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The only juan

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The only juan

1 Rookie

5 Posts

3

1707

March 7th, 2021 10:00

Multiple problems with my XPS 15 9500

Hello,

I purchased the XPS 15 9500 in November and was eager to receive it, only in January. I used it for a couple weeks now, for work and personal use. I was very excited with the computer and voluntarily dismissed some issues I've been having. Now, realising how much I paid for this computer, I cannot get away from my disappointment. Here are the main problems:

1. Trackpad (hardware problem maybe): I know the XPS 15 has had issues with the trackpads. It seemed like a resolved problem through the platforms I was reading. But here I am, having issues myself. The trackpad will randomly not track my finger movements in the lower half of the track pad, and sometimes on the top half too. I have to keep my movements on the top half, or else it will bug or not read movements.

2. LED light (aesthetic problem): I noticed as soon as I unpackaged, that the charging or power LED light, right under the trackpad, was damaged. There's a black spot right in the middle of the horizontal light, as if a part of it was ''burned'' or simply something obstructing it from the inside. Also, there is a slight gap, or crack, between the top of the light and the aluminum frame; as if the aluminum case was not tightened enough around that area (tried to tight it but didn't change anything).

3. Screen stays dark after I wake it up from sleep: When I put the computer to sleep, everything is fine. When I wake it up though, by pressing on the power button, or by lifting the lid, the screen started to stay dark, as if it was not completely waking up. (It's not in hibernating). I do see something when it wakes up, but the brightness is literally almost completely dark. I have to close the lid and open it back a couple of times for the screen to completely wake up. Also, even after it wakes up, it takes about 5-10 seconds for the computer or screen to react to my actions. I will click on something or drag the scroll bar and nothing happens. I have to minimize the window and open it back up to see the result of my actions (clicking or scroll or other).

4. Sound problems, speakers, headphones, MaxxAudioPro: At first, I was impressed by the sound coming out of this computer. Then, I started to have issues with a slight background static sound coming out of the speakers. I tried multiple tweakings in MaxxAudioPro, even tried to shut the software off completely, but the sound is terrible without it. Still hearing a static sound. Even sounds like the bass is having some issues, setup at only ''30'' in Maxx. Then, I started to have major issues with headphones. When I plug my headphones in, there is a loud static sound that completely covers any other sound. All I hear is that very loud sound. I tried different headphones to test if it was the headphones, not the problem. Then, I tried turning off MaxxAudioPro when the headphones are plugged in, and the static sound is gone. Seems like a software problem, but it's really unpleasant.

Overall, I believe I was sent a damaged product. Either that, or the XPS 15 is clearly over priced and there is no good Quality Control before shipping. Disappointed in Dell. I want to like this computer, but the defects are a total bummer and disrupt my overall experience.

  • 1210

    2

    Posted April 17th, 2021 08:00

    Issue #4 - Go to Sound Control Panel, Select Headphones, Properties. Uncheck Enable Audio Enhancements and Uncheck Hardware Acceleration. Apply/Save. Headphones now work great on my Dell 7706 with MaxxAudio Pro.  No more hiss or static.

  • gatmac

    17 Posts

    1167

    1

    Posted April 23rd, 2021 05:00

    This did it for me, particularly disabling "Enable audio enhancements". The white noise went away. I wondered whether uninstalling MaxxAudio Pro would be the fix, but I didn't test it. 

  • The only juan

    1 Rookie

    5 Posts

    1140

    0

    Posted April 23rd, 2021 07:00

    Thanks for this tip. I tried it and I successfully got rid of the major sound issue.