17x vs. 18x build quality

I'm curious what the build quality difference [if any] is between the 17x and the 18x, specifically the chassis/body.

I currently own an Apple MBP [EWWWWWW!!! I know] but want to move over to AW in the next month or so. However, one of the aspects of the MBP I really like is the build quality of the chassis. The lack of flex due to the all aluminum construction is nice, as is the increased hardness and thus scratch-resistance.

I've heard that the 17x has a lower quality build than the 18x, specifically that some of the panels are plastic on the 17x as opposed to Aluminum on the 18x.

However, I'm interested in the 17x due to the screen upgrade options not available in the 18x, as well as the 7970 [though this will be available in the 18x in time I know].

Can anyone provide any feed back in build quality [specifically chassis quality] between the 17x and the 18x?

 

The M18x definitely has a better build quality due to the use of more aluminum in the construction. However, don't discredit the build quality of the M17x. It is still a sturdy machine and the rubberized material isn't all that bad. I have been using my R3 for nearly a year and I haven't experienced any issues with the rubber peeling or becoming discolored. The rubber does, however, get a bit worn. The wear can be lessened by using a mouse though since your hands won't be on the chassis as much.

What screen upgrade options are you talking about? The M17x and M18x have the same panel specifications (1920x1080p and 60hz).

 

I believe the M17x has a plastic chassis, while the M18x still utilizes a metal chassis. M17x is overall much lighter with the switch of ODM since last generation as plastic weighs less than metal.

Oh and by the way, any kind of brushed metal chassis will make it prone to scratches, my Latitude 13 had its fair share of scratches after 11 months of use.

The M17x is a decent color gamut LCD, nowhere near the R2's RGBLED display.

 

Well, the R3 and the R4 are worse compared to the M18x due to the plastic chassis, but the R1, and R2 are basically identical in terms of build quality.

 

R1/R2 were built by Flextronics, and all the new Alienwares starting from Sandy Bridge are all Compal. M18x R1/R2 are close to the Flextronics one.