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    *OFFICIAL* M14x Owner's Lounge Thread - READ BEFORE POSTING

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by BatBoy, May 15, 2011.

  1. eats7

    eats7 Notebook Evangelist

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    Here is the link. should fix the issue, if not, it was worth a try :p

    Drivers and Downloads
     
  2. tehd00d111

    tehd00d111 Notebook Enthusiast

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    omg i tried to apply the camera firmware and it failed, now my camera doesnt work! What should i do?
     
  3. tehd00d111

    tehd00d111 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I tried to reinstall the firmware update but it tells me "this device does not need a firmware update." I tried using the creative software and skype to start up the camera, but it isnt detected by them. windows detects it as "Sonix technology Co. Ltd" and it is listed as working properly. Also tried uninstalling the driver and reinstalling but no go. Is there any way to force the firmware installer to reinstall?
     
  4. sKiTzaH

    sKiTzaH Newbie

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    The screen is the only thing putting me off, I've heard mixed things.
     
  5. f.debrouwer

    f.debrouwer Newbie

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    After installation do a cold boot; it works for me.
     
  6. tehd00d111

    tehd00d111 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Still not working after numerous cold boots.
     
  7. eats7

    eats7 Notebook Evangelist

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    hmmm.. i'm not sure what to tell you, i had no problems when it did mine..maybe go into device manager and uninstall the camera driver and then apply this?
     
  8. tehd00d111

    tehd00d111 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I get a "no device error" when i do that. If i restart the sonix technology driver installs itself and I am back to "This device does not need a firmware update".
     
  9. eats7

    eats7 Notebook Evangelist

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    when did you purchase your m14x?
     
  10. tehd00d111

    tehd00d111 Notebook Enthusiast

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    about a week after launch. I guess I'm going to have to contact dell about it.
     
  11. Cstratton21

    Cstratton21 Newbie

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    New to the forum, new to Alienware just wanted to say whats up!

    What kind of battery life is everyone getting and is there any software you recommend for me to download as far as performance utilities go!

    Gosustrat - Steam name
    I am thinking about playing WoW again if anyone has a good server :)

    Thanks!
     
  12. Gromblelord

    Gromblelord Newbie

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    Nice one Batboy a concise selection of useful links if only manufacturer sites were this easy.


    Alienware M14x -i7 2820QM / Nvidia GeForce GT555M 1.5GB / 8GB Kinston hyper X XMP RAM / 900P Screen / Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6205 / Bluetooth 3.0 / OCZ Vertex 2E 120 GB / Windows 7 Pro
     
  13. Paddon

    Paddon Notebook Evangelist

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  14. eats7

    eats7 Notebook Evangelist

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    looks like a problem with your ssd
     
  15. Paddon

    Paddon Notebook Evangelist

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    thats what i thought, but i had it replaced and i still have the same problem
     
  16. eats7

    eats7 Notebook Evangelist

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    try a different brand of ssd or hard drive. it doens seem to have anything to do with the computer.
     
  17. Paddon

    Paddon Notebook Evangelist

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    yeah but thats not very practical idea because they cost like £200 per SSD :p

    the original HDD is fine though
     
  18. Redskins0

    Redskins0 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Just got my M14x yesterday and I've noticed that on the top, middle left hand corner of the screen bezel there is a ~1mm gap between the screen and the rubber/plastic rim that encloses the screen (gap spans about 2 inches). I can see light seeping out of this gap so is this common or did I receive a defective unit?

    I think I can use a little super glue and squeeze in and close the gap but I want to know if this is an appropriate/safe fix to this problem? Is it worth sending the unit in for repair or will they exchange it for a brand new unit since it's within the 21 day return period?

    Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.
     
  19. vasvas

    vasvas Notebook Consultant

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    Can u take a picture of the problem??
     
  20. Panchowska

    Panchowska Notebook Guru

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    Just got my M14X :D.

