The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Looking to buy m17x. Need help please

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Block43, Nov 25, 2011.

  1. Block43

    Block43 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hi
    So I really like the look and specs of this unit. That said, I don't know a lot about them. I can tell based on then look of it, I'd really like one.

    Here is the issue.

    I need to be able to justify why I want this unit OTHER than games. I'm looking for anything. Friends have told me not to trust Alienware but I don't know why. Most of the stuff I've read seems positive.

    I want to get into gaming for sure but Are there any programs...perhaps animation or 3d rendering that would help me justify it?

    I know this must sound crazy but please help. I need to be able to answer when someone asked...why not get this cheaper unit instead.

    Thanks
     
  2. maxheap

    maxheap caparison horus :)

    Reputations:
    1,244
    Messages:
    3,294
    Likes Received:
    191
    Trophy Points:
    131
    well, as soon as I get some free time, I will try MATLAB w/ CUDA, if it works and by any chance give me more than 20-30 workstations (very modest compared to 384 CUDA cores) that would work out miracles for me :) also did I say THIS THING GAMES :)
     
  3. SlickDude80

    SlickDude80 Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    3,262
    Messages:
    4,997
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    106
    all you have to say is that in life, you get what you pay for. Anyone with basic logic will understand that :p

    you can also say how Dell has next business day, in your house service included in the price

    Plus even the most basic alienware has enough horsepower to run photoshop and other intensive programs. I run weblogic server off mine when i need to
     
  4. darkloki

    darkloki Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    412
    Messages:
    1,829
    Likes Received:
    182
    Trophy Points:
    81
    I personally still recommend the R2 systems with the RGB led. I have both systems R2 and R3 and after using both systems for half a year I ended up enjoying the R2 system more bigger bang for buck IMO.
     
  5. Brabostaan

    Brabostaan Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    238
    Messages:
    1,452
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    The M17x R3 can run anything you trow at it. Dell warrenty is one of the best there is if not the best.

    Think about it:
    -4 RAM slots up to 32GB of RAM.
    -2 HDD bays.
    -FHD screen option.
    -Blu ray player option so you can enjoy movies on that marvelous FHD screen.
    -With Nvidia cards you can have a 3D 120 Hz screen option
    -6990m/580m the powerfullest cards out there at the moment.
    -Very good battery life due to graphic switching up to 6 hours.
    -The backlit keyboard is amazing and fun to customize.
    -The Klipsch speakers sound great.

    The perfect portable 17 inch gaming laptop out there.

    BUT

    There are new CPU and GPU's on the way. Not sure but Q1 2012 is what the rumours are saying.
     
  6. Block43

    Block43 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Wow. Some fast replies here. You guys rock. Does this offer a blue ray burner?
     
  7. Brabostaan

    Brabostaan Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    238
    Messages:
    1,452
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    No it does not but you can always buy one from ebay and install it yourself.
     
  8. Block43

    Block43 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Also...my biggest concern is that they will say "but this is for games"
     
  9. Brabostaan

    Brabostaan Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    238
    Messages:
    1,452
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Haters gonna hate but let them hate. You bought it for yourself and not to please your friends.

    You can play games and do your regular stuff on one notebook thats a big plus right.
     
  10. Block43

    Block43 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Well...not exactly. I'm making a film that will include graphics and animation. The documentary was filmed using the same camera used on District 9. I also do lots of work in photoshop and illustrator.

    Work is buying the computer and I'd like this one. Just not sure I can justify. Looking for help with that.
     
  11. Brabostaan

    Brabostaan Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    238
    Messages:
    1,452
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    You need a very powerful laptop then.

    The M18x has dual GPU and XM CPU option. Nvidia cards work perfect with photoshop.
     
  12. bfradette

    bfradette Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    What you're doing NEEDS a powerful machine. They cannot short you on this, and expect quality work. Giving you less than this to work with is like giving someone a ballonn hammer to drive a nail with....hope that helps.