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Dell 17R SE 17in Laptop $899, 1080p Screen, NVIDIA GDDR5 2GB 650m, 3rd Gen i5, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD

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Dell 17R SE 17in Laptop $899, 1080p Screen, NVIDIA GDDR5 2GB 650m, 3rd Gen i5, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDDAffiliate
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timmysbiscuits on 05/04/2013 - 18:59 dell.com (3030 clicks)
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I know this one comes up every now and again with similar specs and around this price, but thought I would post in case someone was interested. $899 down from $1299.

Info from Dell website:

Processor: 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i5-3230M processor (3M Cache, up to 3.2 GHz)

Operating System: Windows 8, English (64bit)

Memory: 8GB 2 DIMM (4GB x2) DDR3 1600Mhz

Hard Drive: 1.0TB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive

Display: 17.3" FHD WLED Anti-Glare (1920x1080)

Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M GDDR5 2GB

Optical Drive: 12.7" SATA Tray Load DVD+/-RW

Wireless: Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 2230, 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth v4.0

Security Software: McAfee® Security Center™ (Multi-Language) - 15 Months Version

Primary Battery: 6-cell Lithium Ion (48WHr) Battery

Warranty: 1Yr Carry-In Service after Remote Diagnosis

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closed Comments

    • martintt on 05/04/2013 - 19:18
      -7

      same issued experienced

    • johnno07 on 05/04/2013 - 20:21
      +8

      How does the CPU bottleneck the GPU?

      • Joysky on 05/04/2013 - 21:12
        +4

        True, the 650M isn't fast enough.
        However the latest games takes advantage of more than 2 physical cores, which means that you would still get better performance with a quad-core, such as an i7 3610qm which is VERY common in laptops with gfx >640M, especially a 17" desktop replacement

        • johnno07 on 06/04/2013 - 12:06

          Some games (not all that many currently) definitely do take advantage of extra processor cores. I'm not sure that has anything to do with bottle-necking the GPU, though. If you're gaming, I don't know that you're going to see a huge amount of difference between an i5 and an i7. Other applications (CAD apps etc) would get a boost though.

    • Brouw3r on 05/04/2013 - 20:55
      +7

      I'm sure the 5400rpm HDD would be more of an issue

      • Shwayne on 05/04/2013 - 21:53
        +2

        Swap it out for an SSD. :)

    • [Deactivated] on 05/04/2013 - 21:09
      -2

      Thats a very specific statement too bad you haven't elaborated and explained in which situation that would occur.

    • mycosys on 06/04/2013 - 02:24

      you mean the gpu will bottleneck the cpu

  • thelastnoob on 05/04/2013 - 19:27

    i think the res will bottleneck more than the 3rd gen i5
    im using i7 with 660m and it can be slow at 720p depending on game and settings

    • Kill Joy on 06/04/2013 - 11:25

      I think it would be silly if you didn't get a laptop because its resolution was too high, The thing with resolution is you can put it lower if needed to improve performance. you can't however just get a better graphics card in laptops, so your argument is kinda moot.

      I guess your username is reflective.

      • thelastnoob on 06/04/2013 - 13:26

        yes but decreasing the res can look really poor if the screen does not scale very well
        that said any res around 720 is poor

  • fryandlaurie on 05/04/2013 - 20:16

    The 15R SE is also on sale for $749 ($250 off) https://www.dell.com/au/p/inspiron-15r-se-7520/fs . I swear they have been cheaper as well. Personally got one from the Dell Outlet refurbished for $670 with an i7, blu ray, full hd and 32gb ssd a week or two ago.

    • orange123 on 05/04/2013 - 20:18

      Thats a great price. Can you extend the warranty with the refurbished dell?

      • fryandlaurie on 05/04/2013 - 20:35

        I believe you can. You have to call up to place the order and you could just ask then. This is the website: http://www1.ap.dell.com/au/en/dfo/df.aspx?refid=df&s=dfo

        Just keep a lookout every day about 12-3pm. I believe they update Thu/Fri. It is imperative that you call as soon as you can. They display them on the website a day or two after they are sold so good to be quick. All the best. Great bargains can be had there! Most of the time the machines are not very old and either have just been returned for a small hardware/software issue or whatever. Mine came with no scratches as well. Basically brand new.

    • CVonC on 05/04/2013 - 23:31

      wouldda been better if they put the 650M instead of the 7730M in that 15r :/

    • RedHab on 06/04/2013 - 11:54

      Outlet refurbished Dell is luck of the draw. The one I have is pretty knocked about on the outside and on corner of the screen.

