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m9750 Problems!

post #1 of 28
8/15/07 at 2:36pm
Thread Starter 
So I just spend a load of cash on my new Alienware m9750 - a load...and i have a few questions about some "problems". Getting these fixed is of the highest importance to me.

Might as well make a list to make this easier for you tech guys.

1. My Bison NB, Pro Webcam is fully functional and works fine - however, the picture I am receiving from it seems to have a very noticeable green tint (especially toward the top) which is super annoying.

2. Sometimes when returning from windows screensaver, standby, or hibernation my mouse cursor freezes on the desktop. I can still click on icons etc. but I have to guess where my invisible cursor is - Only way to fix it is to reboot. Power Management maybe? I have no clue what is causing this.

3. This is the biggest problem I am having. My Alienware's right speaker was shipped busted or something. The sound out of it sounds superb when playing games, but when a low-tone sound is played (grenade going off) or when listening to audio with bass - it makes a crackle sound (horrible sound by the way). Now I know there is a sub on the bottom right of the laptop also. I'm not sure if it is that causing the problem. I called tech support a day after I got it and they told me that I would have to send it in for three weeks (which is absolutely ridiculous - for god sake, i just paid $4,350 for a laptop and it's broken on arrival - three weeks, please tell me I misunderstood).

4. Also when i turn the audio up close to full, the numpad keys raddle (bad design?).

5. The DVD/CD player is kinda jiggly when opened (still works fine though) - is this normal?

6. And last but not least, I just want to know if a 8420 3dMark06 score is correct for my system.

I just don't understand why the "200-point" inspection wouldn't catch these obvious problems. By the way - I have had one other Alienware system and it is still going strong.
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post #2 of 28
8/15/07 at 2:59pm
1. I believe there's an option in the BisonCam for tint. It'd be under options in the actual Bsion window (go to My Computer and click BisonCam). Otherwise, I don't know.

2. Do a quick Google search for "frozen mouse screensaver stand by", or similar, see if there's a cause/fix.

3. Try messing with the Realtek audio manager. If playing with settings doesn't fix it then, yes, you may have to send it in. Yes, it can take up to 3 weeks. They will give you a FedEx label via e-mail and you schedule the pick-up. It's FedEx ground so it takes 3-5 days to arrive at Alienware. Then it takes a few days to be looked over and checked after it arrives. Finally it is shipped back via FedEx ground.

4. Audio that loud can very well shake things nearby. Especially when they're right in front of the source and supported so lightly like a keyboard key is.

5. Yes, it's normal for the drive to shake when open. Most any drive will do that.

6. An 8420 score is certainly not bad, but you never gave us any specs to judge by either.

Give Alienware a chance to fix any problems you're having. It will get resolved! You just need to be patient. I know it sucks and 3 weeks is a long time, especially when you paid so much, but it can't be helped unless you just want to live with it.
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post #3 of 28
8/15/07 at 4:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Silent_Sc(+)pe View Post
So I just spend a load of cash on my new Alienware m9750 - a load...and i have a few questions about some "problems". Getting these fixed is of the highest importance to me.

Might as well make a list to make this easier for you tech guys.

1. My Bison NB, Pro Webcam is fully functional and works fine - however, the picture I am receiving from it seems to have a very noticeable green tint (especially toward the top) which is super annoying.

No idea.

Quote:
2. Sometimes when returning from windows screensaver, standby, or hibernation my mouse cursor freezes on the desktop. I can still click on icons etc. but I have to guess where my invisible cursor is - Only way to fix it is to reboot. Power Management maybe? I have no clue what is causing this.

This is an Nvidia driver issue. It happened to me with my m9700 depending on the driver I was using. There's no reason anymore to use a screensaver as lcd's no longer burn images in, so disable the screensaver and hibernate, or go to laptopvideo2go.com and try other drivers. I'm using 97.92 now and it doesn't happen. If you try different drivers, use a driver cleaner to make sure you get rid of all components of previous drivers.

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3. This is the biggest problem I am having. My Alienware's right speaker was shipped busted or something. The sound out of it sounds superb when playing games, but when a low-tone sound is played (grenade going off) or when listening to audio with bass - it makes a crackle sound (horrible sound by the way). Now I know there is a sub on the bottom right of the laptop also. I'm not sure if it is that causing the problem. I called tech support a day after I got it and they told me that I would have to send it in for three weeks (which is absolutely ridiculous - for god sake, i just paid $4,350 for a laptop and it's broken on arrival - three weeks, please tell me I misunderstood).

It's not broken. These laptops put out more volume than any I've used before, and unfortunately that can overload the speakers in some frequencies with some audio files depending on how they were recorded. Games are usually made with a specific balance and won't cause an issue with these speakers, but mp3's and other files depend on who recorded them for balance. Open the audio settings and fine tune your setup with the equalizer for the speakers and it'll work. On my m9700, I turned the 500Hz and 1kHz frequencies down a bit and it got rid of the overload rattle, and I saved the profile as default so the issue is gone except with really poorly recorded audio files.

