M17x Order Status Discussion - Part 4

Yup , no typo, i3. Thus why the price was $800 and some change...

 

Wow, I didn't know they came with anything under an i5 processor.

 

Yay mine will arrive tomorrow.

actual status and history:
Warsaw, Poland 04/12/2012 7:04 P.M. Arrival Scan
Almaty, Kazakhstan 04/12/2012 5:11 P.M. Departure Scan
04/12/2012 2:04 P.M. Arrival Scan
Incheon, Korea, Republic of 04/12/2012 10:50 A.M. Departure Scan
04/12/2012 9:01 A.M. Arrival Scan
Shanghai, China 04/12/2012 6:16 A.M. Departure Scan
Shanghai, China 04/11/2012 9:40 P.M. Export Scan
04/11/2012 9:30 P.M. Origin Scan

 

Damn...straight from China. My tracking had nothing outside of the US (shipped from NJ).

Congrats and enjoy it!

 

Mine also shipped out of NJ, but it was assembled in China. My FedEx tracking didn't start tracking until my system reached NJ. That's why sometimes there's a delay in getting your tracking info after Dell updates the tracking page to shipped.

 

Dell stated today "Thank you for choosing Dell.

This is in regards to your online of order for Alienware M17X laptop. I am sorry
to inform you that the 1.5GB NVIDIA graphics card is no longer available The
replacement card is 2GB AMD 6990M graphics card at no extra charge. Request you
to reply to my email with your consent to reinstate your order.

My apologies for any inconveniences caused

Regards,"

However I also ordered the 3d screen... I know the amd card wont work! hmmm what should I do?

 

That situation sucks!

If you're stuck on the 3D screen, then it looks like you're going to have to wait.

Or, you accept the 6990M (at no extra charge...it is probably the better piece of equipment than the card it might replace). If you do this, I don't know how they'll handle the screen. You obviously won't need it with the 6990M. If you contact Dell, they should be able to tell you if such a change will delay the order (because they'll have to swap screens).

Your best bet is to call and ask them about that screen and if it will delay the order (and how much of a delay will occur). After they answer, you should have all the info you need to decide what to do.

 

I'm assuming they were ALL built in China. What's confusing is that some orders appear to be shipping directly from China while others (those who ordered from the US) are partly or fully assembled in China, then shipped to a US depot, then shipped to the customer.

 

I believe they have at least 3 separate factories that they use to build systems. One in China, one in Malaysia (I think), and one in the US. Not sure how they decide where your system will be built, might have something to do with how many orders each factory has in que.

They will all ship directly out of their respected factory. Once they reach the US, I believe they go to a FedEx facility to get sorted and shipped out.

 

Update.... they gave me a free upgrade to a 256gb SSD along with ati 6990 after I expressed how displeased I was about not being able to recieve what I initially ordered (120hz screen gtx 560m 3d) which was suppose to arrive in 5 days. First the lady I spoke with said " sorry we cannot compensate you any further we are already upgrading you graphics card for free..." I said yeah but i did not ask for that... I want a 3d laptop... she placed me on hold for 15 minutes and said they will reduce my final price by 230$... I said "how bout you keep my price the same but give me the 256gb solid state drive" she said I dont think I can do that and I should call customer care... I said "cancel my order" she said hold on 5 minuets later ... she said I'm sending you an email will you please confirm you order ... as follows M17xR3 i7 2760 Radeon 6990 8gb 1600mhz 1920 x 1080 60hz 256gb ssd blu ray read advanced n 6250 plus 2 years accidental and advanced care... $2050

get at me dog!!!

 

I was emailed yesterday to say the killer wireless 1103 card was delayed until 21st and now today my order went into production does that mean the part wasn't delayed in the end? Do they usually ship quick after going into production?

 

I'm going to try to do this myself. I got my THIRD delay today. Originally ordered within a week delivery back 3 weeks ago, now saying on the 19th. This is stupid. I might have to reference you... you mind? lol Could you PM me?

