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    Keyboard Flex

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Lanner7, Jul 18, 2011.

  1. Lanner7

    Lanner7 Notebook Geek

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    Hi,

    Recently I ordered an Alienware m17x R3. The tech specs are as follows:

    -Alienware M17x Soft-Touch, Stealth Black
    -Intel Core i7 2720QM 2.2GHz (3.3GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
    -8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz (4DIMMS)
    -17.3-inch WideFHD1920 x 1080 60Hz WLED
    -2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 6990M
    -750GB 7,200RPM HDD
    -Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
    -Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
    -Killer Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO for Gaming and Video

    I did quite a bit of research prior to ordering it, and one of the most common issues I came across was people reporting a fair amount of keyboard flexing. However, I only seemed to find these reports coming from around January/February of this year. Later reviews, coming from around July* or so, appear to report no flexing.

    Is there a reason for this? Did Alienware update their design? Alienware has always released fantastically designed and built products (if a bit pricey...). Did Dell cure them if this habit?

    Does the configuration of the laptop help with this flex? As in: do different hardware components support the keyboard better than others?

    Thanks.
     
    Lanner7, Jul 18, 2011
    #1
  2. Brabostaan

    Brabostaan Notebook Deity

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    August?? There is little flex, dont worry about it.
     
    Brabostaan, Jul 18, 2011
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  3. jwolf7722

    jwolf7722 Notebook Deity

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    Mine had a decent amount of flex (even after Dell replaced it). Also had a hump in the middle. I think the flex is in a low number of systems though.

    Mine came from outlet.
     
    jwolf7722, Jul 18, 2011
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  4. mark_j

    mark_j Notebook Consultant

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    I received mine in April. It has some keyboard flex. Not noticable when typing normally. I can make it flex if I push on it with greater than normal force. I personally love the feel of the keyboard though and enjoy typing on it.

    I would not worry, unless you are Iron Man or The Incredible Hulk, you should not have any trouble.
     
    mark_j, Jul 18, 2011
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  5. windworker

    windworker Notebook Consultant

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    My R3 came from the Outlet. The flex is nothing serious, I thoroughly enjoy typing on this keyboard, the keys feels great. I notice zero flex when typing. Either some keyboards have more flex then others, or some people are typing with their heels.
     
    windworker, Jul 18, 2011
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  6. Tapakidney

    Tapakidney Notebook Evangelist

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    May. No flex at all.
     
    Tapakidney, Jul 18, 2011
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  7. NateN34@gmail.com

    [email protected] Notebook Consultant

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    Just recieved mine in early July.

    The flex is still there, as well as the touchpad hitting the screen. Not only that, but the keys are very cheap feeling and the backspace key squeaks. Also sometimes it is so plasticy and flimsy that I mistype, this is hands down the worst laptop keyboard I have ever seen.

    These design flaws aren't really design flaws, they are just cheaply built laptops.. Was a chore writing this on the R3. WORST keyboard EVER.
     
    [email protected], Jul 18, 2011
    #7
  8. windworker

    windworker Notebook Consultant

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    This is what I'm talking about. The key feeling is subjective, obviously. I for one love the key feeling and have zero problems typing. If I had the choice between this and my old HP, or any of the Dell work computers, I would honestly type on this Alienware first. (Just deleted that sentence with the backspace key, no squeaks :))

    Seems like its hit or miss, but I don't have any complaints with the keyboard itself.
     
    windworker, Jul 18, 2011
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  9. Lanner7

    Lanner7 Notebook Geek

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    Seems like it's just luck of the draw then. Well, fingers crossed!

    Just out of curiosity, are Dell's estimated shipping dates pretty accurate these days? Do they ever come sooner? I'm a patient person, but I have a brand new copy of Witcher 2 and I cannot wait to play it...
     
    Lanner7, Jul 18, 2011
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  10. jwolf7722

    jwolf7722 Notebook Deity

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    Ordered 5 system through Dell and they all came earlier than expected from the EDD.
     
    jwolf7722, Jul 18, 2011
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  11. NateN34@gmail.com

    [email protected] Notebook Consultant

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    Mine was extremely innacurate. It was expected to arrive July 18th, but arrived July 8th...
     
    [email protected], Jul 19, 2011
    #11