Clear Coat/Soft Touch on M17xR3 Peeling

Yeah, myself, I'm not personally concerned with how the laptop works, and more how it performs.

I bought mine as a desktop replacement for this summer because I don't have a PC in california anymore. As long as I can play WoW, The Old Republic, and a few other games with good framerate, I'm happy.


It'll be nice to have a PC again, as well. All I have right now is my i7 iMac 27-inch and this macbook. :/

 

My Dell M6500 after 2 years was flawless, in fact when i had problems the "refurb" replacement screen lid was in significantly worse condition than my two year old one.

Always kept in a cotton sleeve in a Targus XL.

This peeling problem on the m17x r3 is more concerning for the frequent laptop changer who may want to sell in 12 months "in perfect condition".

Honestly a small chip or scratch on a high end machine on ebay or private sale can be as much as $400 - £250 off the price as it actually looks used.

 

What you want may seem to be what they cater for but the quality you want is not the quality that justifies their profit margins.

Well my dear boy, strip apart a R2 or a Dell XPS 1530 or a Dell XPS 1730 and then do the same on your R3. Then we can talk based on same level of experience. Quote your source about alienware rubberized once more in about 8 to 7 months. Let me see if you feel the same way as strongly as you felt in justifying it as what customers want. ( BUT PLS ENSURE YOU ARE USING IT AS THE MOBILITY NOTEBOOK THEY ARE ADVERTISING, NOT SITTING ON YOU OFFICE TABLE PRETTY)

Are you a science student or an engineer? Well it might help if you ask a design engineer. Rubber weakens on constant exposure to sebaceous oil and salt from your sweat, both of which will be present in abundance from you skin. Plus with the ambient temperature. It will weaken..You rubber will start disintegrating over time, from the bracelet or watch your wear. You have to be careful on the type of cleaners you use especially on rubberized surface.A rubberized surface is more prone to cuts and nicks which can be come larger over time.

Man do I really have to make you realize this. Any person, who has used rubberized parts, would know the end result of constant contact.

What are you gonna do then? I am pretty sure you are going to con Dell at that time and accuse them of poor quality part and ask for a part replacement or push for a replacement if they have a better system out at that time.

UNLESS OF COURSE YOUR DELL FRIEND HAS PROMISED THAT YOUR SPECIAL SYSTEM CAME WITH PREMIUM RUBBERIZED COATING THAT HAS THE SAME QUALITY AS LEE COOPER INDUSTRIAL BOOTS.

And pls dont even compare the current build of Dell XPS series. Its a far far cry from what the real XPS used to be. Wake up man...look at the amount of money you are paying for. Be practical about what premium means. You cant have it both ways. Premium means premium quality. You pay premium bucks. Not PREMIUM PEELING, PREMIUM BSODS, PREMIUM DELL DRIVERS THAT DONT WORK. PREMIUM PART REPLACEMENT WITH REFURBISHED COMPONENTS.

Is that why people are putting super glue near the right corner of their media press buttons in R3. Is that another example of what people asked for? A businessmen will say mostly what you want to hear. Use you own head to discern the various issues encircling R3.

Do you really recommend people to go through the customer care to sort these issues. Do you know how many times they actually make the situation worse thanks to their premium untrained tech personnel who is actually not a direct Dell engineer but a guy who works with a company to whom Dell outsources their service calls.

The only damn thing about that is great about Dell and Alienware is that we can configure. Maybe you guys in America have access to other companies as an alternate choice. We from Asia etc do not have that luxury. Dell is the only company that allows much customisation. And Dell also gives a very flexible warranty service. I think you should know why its imperative that Dell tries its best to give a good warranty service. Its because you will need one soon enough. And this is the only thing that prevents people like me from buyin an Acer or compaq or Apple etc. Because they are very difficult to chase after.

Dell is alot more easier to Deal with on warranty issues. But that doesnt mean they should take it for granted when manufacturing a product and depend on the good name of their warranty services.

