M14x Pre-Order Configuration Questions... Ask HERE

I've heard of people getting it in 2 weeks time, and some guys getting it within 7 days [standard delivery options] I think it depends on what parts you've customized and availability, as well as the time taken to assemble it. If you're in the US it shouldn't take longer than 2 weeks, if all goes well!

I think you can have an estimate by adding, say, one week to the est. shipping date given by dell?

 

Thanks. I just keep going back and forth and exactly what I want.

 

Hi all,
I am in the process of purchasing a new M14x laptop. I would like some advice on a couple of the specs.
Reading through this thread, I have been able to make decisions on several of the customizable specs, except for
-Wireless cards
-Wireless HD
-Sound options

My first concern is with the wireless card option, choosing between WiMax and Killer Wireless-N. My question is if these are necessary to access wifi through my wireless router? Doesn't Windows 7 have built in wireless access, so those two options aren't necessary? What are the benefits to using WiMax for example?

Secondly, I'm confused about the Wireless HD option. Does the laptop come with an HDMI cable? Is yes, would choosing the Internal WirelessHD Transmitter option replace that cable? Or is the transmitter just something that the HDMI cable can plug into? Sorry, I don't know this topic very well.

Lastly, just a small question on the sound options. I know the built in surround audio is pretty good, and I'm curious about the option of purchasing the Soundblaster Xi Fi software. I'm assuming the XiFi is just a disc attached with the product. What exactly does the software do to make the sound better?

Thanks for reading.

 

1: I'd go for the 6205 Wifi card, it is significantly better than th standard 1000 model. However the 6250 WiMax card, simply means that you can put a sim card in with a data plan and use the 4G for internet anywhere, much like on a phone. (Even without the upgrade, you will still be able to connect to a wireless router)

2: The laptop has a built in HDMI port, but you will need to buy a HDMI cable. There around $5 online. The wireless HD upgrade allows you to game onto your big screen tv with no cables (The same quality as HDMI cables, but no cables). However built in without the upgrade is the ability to this for presentations and low bandwidth things (not gaming). However, in order to do this both of these require extra adapters which plug into your tv.

3: I wouldn't bother with it. I doubt you will notice a difference as its the same hardware.

Also, If you have decided to get the 3.0GB GT555M upgrade, Don't its a waste of money

 

I need configuration with wimax in option wireless card?
For using sim card with data plan?
That sim card is unlocked right ? I can using any sim card ?

 

I got a great rep last night and was able to get a great discount...lemme knw if you still need a rep

 

You need a plan with WiMax, and WiMax coverage. WiMax is not the same thing as just popping the SIM out of your phone and putting it into your laptop. It is its own technology. Clearwire used to be the big provider, but I think Sprint has a big WiMax network in the US. Not sure if who else really runs a WiMax network...

 

1. Where is the option for the 6205 wifi card? I only see the included Wifi Link, the 6250 wifi card with WiMax, and the Killer Wireless one.
2. Gotcha, I think I'll just get the cable. Thanks.

Last question, is the upgrade for the LCD panel from 720 --> 900 a big difference? Will it significantly use more cpu power?

 

I think Dell recently (as in this week, if not just the last couple of days) changed their wifi options. They make you skip all the way up to the Killer now. Good card, but it's a bit of a cash grab to force such a big jump up.

As for the 900p screen, it is a big upgrade. How often do you use your screen on a laptop? Yup, 100% of the time. You can never really replace more resolution. It does not use more CPU power, as the CPU doesn't really do a lot here. Does it use more GPU power? Yes, it does when gaming, but the GT 555M should be able to handle most of today's games at 900p with really high settings. You can always drop down to a lower res in the future though as games begin to outpace your GPU at 900p.

 

Thanks everythingsablur
Last question ^^

I've been playing around with the preset starting points before customization occurs. I noticed when you choose a high end preset, you can't downgrade anything

In terms of price, is it better to start with the low end preset and upgrade? Most of my preferences are what the high end preset have, except the preset has some features that are upgraded in places where I wouldn't bother upgrading (3.0 gb ram instead of 1.5 gb, for example).

