It kicks

It's been 6 weeks and this XPS M1210 kicks.  I mean, there is no hardware issue.  I hope that other XPS M1210 users are also enjoying this small with big attitude notebook.  I am enjoying it.  

I frequently use multimedia card reader, bluetooth, camera and microphone.  XPS M1210 got those even though it is small (but powerful due to its processor).  

I am enjoying the MediaDirect a lot.  Easy as 1-2-3 to launch it and there  I can use M1210 to watch a video or listen to music or view any images as slide show.  

I think this notebook is not just an entertainment notebook but an all-purpose notebook :-)

Backup Dell Computer's Hard Disk Without Buying 3rd party Software

Most of us are aware that the Dell computer is pre-installed with Dell PC Restore. The PC Restore is located in the hidden partition. If we want to go back to factory setting, we simply hit the Ctrl+F11. That is cool because we need not spend many hours to reinstall everything from scratch. Some Dell computer users do not like the PC Restore partition because they have their own reasons:

• A waste of storage space
• They prefer to use 3rd party back-up or imaging tool

In my opinion, the said partition of PC Restore is quite useful because not all computer user are advanced users. Some pay $ to their local tech guy to reinstall everything while others will spend 2 hours in the phone with Dell Tech Support for guidance in reinstalling Windows and necessary drivers.

This guide "Dell Notebook Restore Utility" (in PDF format) is quite useful and helpful. You can use the guide to learn how to create a backup of the whole hard-disk. Save it directly to a removal media (DVD or CD). You do not need to pay for 3rd party backup or imaging software!

The first XPS M1210 that I have here will go back to Dell because the replacement notebook arrived yesterday. I simply hit Ctrl+F11 to restore back the notebook to the factory setting. Then I can pack the notebook back in its original box and wait for Dell's choice of courier to collect it. However, I thought I play a bit :

When I received the first XPS M1210 last July 24th, I created a back-up of the the hard-drive using the instruction in "Dell Notebook Restore Utility" guide. The copy of the hard drive image is stored in a DVD. Since I now have the replacement notebook, I thought to try to use the backup I created to see if it will work. If it will work... it should restore the whole hard drive to the state when I first receive it. If it will work... it should show me the EULA and all partitions, Dell MBR etc are intact or exactly the same as new.

So I went ahead and insert the backup copy that is in the DVD... I'm so curious and excited while it is in the process of restoring the whole hard-drive.

Done! The notebook automatically restart after the said utility finished in restoring the whole drive from the backup that I created last July 24th so I hit F12 so I can choose where the notebook should boot. I selected boot to Internal HDD and WOO HOO! it works!

I mean, the notebook is now in its default state where EULA, XP set-up and agreement, and everything are in place.

From now on, I'll be backing up my XPS M1210 using the method in "Dell Notebook Restore Utility" guide. If virus, corruption on data, software or hardware failure attacked my notebook, I will not worry because I have a backup in a DVD. I am going to back-up my XPS M1210 once a month or depending on how much information was added from the last time I made the backup i.e. datas that I cannot afford to lose.

To the maker of the "Dell Notebook Restore Utility" guide... a BIG Thank You! You are clever! I don't have to buy 3rd party backup or imaging software to create a backup of my notebook's hard-drive.

Installed Programs in a new Dell XPS M1210

See the screenshots below for list of programs installed in a new Dell XPS M1210. I noticed that I don't have trialware on it which is cool. All I have are those OEM ware that came with the hardware. Example: There is Logitech Quick Cam software because the notebook has built-in Logitech webcam and microphone. There is Roxio and Sonic software because it is bundled with the optical drive - DVD+/-RW that I choose when I purchased the notebook. The notebook has Service Pack 2 for Windows XP Home. There is old version of Sun Java which I just replaced with the current version 1.5 Build 8. Click the image for larger view:

My XPS notebook didn't came with any security software i.e. antivirus, 3rd party firewall or any security suite. It didn't came with any ISP-related software too i.e. AOL internet access. There is nothing in the notebook that says trialware. I find it cool because some Dell users have to spend time in getting rid of trialware on the Dell computer :-(
I'm happy that I don't have trialwares in my Dell notebook.

Discoloration or visible stain in Dell XPS M1210

The XPS M1210 I received from Dell on July 24th has visible stain or discoloration. It appear in 2 areas. This notebook will be returned to Dell due to sound card issue but I noticed yesterday the visible stain in 2 areas (encircled area in the image below):


That stain is caused by the rubbers in the monitor! How come? you might ask... it's because the built-in camera can become warm at times then the fan is blowing some hot air at that corner which means the rubbers in the LCD beside or near the built-in webcam and the fan is somewhat causing that. Ugh..