  • orange123 on 05/04/2013 - 20:17

    The deal from 6 months ago with abit better but 100 bucks more.

    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/81315

  • tmjee on 05/04/2013 - 20:41
    -3

    Just wondering can we upgrade the RAM to 16g. That would make the deal perfect.

    Thanks

    • timmysbiscuits on 05/04/2013 - 21:45

      Adding in your own RAM after purchase should be a fairly straightforward process. I am sure there are youtube vids/guides that can show you how.

      • tmjee on 05/04/2013 - 21:53

        It uses a 2 4g ram.Not sure if there are enough slots left for the upgrade. Hate to have to remove both 4g and repoace them with 2 8gs ones.

        • Shwayne on 05/04/2013 - 22:03

          Ram is inexpensive, if 16GB is something you 'actually' need then you should replace the 4GB stick.

          8GB is more than sufficient for a high end gaming rig.

    • Gravy on 06/04/2013 - 22:49

      I don't think the 17R SE officially supports more than 8GB ram, at least that's DELL's stance anyway. However the reality is that some people have added 16GB and are running fine (ensure its the right RAM, read thread here http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3518/t/… )

      Its quite possible that DELL are artificially talking down the 16GB RAM capability of this laptop to push people to their higher end models if they want 16GB. Earlier versions of the BIOS misreported RAM sizes higher than 8GB, but that has not been addressed with a BIOS update.

      • Gravy on 07/04/2013 - 13:24

        That last line should have read "HAS been addressed with a BIOS update."

  • [Deactivated] on 05/04/2013 - 21:12

    Dell warranty is second to none. I've heard of people that are up to 8 months out of warranty extending it another 2 years to bring themselves back into warranty so that they problem can be fixed by a Dell Service Provider (DSP) which comes to their house/business and fixes it the next business day. If they need to come back 5 times then so be it.

    On the other hand I've heard a story about someone elses laptop being sent to acer and being told it would be sent back within 2 weeks. 3 months later he called them and they said they couldn't find it and then another 2 months later he got it back.

    On this model 3 year warranty next business day technician on site warranty is $214 I would highly recommend getting that!!!

    btw the technicians give you a 2 hour window of their arrival time or you can arrange a time that is suitable for you!

    • Shwayne on 05/04/2013 - 22:05
      +1

      Dell warranty is superb, I once RMA'ed a screen that randomly stopped working, they shipped me the replacement almost immediately (I was without the screen for half a day) and then sent a courier to pick up the damaged screen a week later.

      • mxyzptik on 05/04/2013 - 23:02
        +2

        Yep have found Dell service great, Apple too. Acer stunk.

    • jebozb on 08/04/2013 - 09:15

      And, as i found out on Friday, the $214 odd extra for a 3yr warranty is comprised of both a hardware component and a software component - so i was told by the Dell Sales rep that if you don't need over the phone support for apps, then that component can be subtracted from the $214 while still getting the 3yr hardware on-site warranty.

  • timmysbiscuits on 05/04/2013 - 22:06
    +6

    My personal experience with Dell warranty was unfortunately quite terrible. I bought a refurb Inspiron 15R SE for quite cheap from the Dell outlet, but it kept crashing and giving me blue screen errors everytime the dedicated graphics card wanted to kick in. I was trying to play some pretty simple games like Civ IV, Simcity 4 etc. (games wouldn't get past the start menus), but it would also do it at other times, for example if I ran the Windows Experience test.

    After several reinstalls, lots of hours researching and reading, many many phone calls to Dell arguing back and forth (no-one I spoke to seemed to know what they were doing), and a month of my time, it still wasn't fixed, so I gave up and gave it away. They refused to admit there was a problem and insisted the laptop wasn't designed to play games so I had no case. As I didn't pay a huge amount of money for it and it had caused me so much stress already, I did not have the time or energy to fight any further.

    One of the phone calls I made to Dell included where the guy kept me on the phone for 30 minutes (not exaggerating - I kept asking if he was still there and all he said was 'I'm just reading') while he was reading the notes from previous calls. When he finished reading he said to me 'sorry sir, your warranty level does not cover you for weekend calls' and he hung up. I was flabbergasted!

    Of course, I am not saying my experience is widespread, but I certainly wouldn't say their warranty service is second to none.

