Author Topic: Computer System question (Read 14127 times)

Hoodie Ninja · « **on:** April 03, 2009, 12:52 »

I recently bought a Dell Studio XPS desktop with a Core i7 processor http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9180423&st=dell+xps+i7&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1218046802234 After I got it home, I found that the card reader would only work some of the time, but not all of the time. I called tech support and that didn't help so I returned the computer. After getting my money back in my account, I ordered another one. I got it last night. Same problem. I found a forum on Dell with a person complaining of the same problem and it doesn't sound like he was able to resolve the problem.
Sooooo, my question is this.....should I return the computer and find a different model? If so, does anyone have any recommendations for a good system? I spent $1,000 on the computer so that is what my budget is. Oh, and please don't recommend Apple...don't want to switch.
My only other thought is to buy an external card reader so I can keep my super-fast computer....

Hoodie Ninja · « **Reply #1 on:** April 03, 2009, 15:34 »

Where has everyone gone? This is the second question I've posted with no response! Did the sun come out and everyone rushed outside??

lisafx · « **Reply #2 on:** April 03, 2009, 15:44 »

Sorry to hear about your problem Paul. Sounds frustrating.

FWIW I have always bought HP computers and not had any problems with them, other than needing to upgrade them when they are two or three years old. My last one I had for five years.

When I have needed upgrades or minor repairs (software issues, not hardware) the "nerds" I take it too all recommend HP computers over Dell. I believe them because they don't sell either, so no reason to lie.

Hoodie Ninja · « **Reply #3 on:** April 03, 2009, 15:55 »

Quote from: lisafx on April 03, 2009, 15:44

Sorry to hear about your problem Paul. Sounds frustrating.

FWIW I have always bought HP computers and not had any problems with them, other than needing to upgrade them when they are two or three years old. My last one I had for five years.

When I have needed upgrades or minor repairs (software issues, not hardware) the "nerds" I take it too all recommend HP computers over Dell. I believe them because they don't sell either, so no reason to lie.

Okay, before answering your question, I had to go ad a picture of me 'cause everyone keeps calling me Paul and I'm Paula!

How recently did you upgrade and which system did you get? I've read the reviews of all the computers at Best Buy and they all seem to have problems. Frustrating. I've been using an eMachine for the last 3 years and haven't had one problem with it until recently when I'd filled the hard drive and it started locking up on me when doing major photo manipulations. But now that I have the 5D II, I know it won't be able to handle working the bigger pictures so that's why I upgraded. Best Buy has an HP with i7, but it's $200 more.

le_cyclope · « **Reply #4 on:** April 03, 2009, 16:02 »

I do have an integrated card reader on my HP computer and I remember reading that since it is a multiple card reader, you should remove the card without clicking on the «You can now remove safely your card» icon in the bottom Vista bar. By doing so, you are disabling the reader and you should restart your computer to use it again.

So since then, I remove my cf card directly.

I'm in no way a tech savvy and I can't tell you anything more about it but that's what I red...

Claude

lisafx · « **Reply #5 on:** April 03, 2009, 16:13 »

Sorry Paula. Don't know how I missed the A.

I upgraded a year ago, so what I have is not what is currently on the shelves. I can't recommend one of the current ones from personal experience, but just that I have known a lot of people to have problems with Dell and not personally known anyone who had similar problems with HP.

Have to admit I was drooling over this one but too soon for me to justify an upgrade:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9180432&type=product&id=1218046803721&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=9180432

Hoodie Ninja · « **Reply #6 on:** April 03, 2009, 16:15 »

Quote from: le_cyclope on April 03, 2009, 16:02

I do have an integrated card reader on my HP computer and I remember reading that since it is a multiple card reader, you should remove the card without clicking on the «You can now remove safely your card» icon in the bottom Vista bar. By doing so, you are disabling the reader and you should restart your computer to use it again.

So since then, I remove my cf card directly.

I'm in no way a tech savvy and I can't tell you anything more about it but that's what I red...

Claude

The Dell guy told me that, too, but that didn't fix the problem. I think the card reader is defective. But I've already returned one computer, had to wait for my money, and then wait for the new one to show up....getting tired of playing the waiting game. I just want to have a working computer.

vonkara · « **Reply #7 on:** April 03, 2009, 16:36 »

Ok so here what I found

The guy on this forum got it OK by updating the driver
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=126074

The HP memory card troubleshoot
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/fastFaqLiteDocument?lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&docname=bph07910

This is many threads about that particular problem
http://www.fixya.com/search/p377419-hp_compaq_presario_sr1300nx_pc_desktop/card_reader_not_working

I also had a problem when I first got Vista after having XP working without a problem. I use my camera to load my images in my computer. The Nikon software wasn't able to read my CF card inside my camera via usb. I can't find where I found the solution, but there's an option in the cameras menu to make the card set to "mass storage".