I tested with both the high end and low end preset. After adding certain features not including in either (security software, warranty), I got the high end to be about $100 more expensive than the low end. Although, the high end had upgrades valued at around $200 which I wouldn't ordinarily get, like the gpu and ram upgrade. Should I just take the high end deal for 50% off the upgrades? Or am I just falling into their trap to make more money.....

 

The high-end is surprisingly decent enough, despite the gouging. I added an i7 and 900p screen to the midgrade config (both essential, personally) and at that point I just said screw it and went with the Dell dual channel DDR in the high-end stock config instead of using Newegg since the backback they throw in (which is too hideous to wear in public) basically cancels out the difference once you sell it on Ebay.

The gpu upgrade is worthless though, as mentioned.

Another reason to go with stock is that there's a decent chance it will be in production limbo for less time than a custom order would be.

 

Awwww, I just ordered mine 3 days ago I would have gone for the Killer Wireless Card aswell. Ahwell I cant be bothered to cancel and re-order it.

But anyway, go for the Killer Wifi, they're awesome!

Actually, now that i think about, if you have the Killer Wifi card, you dont meet the minimum specification to use Intels Sandybridge Widi technology (Your required to have a Centrino 1000/6205/6250/etc wifi card and a Sandybridge Cpu) So then you would have the get the $99 Internal transmitter in order to be able to use any wireless HD technology!

 

I'm just taking the base config ($1099) and adding:

+ i7-2630QM
+ 1600x900 screen
+ Intel 6250 Wi-Fi

That's it. Comes to $1324. There's currently a $50 coupon out there I believe, so $1274 at worse case. Hopefully over phone I can get them down to about $1100, so less than $1200 shipped with tax.

Might decide on X-Fi audio, but not sure what that does. Also have my own SSD and RAM to install so whatever it comes with is fine by me. Give me a spare, or sell it for a few bucks.

 

Any reason why not many US based customers order through HIDevolution? Their configuration choices are much wider.

 

What I noticed with my experience ,,,was the lower the variant....the lesser the discount,,,,so fix your budget and try Nd order a slightly higher variant so that the rep gives you a bigger discount ...like say 100-250$ plus insist on adding the 50$ coupon ..hope this helps...if you choose the base...they generally don't give much...my advice go for the 1499...and try a 200 $ off(haggle) + 50 coupon

 

I've tried different approaches through several reps and couldn't get them to budge one iota. I think the M14x is a great machine, just about $250 more expensive than it should be. Hence, Sager NP8130 ordered!

 

How important is an upgrade from 4GB to 8GB of RAM?

I currently have two builds.
I took the Economy build and added these to get about $1350:
i7 2630QM
1600x900
Killer network card
Bluetooth

The Premium build+Killer network card comes out to $1500 but also has:
8GB RAM
3GB Graphics

Now I know the extra graphics RAM doesn't give you anything extra, but I do kinda want it just to say I have 3GB lol. I'd also get the backpack, and I would be more likely to get a bigger discount for choosing the last tier package.

Going from 4 to 8 in memory RAM in the Economy build will cost around $200, making it better to just get the Premium build (only $150 more).
SO, is the 8GB RAM upgrade a good idea? I know 4GB is good for now, but will 8GB be great?

 

8 GB can't hurt. If you can get a better discount to offset their expensive upcharge for RAM then I guess it's worth it. You can buy 8GB of DDR3 1333 (all that you really need for i7-2630QM) for $50-$60. They're charging your $150 to go from 4GB to 8GB. That's like 6x the price increase. So in other words, unless you can save over $100 by getting the 8GB RAM, don't bother.

 

True...I ordered the 1499 machine...top of the line...and got it for 1199 + tax

 

Congrats on the NP 8130 ..awesome

 

How'd you get it that low?

 

Yeah, that seems incredibly unlikely without an inside connection.

 

And congrats on your M14! I do like the M14s, but GT 555m 1600x900 DVDRW vs GTX 560m, 1920x1080, blu-ray for same price... If I didn't use my machine for HD movies, I might have opted for the M14x though.

 

I got lucky....but seriously a quote of 1299 is achievable....like I said higher variant bigger discounts...ask him to come down 150$ and then applythe 50$ coupon...you'll make it....just need the right sales rep..