 

I dont mind... I'll add that i do have a goverment discount along with the employee purchase discount along with some coupon code i found online... I would try if I were you... especially if they dont have what you want... they almost have to upgrade you for free... but you have be firm about canceling... Like " dont say if you dont do this I'll cancel " be more like... This isnt what I wanted... I dont want this "

 

p.s. what is your final price? I ordered mine on 3/31/12 and I'm still waiting...

 

Ordered 3/26/2012. Didn't cut any prices. $2539.92 with expedited factory and overnight ship. Was supposed to be a week tops, then I get an email/phone call with WiFi/Mobo on delay, then wifi, and today again the wifi. It's getting annoying. I could of got a Macbook in 1/2 the time. I play few games, I like the visual appeal of my previous alienware, and need to do music video mixing and editing... So a Mac works... ya know?
Order:
2760QM 2.4GHz, 4GB RAM, 560m GTX, 750GB HDD, Killer WiFi, and 3 year accidental.
I really want the ATI Vid card if anything. I have extra 8GB DDR3 RAM here and a SSD i can use...

 

Got an email from a rep to say that my machine has not only been produced but dispatched, even giving me a UPS tracking number...the number doesn't work right now on the UPS site and Dell's online system still shows pre-production...I don't know what to believe at this point

 

That is normal Evil. It usually takes a day or two for the tracking number to become valid. When they notify you of the shipment, it means that Dell notified them via electronic transmission that they would be picking up a package from their depot. Its not only to let you know your package has been slated for pickup, but also to assist the carrier in knowing how many packages they are going to be shipping for Dell on a given day.

 

Yo... sent you a email... you should check out this post : http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/456885-aw-dell-ordering-advice-how-save.html

 

Hello I ordered my Alienware M17X R3 on the 14th of March. It is now the 14th of April and I have still not received my computer. First I was informed 2 weeks ago that there is a worldwide shortage of the 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580m graphics card and Killer Wireless -N 1103. EDD was supposed to be 11th to 13th because of Easter. I received another email on Wednesday 11th April and it reads as follows
"Jeremy
I just received a latest update

There is another new shortage which is a stickers issue shortage

Stocks will be in on 21st April

Which means your order can only out from production on 24th april

Do you want to wait?"
Huh do i want to wait? I have paid over $3200.00 bloody too right i wanna wait! But should have been offered some type of compensation.
Can anyone please tell me what this means "stickers issue shortage?" because I have emailed the rep. (who is looking after my order) about 5 times now asking what this "stickers issue shortage" means. This is one of her replies as follows
"I have no idea too
It’s production side so its shortage and they are still getting in supply

Jeremy, I have finish for my day
Anything I will email you 20th J

Have a great day"
She will email me 20th that means she has put my question in the too hard basket right? that is 6 days from now surely someone can find out what they mean by a stickers shortage before then this is ridiculous. I have even called customer care, they don't know too. Oh and by the way nobody offered me any gift for the inconveniences so i took it to hand and asked. Then I had to fight for it. I had to go above her head and threaten to take Dell to court to get any kind of compensation. I asked them to upgrade my processor no couldn't do that. I asked for an extra 8gig of ram to make it 16gig nope can't do that too. In the end I asked for a bag and mouse from someone in customer care and I am getting them.

I am so frustrated with Dell Alienware customer service it's really terrible. Anyone else have this same problem I would appreciate some feedback. I am stuck using my wife's little netbook its a great little computer but its too bloody small.

Wheredafaquawie

 

I'm more concerned about Dell's site still showing pre-production status for my order.