This is in the USB menu on the Nikon D300, but I think it actually change some settings in the card itself. So you go in
USB - mpt/ptp or "mass storage". Choose this one. Hope it help you!!

sharpshot · « **Reply #8 on:** April 03, 2009, 16:47 »

Quote from: paulacobleigh on April 03, 2009, 16:15

Quote from: le_cyclope on April 03, 2009, 16:02
I do have an integrated card reader on my HP computer and I remember reading that since it is a multiple card reader, you should remove the card without clicking on the «You can now remove safely your card» icon in the bottom Vista bar. By doing so, you are disabling the reader and you should restart your computer to use it again.

So since then, I remove my cf card directly.

I'm in no way a tech savvy and I can't tell you anything more about it but that's what I red...

Claude
The Dell guy told me that, too, but that didn't fix the problem. I think the card reader is defective. But I've already returned one computer, had to wait for my money, and then wait for the new one to show up....getting tired of playing the waiting game. I just want to have a working computer.

I just use a cheap usb card reader. Might be a better option than returning the computer.

loop · « **Reply #9 on:** April 03, 2009, 16:56 »

I also download straight from the camera.

Integrated card readers often are cheap and have problems with big files (20 -30 MB). I have a new computer where every part -to say so- is 2011's or 2012's standards but the ICR it's the weakest point; tends to fail or to go painfully sow. I don't use it anymore.

Magnum · « **Reply #10 on:** April 03, 2009, 17:01 »

Straight from the camera? Isn´t that dead slow. And what kind of files do you have? 20-30MB?? Hasselblad?

If a 20$ internal reader is bad, buy a good and fast one for 40$

Hoodie Ninja · « **Reply #11 on:** April 03, 2009, 17:24 »

Quote from: lisafx on April 03, 2009, 16:13

Sorry Paula. Don't know how I missed the A.

I upgraded a year ago, so what I have is not what is currently on the shelves. I can't recommend one of the current ones from personal experience, but just that I have known a lot of people to have problems with Dell and not personally known anyone who had similar problems with HP.

Have to admit I was drooling over this one but too soon for me to justify an upgrade:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9180432&type=product&id=1218046803721&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=9180432

Thanks for the link. I am going to show this to my bf tonight and see what he thinks. I might take the Dell back and trade it for this one. This one is in stock at my local Best Buy so I don't think I would have to wait to get it. I read all the reviews and there were very few complaints.

JerryL5 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 03, 2009, 17:26 »

Paula, I think it's more likely be that your system is not reading your card
because of the way it is formatted by your camera than two bad card readers in a row.
Not sure what you need to do, but that is a nice machine. If nothing else go to Walmart
to the camera dept. and get an external card reader that can handle your type of card.
If an external reader has the same problem, then at least you would know it's not your
built-in reader. I bought a Targus 32IN1 today for $12.97 that handles most cards.

Hoodie Ninja · « **Reply #13 on:** April 03, 2009, 17:27 »

Quote from: Vonkara on April 03, 2009, 16:36

Ok so here what I found

The guy on this forum got it OK by updating the driver
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=126074

The HP memory card troubleshoot
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/fastFaqLiteDocument?lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&docname=bph07910

This is many threads about that particular problem
http://www.fixya.com/search/p377419-hp_compaq_presario_sr1300nx_pc_desktop/card_reader_not_working

I also had a problem when I first got Vista after having XP working without a problem. I use my camera to load my images in my computer. The Nikon software wasn't able to read my CF card inside my camera via usb. I can't find where I found the solution, but there's an option in the cameras menu to make the card set to "mass storage".

This is in the USB menu on the Nikon D300, but I think it actually change some settings in the card itself. So you go in
USB - mpt/ptp or "mass storage". Choose this one. Hope it help you!!

Thanks for the info. The computer I have is a Dell, not an HP, but I don't know if that would make a difference. The problem with the card reader is that sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. It's like Russian Roulette.

Hoodie Ninja · « **Reply #14 on:** April 03, 2009, 17:29 »

Quote from: loop on April 03, 2009, 16:56

I also download straight from the camera.

