A few question ....

I've been having a hell of a time getting a Q8100 with the fixed chipset from Toshiba so I'm looking into other desktop replacement laptops that I considered.

I'm not much of a gamer, but I wanted a decent system because I'm a heavy media user. Aside from videos and picture rendering I also stream a great deal, use the computer as the occasional entertainment system, and only game using MAME and the occasional Sims. Of course I use it for typical things like email, social networking, some spreadsheet work and music.

What are some (if any) known problems that would affect me or my choice in an M17x?

Any problems with keyboards or over-heating issues like the Asus?

Is it known that the Alienware actually DOES have the corrected B3 chipset inside it?

I'm just trying to figure out where I want to go as far as my remaining choices and interests in desktop replacement laptops.

Thanks

 

I'm not a competent pc guy by any means, but I'll do my best to answer your questions.

On the keyboard and heating issues, alienwares have some of the best cooling systems ever. Definitely no overheating. And if you are referring to the missed keystrokes on the asus g series, I definitely have not heard of any of that.

The new m17x r3 DOES have the corrected sandy bridge chipset.

The new sandy bridge systems will steamroll the old core2duo cpus, so you will get a nice boost in video editing performance.

Gaming, I don't know your old notebook's gpu, but the 460m and 6970 are more than capable of playing the latest games at max details, the 460m in 3d. The 460m might struggle with max details in 3d, but it's still a very powerful card, and more than enough for the casual gamer.

Hope this helps

 

Thanks for the info. I appreciate the response.

 

The M17x R2 should be available for really good prices from the Dell Outlet. The R3 is an awesome machine, too. But, you might find an R2 or R3 to be overkill since you're not really into intense gaming. Another option that would do the things you want to do and maybe save a few bucks is the Dell Vostro 3500 or 3700 series laptop. The Vostro 3700 is a 17.3" desktop replacement. These are business-grade machines that are spec'd nicely and have a good build quality. They have an aluminum chassis as well. Here is a link to check them out.