*OFFICIAL* M17xR3 Owner's Lounge Thread - Part 1

Only the bios would need to support the motherboard. As for purchasing just the 485 you would have to try to get one from a reseller which if they don't already sell them, will go on sale for around $750. So it's a pretty hefty price tag for an after purchase upgrade.

 

Thanks for your help bat boy. Hey tear taker how does your 5870 hold up in sc2 black ops and or bad company 2 Vietnam. If you play any of these. Really stuck between choosing 6870 and 60hz screen or gtx480 and 120hz. Ugh

 

I can guarantee you that the 5870 OR the 460m will play all of those games fine. It'll destroy SC2 on ultra, btw.

 

I have and do play all of those games. It does really well at native res for all of the games. Sometimes in Black ops it will slowdown due to a lot of smoke. In BC2 you just need to play with settings to get what's best for you but I play with high setting for a smooth framerate. I plan on waiting for the 18x as I wont buy anything without a 6970 or 485 in it because they are looking so nice. But yes the 6870 as well as the 460 will be able to easily max those games out. Don't worry.

 

Has anyone been able to track down the manufacturer of the new R3 screens? Since it doesn't say RGB LED anymore, what is it? While I love the specs on the R3 - I would hate to give up the great screen on my R2 - especially since it's a 1200p screen as well.

 

The 485 actually showed up under the tech specs one day. I think someone screen shot it....not that guarantees anything.

 

So what's the ACTUAL dimensions of this lappy? Is 16.0 x 12.7 x 2.0 inches, correct? That's all I've been able to find in google searchin'... If this thing is anything like the G73, then my 5'4" frame can support it. Would just need to buy a new backpack lolz.

Also, for anyone who already has the R3, can you comment on the Optimus feature? Please also include notes on the battery life?

Thanks!

 

Thanks for replies. Hmm still a hard choice. The 6870 benches a little higher.. it seems like everyone is going the 480 for the 3d side of things?

 

No one will be getting their R3 before a good two weeks mate

 

i wonder if we can use this 17% coupon on ebay along with the $1699 config that would save you $289 but coupon is only $125. That is one expensive coupon lolz..any thoughts...MODS remove link if it is against the rules

Dell Home 17% Off Coupon - Can be used for Alienware! - eBay (item 260720786710 end time Feb-11-11 04:35:24 PST)

 

Computer Games on Laptop Graphic Cards - Notebookcheck.net Tech

This list puts the 460m behind. Doesnt seem to be much difference though.

 

Thats what I figured Drake... simple fact though - how many times have those initial specs been wrong @ launch? I seem to recall several making fun of the dimensions saying they were identical to the M15x. LOL

Just dont want to deal with 10 pages of speculation and side chatter on a card which isn't available to configure the system with (at present). So, we'll let it lie for now... If it changes, then great. Hell, I may just order one to replace my 17xR1.


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EDIT:
Thanks to all for keeping the thread focused...

Before asking/posting about the 485, see this post. lol

 

Ok onward to discounts. The reps I spoke with mentioned $50 is about all they could take off on my total... I put $1000 on my Dell account (12 mos no interest) and the rest on my card. Not sure if they considered the no interest deal to be part of the "discount" package...Wish I could've gotten the $250 off everyone else talked about

 

So according to the manual the 6970m is going to be in the R3 at some point correct? Do you guys think the 3D screen / package will be available with the 6970m when it is released, or if it will be an Nvidia only feature? I'd prefer a cheaper but still much better than the 460m ATI card if it doesnt remove the 3d features (like the current ATI card does).

 

would there be any visual differnce with the 60hz screen? most laptops only run 60hz anyway i think?

 

Imminent you say......anything to show this is true ? if not PLEASE stop the speculation....

 

I do have to say I'm slightly jealous of the service manual Dell has for the R3, it seems like it's much more complete than the one we have for the R2.

 

The more I think about it the more I have no need for 3D, think I am gonna drop that from my wishlist....its nice but meh....

 

newbie here, but looking at the intel website processor specs, is the 2630 a dual core processor? It isn't listed but all the 26XX processors seem to be dual core

Intel i7 processor comparison

Trying to narrow down my config so I want to make sure it's a quad

 

its an OEM only quad but only turbos to 2.6ghz compared to the 2720 so if you need processor power then go for the 2720

 

Thanks for the clarification. The config in my cart currently is with the 2720. I think i'll stick with that and call a sales rep.