By the way, if they choose to go by the fine print, you being a guy without complete cover can be absolutely denied as the first customer care person said. You are lucky they are not strict in enforcing their fine print, unless someone wants to be a stiff stick.

 

I see what you're saying but I still don't think the peeling is acceptable. Sorry to hear it can happen on Latitude too. I guess try the Thinkpad then. They don't peel. In my opinion, the OP *should* insist on a replacement. Even if the laptop is lugged around a lot, it shouldn't look this bad after only what 1-2 months. After 2 years, I mean OK, understandable it will show lots of sign of wear. But so soon, I mean look at the pics - it looks awful.

Last few times I checked here, Dell PR reps, or whatever the proper name is, have gone out of their day and helped a lot of folks here, so I am optimistic they'll take of it for him.

 

Wow, this is really disturbing. Hopefully this just turns out to be a bad batch and not a widespread thing. I don't know why they are even doing these rubberized finishes. Powder coating would have been much more durable, although the rubber finish does feel nice. It's weird because my $60 Logitech remote has one of these finishes and it hasn't peeled at all in the 3 years I've owned it, and it gets used heavily each and every day. Looks like something going on with the factory Dell is using to paint these.

 

I wish they at least used the material from the M15x. Its not as heavy as the anodized aluminum like the M17x R1 and R2 if they wanted to keep the weight down. Then they could at least have durabilty + great finish on the notebook without having to worry about this kind of issue.

My guess is its just a bad patch of paint/material. But I still prefer the R2's anodized aluminum over the soft touch any day.

Lets give it a bit of time and see if others experience this as well.

 

My wife and I have mice that have a rubberized coating on the sides that are in constant contact with a thumb and fingers when using them. We both game so they do get a workout. Anyways, we have been using them for well over 2 and 3 years. I have been using the same mouse at work for over 3 years with rubber sides. My work does require a fair amount of mouse activity at times.

I am guessing there is a lot of friction, heat, dirt, oil, and who knows what else coming from our finger tips. Sure there is a little wear on the sides, but you know... the damn rubber part just won't deteriorate on any one of them – arrrggghhhh. What the heck, even the mouse buttons are not giving us any problems.

Perhaps I am expecting too much here, but I really hope the durability of the rubber on our $2500 laptop meets or exceeds that of our $30 mice. If it’s not, then perhaps we need to put Alienware in touch with the mice manufacturers.

 

Haha tell me about it. Logitech's G9 mouse peeled like crazy, they fixed it in the G9x and sent anyone who complained new ones. Rubber coating indeed can be durable. Here's to hoping that Alienware will deliver the goods.

 

That guy got so angry that I only skimmed his blistering response.
I'm an architect, not an engineer (though I frequently have to do their work for their lazy arses to get results).

Fyi, I'm one of the two people in this thread who actually have the problem of peeling/f'd up corners because the rubberized fail just happened to live up to it's reputation extremely early with me. Two people with an early issue - me being one of them - does not equal poor quality. Yes, these two products were defective. How many contribute to unwanted/unplanned pregnancies every year? How many of those condoms were just used improperly and not truly defective?

Yes, I just compared this laptop to a condom, and no - I'm also not sure why.

Why can't I compare a new XPS vs. a new alienware?
Both are comparatively poor quality vs. their predecessors.

In my opinion, anyone branding this model as fail because 2 forum guys got peely corners are drawing conclusions a little early. Yes, the laptops will probably eventually start peeling unless you don't touch them with your dirty human hands and don't move it from your gamez desk. Does that matter to you? It doesn't to me. It matters to me if it happens within an unrealistic period of time (let's say 2 months for example)

Take it easy there champ.

 

I did not come to harp on the R3 but was just backing up what Joker said and all that based off my close friends opinion of the machine..

I am still interested in the R3 at the end of the day regardless of the issues because all laptops/computers have there shortcomings to some degree.

We shall see in a couple/few months how the majority of peoples machines are holding up from daily use/abuse and go from there.

