Laptop Alert

[michaels39]

If you're having problems with your laptop,and it's equipped with a Nvidia graphics card,this could explain it. Nvidia reports problem with laptop chips - Network World

Nice of them to report the problem,but neglect to tell consumers which brands and models inherited this problem!

[michaels39]

Here's a partial list of Dell laptops known to be affected by this problem.
inspiron 1420 - Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS
D630 - Quadro NVS 135M
D630C - Quadro NVS 135m
precision m2300 - Quadro FX 360M
Vostro 1310 - Nvidia 8400M GS
Vostro 1400 - 8400M GS
Vostro 1510 - 8400M GS
Vostro 1710 - 8600M GT
xps m1330 - 8400M GS
xps m1530 - 8600M GT
Dell has issued a bios update for these models here.
Direct2Dell—The Official Dell blog

The problem is this is only a quick fix.It basically speeds up the cooling fans to compensate for the extreme heat the bad Nvidia GPU's generate.It seems all Dell wants to do is extend the life of these laptops long enough for them to be out of warranty when they fail,rather than replace the bad video units.