Integrated card readers often are cheap and have problems with big files (20 -30 MB). I have a new computer where every part -to say so- is 2011's or 2012's standards but the ICR it's the weakest point; tends to fail or to go painfully sow. I don't use it anymore.

When the card reader works, it's incredibly fast. I downloaded over a gig of pictures in about a minute or less (didn't time it so not sure exactly how long it took...but it was darn fast!). I don't like downloading straight from the camera because it wants to use software and I just want to transfer directly to folders I create.

Hoodie Ninja · « **Reply #15 on:** April 03, 2009, 17:33 »

Quote from: JerryL5 on April 03, 2009, 17:26

Paula, I think it's more likely be that your system is not reading your card
because of the way it is formatted by your camera than two bad card readers in a row.
Not sure what you need to do, but that is a nice machine. If nothing else go to Walmart
to the camera dept. and get an external card reader that can handle your type of card.
If an external reader has the same problem, then at least you would know it's not your
built-in reader. I bought a Targus 32IN1 today for $12.97 that handles most cards.

It does it with all the cards when it's not working. I have Compact Flash Extreme III, San Disk SD, and ATP SD cards. When the card reader works, it reads them all. So, I don't think it's the cards. I've used the cards at Costco and on my other computer at home and have had no problems.

lisafx · « **Reply #16 on:** April 03, 2009, 17:45 »

FWIW, reading the reviews of that particular Dell model, it seems to have problems with an undersized power source and the video card too.

loop · « **Reply #17 on:** April 03, 2009, 17:51 »

Quote from: paulacobleigh on April 03, 2009, 17:29

Quote from: loop on April 03, 2009, 16:56
I also download straight from the camera.

Integrated card readers often are cheap and have problems with big files (20 -30 MB). I have a new computer where every part -to say so- is 2011's or 2012's standards but the ICR it's the weakest point; tends to fail or to go painfully sow. I don't use it anymore.

When the card reader works, it's incredibly fast. I downloaded over a gig of pictures in about a minute or less (didn't time it so not sure exactly how long it took...but it was darn fast!). I don't like downloading straight from the camera because it wants to use software and I just want to transfer directly to folders I create.

Paula, I don't use any software to dowload from the camera. Just pugging the mini-usb into the camera. Then I copy all the fotos (select all, copy) from the card and paste it in my "originals" folder, that's all, and its fast.

JerryL5 · « **Reply #18 on:** April 03, 2009, 19:37 »

Quote from: paulacobleigh on April 03, 2009, 17:33

Quote from: JerryL5 on April 03, 2009, 17:26
Paula, I think it's more likely be that your system is not reading your card
because of the way it is formatted by your camera than two bad card readers in a row.
Not sure what you need to do, but that is a nice machine. If nothing else go to Walmart
to the camera dept. and get an external card reader that can handle your type of card.
If an external reader has the same problem, then at least you would know it's not your
built-in reader. I bought a Targus 32IN1 today for $12.97 that handles most cards.

It does it with all the cards when it's not working. I have Compact Flash Extreme III, San Disk SD, and ATP SD cards. When the card reader works, it reads them all. So, I don't think it's the cards. I've used the cards at Costco and on my other computer at home and have had no problems.

Ok. I guess thats what happens when I try to guess without knowing the facts,
and while it could be the reader, I would hold that conclusion til last.

Hoodie Ninja · « **Reply #19 on:** April 03, 2009, 23:56 »

Quote from: lisafx on April 03, 2009, 17:45

FWIW, reading the reviews of that particular Dell model, it seems to have problems with an undersized power source and the video card too.

The first computer I got didn't have the screen/video problem, but this one has blacked out on me twice so far. I don't know if the power source will be a problem for me since I'm not a gamer, but at least it's a relatively easy fix?

RaFaLe · « **Reply #20 on:** April 04, 2009, 04:22 »

Hi there - my 2 cents' worth:

I would recommend focusing on something with at least 512MB Graphics Memory and decent GPU (NVidia or ATI are the best).
At least 4GB of RAM (Depending on the O/S). If you're using a 64 Bit Operating System like XP 64 or Vista 64, then opt for about 6GB of RAM (this works wonders with Photoshop CS4).

Don't worry tooooo much about the CPU - a Normal High'ish end Dual Core will suffice.
That's never usually the bottleneck anyway.

