Ordering M17x...Need guidance...

Hello folks,

First of all I am NO computer geek and know mediocre stuffs about the computer hardware. BUT I am a big time gamer as well as a graphic designer and I need some serious help before I could order my M17x 3D. Please answer the following questions and help me figure out my purchase correctly:

1) From the 2 wireless cards provided by Dellianware - Intel WiMAX 6250 and Killer WIreless-N 1103.....Which one is better??

2)I am getting the 3D LCD and thus getting the GTX 580m.....is it better than the 6990 non 3D option when it comes to drivers and technology, although I am aware that 6990 GPU does beat GTX 580m. I am an nVidia fan and have been using it for more than 5 years now. How about the Optimus Technology and stuff ( I don't know what exactly it does though ), do we have to toggle it on/off??

3)Are the accessories worth getting?? AW Mouse and Headset??

4)I am getting the 3 year advanced warranty Plan, is it worth getting??

5)I am getting the 250 GB SSD, is it worth getting??

Please help me out with any other suggestions if u can.....

Note: I am really bad at changing the parts after purchasing it....SO whatever I can get from Dellianware is all I would have. I know that's kinda lame but it's just that I am a bit lazy on working that out.

Thanks for all the advices in advance...

Cheers,
Xeno

 

I'm not too sure about the wireless cards. I haven't seen any comparisons of the two. I was originally going to get the 580 GTX if I purchase a M17x, but the 6990m is faster and cheaper. The only two things you're going to get for an advantage gaming wise on the 580 GTX is Cuda and PhysX. I've heard that ATI's drivers are much better than they used to be too. Accessories are always worth it, but I'd get them from somewhere like NewEgg. It's cheaper and you have more selection. Warranty is always worth it, especially if you get one that covers accidental damage. The SSD's on Alienware's site's are really overpriced. Generally the way to go is to get a hard drive for storage and a 60GB SSD for having the OS on, that is what I've done with my desktop, but you did say that you weren't wanting to change out any parts after you buy it. If you really want a SSD, go for it. Maybe see what other people have to say too. What exact configuration are you looking at now?

 

Id say a 60GB SSD is too small. Ive got a 120GB in my desktop and with just the OS, Adobe Stuff and a handful of games its almost full. Im looking to get a 240GB for my M14x.

I would recommend you upgrade the SSD Yourself, you will save a some money and probably be able to get something faster (OCZ Vertex 3 Are awesome!!)

The Killer N is better for gaming, imo, but there seem to be differing opinions on that.

As for accessories, Id say get the bag from Alienware. However, I agree with getting the mouse etc from somewhere like Newegg. Personally I love my Logitech MX518 mouse, but as its getting a bit old now (6 Years Ive had it) Im considering a RAT 7 or something by Razer.

And Yes to getting the warranty.

Also, if you use Adobe products for designing etc then Id recommend checking which cards they support with GPU acceleration. I know when I was building my desktop I had to get a GTX470 as at the time the GTX480 wasn't supported for GPU acceleration. GPU Acceleration is amazing BTW, really helps when editing very intensive stuff.

 

Thanks a lot guys....

Well i am getting 580m just bcoz i need a 3D LCD, which is not supported by 6990.

And yeah changing stuffs later on is not my cup of tea ... I will just pay a bit more since am not tight on a budget.

Thanks for the config advices...

Any more advices thn lemme know... I am most probably ordering by tomorrow

Cheers,
Xeno

 

1)No clue really

2)Seems your mind is set on the 580 right now. I hate graphics that switch on there own so I lean towards AMD.

3)No (just my opinion)

4)Yes-Atleast get the basic three year. For such a expensive laptop it seems worth it to me.

5) Get a 120gb SSD after you purchase and to dual hard drives. Its easy and will save some money.

 

120gb is just right you want a good 30% free for best performance and life. Also enough space to keep your most used apps. After half of adobe cs5 full acorobat office 2010 and visio i use 36GB.

 

ive got a 60gb agi 3 and its perfect for me backed up with a 750 normal drive.

also the 6990 and 580 are practically the same performance wise, although there are some extra throttles on the 580 for some reason

 

Remember that Optimus doesn't work with the 3D screen. There is no switching. Switching only comes on the 60Hz screen.

 

Well doesn't optimus work when 3D is turned off??

 

no it does not.
the 3D display is connected to another port on the m17x mainboard and by that the IGP is automatically disabled.