    • RI4V4N on 05/04/2013 - 22:41

      I concur, I've had good experiences with dell warrenty over the years personally (I would have had my first dell over 15 years ago) and I also have a dell now, primarily again because of that warrenty, but in saying that, I did see them do a horrible job with my old flatmates laptop, they basically kept sending out some third party technician who kept replacing individual parts when it just never really worked over a series of months.

      • [Deactivated] on 06/04/2013 - 08:22

        I don't think you understand. They kept sending out some third party technician who kept replacing individual parts… If it was acer they would say "can you drop this off at your nearest service centre i.e. Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth. If you live outside of one of those you are quite out of luck.

  • UFO on 05/04/2013 - 23:04
    +1

    I tried to order a similar specced 17SR from Dell late last year… and ended up cancelling the order when they kept delaying shipment times. They were offering a bluray drive and extra ram instead for about the same price by memory… a very popular deal.

    Dont be surprised if Dell dont make their delivery times… and have jack all communication with you prior to delivery. I had high hopes but they very quickly disappeared when my delivery came and went without even an email to tell me otherwise.

    When they did eventually send me an email informing me that build time was delayed (6 days after expected delivery date), the email gave me 3 options. 1) take a far inferior model for $50 off (was no where near only $50 difference), 2) wait 2 months longer (no way), 3) get a refund (the option I picked).

    And even then it took them a week to give me back my money.

    I'm not saying dont buy this product (even though its getting a little old now), but I am saying to be wary of Dell's after sales service/pre delivery service.

    It really was very disappointing and turned me off them.

    Sorry for the novel, but they wasted a lot of my time and want others to avoid same disappointment.

    • UFO on 05/04/2013 - 23:23
      +1

      Because I really did my homework on the 17SR's prior to committing to buying one, some of the factors (good or bad depending on your needs) you need to consider are:

      no gigabit lan, just 10/100.

      its big and heavy (but what else would you expect for a 17"… just be aware that this sucker wont fit in normal laptop bags, or be adequately protected)

      there's plenty of info online on how to change the drives around (there are 2 drive bays in this model, and a common mod is to install a small SSD as the boot, and leave the big old sata as a storage drive).

      the antiglare screen is better than the 'tru life' one. the glare on the tru life makes it virtually impossible to use outside (or even in a really bright room). but in a dark room the tru life is better for watching movies on.

      avoid the 3d version. there's plenty of talk online on how the graphics card in the 3d version is crippled, and even though the 'same' as the 2d one, its not simply a matter of changing drivers. the card itself on the 3d model cant be played around with like in the 2d one. i cant remember the exact issue, but there is definitely AN issue. google is your friend.

      oh, and battery life on this guy isnt great. again, google is your friend.
      this machine is basically a desktop replacement, needs a power cord. this suited my needs, but if you think this setup is running all day long its not going to happen.

      thats all I can remember right now… its been 6months ;).

      • Cheap Rich Guy on 05/04/2013 - 23:41

        I didn't think they produced boards with 10/100 network cards any longer. Seems odd they would use them in this laptop.

      • Dream-cast on 06/04/2013 - 00:42

        I bought the 17R SE from the dell outlet store for 1129 NEW.
        bluray
        2tb hdd
        nvidia 3d glasses
        tru life glossy 120 hz screen
        i7 3630qm
        8gb ram
        650m

        I have not heard of the 650m in the 3d version being crippled. Mine certainly doesn't look crippled and i cant find anything about this. Care to post some links?

        Also i find the tru life screen brilliant. Unless you have a direct light source on it, its fine for indoors. Since the 17r is a desktop replacement i dont find the glossy screen an issue at all.

        This link is useful if anyone needs info on what true life is http://www.screentekinc.com/dell-truelife-lcd-screens.shtml

        Dell outlet is fantastic value especially because they all also sell new items.

        • Gravy on 06/04/2013 - 08:53

          I seem to remember that the issue with the video card is that the 3D version may use the 650M all the time, rather than switching back to inbuilt card for lesser tasks. Is this what happens on your laptop? This may mean it runs hotter and louder due to fan noise. I could be wrong on that one. I have a 17R SE but not the 3D model.

          By the way, there was a recent BIOS update that fixed a problem with the laptop not waking up via an external keyboard or mouse if the lid is closed (when using as a desktop replacement attached to an external monitor). I think it is BIOS A13 if I remember correctly.

        • Dream-cast on 06/04/2013 - 12:35

          I dont believe i have that issue. My temps average 51C idle, i hear the fan spin up and down according to what im doing and windows score for the gpu is 6.9 in the desktop.

