk]

Trev:

If the problem is that severe, you may have a faulty LCD. There is a thread on this somewhere in the Dell Forums. I have to dash out right now, but I'll find it for you. The effect should disappear if the monitor is left off for awhile. If it doesn't, it is faulty and should be replaced.

Haven't got my 8500. It was shipped on Thursday. Anxiously awaiting it.

[Bing Fung]

Jeff, the image is down the pipe

Thanks for the info on the Dell Windows disk... I guess when it comes time to reinstall. I'll see what your talking about :roll:

Way to give it to him.. :2fingers:




Bing

[Bing Fung]

Trev, the "i" 8500 is for Inspiron

To post the 3D Marks graphic, once the bench is complet, prest Alt+Printscreen. Then open up a image editing program such as Windows Paint or Paintshop pro. In the drop down menu select "Edit" and then "paste as new image", there it will be. Save it as a .jpg, port it to your ISP/FTP and then post as usual.

Bummer about the screen burn Trev, tell me how I can exactly see this for myself? What do i need to do to see it?

Added* I rebooted and looked for some residule image, could not see anything. It maybe a faulty screen Trev. :banghead:

Yah never noticed my Blue light....




Bing