 

The 6970M has support for Stereo3D and Blu-ray 3D, in its hardware, but that's no guarantee on whether it will be supported.

 

Would I be able to hook up my PS3 to the m17x (r3 with 3D display) and play 3D PS3 games? Would the laptop be able to accept 3D input signals over HDMI 1.4a?


Has anyone received their order yet, by the way?

 

Call this a mini 3D FAQ.

HDMI :: Manufacturer :: HDMI 1.4 :: FAQ for HDMI 1.4

Alienware M17x Laptop Details | Dell

http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/CES-Do-I-Really-Need-HDMI-1-4-to-Watch-3D-HDTV.shtml

 

2 things from the manual:

1) Wireless Display (not WirelessHD) requres the Intel wifi cards:

Manual page 16: "NOTE: The wireless display feature is available on your computer only if you ordered an Intel Wi-Fi WLAN card and nVidia graphics card with Optimus technology or AMD Radeon graphics card at the time of purchase."

2) Did anyone else notice from the manual that "Optimus" may not be supported with the 3D display?

I hope what they meant to say is that when the 3D system is turned on, the discrete visual card must be used and hence no Optimus. I would assume that when 3D is off, you can still use the integrated graphics card for power savings.

Manual page 50: "NOTE: The nVidia optimus technology is not supported on computers that use nVidia 3D vision."

I of course ordered my M17XR3 with nVidia 3D vision and expecting the long battery life so if integrated graphics and discrete graphics switching is unavailable, then I'll be disappointed. Can anyone confirm if the laptop at CES with 3D vision had the long battery life being advertised?

 

Presumably it'll be possible to deactivate the 3D vision and/or boot the computer into the integrated graphics at the very least. I highly doubt that Alienware would advertise their "first 3D notebook" as having 6 hours battery if it doesn't have 6 hours in a 3D compatible config.

 

Now a couple of days after my order is in, the concern on the specs that I ordered. Would appreciate knowledgeable opinions. I currently have an XPS16 with the RGBLED 1920x1080 screen and ATI HD4670, awesome screen. I am replacing it. I ordered the M17xr3 $1699 deal with the 460m and 1920x1080 120mhz screen. I won't use the 3d a lot. Will I be disappointed with the video (during non 3d use) considering what I'm replacing. Would I be better off to get the M17x with RGBLED screen, which will be more expensive anyhow?

 

Even if you don't use the 3D much, the 120Hz screen should make games appear smoother. I say should because it's a matter of personal eyesight for every individual.

In any case, it definitely won't match the quality of the RGBLED.

However, the 460M will be a very significant step up from what you've got at the moment.

 

This is something only you can decide. No one has received a R3 yet, so we don't have any reviews on how the screen compares to the RGBLED.

 

I have the same system with an SSD and still won't look back with my M17xr.3 My RGBLED screen is very nice but you have to look at the whole package.

 

so i just called to cancel my r3 order...and of course being a weeked , i got connected to india (sigh). they basicly offered me another 75 dollars off to not cancel....so lets add up my discounts:
250 off for getting best screen
50 off with the epp discount (over the phone haggling)
75 dollars off the orion backpack
and now another 75 off the system from trying to cancel.

Screw it, ill keep the system and jsut upgrade the video card later if the 485 becomes available.

 

LOL... you should try to return the system and have them give you another $100 to not return it.

 

hey speaking of aftermarket upgrades for the mobile video card. where do you even order one from. I dont know if the 485 is available for purchase yet but in the past where have you guys ordered video cards from? I know i prolly wont find the card i want, im jsut looking for some examples

 

You can order directly from Dell and still have it covered under the systems warranty.

 

in oder to have to completely covered, im guessing an authorized person must also do the installation as well.

 

They have let me do it on my own in the past but they usually recommend a Dell tech to do it. Depends who you talk to.

 

You're either one heck of a liar or the luckiest SOB - I haggled and played the waiting game and still only got $50 off

 

i really think this is going to work out well....i get my new r3 on 2/8.....in a few months to maybe even a year after the price has dropped, i will upgrade my video card. i get all caught up ongetting the "best video card" i sometimes forget that my current system (asus g73) has a 5870 (pretty close performance wise to the 460) and there is nothing i have trouble playing. yet the processor and raid 0 hard driver configuration i am getting in the r3 will be very noticable upgrades right away. plus with all of the discounts i have ended up getting from dell, i dont think i coulnd have gotten a better price... i bled them dry lol. AND i still have that case number with dell that i made them open promissing that if within 21days of receipt f my r3, i could return free of charge (they even pay shipping) if a better card becomes available. if it takes loger then 21 days....well i will do the upgrade route a few months later.....ya all around i dont think this could have worked out better. i am excited once again!! $450 total discount so far and counting lol

 

Just made my purchase (Dell Canada) - I'll just name the upgrades.