I don't know if there's a fix for that LOL ... other than we must not close the lid of the notebook if we know it's still warm.

The new and replacement notebook I received few hours ago don't have stain yet. Now I know that the rubbers can caused such stain in the notebook... I'm not going to close the LID as soon as possible!

Is your Dell battery need to go back to Dell?

Check https://www.dellbatteryprogram.com - that is another website by Dell. It's about the battery of Dell notebooks that provide important notice. As we all know, a battery can caused fire or flames or can explode. Even mobile phone's battery is using lithium batteries so it's a good idea to check that site to see if your battery is affected. Dell will of course send a replacement. While you are waiting for the replacement, don't use that affected battery. Just use the AC power. You can't use notebook outside though. But hey, it's for safety measure. You don't want to hurt yourself or others.

See also http://lengbooi.blogspot.com/2006/07/lithium-ion-battery.html to find out how to use the battery properly so you don't hurt yourself and others.

XPS M1210 Replacement notebook arrived

I received today the new XPS M1210 as free replacement. The first XPS M1210 (received July 24th) has speaker and sound problem. Too soft sound, no sound in left speaker and the playback is scratchy at times and/or not playing back at all most of the time... what I've recorded. As soon as I received the new replacement notebook, I did the following:

• Create a backup using the simple guide in “Dell Notebook Restore Utility Guide” (that's in PDF format)
• Run extensive test using the built-in-partition Dell Diagnostic Utility (all passed but I will run the test again after a week to see if all will pass again)

After doing the above, I checked the maker of the LCD. The new and replacement notebook has AUO3214 LCD (It is AU Optronics 12.0 [Monitor] (12.0"vis, January 2006)) too which is cool. Then I reviewed the "packing list" and the System Configuration of the new notebook and I noticed new and different items:

1. Battery - the 9-cell battery is no longer made in Japan. It's now made in Korea.
2. Hard Drive - the hard drive is not Hitachi anymore but a Seagate
3. Bluetooth Module - The Bluetooth Module is not the Dell Wireless 350 anymore but the Dell Wireless 355 Module with Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR Technology 5.0. The software is called WIDCOMM
4. Bluetooth High Quality Audio? - I installed Belarc Advisor and it detected that this new notebook has Bluetooth High Quality Audio. The other XPS M1210 don't have it.
5. Bluetooth Fax Modem? Belarc also detected that there is Bluetooth Fax Modem in this new XPS M1210. The first XPS M1210 don't have that.

It appears the Bluetooth High Quality Audio and Bluetooth Fax Modem is bundled with Dell Wireless 355 Module with Bluetooth + EDR Technology 5.0 made by Broadcom Corporation. I haven't review what's nice with Dell Wireless 355 over Dell Wireless 350. Whatever... if 355 is better than 350 then I want to thank Dell for this free upgrade.

Below are the screenshots of the two XPS M1210's LCD. Both using battery power. The notebook at the left was received July 24th while the notebook at the right is received today only:

Of course, the important thing that I don't want to miss to check is the sound system since the first XPS M1210's problem is the sound card.

WOOHOO! I finally have a notebook that has good sound out-of-the-box! First thing I noticed with its sound is it's loud and clear. I don't have to adjust anything to hear a good and acceptable sound from this new XPS M1210. I remember tweaking this and that the volume control, sound options and Creative Sound Blaster software in the first XPS M1210 I received just to get a proper sound. This time, I don't have to. I inserted a DVD media, I also do not have to tweak the sound because it has good and loud sound! I remember hearing very soft sound in the first XPS M1210 but not on this new and replacement notebook. Finally, an XPS M1210 with good sound. Good thing I found the issue before the 30-days total satisfaction has finished and good thing I didn't waste time reformatting the disk, reinstalling the XP and installing my favorite applications. Good thing that I test and use first the features, functions and most importantly the hardware of the XPS M1210. At least, before the 30-days end, I can request for a replacement if something is unacceptable... you know.. when we say unacceptable... it means hardware issue out-of-the-box. Software, Crapware, Bloatware is the last thing I will worry about because I have reasons on why I don't want to reformat ASAP a new Dell computer ;-)

Playing back is also not a problem on this replacement notebook. Both speakers are working too (unlike the first one... the left speaker isn't working).