It's normally the speed of RAM, amount of RAM and the speed of the Hard Disks.

Take a look into models from (from Dell, if you wish) that offer Solid State Disks (SSD).
This is the way of the future. They are twice as fast as normal SATAII 7200RPM HDDs in both reading and writing!!!
They are expensive, but these are HUGELY fast and make an insane difference when opening and closing files, copying files and
opening any applications and plugins.
Boot time is increased dramatically too!!!

Forget the built in gimmicks for now - you can get card readers, web cams, microphones and other things
really cheap that probably work better via USB.

SSD with loads of RAM and Windows 7 64-bit (coming out next year early I hope) on a notebook is my next investment!

Gannet77 · « **Reply #21 on:** April 04, 2009, 07:17 »

Our photographer at my office has a Dell with a built-in card reader and he has had problems with it too, not the same model of Dell though I think... and we (I'm in the IT department) haven't been able to get a resolution from Dell either. A replacement reader was the same, and we suspect BIOS issues, but Dell don't seem to be admitting any such fault.

As for whether or not HP are better, we have used both and in our experience Dell has generally been more reliable - and their service has been better - but perhaps not in this case!

Sorry not to be able to offer any encouragement - I guess my suggestion would be an external reader!

Myself, I just plug the camera in directly, and it (Olympus E-510) seems to work at USB 2 speed for me. But then I rarely fill more than one card at a time.

kkart · « **Reply #22 on:** April 04, 2009, 08:07 »

My Compaq has the exact same problem. Eventually I just said screw it, and instead of taking all the time to try and return the pc and all the hassle wasting the time, I just went to Staples, bought a $10 external card reader and plugged it into my USB port, problem solved. Heck, figured best way to go, I can use it in my Dell laptop as well.

Some things simply aren't worth the frustration. Especially when it comes to something that is 10-

Hoodie Ninja · « **Reply #23 on:** April 05, 2009, 12:49 »

Quote from: Chris.Alleaume on April 04, 2009, 04:22

I would recommend focusing on something with at least 512MB Graphics Memory and decent GPU (NVidia or ATI are the best).

The computer I bought has 512MB ATI RADEON HD 4850

Quote from: Chris.Alleaume on April 04, 2009, 04:22

At least 4GB of RAM (Depending on the O/S). If you're using a 64 Bit Operating System like XP 64 or Vista 64, then opt for about 6GB of RAM (this works wonders with Photoshop CS4).

The computer I bought has 4GB of DDR3 RAM, upgradable to 12GB

Quote from: Chris.Alleaume on April 04, 2009, 04:22

Don't worry tooooo much about the CPU - a Normal High'ish end Dual Core will suffice.
That's never usually the bottleneck anyway.

The computer I bought is Core i7, which is better than quad core.

The hard drive is SATA, but I'm not concerned with boot time and so far the computer is plenty fast enough.

As for the card reader, I'm finding that if I just pull it out and don't try to "eject" it or "safely remove it", I don't have any problems with it being read the next time I put it in.

Hoodie Ninja · « **Reply #24 on:** April 05, 2009, 12:51 »

Quote from: Gannet77 on April 04, 2009, 07:17

Our photographer at my office has a Dell with a built-in card reader and he has had problems with it too, not the same model of Dell though I think... and we (I'm in the IT department) haven't been able to get a resolution from Dell either. A replacement reader was the same, and we suspect BIOS issues, but Dell don't seem to be admitting any such fault.

As for whether or not HP are better, we have used both and in our experience Dell has generally been more reliable - and their service has been better - but perhaps not in this case!

Sorry not to be able to offer any encouragement - I guess my suggestion would be an external reader!

Myself, I just plug the camera in directly, and it (Olympus E-510) seems to work at USB 2 speed for me. But then I rarely fill more than one card at a time.

Yesterday I decided to just pull out the card without using "eject" or "safely remove hardware" and then I didn't have any problems when trying to insert another card, so I'll probably just do that from now on.

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Author Topic: Computer System question (Read 14127 times)

Hoodie Ninja

Hoodie Ninja

lisafx

Hoodie Ninja

le_cyclope

lisafx

Hoodie Ninja

vonkara

sharpshot

loop

Magnum

Hoodie Ninja

JerryL5

Hoodie Ninja

Hoodie Ninja

Hoodie Ninja

lisafx

loop

JerryL5

Hoodie Ninja

RaFaLe

Gannet77

kkart

Hoodie Ninja

Hoodie Ninja

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