R2 outlet coupon? Or should I wait for R3 ?

Hello,

I know this question was asked before, but I still cannot decide what to do so please forgive me. I believe there are some of you who might be in the same situation with me. I just want to make a decision instead of checking NBR, Alienware website, customizing every day and night

My R3 order was cancelled yesterday. Im in need for a laptop and I cannot wait 2 months until R3 is back again. The question is, should I go ahead and buy a R2 (I dont mind buying refurbised, but apparently there is no Dell outlet coupon at the moment) or wait for R3? Is this a good time to buy R2 outlet? The 20% dell outlet coupon has just expired on 1/28 and right now I can't find one, so that is preventing me from ordering a R2.

My budget is ~2200. I might go higher for R3, but not for R2 since I will use it for at least 2-3 years and I dont want to spend that much money for an old machine without USB 3.0, HDMI, SATA III and S/PDIF outputs, which are my concern.

I will be gaming a bit (1 single 5870 is good enough, but I prefer Xfire or SLi for better resale value), photo editting and some other stuffs.

Thank you guys!!

 

Seriously, this has been asked multiple times all over the forum. Not shaking my finger at you or anything, its just this type of question has to be answered by you based on your needs. Only you know if you can go without a system for a couple of months. Bottom line is we really have no idea on when the R3 will ship - Dell has not stated a date. With that in mind, you have to consider your immediate needs.

Can you wait? If so, wait. If not, order an R2. Its all up to you.

 

I don't think that dual 5870M would put any value on the machine, with the "rumored" M18X to come out "soon" and the M17X R3 having a 6970M (which is close to Xfire 5870m) the value would most likely go down. Again the M18X is just a rumor and may never happen.

If you are just going to be using 1 card, might as well wait for the 6970M since it is 40%-60% faster than the 5870M and around the same price.

I would buy an R2 with Xfire myself if it wasn't for the price at the moment, the only thing pulling me in is the RGB and the awesome build quality of the machine.

 

Dude you answered your question in your own post. I will bold it for you.

 

lol - didnt even notice that. Well, then I guess he's getting an R2. lol

 

Thanks BatBoy. I've made my decision.
I will take SillyHoney's R2 and use it until R3 is back. Easy solution.

Btw, can anyone answer my question about the R2 coupon that no longer exists ?

THanksssss :

 

Exactly, its the RGB screen. If I bought R2, the only reason I want Xfire is because of resale value. R2 is almost at its end of life, therefore buying R2 may not be a good idea.

 

On the subject of coupons, you just have to wait for Dell to post something. Subscribe to their mailings. Keep an eye here:

http://www.notebookreview.com/dellCoupon.asp

 

Yeah right, 5870CF system is at the end of its life? Crossfire for resale value? Oh man.... this made my day.

I have no idea what you use on the computer, but if you need to use USB 3.0 (or think you do), keep in mind that R2 does NOT come with it. If I am not mistaken SATA 3.0 also comes with the new Sandy Bridge chipset.

 

I said R2 not Xfire. I just dont think there will be many willing to buy an old R2 next year without Xfire.
And, I do know what R2 has and does not have. Thank you for reminding me