Red
i7-2720QM
Nvidia GTX 460M
1080p 120Hz
3 year next buisness day in-home warranty

Dell Canada online price: $2498.99 CAD before tax
What I'm paying: $1975.99 CAD before tax
Savings: $523 CAD

edit: slightly incorrect price (real price is $7 higher), here's what my email says

Clearly a fantastic sales rep. I told him straight up that I spoke with an earlier rep and didn't like what he had to offer and that I was looking to a deal similar to what's being offered on the Dell USA site (3D package). He just dove right in and gave me his best deal, then offered the 3 year warranty for dirty cheap.

"Jay" (edit: full name is Vijay) deals only with Canadian orders and can be reached at extension 4162166. He asked me to mention that if you point out the deal that I got, he'll be less generous - just be straight and he'll work with your needs.

Edit again
oh, the edd is showing as 10/02/2011

 

not lying, i have even givin my sales guy's name and number to several people so they can vouch for me. i have even shared the skew number of the discounts i have gotten where possible. this isnt a who can get the best deal contest for me, i believe in shareing the love! As in my previous asus forum, i will be relying on you guys for good advice and trouble shooting skills. So, i want you guys fat and happy

 

Ordered mine last week. the edd is Feb 2nd.
The R3 has a mini display port, so I should be able to get the native 2560 by 1600 resolution on my 30 inch monitor. Right?

 

keep in mind guys, the biggest discount of $250 ONLY applies if you get the 460 card with the 3d package....
The other discounts depend soely on your sales guy and negioation skills.

 

say, guys, as i've seen here, who thinks what about overclocking? because i just seen those "mysterious" benchmark screens of R3, around 20155 3dmark06s for 6970M and 17000 for gtx 460M, so, an interesting fact:
single ATI 5870m @930/1200 mhz @ core i7 920xm does 17500 benchies...
so my clear thinking is ... gtx 460m base clocks are only @ 675/1250 MHz + sandy bridge 2720qm... z... well it at least will do over basic 6970m but question i get here is how safe is clocking the mobile video cards? i had no problem putting heat on desktop gtx 275 so far and know some stuff.

 

The 2 reps I talked to said there was no discount offered to get the 3D package.

 

if you want to see it fiorst hand, go on the web site BUT you have to start with a "Dell recomended system". I was also mistaken...it is not 250 it is 225. Start with this link and you will see it The Dell Online Store: Build Your System

Someone said it only applies to the US. i cant confirm this.

no one has received thier r3 yet...i am sceptical of any benchmarks. the first systems wont start arriving until the first week of Feb.

 

Well slap my knee and spit in the fire...

 

@ Texasrho83
u can still re-order at no cost...

 

hell ya...get your discount man.....
it is all a big game. they want us to pay as much as possible..we want to pay as little as possible...

if you are on the phone for less then 45 minutes, you havent gotten all you can get yet. i was told several times in my call "this is the lowest price". and i still got more and more.

my best move was when i called today to cancel my order and got the extra $75 to not cancel. it wasnt a game, i really was going to cancel and wait for the 485m. my total discounts are $450 to date. Get whatever you can get man.

 

Are the upgrades to the wifi card worth it? What exactly would those upgrades do? They're so expensive :s...

I understand that the HDMI out is HDMI 1.4/3D compatible. I am more curious about the HDMI in. I guess, I'm just having trouble accepting the HDMI in is 3D compatible also, but I really hope it is.

For example, all 3D monitors available today (excluding the newly announced Acer ones at CES), do 3D via dual-link DVI (DVI-D). Most of these monitors have a HDMI port too, but they can't do 120hz or 3D through that port. For this reason, you can't do 3D gaming via the PS3.

The Dell site specifically says the HDMI out is 1.4, but just says "HDMI IN" with no mention of it being 1.4. Has any source confirmed that the HDMI IN (not the out) is also HDMI 1.4 compatible?

 

Worth it if you hop on over to an online retailer and pick it up for a more reasonable price.