Dell Studio XPS 13 (1340) Laptop

We purchased one of these for our son to take to college. It has been nothing but trouble with overheating, hinges and other things. Three times Dell replaced the hard drive, which of course resulted in the loss of the software, files, etc. and required rebuilding. After the third time, I started insisting they replace it and the agreed. But now we're 5 weeks into this as the end of a semester approaches and the replacement Laptop still hasn't shippped. This has required many hours on the line with Dell over the year and the three rebuilds of the hard disk and other things. This seems to be a systemic problem with this product that Dell should have been aware of through the design and testing process and through it QA processes once the product was in the field. It kept overheating and they kept insisting that a BIOS update and things were going to fix it.

We've been long-time Dell users and have a number of Dell Systems. it's going to be easier in the future just to switch back over to HP or Toshibia or some other manufacturer with better product reliability, because Dell as failed with this. And now trying to get it replaced is something started in Oct, and yet here in Mid-Nov we can't get an estimated shipping date. Totally uancceptable.

I was also about ready to get a new powerhouse Dell desktop, but I'll buy that from a manufacturer with more reliable products too.

I have had nothing but problems with this computer. My frustration with the computer is surpassed only by my frustration with abbysmal support from Dell. It took them THREE tries just to get me a computer that had a functioning "hybrid" video card. After all that (literally tens of hours of run around from customer support), it turned out that the problem was a one-line glitch in the Dell drivers that could have been solved in about 30 seconds if anyone at Dell support had known what they were talking about. All the support people seem capable of is reading from an obviously prepared script.

Eventually they substituted a refurbished unit for the new one I ordered and would not offer me any discount (go figure). Just "sorry." Gee, thanks. They made no attempt whatsoever to even make a gesture of compensation for the many, many hours of time I wasted trying to get their $1000+ computer to work. Even though I ended up with a refurbished unit.

On that unit the DVD drive never worked and I had to have it replaced. The video card still malfunctions frequently but they can not come up with a fix other than a replacement. I am so tired of dealing with their support, that I am just sucking it up and dealing with a very sub-par performance.

Very glitchy computer, awful support. Very, very sorry I bought a Dell.

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This is an excellent system, great graphics, speed and performance. However there is a slight heating issue with this model. After a few months of regular use, the base warped. When I sat it on a flat surface one corner did not sit flat and the whole thing bounced when I typed.. very annoying! It was under warranty so Dell replaced it (the whole unit, couldn't just replace a part) and now a few months later, the replacement is having the same issue and the whole system is being replaced again... even though I used a cooling pad on this one! I'd look at a different model, no telling what other damage the heating problem will cause after more than 3 months.

This is my first Dell, before this I've had HP for the last 10 years with no issues. My next system will be an HP.

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This machine overheats. Not just a little bit, scorching hot. Then crashes. Some may escape this affliction, but Dell should have recalled this laptop as it is more often than not defective.

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Pros: Very lightweight, decent speed, decent hard drive memory (500GB), decent ram (4GB). Overall, there's nothing that sticks out or is exceptional especially compared to what computers and laptops have to offer today.

Cons: Runs VERY HOT even when just browsing the internet or watching videos. A cooler is a must have. Even with updated bios, and drivers, the laptop runs very hot primarily due to the inefficient GPU(s) terrible frame design (the vent for the fan is on the back of the screen and is blocked when you put the screen upright in viewing position). The GPU is pathetic, and if you're looking to run modern games such as sc2, cod, bf, don't even bother with this laptop. Needing to update the bios and vbios in the first place is risky and annoying. Also in terms of aesthetics, this laptop has an uncanny attraction to grime on the keyboard, and is a fingerprint magnet. Also, battery power was found to be very poor as well, and will only get worse as time goes on w/ only about 2-3 hrs w/ low power settings. Also, had issues with the DVD drive freezing while playing DVDs, and being unable to play CDs at all.

Conclusion: For anyone looking for a light, transportable laptop that looks pretty, with some relatively mediocre specs, but enough juice to be somewhat of an entertainment machine, than this might be what you're looking for. HOWEVER, you can get another laptop with the same and/or better specs for about 400-500$ if you look well. I suggest you look elsewhere and save your money for a better investment in a laptop.