As someone else said, for people that never move it from there desk or put it in a bag they really dont count because lets face it what can happen to a machine moving it from room to room ?. Aside from dropping it, not much .

I dont take my machine to many places so i really am not to worried about the peeling aspect myself but more so about the flimsy keyboard,loose battery,cheap quality plastic of the bottom of the machine because yeah when your paying $2000+ these issues should not be there.

Alienware/Dell has the best warranty and the most features so they still win regardless and im sure they know that .

My motto is "as long as your happy, that's all that counts" .

 

My guess is that it was maybe just a bad batch......but we wont know for sure unless more people report the issue.

The thing is, other R3 owners may not use the notebook in a more "abusive" way. Some people, like Kunekaden mentioned, won't move their notebook from their desk. The people who actually move their notebook around from place to place (carrying it in a case to work, school, etc) everyday are the ones it will most likely affect first and the most.

I myself never really move my R2 from my desk.....so I can only assume the majority of R3 users do the same, being a big notebook, which is why there are probably not many people with this "peeling" issue. Not to mention, it has not been really long that the notebook was released.

Time will tell.....

 

Nothing seething towards you brother.....rather its a frustration against Dell. I have been on receiving end from them over the last 3 years. I call them for a pin hole problem. They create a crater of a problem..

I can assure you Dell or Alienware notebooks do not go through the testing that a trojan or durex condom goes through. Please dont sully these condom manufacturers. Check on the you tube on condom production. Have you seen how Dell produces a notebook? You should walk into their production factory. I have because I was invited over to the their Penang Factory when Malaysia was the hub prior to China.

Since they moved the production to China their quality has just simply come down. You do realise the parts being assembled are sub contracted to various manufacturers including the chassis.

Tell me why do you think Dell moved to China.Their quality was much better while in Malaysia and even in the states. DO you see this quality drop only in Dell. Pretty much anything made in China has this ominous problem.

Its about money my friend.Simple money.

5 years ago I had a discussion with Northern Nokia Director for India. He explained to me, the reason why we see increases drop in quality or increase complains from users is because we just dont have the time to check all the parameters for quality control. He said its addressed on the go once its out in the field, which means you, the consumer hands. They cant wait to be out gunned by a rival product.

Forgot about R3. Are you not paying premium for your product? Tell me, do you even see the slightest hint of that money being displayed in the level of their Customer service reps or engineers?

Be honest and tell me , do you? If you dont, then you must agree that Dell is producing a substandard product.

As a company when you sell a product. The quality starts before the sale, during the sale, and after the sale. It encompasses not only the product specifically. Nobody here is defending R2 or R3 ..or should either.

Speak and be justified cause we all seek enlightenment through each other's experience and also factually substantiated views.

I have no anger towards you. I have read your various threads and complains too. I think its illogical that you are trying to defend against the assumption that R3 severely lacks quality control, WHEN THE PROOF IS GLARING! since its first release.

I hope you get your system sorted out for the money you paid. If you are opting for services...PLEASE KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED ON WHAT HE OR SHE IS DOING.

Good luck.. ALIENWARE M17X R3 IS A GOOD SYSTEM SPEC WISE. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT.WHY DO U THINK I M FOLLOWING R3 THREADS. FOR FUN?. I AM INTERESTED ABOUT IT OF COURSE. BUT THE OTHER UNWANTED HEADACHES MIGHT JUST LEAVE YOU IN A ROOM FOR SURGERY BY OUR FAMOUS DELL SURGEONS. THAT IS FAR LARGER HEADACHE THAT THE BEAUTIFUL SPECS R3 POSSESSES AND THE SHEER FEELING OF BEING FOOLED FOR THE MONEY YOU PAID.

P.S I follow your threads and responses because I think you are someone better than me in this field.

 

This is a good point. C.R.E.A.M. get the money, dolla dolla bill y'all.

 

What I totally agree with Joker on what he said a few lines above. But Dell cannot be producing a notebook thinking and catering for those who might be abusive or those who might travel alot or those who put it on their table only.