In fairness, what can they do if they've got component shortages? Really, at this point, if you can wait another couple of months I'd cancel it because the M17x R4 is right around the corner. Alternatively, if you need this machine quickly, try shouting at Dell (politely of course ) and say that you need the machine ASAP, perhaps start arguing that you're considering cancelling and ordering a competitor's machine instead. Try asking for compensation, remember that Dell's aim is to maximise profit and it'd cost them quite a lot if they compensated everyone who's machine was delayed. You might need to be persistent but don't take 'no' for an answer, just be polite and persistent and you should be able to get some compensation (free upgrades or extras perhaps) and/or possibly get it produced quicker.

 

My order just shipped. No compensation, as I was assured yesterday it would be shipping "very soon". They weren't lying. Monday can't get here soon enough!!!

 

Mine shipped today, My edd was the 18th and I ordered on the 27th March. I got 5% extra off for the delay and its probably gonna arrive before my first estimated delivery date. I wonder how long it will take to get to Ireland with standard shipping, I'm hoping to have it wednesday.

 

Hey guys how did I do? (Certified Refurbished)
Item Description:
-- Alienware M17x R3 Laptop Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
6X Blu-ray Disc (BD) Combo (Reads BD and Writes to DVD/CD)
-- Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth Module
-- Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
9 Cell Battery
-- 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M
16 GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (4X4GB)
-- Soft Touch Stealth Black
Killer Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO
Processor: Intel Core i7-2670 QM Processor (2.2 GHz)
-- 320 GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM) - (looking for a 1tb drive off amazon any suggestions?)
17.3 inch Wide FHD (1920 x 1080 60Hz) WLED Display
Alien M17x R3: 1 Yr Ltd Warranty, In-Home Service after Remote Diagnosis (Included In Price)
Unit Price: $0.00
Quantity: 1
Total Price: $0.00Subtotal: $1,575.20
(Free 1 Day Shipping will be here Tuesday )

Will this work? or should i get like a 128 ssd for os and programs and use the 320 gb for games?

http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Barracuda-3-5-Inch-Internal-ST1000DM003/dp/B005T3GRNW/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-2-5-Inch-Solid-State-CT256M4SSD2/dp/B004W2JL2A/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1334545364&sr=1-1

And also can some reccomend a screwdriver kit to change the harddrive that I can buy off of amazon. Thanks!

 

Well, just got told that the email saying that my machine was shipped was a mistake and that it is still in pre-production. Cancelled it because it's not going to get here in time. Looks like I'm getting an R4 in a couple of months, then.

 

Looks good, the 1600mhz ram might be a waste though with that cpu as it will only use 1333mhz afaik. So either drop down the ram and save money or upgrade the cpu to 2760.

 

Just got delivered!!! Heading home in about 2-3 hours then I'll post on the forum for a first night of use review later tonight!

 

Awh, that sucks, i feel for you, man.

 

I ordered April 11, it got delivered today, April 16. Haven't seen it yet. I'll open it at home later.

M17xR3:
-- Intel Core i7-2720QM Processor (2.20 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.30 GHz)
-- 750 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
-- 16 GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (4X4GB)
-- 8X DVD +/- RW Drive
-- 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M
-- 17.3 inch Wide FHD (1920 x 1080 60Hz) WLED Display
-- Killer Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO
-- Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth Module
-- 210W/240W switchable Slim 3P A/C Adapter 125V Power Cord
-- Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Operating System DVD
-- Alien M17x R3: 1 Yr Ltd Warranty, In-Home Service after Remote Diagnosis (Included In Price)
All for $1477.16 including tax and shipping.

Yeah its only going to read 1333MHz but I think he cant change the configuration or downgrade for a certified refurbished.

That was based on my experience, I was hoping to get a BD optical instead of the DVD that comes with it but the rep told me I cant change it.

 

Just placed an order for an M17x due in 8 working days. Paid £1305 for it including delivery. Seemed a good deal to me. I plan to fit a SSD at a later date and more RAM if needed (which from what I've read on here 4g is enough)...

Hope i dont regret waiting for the R4!

Specs are....