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4. Also when i turn the audio up close to full, the numpad keys raddle (bad design?).

Same issue as above. That's the subwoofer being overloaded on low frequencies.

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5. The DVD/CD player is kinda jiggly when opened (still works fine though) - is this normal?

Yes. If it were not loose, it would break off easily, so there's some play designed in.

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6. And last but not least, I just want to know if a 8420 3dMark06 score is correct for my system.

That's an excellent score. My m9700 with dual 7900gs 512m cards comes in in the mid 5000 range, so your score is good.

Quote:
I just don't understand why the "200-point" inspection wouldn't catch these obvious problems. By the way - I have had one other Alienware system and it is still going strong.

I've never owned a laptop that didn't have some strange quirks. In my experience the m9700 is the most reliable and problem free laptop I've ever owned. With a little fiddling, these issues can be fine tuned out, good luck.
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post #4 of 28
8/15/07 at 4:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Silent_Sc(+)pe View Post
So I just spend a load of cash on my new Alienware m9750 - a load...and i have a few questions about some "problems". Getting these fixed is of the highest importance to me. Might as well make a list to make this easier for you tech guys. 1. My Bison NB, Pro Webcam is fully functional and works fine - however, the picture I am receiving from it seems to have a very noticeable green tint (especially toward the top) which is super annoying. 2. Sometimes when returning from windows screensaver, standby, or hibernation my mouse cursor freezes on the desktop. I can still click on icons etc. but I have to guess where my invisible cursor is - Only way to fix it is to reboot. Power Management maybe? I have no clue what is causing this. 3. This is the biggest problem I am having. My Alienware's right speaker was shipped busted or something. The sound out of it sounds superb when playing games, but when a low-tone sound is played (grenade going off) or when listening to audio with bass - it makes a crackle sound (horrible sound by the way). Now I know there is a sub on the bottom right of the laptop also. I'm not sure if it is that causing the problem. I called tech support a day after I got it and they told me that I would have to send it in for three weeks (which is absolutely ridiculous - for god sake, i just paid $4,350 for a laptop and it's broken on arrival - three weeks, please tell me I misunderstood). 4. Also when i turn the audio up close to full, the numpad keys raddle (bad design?). 5. The DVD/CD player is kinda jiggly when opened (still works fine though) - is this normal? 6. And last but not least, I just want to know if a 8420 3dMark06 score is correct for my system. I just don't understand why the "200-point" inspection wouldn't catch these obvious problems. By the way - I have had one other Alienware system and it is still going strong.
The only problem I can relate to is the broken speaker, which is eerie because mine was shipped like that too... the 3dmark06 score is perfect...
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post #5 of 28
8/15/07 at 4:20pm
oh and go here for other webcam images to compare them to yours

http://www.notebookforums.com/thread201946.html
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post #6 of 28
8/15/07 at 4:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dukefrukem View Post
The only problem I can relate to is the broken speaker, which is eerie because mine was shipped like that too... the 3dmark06 score is perfect...

Those of us dealing with these speakers for a while can confirm they're not broken, it's a matter of the audio profile. For me, games have never been a problem on my m9700 due to game manufacturers knowing their products will be played on computers, laptops and desktops, so they tune their audio to specific and appropriate frequencies. The m9700 uses a soundmax onboard audio chipset, I think the m9750 uses realtek, and they both seem to have the same issue at high volume with some files.

mp3's on the other hand, and some movies are set up for much higher amplitudes in some frequencies for much more robust home theater and audio systems.

I'd be willing to bet if Arima had the sound drivers set up to prevent any possible overloads, everyone would be whining about the lack of volume from these laptops.

These speakers are the best I've ever heard in any laptop, and though you do have to fiddle with them with certain files, I'm glad you have the option to turn them up as high as you do for gaming.

If it's really that big an issue, get external speakers or headphones, and even consider an expresscard slot soundcard. This is a laptop with very small speakers and little room for speakers, so there will be compromises.
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post #7 of 28
8/15/07 at 4:42pm
Thread Starter 
I get your point Hammerhead - but only my right speaker? The left sounds amazing even at the highest volume. On my realtek equalizer I have the options for - 100, 200, 400, 600, 1K, 3K, 6K, 12K, 14K 16K. I have played with all of them and nothing seems to work - Please any suggestions?

P.S. They are all set at normal right now.
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post #8 of 28
8/15/07 at 5:22pm
My m9700 has a soundmax sound setup, so it'll be different than yours, but I have the 500MHz set to -17, and the 1kHz set to -9. The highest freq are about 0 as are the lowest, and the others are slightly over 0.

Are you sure it's the right front speaker, and not the subwoofer thingy?

In the audio settings wizard for the m9700, there are volume settings for the speakers, and also settings for stereo, headphones, or 5.1/7.1 also that you can try.