        • UFO on 06/04/2013 - 21:21

          @ bangmango (re: request for link)

          In here mate: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1928443

          It's 35 pages long, but a VERY interesting read for owners (or potential owners) of the 17r special edition.

          I ended up ordering based on those very pages, but the issue regarding 3D crippling is discussed in detail somewhere in there. Sorry, but not going to look for exact page- but its definitely there. Something about trying to get full performance in 2d (and it falling back to onboard graphics or something). But definitely there.

        • Gravy on 06/04/2013 - 23:11

          The disabled Intel 4000 GPU discussion starts at http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1928443&p…

          The 3D model also apparantly has WiDi disabled as well for some reason. Perhaps they have overcome those two issues now with newer drivers or BIOS update???

          Suggest to BangMango to check your device manager and see if the Intel 4000 GPU is actually listed there.

  • odc on 05/04/2013 - 23:49

    I got the same Dell 17r SE back in October with slightly diff. Specs including difference-
    3rd Generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3610QM Processor 2.30 GHz
    6GB (1 x 2GB + 1 x 4GB) 2 DIMM DDR3 1600Mhz
    750GB 7200RPM Hard Drive. Could have opted for 1tb 5400rpm

    3yrs Ltd HW Wrty, InHome Svce after Remote Diagnosis 1

    3yrs Parts Exchange Service 1

    3 Years Plus Phone Support: Mon-Fri 0800
    Cost $1070.26 and cheaper with standard warranty but didn't want to risk it due to toddler.
    Anyway it's a beast of thing but absolutely love it. Got it through a sales rep. In Dell Malaysia who offer worldwide warranty so thought why not. Delivery took 2 weeks from memory but here are her details for those interested but you got to haggle to get the best price of course. Hopefully she still works there.

    Sales Person -SAMANTHA PEI CHUEN TEOH
    Sales Person Tel 1800 261 699 EXT 8632796 Sales Person Fax 1800810678
    Sales Person Email [email protected]

    Note went through this current deal posted with add, 3Yrs Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service with 3 Yrs Dell Oncall. Total Discounted Price $1,113.391

    • [Deactivated] on 06/04/2013 - 08:24

      If you are worried about the toddler breaking the laptop you want Dell Complete Care warranty. You can call them up and say "it took over 10 seconds for the browser to open so I smashed it against the wall" someone will come out to fix it for you… :) Otherwise if it looks like physical damage caused by the customer you will hear "this is customer induced damage not covered by your warranty, if you would like us to fix it, it will cost this much."

  • FlyingPanda on 06/04/2013 - 02:47

    No idea why Dell are still shipping laptops with 10/100 ethernet, even just having the gigabit ethernet as an upgrade option I would happily pay more…

    • [Deactivated] on 06/04/2013 - 08:26
      +1

      you can get usb to gigabit ethernet ports I'm pretty sure, alot of laptop don't even come with ethernet ports as most users generally just use WiFi.

  • chuneeperformance on 06/04/2013 - 10:05

    ethernet will slowly be phased out in domestic laptops.business will retain for years to come but will lead the role as modems in laptops.

  • jeeg on 06/04/2013 - 11:36
    +1

    guys, is there anyway I can connect 2 external LCD monitor to this particular model? Do I need a notebook dock or something?

    • Gravy on 06/04/2013 - 23:22
      +1

      It has VGA out and HDMI out (get a HDMI to DVI cable if you monitor doesnt support HDMI), I have only one external monitor hooked up so whilst Im fairly sure you can run two externals at once, I have not actually tested it. There is no dock available for this model as far as I know.

      The following link confirms dual external monitors, you may also use the inbuilt screen at the same time for triple display. Its also possible that you may be able to use the inbuilt WiDi to wirelessly send to a third external monitor that supports WiDi. http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3518/t/…

      I can say that the VGA output quality on this model is fantastic, much clearer than VGA out from my old desktop running an 8600GT. Its hard to notice much difference at all between VGA and HDMI/DVI actually.

      • jeeg on 07/04/2013 - 09:55

        Thanks Gravy

  • FabMan on 06/04/2013 - 18:22

    At that quality the price is excellent, I don't need a laptop. If I did, it would be this one.

  • congo on 07/04/2013 - 13:25

    Great price. My last Dell latitude didn't last too long however…

  • jebozb on 08/04/2013 - 10:45

    Does anyone know if the NRMA (RACQ or similar) discount still applies to Dell laptops that are 'on special'?

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