XPS 14 Ultrabook and Dual Monitor Setup?

jimbling

Hey guys, just wondering if you can help me out with something. I’m looking at purchasing a new laptop and the XPS 14 is on the list. I’m trying to find out the capabilities with regards outputs, but I’m struggling to get the info I need.
I’m looking at a second hand one at the moment with the following specs:
Intel® Core™ i7-3517U processor (1.90 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.00 GHz
1GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 630M Graphics Card
14.0" HD+ (900p) True Life Infinity Display with Skype-Certified Hi-Def Webcam (WLAN Only)
8192MB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM [1x8192]
256GB Samsung 840 Series SSD + 32GB m-SATA SSD
69 WHr 8-Cell Battery

USB 3.0 (2) 1 w/PowerShare
mini DisplayPort (1)
HDMI (1), RJ-45 (1)


What I want to know is if the above machine has the capability to utilize a dual monitor setup…. Preferably with the laptop screen still usable.
Any of you guys out there know if it can?

Torqay

jimbling wrote: »

is if the above machine has the capability to utilize a dual monitor setup….

Yes.

jimbling wrote: »

Preferably with the laptop screen still usable.

No. The QS67 Express Chipset only supports 2 monitors, either 2 external or 1 external and the internal display. If you want more, you'll neeed an external USB video adapter.

jimbling

Torqay wrote: »

No. The QS67 Express Chipset only supports 2 monitors, either 2 external or 1 external and the internal display. If you want more, you'll neeed an external USB video adapter.

Cheers. Well that is the minimum requirement. The added laptop screen is just a nice to have really. Thanks for that.

PS: External USB video adapter? what's involved in that? Can I run a monitor from a USB as well as the other two ports? If so, that is interesting.....

Torqay

jimbling wrote: »

Can I run a monitor from a USB as well as the other two ports? If so, that is interesting.....

Or one external and the internal monitor plus another external monitor on the USB graphics adapter.

You'll get then for less than 50 yoyos but don't expect too much re performance.

jimbling

Just another quick question about this laptop. What would your opinion be on the processor, the i7-3517U?

I understand it's not up there with the best of them, but I presume it's a long way ahead of my current processor (Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 - which basically can't handle what I put it through)

I run a lot of applications simultaneously, while also doing a lot of database (postgresql) read/writes etc.

Should I be looking for a better processor than this... especially considering I would like this laptop to last me at least 3 years?

Torqay

jimbling wrote: »

Just another quick question about this laptop. What would your opinion be on the processor, the i7-3517U?

I understand it's not up there with the best of them, but I presume it's a long way ahead of my current processor (Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 - which basically can't handle what I put it through)

I run a lot of applications simultaneously, while also doing a lot of database (postgresql) read/writes etc.

Should I be looking for a better processor than this... especially considering I would like this laptop to last me at least 3 years?

The 3617U is a ultra low voltage dual core processor, it's strength is power efficiency rather than performance. The CPUMark score of 3782 indicates a slightly better performance than a regular Core i3 3120M (3471) but it's a lot better than your old C2D T8100 (1281).

If you're looking for a powerhouse, you want a quad Core i7 (with a CPUMark score well beypnd 7000), but you won't get those in an Ultrabook. Also keep in mind that the XPS 14 has only 1 memory slot and it can't take more than 8 GB RAM (if you're thinking about upgrading the system memory later).

You might want to check the PC Specialist 15.6" UltraNote. Not as fancy as the Dell Ultrabook but much better performance for less money.

jimbling

Torqay wrote: »

The 3617U is a ultra low voltage dual core processor, it's strength is power efficiency rather than performance. The CPUMark score of 3782 indicates a slightly better performance than a regular Core i3 3120M (3471) but it's a lot better than your old C2D T8100 (1281).

I was looking at these benchmark figures a while ago, but wasnt really sure how to interpret them. From what you say, I think this one isn't good enough for me.

Torqay wrote: »

If you're looking for a powerhouse, you want a quad Core i7 (with a CPUMark score well beypnd 7000), but you won't get those in an Ultrabook. Also keep in mind that the XPS 14 has only 1 memory slot and it can't take more than 8 GB RAM (if you're thinking about upgrading the system memory later).

Ya, the RAM thing was already a concern for me. Although I did assume I would be able to put in more than the 8GB (i.e. a single 16GB) if required. If not, another major stumbling block.

Torqay wrote: »

You might want to check the PC Specialist 15.6" UltraNote. Not as fancy as the Dell Ultrabook but much better performance for less money.