Alienware M17x Stealth Black
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor 2760QM (2.40Ghz, 6MB, 4C)
English Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (64 BIT)
2GB GDDR5 AMD® Radeon™ HD 6990M
4096MB 1333MHz Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM [2x2048]
750GB (7,200rpm) Serial ATA Hard Drive
44cm(17.3") WideFHD (1920 x 1080) WLED LCD
DVD+/-RW (DVD, CD read and write)
Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 - EUR
Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth Card - EUR
Primary 9 cell Li-Ion Default Base Battery
No Antivirus Software
1 year Next Business Day hardware Support included with your PC
No Accidental Damage Protection
Internal UK/Irish Qwerty Keyboard
Alienware M17x R3 Order - UK
No speakers required
UK 2M 250V Power Cord
English Documentation
N02W7V02
1 year Next Business Day Hardware Support included with your PC
No Carrying Case
Alienware Resource DVD
Integrated 3.0 Mega Pixel HD Camera
One free Dell Expert call to help with your PC queries within 60 days of purchase
Generic Name Plate Engraving
240W AC Adaptor
Mars Red
Alienhead Glow
Alienware Glow Wallpaper
Steam® Client and Portal™ Game - Factory Installed
(GMT + 00.00) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London


Sorry for the pointless post....Just wanted to announce to the world that I finally got am Alienware

 

Not pointless! Welcome to NBR, silkster.

 

It's more annoying given that my current machine has blown one of its GPUs, and who knows what's around the corner for it? I'm tempted to get a machine delivered internationally from HIDEvolution but with stories of laptops being stolen by the shipping customs where I'll be for the next two months, I'd only do it if it's insured against that.

What the hell. So I order my machine a week before you do, make it clear that it needs to be delivered before the 19th, and yet they can't manage that, but you get your machine in 5 days - and with the Killer N wireless card which supposedly was what delayed my machine?

Okay, now I'm annoyed.

 

If you are getting a new machine then that's the difference. I got mine from the outlet, although when I open it, it is as good as brand new!

I got some small problems though, 1GB AMD HM6870M comes with it but I ordered GTX580M and I got a 2670QM instead of the 2720QM.

I'm expecting the tech support to replace both this week though. So if you're buying brand new, they (Dell) are surely still assembling the unit. Mine is already assembled.

I'm just wondering why Dell doesn't check the config before they deliver it or maybe they are not expecting everyone to check what they are getting?

 

Ah, I see, didn't know it was an outlet system, thought it was brand new

I'm tempted to order an Outlet system (M17x or M18x) and get it couriered to where I am by a friend, but my big issue is that I hear too many stories of outlet systems arriving damaged, with things such as dead/stuck pixels or dirt under the screen, or with a wrong configuration. If I'm abroad and it's £200 just to get the system couriered one way, I wouldn't feel safe ordering an outlet system as for a new system, same again, if it has any problems then shipping will be a pain, and I can't justify spending that extra shipping when I could wait just over two months and be back in the UK for a system.

 

That was my worry also before I ordered and while waiting for my unit but I can always send it back if I'm not happy with it. Luckily, I got a new one. Tech support last night told me that I probably got those returned unit where buyers didn't expect the unit to be this huge and just send it back lol!

He said it normally happen on M17x and M18x due to size and weight.
The unit can be easily sold as Outlet New if Dell just put it back to the AW box. I hope this is always the outcome as I plan to get an M11x too
Something I can bring anywhere!

 

As there is (until today) a 500CHF price reduction on dell.ch, I tried to order a red m17x r3 at the weekend.

I ordered, got a online order confirmation, and then nothing - the order 'failed' silently with no confirmation being sent to me. When I telephoned them, I was told that they had sold out of the red models, and it wasn't possible to order one... so the order 'glitched'.

I reordered a stealth black model on Monday - the order is stuck at 'in progress', with an estimated delivery date of the 7th May!

