Buying an Alienware M17x (R1?) off Craigslist

As I've mentioned in a different forum, I'm looking to buy a laptop. I was browsing Craigslist and came across this post Alienware M17x - Space Black Anodized Aluminum

I've already contacted the seller mentioning that I am interested, and am currently awaiting a reply.

Now, what is everyone's opinion on this? Does it seem like a good deal? When I inspect the laptop, what should I specifically look for to insure there are no problems with it?
Can the processor be upgraded to a quad such as the QX9300, and the graphics cards to GTX280/285 SLI?
Lastly, I've noticed a lot of people mentioning micro-stuttering problems (already know what it is from desktop gaming.) If I bought it with a receipt and noticed the problem, would I be able to send it in for an R2 replacement like so many others?

Thanks,
Matt

 

I dont think they are replacing the M17x r1 with R2 anymore. But ask around.

 

Well, I may not even need to get it replaced. Were ALL R1's buggy, or just those with GTX280-SLI?

 

It should be fine with 4870's.

 

It has GTX260's. But for the price, it seems quite reasonable to upgrade to 4870's. Would 5870's be possible in the R1, and how complicated and costly of a process would it be to move from the GTX260's-4/5870's?

Thanks for the input so far, I'm definitely enjoying these forums.

 

A system with 260's will most likely have stuttering. I'm not sure if it was fixed eventually. Anyway, the 4870's will be much more powerful. For the 5870's to work you need a BIOS version that supports them and since R1 is going EOL, there's not much hope. In addition, 5870's run much hotter than 4870's (for me it's a deal breaker).
Replacing the cards is easy, you just need to get them from Dell (probably around 1k$ for 2 cards with heatsinks and the CF cable)

 

Hmm, maybe I'll try contacting Dell before I even purchase the laptop from the guy on Craigslist. Use my charming personality and stress that I need it within 2 weeks to finish some intense 3D modeling work. I could even do it through a business.

Also, there are a couple of other threads in this subforum that are talking about getting them replaced still. I'll send Dell an e-mail and see how that goes.

 

Do what you want as it is your business. But I highly recommend you keep these types of thoughts to yourself. There are a few higher up Dell reps/Alienware reps that browse this forum and I wouldn't doubt that they report back to HQ about people trying to take advantage of things like these. All of these exploitations have a negative effect on the buyers.

 

i seriously doubt that if you call them and tell them" hey im going to purchase this AW off of craigs list, and i suspect it may have stuttering, send me a Brand new computer" they will do anything for you, have you even confirmed that it has any warranty left? if it doesn't have any warranty, then you wont be able to send it in at all. for the price i would say its a good deal , and you can find the 4870s for a decent price and still come out of it ahead.

 

I'm not trying to take advantage of the system. I actually will be needing it for 3D modeling if I sell my current computer. My father owns a boat shop and we do custom machining, but he doesn't have the computer knowledge to do so, and the task is up to me.

I emailed the owner, and he stated that it was brand new and had a full warranty, however, I didn't go through with the purchase as I wouldn't be able to inspect the laptop before purchasing and the photos sent to me were both extremely low resolution and had no actual proof of ownership.

I apologize for making it seem as though I intended to abuse the system, but I was under the impression that most R1's with an SLI system were victim to stuttering problems. If I did purchase it, and it was under warranty, I should still have all the same rights to a refund/replacement if the repairs (in the case of it stuttering) didn't work (like for so many others)

 

AFAIK they issued a Bios revision that almost eliminated the stutter issue.

 

With the new nvidia drivers on my r1 I get no stutter at all.