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plasmeh's Dell E1705/9400 Review - Page 2

post #21 of 47
1/7/07 at 7:38pm
sorry if this is a bad n00b question, but what is the 7900GS, what is the difference b/w it and the 7800GT, and how do I find out which i have?
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post #22 of 47
1/7/07 at 8:26pm
Thread Starter 
They are two different video cards. The 7800GT is a PC graphics card, and the 7800Go is the version of the 7800 line made for laptops. The main difference is simply performance. The 7900GS outperforms the 7800Go in graphics intensive programs (games). The easiest way to see what you have is to right click on the desktop > properties > settings tab. There should be a box that says display underneath your monitor setup and it will say what you have.
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post #23 of 47
1/8/07 at 12:24am
It says Mobile Intel(R) 945GM Express Chipset Family...
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post #24 of 47
1/8/07 at 2:13am
That would most likely be the GMA950, aka, integrated GPU.

plasmeh, something I've been wondering about (I also have the e1705) is does the plastic cover over the hinges (the same piece as where the power buttons are) feel a bit cheap to you (creaky when pressured, etc)?

So far, after having my 1705 for a while that's really my only major compaint as to build quality, and I'm just checking to see if other users have noticed this as well (I'm guessing the reason I notice it is because of how many times I've opened it up...)
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post #25 of 47
1/8/07 at 11:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by plasmeh
Rammstein - Du hast

Thanks!
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post #26 of 47
1/8/07 at 11:11am
Thread Starter 
Yeah, I think that that's the only spot on the whole system on mine that flexes at all with pressure. It doesn't flex over the hinges, but it does left and right of the power button, although not that much and it really isn't a problem. I've had mine opened a couple of times by a dell technician (to replace a faulty fan and insert a new graphics card). I never had a chance to notice if it flexed before it was opened or not. Anyone not have their's opened yet that would like to share?
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post #27 of 47
1/18/07 at 6:35pm
It only flex's there because that piece is just a cover. Spreading from side to side and covering just the buttons and LED lights. Under there is a little gap, but under is the laptop chasis and it is solid. It is the only spot where there is weakness(flexable) but there is nothing to worry about. Actually it is the first spot that needs to be removed if your doing any work on the computer, including the keyboard, and it is only held in by clips so it is easy to remove.
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post #28 of 47
2/25/07 at 9:29pm
Would someone make some benchmarks maybe plasmeh of
Call of Duty 2
Battlefield 2

If you can use the fraps benchmarking tool and tell me what settings it is on

Please and thank you
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post #29 of 47
3/6/07 at 4:02am
thanks for the advice NHC worked great.
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post #30 of 47
3/16/07 at 10:36am
Thread Starter 
I will get around to doing some frame's analysis of cod2, bf2/2142, and hl2 soon. I have two midterms next week in Calc2 and calc based physics so I'm a little swamped.
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post #31 of 47
6/3/07 at 1:54pm
Thread Starter 
Hey everyone, just here to let everyone know that I am going to rework my review once again to offer a ~1 year update which includes 2 semesters of college and a lot of use. I will include new pics and hopefully get some useful information up. Stayed tuned!
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post #32 of 47
6/4/07 at 4:48am
Thread Starter 
I have completely revised the laptop review from a 1 year standpoint having gone through my first year of college. Be sure to read if you're a college student looking for a laptop!
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post #33 of 47
6/4/07 at 1:05pm
Nice update.
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post #34 of 47
6/5/07 at 12:36pm
I agree. Exellent followup. It makes me feel alot better because my 1705 is coming today! I wanted to wait until Santa Rosa but I am basically running out of time to purchase a laptop (I am taking a mathematical programming class Summer B). My friend has a 1710 with a 7900GS in it and I am very impressed with it's performance. I basically got the same config as you except I opted for the 160 Gig 5400 RPM drive. I figured with Vista installed, I am going to need the extra space.
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post #35 of 47
6/7/07 at 1:37am
In regards to the INSPIRON paint, this seems to happen to all Inspiron 9400s. It only takes a few months before the stuff will have decayed to the point where it rubs off super easily. If I lightly drag my fingernail on it, the paint comes off. My friend has had his i9400 a bit longer than me, and the paint is completely gone from his, leaving a blank spot there.

I should note that my notebook has also developed a loose LCD lid, as it will wobble about an inch back and forth in any position.
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post #36 of 47
6/7/07 at 2:35am
I would have to disagree with the "it happens to all Inspiron 9400's" I have quite a few Dell Laptops & none of them exhibit problems with paint. A few of them are laptops I use for my work, which means a lot of wear & tear, as I use them at aver cell site I go to. The paint is the same for all the Inspiron & XPS line. There is already a long winded thread on the issues that cause the wear such as dirt trapped in your skin, and skin PH levels.
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post #37 of 47
6/7/07 at 3:16am
My 9400 is nealy 17 months old and the paint is in "as new" condition. I use a mouse and not the touch pad but its not decaying at all.
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post #38 of 47
6/16/07 at 11:10pm
Nice! I am going to order one this week, to replace my 9300.
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post #39 of 47
6/19/07 at 10:12am
Aw Man...I am SO pissed!! After months of waiting for the price to go down on the e1705 in preparation for the new Santa Rosa notebooks, they pull the 7900GS as an option!!! WTF!!??????
This SUCKS!
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post #40 of 47
6/19/07 at 12:10pm
You have several options:

-Look in Dell outlet
-Get a 1710 w/the 7900GS (still offered)
-purchase with the ATI card & upgrade through a seller on here or another site (eBay)-Do not get the GMA card, you cannot upgrade the graphics.
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