I've only bought Apple laptops for the last 10 years, and in comparison, I am really unimpressed about the order system Dell uses.

One 'silently failed' order, 2+ hours on the phone to find out why, passed to 15 different people by phone (kept getting transferred), 4 people by chat - all to buy one of their products! They don't make it easy!

And at the end, a 3 week delivery time estimate... Roll on the 7th May!

 

Update.. I have canceled my order... dell is no longer offering amd 6990 or gtx 580 cards... they tried to downgrade me to ati 6870... lmao!! so i guess everybody who ordered after march 31 dont expect to get your laptop with the vid cards you order... just a heads up! Will i wait for the r4? hmmmm...

 

I ordered my system on March 31st (6990 and Bigfoot Card) and it was scheduled to arrive on the 17th of this month. On the 13th (last friday) I had checked the status update and the estimated delivery date had been changed to May 4th. I was furious so I contacted customer service and was told that there looked to be a parts shortage and that is all they knew, they couldn't get any more information. They told me that they would put one day shipping on my order and request my order to be built asap (like that does anything...)

Due to this I contacted the supervisor and told him that I am looking at cancelling my order due to other laptops that have since been released that will make my current system obsolete and I am not willing to wait this long and he told me this monday that there was good news and apparently the parts shortage is gone and he'll update me with my tracking number in 2-4 business days. The EDD still has not changed yet and I am wary to believe him but it looks like I have 2 more days to go before I raise hell again, I just want my laptop!

 

Well, I ordered on the 16th April to take advantage of the 430CHF reduction (that ran until the 18th April on some models). The order is still 'in process', not 'in production'. I called them yesterday and asked if things were ok - they said 'Yes, it is in 'pre-production'. Spec I ordered is as follows:

Alienware M17xR3 : Base Stealth Black
Processor : Intel Core i7 Processor 2760QM (2.40Ghz, 6MB, 4C) (upgrade from base)
Display : 17.3in WideFHD (1920 x 1080) WLED LCD (upgrade from base)
Memory : 4096MB (2x2048) 1333MHz DDR3 Dual Channel
Festplatte : 750GB Serial ATA (7.200 1/min)
Graphics : 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 6990M (upgrade from base)
Wireless : Europe Killer Wireless-N 1103

As mentioned, the spec on the website has now totally changed - no more 6990M :/

Assuming that they don't equate the 6990M to the GTX 660M, and is roughly classed equivalent to the GTX 675 (It would be too much to hope for the 7970 although the upgrade cost was the same when I ordered) - if I spec the same machine, it comes out to over 2700CHF!

I am really really hoping that they don't mess this up... although I waiting more in hope than expectation at this point

/mad

What do I gave to do just to order a machine form them and have it delivered in a reasonable timescale?! Madness.

 

I guess that's the reason why they shipped my unit with AMD6870 instead of GTX580. They maybe hoping I wont notice it

I ordered mine on April 11 and received on the 16th. They will replace the wrong GPU with 580M. The parts (also CPU) are already shipped.

 

I wish you the best however... the first time they notified me that they no longer had gtx 580 cards they gave me a free 256 ssd drive, and the amd 6990... 2 weeks later i get the same email, but this time they say downgraded to amd 6870... unacceptable... I you go to the dell site right now... they arent even offering the m17x r3... it says unit unavailable! anyhow i place my original order on march 31... new order on the 12... recieved email yesterday... so I think they will be trying to send you refurbished parts... smh

 

Interesting - thanks for the info.

Atm my order is just sitting there, I wish they would get in touch with any info at all at this point!

Looking at the parts that seem to be out of stock, I will be amazed if they send it to me as specced.

 

New update!! Rep called me today apologizing... and has stated that they will outfit me with the same spec alienware but this time with a just released amd hd 7970m... Sooo... I check the site now... and it's updated with all new video card options.... see for youself... they kept my price the same... so anyone with the old card options should call and cancel then reorder with the new cards, so as not to delay your order any further!!! I'd bet money that most will get an email stating the old cards are out of stock...