    A question, I had the HDD replaced with the Momentus (in a shop, not Dell), do I bother making a clean install?

    Another ones :D
    AlienTouch is the only program that lets you change stuff of the trackpad? I want it to be quicker, i can't go from side to side in one movement :/

    Is there any way to use the media buttons without that stupid FN key (one click is what I'm looking for)?

    And finally, when using the media buttons on iiTunes, is there a way to make them work when you're doing something else on another program with itunes opened? (like in a Mac, sorry, i'm coming from that side)
     
  21. eats7

    eats7 Notebook Evangelist

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    I'd like to know about these too.
     
  22. Netherwind

    Netherwind Notebook Evangelist

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    Quick question for you folks, does the m14x exhibit the same keyboard/screen touching issues that the m11x suffers from?
     
  23. Panchowska

    Panchowska Notebook Guru

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    Found this: How to have keyboard Multimedia and Fn keys enabled at the same time UberUllu.com

    Let's you use the play pause and volume buttons without pressing the Fn key, but the rest works as F keys.

    Also, it seems like right now you can't use the media buttons with iTunes properly, so I use the itunes gadget and check the "always on top" option. It's not the same, but is easier than opening iTunes again.
     
  24. CASteinman

    CASteinman Notebook Consultant

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    I would not superglue that. If you ever have to replace the screen you may regret the glue causing you to purchase a new bezel which may also not fit.
     
  25. Panchowska

    Panchowska Notebook Guru

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    Hey, in some games I'm seeing some annoying horizontal lines when the camera moves too fast, especially in "movie" scenes in games.

    Is it a drivers problem? Am I the only one?
     
  26. FearEffect

    FearEffect Notebook Guru

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    No, it's not a driver problem. It's called screen tearing. It happens almost everytime.
    You can fix it by enabling vertical synchronication (most of the time it's written as V-Sync or Vertical Sync). Most games have this option but you can also activate it via Nvidia control panel.
    But the possible downsides of vertical synchronization are lower FPS and slower mouse reaction
     
  27. Panchowska

    Panchowska Notebook Guru

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    Ok, thanks. In most games goes unnoticed, but in Crysis is frustrating :p
     
  28. eats7

    eats7 Notebook Evangelist

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    did this work for you? i ran the exe, but i still have to press fn+xx
     
  29. Panchowska

    Panchowska Notebook Guru

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    Yep, music related bottons work, but again, it's a really ty solution.
     
  30. nbellowe

    nbellowe Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey guys, did I get a deal, or ripped off? 1500$ for a new (well UNused)
    Intel Core i7-2720QM processor (3.33 GHz with Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache)
    750GB 7200RPM HDD
    Nvidia GeForce GT555M Optimus Graphics with 3GB VRAM
    14" WLED HD+ Display (1600X900)
    Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 Wireless Card
    Internal Bluetooth 3.0 Module
    1600MHz 8GB
    Internal 60GHz WirelessHD Transmitter
    8x SuperMulti DVD±R/RW Slot Load Optical Drive
     
  31. SubScriptZero

    SubScriptZero Notebook Guru

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    Thats an excellent deal, Where did you manage to get that??
     
  32. kimjonathanh

    kimjonathanh Notebook Enthusiast

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    Id like to know as well :O
     
  33. nbellowe

    nbellowe Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ebay :p I've been keeping tabs on ebay/craigslist for a month, and Im glad to know it finally paid off!
     
  34. nbellowe

    nbellowe Notebook Enthusiast

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    Does anyone have any experience with the wireless HD? Is it really no lag???
     
  35. towelie892

    towelie892 Newbie

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    I was wondering exactly how bad for the battery is it if you have it plugged in for long time periods often? I am considering buying this laptop for college and I'd have it plugged in at my dorm for games but then also using it unplugged in other locations for schoolwork, and unscrewing the battery and back cover all the time would be a major annoyance, which is reinforcing my idea that I should get a Sager NP5165 which has a very easily removable battery.
     
