Do I give up my ASUS G73 for an Alienware M17x R2

I don't mean to burst your bubble but I'm a bit OCD with my stuff and I wouldn't trade my laptop that I've cared for meticulously for one that seems was not. I bought my M17X R2 secondhand as well on these forums but its in mint condition as the previous owner used his M15X as his main rig and the M17X R2 was just lying around. I would not have purchased it if it was in the condition as the one you're interested in, especially since he replaced the screen himself.

I would hold out for a better deal. The components the laptop comes with isn't that important as I've upgraded my CPU, RAM, primary and secondary drives and WiFi card. You could possibly replace the damaged parts as there are still M17X R2 chassis parts available on ebay and various online stores but with all the costs involved it might not be worth it.

 

I too have OCD more severe than most I think I am going to hold out for another used R2 then. Has that Samsung 1920x1200 WUXGA RGB LED been offered in any other alienware (or other) models? Models that support the MXM3.0? (to upgrade the GPU)

 

There's actually two different RGB panels used in the R2, LG makes one of them. No other Alienware has an RGB screen as far as I know, its one of the reasons still have this beauty. I know Dell does offer RGB in some of their laptops but the ones I've seen cant really compare to the R2 in terms of specs/upgradability. I don't know if other manufacturers do, hopefully another member can provide some insight.

Another thing worth mentioning is that if an R2 comes with a single card from the factory it most likely has the 150W adapter. The 240W was was included when the dual GPU config was selected.

 

I see. Are both Panels (the LG and I believe the other is a Samsung?) good or is one better than the other? I know on the G73 if you got the 1600x900 display the LG was sig better than the AUO but on the 1900X1080 display the AUO was better. So confusing

I believe his R2 came with an i5 and single 5870M so I assume he has the bare minimum specs with the 150W adapter....which should be fine given I never run SLI correct? I'd just want to drop in a single 7970M or 680M

 

I'm not really sure about the LG vs Samsung RGB's. I can recall vaguely that the LG's reds were more pronounced and the Samsung's colours were more accurate but again I'm not sure. I think either would would awesome honestly. I have the LG panel.

It should run as that's basically the setup of the M15x and a lot of users are running XM CPU's with 7970M's but the 150W adapter runs hot with that config. The 240W is compatible with their systems without mods so they use but doesn't give them access to the full 240W as they are hard limited to 180W I believe. The upside is the 240W runs much cooler.