 

NP 8130 sounds like a great machine bro...the only reason I coudnt consider Sager or for that matter why I returnded the dv6t is because they don't have an international warranty and I might need that

 

trooper, who was your rep? I want him! (or her )

 

lol....i was a victim of some confusion...but...definetly...discounts of 150-200 are feasible

 

Hey everyone. New to the forum. Wanted to say hello and solicit feedback. Just purchased my new M14x on Wednesday the 13th. ETA is the 28th. I'm upgrading from my M11x R1. Below is the configuration that I went with.

1 Intel Core i7 2720QM 2.2GHz (3.3GHz Turbo Mode, 6M cache
1 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz
1 14.0 High Def+ (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight
1 3.0GB DDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus technology
1 256GB Solid State Drive SATA 3Gb/s
1 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit Service Pack 1
1 Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio - Software Enabled
1 Killer Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO for Gaming and Video
1 Internal 60GHz WirelessHD Transmitter
1 Internal Bluetooth 3.0

Basically the current high end upgrade + savings configuration on Dell.com. Added some other things like the SSD. I know the 3 GB on the GFX is redundant but I wanted to take advatage of the initial $273 in total savings before the $50 coupon and another veteran discount. Upgrading from the next down configuration and foregoing the 3 GB GFX would have cost about $35 more. I've got a few questions. Any responses are greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone.

1. Has anyone had the chance to test the killer wireless-N card and what have you experienced with it? I'm using a Netgear WNDR3700 and I have Comcast extreme 50mbps. I would like to know if anyone has noticed improvement on range/speedtest/pingtest. My M11x did okay with speedtest (27mbps down/6 mbps up.) I always had a good bit of packet loss on ping test so I was hoping that this new wireless card would improve that. I'm also upgrading my cable connects from modem to router to cat 6a shielded from cables to go. Hopefully this better cable will increase speed and reduce interference.

2. What brand and model SSD does Dell put in the M14x? Is it the same as the one in the M11x R1?

3. Any real word tests and reviews of the wirless HD and Vizio tuner? I'll run the Vizio tuner to my receiver in my living room. I can't wait to try it out. I have a Pioneer Elite Pro-141 60" display that was calibrated by Gregg Loewen of Lion A/V out of Pensacola. I'm running a Denon AVR-990 with a klipsch 5.1 surround setup that should make the gaming pretty sweet.

 

Sarge, what did your total come to?

 

Around $2,375

 

So I am going to order this laptop and was going to call the dell rep to try and get a little more of a discount for those who have bought it anyone gotten the SSD I was going back and forth about adding it to my laptop.

 

Please let me know which number should I call and who's the rep I should ask for.

I already placed my order a few days ago through the offical website. Can I still get the discount? Do I have to cancel the order and have the rep do it again over the phone or can the rep just do something to the order?

Please help. I am new to this forum. Thank you very much!

my e-mail is [email protected]

 

trooper1414, could you also email me and let me know how much discount you got if you don't mind? Since my specs is exactly the same as yours

 

I just got a great deal on my system price was $1,182.93 + Tax

If anyone wants to know how I did it shoot me a PM

Here is picture proof of the deal

 

I am buying this computer for 3d modeling and texturing mostly work purposes can you please recommend a set up for me. Should I get the 3.0 graphics card then or still no? I don't know how to update it myself so just best set up I can get through dell I would like even if it costs more besides the ssd card that is way too expensive for the upgrade for me but I'm thinking about the 750gb.

I also want to watch media on it video and listen to music play games rarely. I will also be using an external monitor a lot or watching some videos on my tv. I want to order it very soon so please reply soon if you can. Thank you!

Here is the set up I picked so far please let me know if you see any problems or things that won't make any difference for the money...

Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
Processor Intel® Core™ i7 2820QM 2.3GHz (3.4GHz w/Turbo Boost, 8MB Cache)
Memory 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz
Display Panel 14.0" High Def+ (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight
Video Card 3.0GB DDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus™ technology
Hard Drive 750GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s
Optical Drive 8x SuperMulti DVD±R/RW Slot Load Optical Drive
Audio Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
Wireless Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO for Gaming & Video
Hardware Support Services 1 Year Basic Plan
Mobile Broadband None
WirelessHD None

 

If you aren't intending on playing video games, and are looking to do actual creative design work on a laptop, you are totally looking in the wrong place. Do not look at the M14x. The screen quality is average at best, and you need none of what this system is built and priced for (gaming?).