  36. IWISHIHADMYALIENWARE

    IWISHIHADMYALIENWARE Newbie

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    Here are the specs for my laptop that was supposed to come july 5th and it is the 29th. my computer was delayed 4 times already. Dell customer support is worthless.<Its like talking to a wall> if my alienware computer doesnt come i am going to buy a Battalion. any way i wish it would come because i start my sophomore year of college the 22nd of next month.

    Intel Core i7 2630QM 2.0GHz (2.9GHz Turbo Mode, 6M cache)
    4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz
    Alienware M14X 150W A/C Adapter
    14.0 High Def (720p/1366x768) with WLED backlight
    1.5GB DDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus technology
    500GB 7200RPM SATA 3GB/s
    Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
    Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner, DVD+-RW, CD-RW
    Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio - Software Enabled
    Intel Wireless-N WiFi Link 1000 a/g/n 1x2
    Internal Bluetooth 3.0
    (Not A Gamer)
     
  37. wesfry92

    wesfry92 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Just ordered my m14x a few days ago through nactownag(you really should check him out [email protected] if looking to order anything from dell) and am currently awaiting for it to be shipped!
     
  38. IWISHIHADMYALIENWARE

    IWISHIHADMYALIENWARE Newbie

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    Oh and today Dell decided to change the shipping date again. I was supposed to receive my alienware computer 3 weeks ago and they have been delaying it ever since. I called several times only to get the same information over and over "the Dell alienware m14x is a discontinued model" I thought that was funny. They said I wasn't going to get it until october 4 2011 I ordered it on June 27 2011. I'm sick n tired of Dell!!!!!
     
  39. Panchowska

    Panchowska Notebook Guru

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    A question for those with iTunes. I made itunes the default program to open mp3 files, but when I clicked them nothing happens. To add them to the library I have to go to iTunes then chose "add folder".

    Is there a solution? (dragging them to itunes won't work neither)
     
  40. vtxracer

    vtxracer Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi !
    Just ordered a M14x for 1499 $ (including an orion backpack)
    Specs
    i7 2630
    3GB Nvidia 555M
    900p Screen
    8GB DDR3 1600MHz
    500GB
    Intel Wifi 6250
    BT 3.0
    custom nameplate
     
  41. killbeagle

    killbeagle Notebook Geek

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    No idea, but (and please someone correct me if I'm wrong) I think I've seen a setting in the bios to deactivate charging for the battery, which IMO would be like taking it out...?
     
  42. FelipY2K

    FelipY2K Notebook Consultant

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    where did you get that?
     
  43. Nick

    Nick Professor Carnista

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    Does the M14X with an i5 processor throttle as much when gaming on battery vs the i7 model?
     
  44. nbellowe

    nbellowe Notebook Enthusiast

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    I could be wrong, but I believe that is the highest end deal from dell! :)
     
  45. nbellowe

    nbellowe Notebook Enthusiast

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    It would have little to no effect on throttling. :\
     
  46. vtxracer

    vtxracer Notebook Enthusiast

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    From dells website.
    Alienware M14x Gamer Laptop Details | Dell (the third one that costs 1499).
    But i have to pay about 150 $ extra for shipping and customs charges to ship to my country. (and wait over a month to get it...) I ordered it from america because the best price i could get here (for the base model) was nearly 2500 $ !!!
     
  47. nbellowe

    nbellowe Notebook Enthusiast

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    Guys, I thought you would be interested in this. I like it a lot. View attachment Theme10.zip

    Rep if you like it, it took me a while. :p
     
  48. Panchowska

    Panchowska Notebook Guru

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    How do you activate the usb that charges without needing the pc to be on?
     
  49. vtxracer

    vtxracer Notebook Enthusiast

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    What antivirus software do you use on your M14x ?
    I am going to install kasperksy PURE when i get mine, but i am worried if its too 'heavy' for a laptop.
    Any suggestions ?
     
  50. Nick

    Nick Professor Carnista

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