5.1 Channel Surround Speaker for XPS M1210

Since I plan to keep M1210 as 1 of my companion, I thought to get it a partner and that is a 5.1 channel surround speaker. I found one today and it is ATECS. I don't know about ATECS and I'm not sure yet how it will play. Here's the set-up:






That's a remote control of the speaker where it says I can swap from the 5.1 channel surround speakers to notebook speakers. I can't make it work yet because I'm missing the 3 small jacks (the red, black and green) that didn't come with the speakers & not with the notebook. I have to find and buy soon to find out how that "Atecs" will play. If it will play nice.. I'll keep it. If not, I need to get a good 5.1 channel surround speakers from .... maybe Logitech? Creative? or Altec Lansing?

I have ATP3 Altec Lansing at my desktop and been using it for 3 years now. It is simple surround speakers but it gave good sound system. Can't wait to hear some sounds from that Atecs speakers!

The wifi card in XPS M1210 is great!

The XPS M1210's wireless card is Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 abg. I installed the new version for it today. It's version 10.1.1.164 (software) and 10.1.1.7 (driver). This wifi works properly with my Linksys wireless compact router (the small one).

I can print in my network printer from XPS M1210. The Dell Quickset and any other Dell software does not interfere or conflicts with the "printer sharing". In case you'll ask what is my printer... it's the Pixma MP170 by Canon. Pixma MP170 is all-in-one -- print, scan, copy. I like it because it let me print directly from multimedia card and from digital camera because it has built-in card slots and it supports PictBridge. XPS M1210 is great notebook. It has not fail my daily computing so far. Networking is not a problem with it. The intel wireless card on it has not fail me. File and Sharing.. printing without removing any dell software works like a charm. XPS M1210 is simply amazing as it is not only portable but it is really a mobility notebook and unwired!

Updating to driver and software of Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 is easy. No need to uninstall as the installer will remove the old version. After installation, simply restart the system.

My reasons on why I don't want to reformat a new Dell computer

Search the Dell forums for keywords “Reformat” and you’ll find a lot of advice to “reformat a new Dell computer”. They have valid reasons to decide to reformat and one of it is to have a system that does not have bloatware which makes Windows boot-time slow. Manually uninstalling the unwanted applications and cleaning up the registry for remnants should do it but some advanced users prefer to reformat because that will completely erase the data. I have no problem with reformatting the hard-drive in a new Dell computer because I fully understand their reasons. However, to me… reformatting is the last resort or will be done only after the computer has gone thru my own testing or usage for 30-days because of below reason:

I want to make sure that the new computer does not have any hardware problem that is unacceptable in a new purchase. Reformatting and re-installing everything will use some of my time. I rather use that time to test all the functions and features in the notebook especially the hardware for any issue. If ever I will find a major issue, I will simply ask Dell to fix or replace the computer with new one. I don’t install all of my favorite programs in a new computer because most of the time, you’ll never know on day 1 if the computer (desktop or notebook) that you received is error-free. I don’t like spending so much time in installing applications unless I know that the notebook or desktop is “ready” (no major hardware issue) and “for keeps” (I’m loving it and I’ll not return). Dell has the 30-days Total Satisfaction policy. I want a computer that does not have hardware issue while I’m using it for 30 days. What am I saying is If I will reformat and install a fresh Windows XP then suddenly… a major issue occurs in its hardware i.e. the motherboard dies or the notebook overheats (unacceptable GPU and CPU temp) etc., then the time spent in reformatting and reinstalling is wasted.

The above is my personal method only. I do understand why others require reformatting done as soon as possible. Everyone has different method and different needs. I’m in “no-rush” as I want to know whether the notebook that I purchased from Dell is hardware error-free and if it satisfy me before that 30-days becomes invalid.

I blogged yesterday… the M1210 is for keeps – which means I like it and it is unlikely that I’ll be returning for a refund. I like it. I found no hardware issue on 6 days of using it but the sound card failed on day 7. The sound card is integrated with the motherboard and the notebook is very new so such hardware issue in a new purchase is unacceptable to me. Good thing I didn’t spend time in reformatting and installing a fresh Windows XP because this notebook is going back to Dell after I receive the new M1210 as free replacement!

BTW, my to-do with a new notebook will always be the same:

• Create a backup of the hard-drive in a Dell computer without installing or purchasing backup software. I simply use ghost.exe from bootcd.zip (see the simple guide “Dell Notebook Restore Utility Guide” - PDF viewer is required to view that guide) to at least have a souvenir LOL of the factory hard-drive and use it in case of emergency. I will be using that trick too later on when I’m done customizing and configuring Windows.
• Run the extensive Dell Diagnostic Utility once a week to make sure that no hardware issue in my Dell notebook that requires replacement if damage.
• Test… use… test… use… the hardware, the features and functions in a Dell notebook before finalizing it. Doing that before 30-days Total Satisfaction policy ends!