It did take me quite a while to get it optimized as all the levels affect each other a little bit, but I can actually play the speakers fairly loud at this point streaming or gaming with no distortion, but with mp3's it still depends on the recording levels of the file.

You may also want to turn down the master volume a little from full, and use the dial on the right side to control the output volume. That seems to help with some stuff.
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post #9 of 28
8/15/07 at 9:06pm
Thread Starter 
reinstalled drivers - still same problem! Why do I have to be the only one with this crap happening. I hate alienware now. I'll never buy from them again. Im so pissed.
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post #10 of 28
8/15/07 at 9:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Silent_Sc(+)pe View Post
reinstalled drivers - still same problem! Why do I have to be the only one with this crap happening. I hate alienware now. I'll never buy from them again. Im so pissed.

First advice ... calm down. Have you even talked to Alienware yet? That's the next thing you should do. They will make it right if there is an issue with your notebook.
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post #11 of 28
8/15/07 at 9:22pm
Some people want help, some want to complain...

Good luck with your issues.
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post #12 of 28
8/15/07 at 10:10pm
Acting like a baby and not an adult about the issue will get you nowhere around here.

I suggest calling Alienware and letting them deal with your issues. Act professionally and calmly and they will help you out. I am in the business and I can tell you that I will not deal with 5 year olds and I bet Alienware feels the same way.

Sometimes stuff like this happens with all tech, not just Alienware. Just deal with it and you will get your issue resolved.

Do you really think everyone that buys from Dell, HP, Voodoo, Falcon, etc. always have a perfect system out of the box? If there is an actual issue with the speaker, I'd be willing to bet that there may have been some issue during shipping. Carriers show absolutely no consideration for the items they handle.

In my case, I had a Area-51 7500 that came with a boatload of issues. Alienware resolved it above and beyond my expectations. It is all about how you deal with them.

Good luck.
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post #13 of 28
8/15/07 at 10:49pm
To your problem with you speakers. No speakers in a laptop should be turned up to almost full volume their not made like surround speakers that you plug up into your laptop.Also if you speakers are turned up really loud the subwoofer will vibrate which will shake your laptop like your keyboard. Under your REALTEK equalizer put your 100 to 0 200 to little above 0 400 to just under 6 600, 1K, and 3K to just under 6 6K to about 4 12K to about 4 14K to about 2 and the 16k to about 2 also. And see if this will help your sound quality...
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post #14 of 28
8/15/07 at 10:50pm
Your webcam could be due to the lighting in your room...
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post #15 of 28
8/15/07 at 10:51pm
Quote:
Alienware resolved it above and beyond my expectations. It is all about how you deal with them.
Yeah, Metal-Box, but look how you turned out: j/k, of course @Silent S ... we do understand how frustrated you are at this point in time - and people do want to help you. Sleep on it and try to deal with it calmly (but firmly, if need be) with Alienware tomorrow.
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post #16 of 28
8/15/07 at 10:54pm
Also go under your RealTEk audio manager found in the taskbar and right click and then click Multimedia. Once under multimedia click on speaker volume and see if the volume per speaker is the same mine is set on three dashes over from low
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post #17 of 28
8/15/07 at 10:59pm
Also what is your specs for your laptop and how old are you?
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post #18 of 28
8/15/07 at 11:04pm
I just got the 9750 yesterday, and yes I have an issue (minor) but I can work around it. I have contacted them, they are aware of it. I am covered with the 3 year plan so I know it will be fixed.

Other than that I have be working on it for almost 4 hours straight (not on battery) and have had no heat issues or any other problems at all. It works just like they said it would and for me thats all that counts...that it does what I need it to do.
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post #19 of 28
8/15/07 at 11:53pm
Ha Ha Shazza! Good one!
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post #20 of 28
8/16/07 at 12:22am
Thread Starter 
Ok...ok, so maybe I did act just a little bit childish. I still don't understand how a company that sends out much less notebooks than major notebook retailers (HP, Compaq, Acer, Toshiba) can't detect such major issues. I absolutely love the machines look, feel, and performance, but a brand new broken $4,375 machine should be flown back Fedex supersonic air express fixed and shipped in days, not weeks! The Alienware guys are definitely not coming to my birthday party!

So here is the deal - I love that all you are trying to help, it makes be feel *sniffle* loved *sniffle*...

I have tried all the equalizer options plus the one suggested to no avail. College starts up again in a few days so it would be academic suicide to send my computer in now. So i need to try to resolve these problems or subdue them ASAP. The webcam is the same in all lighting - that's what i thought it was at first. Also I did a contrast and compare with pictures my Bison Cam to that link. Totally different, default settings. Green tint anyone? Has anyone in this forum been experiencing problems with only one speaker?

P.S. Soloman, what was your minor problem? The smallest problem of mine is the numpad raddle (it haunts my dreams now BTW).
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