If you have to stay in the Dell lineup, go look at an XPS 15. Either GPU will be fine for what you're doing (GT 525M or 540M), but get the upgraded B+RG LED 1080p screen. It has a 95% gamut, and it considered one of the best LCDs you will find in a laptop anywhere. For the same price as an M14x, you get a bigger LCD, a significantly better LCD, a Blu-Ray drive, and an eSATA port.

If/when the HP dv6's switching graphics issue is fixed (new BIOS is coming), that's another solid option with a very good screen (matte finish, 1080p, between 60-75% gamut depending on which screen you get), weighs less than the M14x (and is actually smaller than the M14x by about 1 cubic inch ), and has a better GPU (marginally). Assuming all you need support for is OpenGL of course. If your rendering programs takes advantage of other Nvidia features like CUDA, then go in that direction.

 

If your still set on the m14x then the only thing you've missed is to upgrade the wifi card. Get the 6250 or Killer N, the 1000is abysmally bad....

 

I want to know. There is no contact information in your profile. Please email me [email protected] and let me know which number to call, who to ask for, and how. Thank you so much!

 

Call any rep and ask for the 25% disc(hot summer savings) Ull get a better deal with the 25%

 

What is this 25% you talk about? Tempted to buy one right now if price is right.

 

Im looking to get AW m14x
but will it be more poweful than the Asus G53JW

or can some one recommend another Gaming Laptop under 7lbs ?

 

From a GPU perspective, far less powerful than the G53JW at stock speeds (GT 555M vs. GTX 460M). People seem to have good results overclocking the GT 555M to get up to 460M levels, but it will not be more powerful than a G53.

From a CPU perspective, it will trump te G53JW handily. Even the lowest quad core mobile Sandy Bridge i7 is faster than the best first gen mobile i7.

Other gaming laptops under 7 lbs? Sager NP8150 and NP8130 (Clevo P150hm and P151hm).

 

I ordered my m14x. I am a newb so please advice. How do I overclock the CPU, GPU, and RAM. Is it safe? I want the system to perform at its best without damaging it. Please let me know which is the best overclock config and how to do it. Thanks!!

 

CPU, not really. Only Intel's Extreme CPUs are truly overclockable.
RAM, in the BIOS.
GPU, lots of threads on that. Several software apps will do it for you.

Is it safe? Within reason.
Will it cause damage? Potentially. If you push hard, it could die quickly. If you push softly, it could still reduce in lifespan (running parts hotter than specified). This is why people have disclaimers absolving themselves of any damage you might cause to your system if you overclock it.

 

CPU should be good enough. I think I will not overclock it.

How do I overclock the RAM? any tutorial?

I want to overclock so the system runs at its full potential, but i dont want to shorten the life of the system. any suggestions to overclock it but at a safe level that would not shorten the life significantly or damage the system?

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/566206-overclocking-gt-555m-card.html

 

Thank you
is the AW 14x screen better than the Asus G53 ?
cos Asus screen sucks

 

Depends what you are looking for in a screen, and which G53JW screen you are looking at.

Assuming it's the glossy 1080p screen on the G53 and the HD+ screen on the M14x...

M14x:
+ Better contrast
+ Very bright and well distributed
+ Good black
+ Good viewing angles for a glossy screen
- Smaller
- Poor colour space/gamut reproduction
- Glossy

G53JW (FullHD):
+ Higher resolution
+ Bigger
+ Greater pixel density (slight; 141 vs. 131)
+ Covers most of the sRGB colour space
- Poor contast
- So-so black level
- Mediocre viewing angles
- Glossy (ok, my opinion, I dislike glossy)

Both screens are behind some of the truly superb screens you can find in other laptops (Dell XPS 15 B+RG LED, Sager/Clevo 95% gamut screen options, HP dv6 w/ 1080p screen is really good especially at that price), but I guess you could give the M14x the edge, even if it's slight.

 

THANK YOU
+ rep

 

Hey All,

Looking for some advice want a Alienware M14x but not going to spend a fortune.

Is this one
Dell.com/Alienware14x Deal

Worth the extra £200 over the base model or would the £200 be better spent else where?