Nvidia Optimus is a technology (program) allowing you to switch in between your Nvidia card and the Intel HD3000/4000 of the CPU.
Optimus will automatically switch to the Nvidia card when you are playing games for better performance; and will automatically switch to the integrated GPU when you are trying to save battery

Unfortunately no
But you can take a look at the cheaper Inspiron 15 with i3 

15.6"
Dell
Inspiron 15, B820 + Intel HD@RM1119[2.4kg], 2GB, 320GB(5400rpm), W8
Inspiron 15, B980 + Intel HD@RM1359[2.4kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W8
Inspiron 15, i5-3210M + Intel HD4000@RM1709[2.4kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W8
Inspiron 15, i3-2117U + Intel HD4000@RM1299[2.25kg], Win8SL, 2GB, 500GB(5400rpm)

Don't think they come with non-OS version though 

There is an Inspiron 15R (not SE) that comes with Ubuntu now..both i5 (5521-33472G-DOS ) or i7(5521-53812G-DOS) model..

hope that helps.

as other forummer has mentioned, unfortunately not.  Only some of the Inspiron ultrabooks (..z model) has obmitted the dGpu.

If you are absolutely bothered by the power consumption of the dGPu (I tot Optimus is already doing a great job in its intelligent power management??), then google "Bumblebee" .. Apparently, it is an open project which allows you to disable the dGpu (but I gather it is only meant for Linux environment).. 

rgrds

Just look at the number of spec variation Dell has for each consumer laptop models, and compare with other brands

Even for laptop models with Nvidia / AMD GPU, if you are not running software that need it, the discrete GPU will not be used. Owner just pay for something that you are not using

If you want laptop to run cool and energy efficient, you should pay more attention on the HDD rather than GPU. Take out the HDD, replace it with SSD. Laptop become lighter, run cooler, quieter, more responsive, much much more energy efficient (at least 45min more battery performance) ....

http://configure.ap.dell.com/dellstore/con...s=dhs&cs=mydhs1

Inspiron 15, i3 ULV, HD4000, W8, RM1399.

You are getting W8 at RM100

i had familiar with windows 8 in around 30 minutes yesterday. i cant say i hate nor i love it but i just love the mobile apps that are pre-installed. it helps me connect to facebook and my gmail while receiving notifications. but sometimes, when i wanted to switch to desktop, its just annoying a bit.

oh yes, the CD for windows 7 home basic maybe cost around RM50.

sorry. posted without checking. that price is for COA.

it costs RM240 for OEM retail. found at lelong

Certificate of Authenticity

Certificate of Authenticity

oh no. i accidentally posted that due to wrong info (cuz of fast check and scan). it is better to buy a retail OEM at RM240 (W7B)

http://configure.ap.dell.com/dellstore/con...s=dhs&cs=mydhs1

compare with this spec. This give you Linux (free) but with medium low end Nvidia GPU (which cost ~ RM100), and is RSP RM1499.
The 1st link come with W8, no discrete GPU, RSP RM1399 (other specs are the same).
W8 retail cost ~ RM300.

Now you tell me which one is a better deal?

As I said, if you feel the person on the other side of the line (Dell Support) is not "happening", demand to talk to another person.

Have you actually been to SC of other brands before?   I count lucky star for Dell Malaysia warranty support for consumer laptops. You have technician coming to you to fix thing for you, and yet you think it is better to send laptop to SC? And you seriously think technician in SC (for other brands) will fix it on the spot for you while you wait?

Anyway, if the technician come this time and the issue is still not resolved, call Dell Support, and DEMAND a replacement of new laptop. Refer to 1st paragraph

http://configure.ap.dell.com/dellstore/con...s=dhs&cs=mydhs1

Inspiron 15, i3 ULV, HD4000, W8, RM1399.

You are getting W8 at RM100

Yes, you could install W7 yourself.
You can find all the necessary W7 drivers on Dell website.
Aiyo, UEFI is a good thing People has been complaining about the limitation of BIOS for a long time, and UEFI address lots of the issues.
What MS do with W8 secure boot is another matter
Normally if you go with 64bit W7, it will work with UEFI.