I actually think the PC Specialist laptops are lovely. And I had already being looking at the UltraNote 14".
The issue is they flop when it comes to the original question in this thread. I spoke to a salesman there and he told me that it (or the 15.6 version) can not display to dual monitors (even with the laptop screen closed).
He told me the only laptop they had that can is the Vortex III.

Was he wrong? (easily possible he didnt know what he was talking about)

Torqay

jimbling wrote: »

Ya, the RAM thing was already a concern for me. Although I did assume I would be able to put in more than the 8GB (i.e. a single 16GB) if required. If not, another major stumbling block.

The limitation is the BIOS (or the chipset), this may or may not be patched but I wouldn't hold my breath.

jimbling wrote: »

I actually think the PC Specialist laptops are lovely. And I had already being looking at the UltraNote 14".
The issue is they flop when it comes to the original question in this thread. I spoke to a salesman there and he told me that it (or the 15.6 version) can not display to dual monitors (even with the laptop screen closed).
He told me the only laptop they had that can is the Vortex III.

Was he wrong? (easily possible he didnt know what he was talking about)

Not so sure about that now, the HM77 Express Chipset features dual display support and the UltraNote has HDMI and VGA out. I might be able to get my hands on one on Monday evening and will try to find out.

If I were you I'd get the 15.6" version. The full HD IPS panel is so much better than the 1366x768 screen in the 14" version.

jimbling

Torqay wrote: »

The limitation is the BIOS (or the chipset), this may or may not be patched but I wouldn't hold my breath.



Not so sure about that now, the HM77 Express Chipset features dual display support and the UltraNote has HDMI and VGA out. I might be able to get my hands on one on Monday evening and will try to find out.

If I were you I'd get the 15.6" version. The full HD IPS panel is so much better than the 1366x768 screen in the 14" version.

Really appreciate the advice Torqay, thanks.
I used to be well up with all the new aspects of computers, but I've fallen by the wayside the last few years

Torqay

Well, if you can wait until Monday, I might be able to find out whether or not two external displays will work on the 15.6" UltraNote.

jimbling

Torqay wrote: »

Well, if you can wait until Monday, I might be able to find out whether or not two external displays will work on the 15.6" UltraNote.

I can wait, it's no problem. I would be interested to know about the 15.6 too though.. if you have the time to check.

Torqay

jimbling wrote: »

I can wait, it's no problem. I would be interested to know about the 15.6 too though.. if you have the time to check.

A friend bought one a few weeks ago (i7 3632QM, 8 GB RAM, 120 GB SSD, €760 w/o OS) and I was thoroughly impressed. A serious machine with a first class display.

Here's is a video review, the poster might answer your questions.

jimbling

Torqay wrote: »

A friend bought one a few weeks ago (i7 3632QM, 8 GB RAM, 120 GB SSD, €760 w/o OS) and I was thoroughly impressed. A serious machine with a first class display.

Here's is a video review, the poster might answer your questions.

I kind of have my heart set on a 13-14" laptop, but it's definitely on the list all right.

Torqay

Well, you can use two external monitors with the 15.6 UltraNote, it works... kinda.

When I connected the first monitor (HDMI) it automatically cloned the desktop. Then I connected the second monitor (VGA) and toggled the display once (Fn + F7) and it extended the original desktop on the HDMI monitor to the 2nd monitor. But then things got a bit dicey, any further toggling only got me 2 cloned desktops on the external monitors at best (both with the resolution of the smaller monitor on VGA). Of course this can be remedied with configuring the resolution and desktop settings through the display properties. Bottom line, it works but entirely flawless. I'd expect other laptops with HDMI + VGA to act similarly.

I'd say, buying a cheap USB display adapter to operate the second external monitor is the easier solution and it will allow you to operate all 3 displays simultaneously.

jimbling

Again, thanks for taking the time. I appreciate it.

What about the actual capability of the machine? Is there any issue with not having a dedicated gpu in regards outputting to high res monitors, playing videos etc while also doing cpu intensive work?
I suppose it's just ingrained in me to always look for a dedicated graphics card .


Also, with regards using a USB display adapter. What sort of performance can you expect from those? What would the highest resolution be?

Torqay

jimbling wrote: »

What about the actual capability of the machine? Is there any issue with not having a dedicated gpu in regards outputting to high res monitors, playing videos etc while also doing cpu intensive work?
I suppose it's just ingrained in me to always look for a dedicated graphics card .

None whatsoever, the internal display also has a resolution of 1920x1080. Intel HD 4000 easily matches the entry level GPUs from AMD and Nvidia.

jimbling wrote: »

Also, with regards using a USB display adapter. What sort of performance can you expect from those? What would the highest resolution be?

Although even the cheap ones are capable of full HD, I would not expect any miracles but you'll have two other displays to use for operations which may require GPU acceleration.