Also this update has been sent to my email as "M17x R4"


Order Number: 977444### Estimated Delivery Date: 05/22/2012
Learn More
Item Number Quantity Item Description
225-2945 1 Alienware M17X R4 with Soft Touch - Direct
319-0582 1 2nd Generation Intel Core i7-2760QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.5GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0)
317-9892 1 12GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz
331-6912 1 English Keyboard, 101 Key, M17X R4
320-3275 1 17.3-inch WideFHD1920 x 1080 60Hz WLED
317-9747 1 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 7970M

 

I am so incredibly jealous of you right now. I just received confirmation that my order has finally shipped and I was so excited to receive it tomorrow and now you had to go and make me feel so incredibly obsolete =(

 

You are lucky hehe.

I am waiting for the technician to bring my CPU and GPU replacement due to wrong parts installed with my unit.

Now you made me wonder what he's bringing me
Lol! I dont want to keep my hopes up
Hard to be disappointed hehe.

Check your configuration immediately once you get your unit. It may contain wrong parts like when I first got mine.

 

This scares me, I'm just hoping that you are a vocal minority because the thought of putting in parts that are worse than the money I paid disgusts me. It will certainly be the first thing I check but I am trying to keep my fears in check, I imagine this is not a widespread thing...I hope.

 

Grats speed84 - sounds like a great result!

It makes me wonder what will happen in my case as there is still no order update. As I got a hefty discount, canceling and reordering is not an option as I'd lose the discount and prices have increased on the model they have replaced it with (for an inferior spec too!).

I paid for a CPU upgrade and what was the top graphics card at the time, the 6990m, but I can't see them upgrading me to a GTX675 or 7970m for the cheaper price I paid... I will be super annoyed of they swap it out for a 660m...

Even more worried now that they may just cancel my order, or cause me loads of hassle...

 

well my discount was VERY substantial as well and they were more than happy to keep my purchase price the same or lose a customer... Is it my fault they ran out of supplies?? I'm actually happy though, because now i get revision 4 however my edd is may 22... that frickin blows... My rep stated that it will probably be before that date

 

Ah ok, if you had a discount too, that gives me more hope

I just wish at this stage they would say *something*, the service, especially after they silently cancelled my order for the nebula red machine, without telling me, was a bit much! I've not heard from the rep at all, despite her saying that she was opening a 'special' dossier to track things.

Still 'in progress' 7 days after order, still showing a delivery date of the 7th May.

Well, here's hoping a bit of your luck rubs off! Although I'd be more than happy if they can just deliver what I ordered!

 

Hey guys I need some help/opinions. So long story short I bought an R3 from the Outlet back in March with these specs: 2860QM, GTX-580, 16GB Ram, and 3D Screen. Since the day I received it though I knew things weren't right...screen didn't align properly, blu-ray drive kept spitting out discs, and my keyboard was way to flexible. I called and Dell said they would send me a replacement. 5 weeks pass still no computer. I called them on Tuesday and they told me no computer with the same specs ever came in. In this case they were going to build me a new computer with the specs. Great right? I thought so...

Well today I received my brand new computer however it's not what I ordered. The screen is not 3D, the GPU is an ATI 6900 series (Device ID 6720...don't know if that's the 6990 or not?), and there's also a dead pixel.I'm stuck on what to do. I called Dell and they said I have 2 options: return both and get full refund or give me a $100 giftcard.

Should I just return it and go for another new one? I just spoke with a Dell sales rep who said he would hook me up for all the issues I've been going through.

Some opinions would be greatly appreciated!

EDIT: So according to the spec sheet it does have a 6990. Is it worth switching my 580 from my old laptop to this one?

 

Return both for a FULL refund. You can always order again later but I wouldn't until your card is credited.