Its a notebook. Its touted for having a better battery life for a reason. And as such Dell must always think as if every notebook is going to through sufficient exposure to the elements of mobility. ANd they should for that reason alone ensure they are producing a durable chassis, be it one the inside or outside.

SIMPLE!...Case solved...dont you think so. But no.....we definitely have the profit margins playing havoc with the right way Dell should go about it.

 

Just curious: How many "actual" instances do we have here on the Clear Coat/Soft Touch peeling for the M17X R3?
=====
After a bit of searching through various threads and other forums on the R3, I have found lots of hearsay reports, but only 2 actual instances so far: kunekaden and XeroSniper. From what I can tell by their postings here or in other threads, they are both being offered replacements.

 

I'm sure there are a few more r3 in existence with this issue, but yeah pretty much. And Dell isn't just replacing mine, they're fully refunding original purchase price, building a new one with better specs (with a hefty discount - cost is less than I originally paid), shipping it to me, then asking me to return this defective r3 within 10 days of receiving my replacement.

new specs:
i7-2720QM
460M (still going to buy a 6970...or 485)
1080p + 3D package
3 year enhanced warranty + 1 year return to depot warranty
orion backpack

Mr lv 2 originally set me up to receive 6970 but was later told that I could not get it so he felt bad and increased warranty + threw in a backpack. I explained that I had originally got a sizable discount and already got ~$500+$300 back, but he had no issues giving me everything listed above. I actually feel kind of bad about this.

In the end, this system is costing me about $800 if I subtract the orion backpack value from purchase price (as I intend to sell it). Peely corners seems pretty amazing at this point.

 

LOL. Now that is funny.

I have to say that is the best customer service I have seen from Dell in the longest time. At least they are fixing the issue for you.....and getting you some free goodies.

 

Hey kune, I forget, but was the only issue with your R3 the peeling exterior?

 

badly scratched glossy finish (noticed that as soon as i opened box first time)
screen plexi glass cover has 9 noticeable imperfections (small white bubbles)
2 perma dents in screen plexi
keyboard rattle...but I guess that's typical of the model
peeled matte paint
media bar improperly installed (pops up @right side)
media bar white imperfections in brushed finish
bottom access panel does not fit properly around power adapter area (not from putting it back on incorrectly)
microphone excessive low sound at all settings with all programs that i've tried to mod it with
webcam only worked for 2 days
460m issues (hardware & drivers)
No 'placeholder' SD/media/combo card
bsod if anything plugged into right side usb 2.0 ports @startup
recalled chipset
IRST + sandforce (not a dell issue though)

resolved:
ordered & paid for, but did not receive 3D bundle ($500 refund)
other earlier issues during 30-day return period ($300 refund)
I pretty much got a lemon, but it happens and is understandable in my opinion.

 

It shouldn't happen, and it SHOULDNT be understandable for such an expensive product.

 

everything is acceptable for the right price but when you pay $ 2200 every day you wonder if you made the right decision

As Quadzilla said, these problems may not affect people much because some still use laptops like desktops all the time in one place

I personally return the R3 because I was encountering problems on the fly and I would not mention them because that will not change the minds of people especially those who want to experience for themselves.

 

Ever buy a Ford car that was built on a Friday?
Those cost a good 10x the price of an r3 and typically have 10x more problems that I have listed

I was referring to manufacturing anomalies. Not many people seem to have the issues that I had. Maybe the line was stoned that day or something, who knows!

 

Finally, a voice of reason. To expect every item manufactured to be 100% perfect 100% of the time is unreaslistic. Even the most stringent quality studies allow for anomolies.

I also think that "most" would consider a 17" notebook that weighs 9.5 lbs a desktop replacement. A 15" or less macbook pro size/weight is what "most" would consider a truly portable laptop.

 

I do not consider the rubber coating as a quality issue. It is more like design flaw. I think we should focus on any alternative solution to mitigate the peeling problem instead of continuous pointless debate.

