Configuration help

I really want the new 17 with just upgraded 780m, 1920x1080 and blue ray. Also maybe 3d with 120hz too ( never seen one) but AW only allow certain upgrade through a specific model price....... Dont really want to spend on nonesense, anyone know when will they allow you to upgrade freely?

 

The word from a dell rep here is never. I thought that maybe it was just to expedite the new release, but no, it's another way to force people to pay more than they want to

Gone are the days when anyone that knew anything about PC's could simply pick the lowest pre-configured model and just add in the bits they want. Makes the third part resellers a more attractive option (since they ARE preplared to give the customer what they want!)

Dell are clearly targeting those with more disposable income than computer savy

 

I also thought it was just marketing tactic for the new system since pervious system allowed you to upgrade freely. This sucks, guess I have to sacrifice blue ray, forget about 3d and upgrade to 780m from 2k model. Do you think there will be third party blue ray drive for the new 17?

 

Almost certainly. Some compromise in the new models looks like using more generic parts (from other dell models) so it's an existing market and you can usually fit many different manufactures components anyway.

If you're thinking of dumping the blue-ray for a better priced config then it's probably the easiest part to put your own in later.

 

What I don't understand is the limited CPU upgrade options. I can deal with Blu-Ray and 120hz being confined to some configurations, but upping the price $400 for a 4800mq and useless add-ons? The new models aren't leagues ahead of competitors' offerings (they might even be downgrades from the previous Alienwares), so the loss in customization is hard to swallow.

 

I have a 6 year old Sony vaio fz280e with an blue ray drive, do you think it will fit?

 

It might have something to do with factory production runs. Limited options speeds up batch manufacture. Less diversions in the line and the ability to parallel sections. The parts they apply it to will depend on factors seemingly strange to us on the outside. It is a Chinese factory making units for worldwide distribution after all.

I feel very much the same as you, they have taken the generic gaming laptop approach and applied it to the latest models making a less attractive option for customers like myself. I can only hope the excellent service and support is not going to be a victim of penny pinching

At a complete guess I would say yes. The mounting holes and connectors are usually common between OEM's

 

do i need to uninstall the dvd driver before installing the blue ray driver?

 

Not normally, windows will take care of it. You might have to reinstall any app for blue-ray but even that is unlikely

 

thanks, ill post again if i order one...........hopefully

 

The more i think about it, i think aw will have wider configuration within the next 3 month like the previous models. If i remember correctly all new models are limited in configuration even the generations before unless you go to a certain rice point. I also believe the reason why the rep is saying never is because either he/she doesnt know or just saying that so you can make a purchase now. As of right now i cant make up my mind..............i want the 3d 120hz ips screen but only option is going to 2.4k model and have to upgrade to 780m and it brings me at 2.7k with all the other unnecessary upgrades. Thats 500 over my wiliness to pay.

 

Hope you are right, it seems that they are even offering different configs by country, very confusing - and is AMD going to be added to the mix?

 

AMD will be very likely, I dot see why not, it will bring a lot more customer.

 

It's a release thing. It gives them more control.

You should be able to order over the phone and configure a system with a representative, as opposed to using the website's pre-configured setups. If you're in Canada or the USA, you should be able to order through a representative on this forum.

 

It would be nice to know if anyone manages this. It used to be the case that the phone reps had more control over the config but I wonder if that was one of the reasons for all the cancelled orders - invalid config (although it seemed to be invalid coupons being applied)

Guess it's watch this space to see if they open it up a bit (under customer pressure )