The above is another of my personal this and that ;-)

Dell is sending a replacement of XPS M1210

I will be receiving a new XPS M1210 from Dell as free replacement of my 11-day old XPS M1210 notebook. Dell Tech Support and Customer Rep confirmed the hardware issue on the sound card that I reported to them. I will be receiving it 8 days from now as per Dell's customer representative. I do not need to pay anything - no shipping fee, no tax. Returning the notebook (the 11-day old) is free too. Their choice of courier will collect the first M1210 after 3 days of receiving the new M1210 notebook. I'm not receiving a refurbished as replacement because Dell fax to me the new quotation of the new order in which I have reviewed and approved. They are ordering it as new order to their Dell factory. Crossing my fingers that there will be no this and that issue on the next new notebook!

Update - The new M1210 notebook is in "manufacturing or production" phase . I hope Dell test everything properly before it will ship the notebook! They shipped on on 8th of August!

Am I a happy owner of M1210?

As I promised, writing again on whether I am a happy owner of Dell XPS M1210 / Inspiron 740M.

It's been 10 days now since I received the notebook and I must say that I'm happy to have Dell XPS M1210. I'm one of the lucky to receive a AUO LCD display. It doesn't have light leakage and dead pixel. The keyboard has no flex. The Intel PRO wireless 3945 and my Linksys wireless compact router are playing each other nicely. My "must-have" items in a notebook i.e. built multimedia card reader, dedicated graphics card, Core Duo processor and bluetooth module are working great.

The only issue that I have so far with XPS M1210 is the problem I mentioned on my previous blog entry. It is something that Dell will attend by sending me a replacement notebook. I have no idea yet on the date of arrival of the replacement but one thing I can really confirm is I'm keeping this little lappy that has big attitude because this is a not an ordinary or common notebook. I said not ordinary and uncommon notebook because I cannot find the same size of a notebook (at the time of this blog entry) that offers discrete graphics card.

Lenovo's ThinkPad X60 and Lenovo 3000 V100 (both has 12.1" display), Apple's MacBook - a 13.3" widescreen display notebook, Toshiba's Satellite U205-S5002 and Tecra M6-EZ6611 a 12.1" display notebook, Fujitsu's LifeBook Q2010 also 12.1" laptop only got an integrated graphics card Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 :-(

You might ask what's wrong with Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950? Nothing wrong with an integrated graphics card if you:

• don't plan to upgrade later to high-end graphics card because an integrated graphics card is not upgradable.
• don't do gaming or don't plan to use the notebook for games that requires discrete graphics card
• do not use any other application that requires high-end or discrete graphics card. Example: The upcoming Windows Vista requires dedicated graphics card. An integrated graphics card may work with Vista but you "might" get less features of Vista.

An integrated graphics card is perfectly fine as long as it the current and if you only need the notebook for some productivity stuff and web surfing. The integrated graphics will not hose the notebook's power.

Unlike desktop motherboard, a notebook motherboard do not have expansion slot (AGP or 16x PCIe slots) available to add a dedicated graphics card so before you decide in purchasing a notebook and you want to have a good graphics card... go for the notebook like Dell XPS M1210 or any other notebook brand that you like and need as long as it has dedicated graphics card.

Back to the topic, I am tiring Dell XPS M1210 from day 1 I received it and so far, it has not give me reason to return it. Dell have 30 days return policy (also known as Total Satisfaction policy) so this makes me decide to not to finalize the notebook at my end until I decide to keep it. I need to make sure that all hardware in this notebook is doing right and that I'm satisfied with the notebook before that 30-days total satisfaction policy ends. I didn't pick money from the streets easily. I am working hard and the money spent must be worth it or at least satisfy me.

I connected this little lappy to my 27" LCD TV - Olevia by Syntax and oohh... it's so cool and great. I don't have to adjust anything. I simply connect and that's it. I can view and do this and that from M1210 to the bigger LCD screen without a problem. Dell gave me free video and audio component cable so I can hear the sounds from the TV instead from the notebook.

I plugged in my Sony N1 digital camera in Dell XPS M1210 and all is just great! I've sync and transfer files from my desktop computers and Nokia N70 smartphone to this M1210 notebook... no problem at all.

So far this and that are working except the left speaker and playback thingie of M1210 but that should not be an issue anymore once Dell will replace it with a new M1210 that don't have that problem.