I recalled that I had use this clear coating in an art class for the art project. It is water prove and offer a very smooth/well-protective surface. Maybe we can put some of that clear coating at the corner to extend the longevity of the rubber. That coating is a Japanese product. I don't remember the name anymore but I am sure there should be something similar/better now.

 

Or maybe Dell should put that coating on the machines themselves so that customers who pay a premium price can expect a top notch laptop without major flaws like this..

 

Certainly. Dell should have known from previous iterations that the rubber coating is not a great solution for high end / heavy machines.

However, if we have a unit that has this potential peeling it would be great for the more aesthetically conscious amongst us to be able to coat / cover the corners and other wear points with something subtle and reversible.

Would it be worth opening a separate thread of "Potential Coatings / Sprays / Covers to prevent peeling on the M17X R3"?

 

Well they are not going to built it as tough as a Panasonic Toughbook because no one would buy it, because the price would be through the roof.

I think it's okay to have reasonable expectations of a laptop to have a durable finish.

But to single out Dell is pretty ridiculous. Because this isn't just a Dell issue. It's a problem with all companies. Asus...Clevo..., etc. All of them have problems. There is no perfect laptop. If you are a perfectionist, then you wouldn't buy anything, because nothing is perfect.

I do think peeling rubber in 2 to 3 weeks is unreasonable. But it seems to be on the edge where there would be a lot of friction especially in a tight case. I really think that as long as you are careful with your laptop, and use a bag that is roomy and causes less friction around the casing when pulling it out and putting it back in, there shouldn't be a problem.

What I would like to see is someone making moldings out of the popular laptop Chassis like the R3, and make a full aluminum or titanium chassis. I'd say aluminum because it would be much cheaper and more affordable. I know there would be a market for these parts, especially for enthusiasts. Definitely a big business opportunity for someone out there to start making custom casing and parts. Dell won't do it because it would drive the cost way too high.

How much would you pay for a full titanium alienware m17x r3 body? I'd pay $500 for something like that. Maybe $200 for a brushed black aluminum version.

 

Man, both of you are so right. The horrid build quality laptop makers are getting away with on average consumer laptops any more is a real crime. The R1/R2 was a system of choice for many folks based on build quality as much as performance. It seems like cheap construction has become the defacto standard in computers like it has automobiles and houses. Pay more, get less... really sucks. I am willing to pay more to get more, as long as it's reasonable. I would pay an extra $500 for an R3 with a chassis and RGB display constructed exactly the same as the R2 in a heartbeat. I came close to buying one on the assumption they would be the same. Luckily, I found out on this forum that was not the situation.

As far as the peeling soft touch surface is concerned, that would be totally unacceptable even if the R3 were otherwise made as ruggedly as its predecessors. By that I mean, who would want an expensive, ruggedly built machine that looks all ragged within a few weeks or months? We would not accept that on a new car, or a new house, so why would it be acceptable on a new computer. Long story short, it's not.

 

I don't see the plastic panels as a negative so long as the finish was good. Aluminum really doesn't have an advantage over plastic as aluminum will wear and scratch just like plastic. Plastic also might be lighter, but I'm not sure.

 

I'd be interested in these problems on the fly.

 

Nah, been down that road enough times to know better. There are a few exceptions in business class notebooks out there with heavy plastic that are OK, but they are expensive and do not perform well enough for gaming. Thin aluminum sucks, but the heavier alloy chassis construction like the R1/R2 and ThinkPad are way better than plastic.

Me too, but this thread is for the peeling surface issue. BatBoy asked us to stay on topic and we need to do that. Speedy Gonzalez, if you want to elaborate on those things, there is a thread (R3 Owner's Lounge) for that and I would definitely like to hear what you have to say about the reasons you returned your R3. Please post a permalink to your comments another thread if you want to share with us.

 

http://forum.techinferno.com/alienware-m17x/156-tech|infernos-first-house-alienware-m17x-r3-review-2.html#post1216

 

Alienware Area-51 M17X Screen Protector | invisibleSHIELD by ZAGG

Would that prevent it entirely?

