Alienware M17x Upgradeability

I plan to purchase the Alienware M17x in the near future. Of interest to me is the upgradeability of the laptop. Specifically,

-Is the video card upgradeable? If I decide now to get the ATI Radeon HD 5870 can I upgrade to the Dual ATI Radeon HD 4870 or the CrossfireX HD 5870 at a later time?

-Can I upgrade the processor? I intend to start with a i7 820QM but I would like to know if I can upgrade later.

Lastly, I know that this is not exactly the right forum for this question, but I am sure that someone is knowledgeable about this issue. I want a good panel (sharpness, contrast and deep color) and the Alienware comes with and RGB panel. I recently found out that the Studio 17 comes with a B+RG LED but I can’t find much information on this panel, so I was wondering if anyone knows the difference between the two. From what I was able to find, the Alienware (RGB) screen has 112% color gamut, while the Studio 17 (B+RG) has 92% color gamut. If this is true, is the difference noticeable? Is a 92% gamut is still better than most laptop screens?

Thank you kindly.

 

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yes, although 'upgrading' to CF4870's would cost significantly more than upgrading to CF 5870's.

yes, currently the 920XM is the fastest PPGA998 Intel processor which isn't a big step up from the 820

the RGB in the M17x is unique to the M17x, the only *better* screen that dell offers in their laptops is in the precision workstations. a 10% difference will not be noticeable unless you use photo shop or heavily color dependent and critical applications. The studio uses an above average screen for sure, but there are better solutions these days, it should be comparable to desktop LCD's of 1-2 years ago, which as I said, is above average.

 

Lozz, thanks for the advice. If I understanding you correctly, is the 10% difference between the M17x and the workstations or between the M17x and the Studio 17? I didn't think that the difference between the M17x and the Studio 17 would be great, since they are both above average. Are you recommending that I go for the M17x rather than the Studio 17?

To clarify, I want a good panel for high definition video production and viewing. I would also like to have a nice screen to watch blu-ray films and other high definition videos. I am trying to stay away from washed out screens that lack sharpness. Gaming and Youtube viewing would be secondary uses (especially since nowadays Youtube allows better encoded HD videos).

Incidentally, what is the color gamut on the 'average' laptop. I remember reading somewhere that it was in the 40-50% but I could be wrong.

 

OH boy! I too am hoping to find an answer to this question. I just bought a M17x and it was supposed to have the 1920*1200 screen but had the 1440*900 and I want to know if it can be changed(just the LCD) as the whole unit is too much for me. I have looked and looked and don't want to start aother thread about it. So i will bf following this one in hopes that someone can post how they did it or knows someone that did.

 

1. You will not see a huge difference between the 92% and 112% gamut. Both are quite good and 92% is above average for sure. There's a decent FHD 95% gamut panel available in Lenovo/HP/Dell 15" business systems. AFAIK, M17X has the same panel as M6500 and Lenovo W70Xx and those are considered best TN notebook panels. Only IPS screens are better but currently available only with a few selected systems from HP, Sony, and a few others.

2. Replacing/upgrading the screen is possible but expensive. Dell will charge you 1300$+ for the RGB LED. Even on Ebay those cost above 700$. If you just bought the system, return it for a refund and buy a new one with the 1200P RGB LED screen.

 

Something to note make sure to call alienware tech support to buy the 5870. It you press the number to make a purchase then it will take you to a dell rep that will tell you that you cant cause there are soddered to the mobo, which is not true. Alienware tech will know what your taking about and hook you up with everything you need.

 

Aikimox would it be too much to ask for links to the Lenovo and HP systems that you mentioned? I can't seem to find them.

I hope that the viewing angles on the FHD panels is good, at least not below the average.