 

That might help prevent damage. If the peeling is due to poor adhesion of the finish, it may not. Hard to say. Sometimes covering up petroleum-based products prevents vapors from escaping and that might create a new problem, especially on a brand new system. I know that is the case with conventional automotive paint finishes, but I don't know enough about the composition of the soft-touch finish. It would be a shame to make it worse by trying to be diligent.

 

As you all know, mine arrived yesterday. It already had a scratch on the lid. It's not that noticeable, but it's still a scratch. And yes, it really is about 1inch long. If you run your fingertip across it, you can feel it... Here's a pic: https://picasaweb.google.com/107667078461233991335/M17xR3#5588266052984387426

 

Yikes, i would demand a new notebook if i were you
Looks very noticeable here imo

 

Never had a R2 but it's a shame they decided to change it. I would have loved to see the aluminum one.

 

Dang, dookie. That blows, man. Sorry they sent you something like that. Are you going to say something to them about it? You should make them take care of it.

 

I agree.

10 char

 

Yah, gonna call on Monday actually. Would they send me a new lid (and an installer dude to do it) or make me return the whole thing?

 

Probably a dispatch for a new lid and technician. If they do an exchange, you don't have to send yours back until the new machine arrives. I'd almost be inclined to ask for an exchange rather than cracking open your brand new system. Some of the techs are really good and others are terrible. You can always swap out your hard drives into the new machine... very simple.

 

Wow! I was just in the process of ordering when I read your post. Never mind. Lost sale Dell.

 

So, I've read just about every post in this thread and based on picture proof, the peeling seems to be affecting the red. If this were to happen on a black system, is the peeling as apparent? Or would you only be able to tell by touch?

 

Check the very first post of this thread. it happened to a black model. And from the looks of the pictures, it looks pretty apparent to me.

 

Oh, haha, my colorblindness thought it could have been a red one but black looking due to lighting angle. Ok thanks, it's rather apparent.

 

Ahhh, no problem. Yea the first one is a black one. The second one is a red one. But in either case, it looks apparent enough once it gets to a certain point.

I am pretty sure you would feel it before it got to a bad enough point like the first photo. It would probably start feeling "gritty-ish" or something if you know what I am talking about.

Haven't seen any other cases of this yet though which is good.

 

Let's all just email a request for the invisible shield from Zagg:

[email protected]

 

Ah, forgot to post this in my replacement thread, but will add it in a bit.

The Black Soft Touch coat on my replacement lappy's lid is not scratching/peeling off, but it did come with what I believe to be a crappy, second-rate coat of paint. It doesn't look as premium/smooth as the first. Specifically, it's got the "orange peel" type of paint on it. If you look closely, you'll see that it's got the bazillion dimples in the paint, similar to all these crappy cars they're producing in the USA with the crappy thin layer of paint on top of crappy thin/non-smooth aluminum exterior.

Yah, it's pretty crappy, and I'm very displeased. This reminds me of my PSP-1000, which I had a warranty on. I had the launch model, and bought it on launch day. 364days later, went to gamestop to have it swapped out for a brand new one, since I had the freedom to do so with the warranty. The 2nd one was MEH/Yuck/EW/Crap. It went from having super premium, smooth plastic like polycarbonate plastic, to having really crappy/you-can-tell-it-was-made-in-china-and-looks-like-USA-made plastic, with all these dimples in it. Launch models were smooth as can be, and the front was glossy. The 2nd one wasnt as glossy, and the back was crappy plasticky...

You kinda get my drift on this issue...

 

dude im so sorry that really sucks so far i haven't had any problems with mine at all but time will tell how long this thing will last :/

 

Dell should have gone with the Rhino!!! LOL

Rhino Linings

If the Rhino Lining can handle extreme abuse and its a rubber coating im sure Dellianware could come up with something inbetween the soft touch and a REAL rubber coating. That is sad that people are having it peel from just carrying it around. Sorry guys, hopefully they have taken care of it for you.