Should I Buy a M17x?

Before i get to the main question, i think it would behoove both me, and the peeps that are reading this if i told a little about myself (relative to the topic):

First, i am a bit of a tech savvy, atleast well enough to know and understand both problems and solutions that other people have voiced on the forums (meaning i can keep up with most things ie. reinstalling drivers, OS, BIOS, etc). Now, with that being said, "I know nothing."

Ive been saving up to get a computer (which i was going for the XPS systems, until my brother got the m17x) for a while, and i started researching the alienware laptops. But after reading such extreme differences between reviews of how people like it, i am stumped. Because, usually, it is either one of the poles which is, the person either loves the m17x, or the person hates it. Now after reading in these forums, it seems there are more problems than there are pros about the laptop. And the problems i have heard like bad motherboards, or messed up GPU's, I would have no idea how to fix (other than replace. hence, the 'i know nothing').

So. now to the base question: Should I get an AW m17x? i mean i want to hear from the peeps that actually own it. Do these problems ever stop or get permanently fixed? I mean can you sit down after a long day and enjoy a relaxing game of whatever without it freezing, overheating, crashing, or whatever else you can think of..? i dont mind working on things that are broken or even fixing them, as long as there is a fix for them (which permanent fixes seem rare from what ive seen). Forget the battery life issue or the fact that peeps complain that its "so heavy". Im talking about the hardware and software issues. any info from anyone would be extremely helpful.
Thanks guys,
Demons

 

I personally love my m17x. As longest you are covered under warranty you got nothing to worry about. Any laptop is cursed to eventually fail. Some sooner than others. Anyways, dell is very reliable in terms of warranty, plus, you don't have to send it for repairs, since it comes with next business day on site service.

 

I had an XPS 1710 I bought in 06. In 09 I bought the m15x you see in my sig. Now ready to upgrade, I didn't even consider XPS...Alienware M17x all the way. There were similar reports when m15x was initially released. I did a clean OS install when I received it and I have had zero issues. I expect I will have the same experience when I get my m17x...I say go for it...

 

Btw, what type of warranty would you suggest to get..? and how long of a warranty?

 

I would suggest the standard 3 years warranty. The premium is just complete care in case of accidents, but is WAY too expensive.

 

3-year standard is nice, of course i would try calling them and try to negotiate a better deal on the warranty.

 

I would say YES....BUY ONE!

Although there are trials and tribulations with them, nothing major (well art from the Chipset fiasco with the R3 at the moment) that causes heartache beyond what the average user cant sort out easily.

Besides, I think that overcoming some of those hurdles is one of the fun parts of owning a top flight gaming laptop. The rewards are immense, the power of these systems is incredible. Yes, you may find that you have to do some tweaks here and there to get the very best out of them but its all worthwhile and educational.

Regarding warranty, I would get the best/longest that your budget can afford...afterall, if your spending such a sum on the machine itself, you WANT to have it covered.

 

I like my R2. It just works perfect now. But the question is whether you need it?

Keep in mind that its a pretty bulky and heavy laptop + the AC adapter is like that too. It's *pretty* heavy. But RGB LED screen just makes it all worth while. It's such an enjoyment (really) every time I look at this screen. R2 had some problems that took a bit to solve (touchpad, crossfire flickering, to name few) but they are now all solved by flashing the newest BIOS and installing all newest drivers. I'd recommend it.

 

Also remember that the majority of satisfied customers are never going to post anything in a forum anywhere. It is the customers who have a rotten experience and want to share their misery with others that are going to open their mouths. Behind every dissatisfied customer is several hundred very satisfied customers that never say a word.

 

hah, i see. and makes perfect sense. oh and forget about the weight of it. if it is heavy for me, itll put some muscle on me which in that i cant complain. besides, i would carry it in a backback *if* i were to take it places. but truth be told, i will just keep it in one spot most likely, unless the power goes out in the house and i need to scratch the itch of playing a game, ill go to a starbucks.

but should i wait for the r3 to reappear again..? because by personal choice (and what i was raised with, so dont even try to sell ATI on me ), id rather go with Nvidia anyway. it seems like the crossfire has many problems on its own.

 

The answer is YES. There are some reasons you may want to consider:

1. Alienware is one of the most powerful laptop in the market with an unique design. As "a bit of tech savvy" you will be able to enjoy its powerful performance.

2. Hardware and software issues: I dont have much experience with AW but believe me, any laptop of any brand with any OS would have issues, no matter it is Apple or Dell, Mac OS or Windows, or any manufacture company. The important thing is how customers are treated and how fast do they response to those feedback from customers. As far as I know, Dell (AW) in fact did pay attention to their customers. Dell was the first company that I was able to negotiate the price through phone (thanks to BatBoy and my roomate SillyHoney) and that means customers' satisfaction is very important to them and they are pretty flexible when dealing with customers. Just like you, I am not so worry about issues as long as there will be updates to fix those issues.

3. Price: you pay for what you get. I dont like Apple, Sony at this point. I have used Mac for more than 3 years and it's just funny how they price upgrading options. For Apple, it is always a multiple of $50, except the accessories (mouse, keyboard, remote at $**.99). $400 for extra 4GB RAM, what the heck is that? I have known Dell for a long time, but I used to think of them as a cheap, unreliable manufacturer. I had a Dell 6-7 years ago which ran extremely hot and its performance decreased extremely fast. Then I heard about the battery recall
However, recently, clearly Dell's image has been much much better. Recently my Macbook Pro got stolen when I was in Las Vegas having fun with some chicks, I am now in need for a new lap. After so many good reviews about AW (my roomate SillyHoney has bought 3 of them so far) I decided to go with AW this time. Apple never provide such a powerful machine for such a price as AW, so I believe I made a great decision

4. Your brother has a M17x. You should order one more powerful than his silently, see who will be jealous to death

5. You are in AW forum. You knew the answer, right? Then DONT ASK, just go ahead and BUY ONE.

 

Haha, good point, but with my brother, lol, hes where i get my forte with computers, lol, everything i know is from him. but even his, he bought it around september, and already 2 ati vid cards had to be replaced as well as a motherboard. so thats why i was hesitant bec/ i saw it first-hand. although im not sure how it is now since im in a different state than he is now. but thats beside the point. well, it seems ill keep saving up and get it real soon. btw what do you think is the best config..? i mean that is most "stable"

 

Can't say for R3 but it seems working well so far for those who own it.

Regarding R1, R2 there is not any major issue that has not been addressed and fixed thanks to Dell and NBR advanced users.

On the side note, I was very surprised to know that Dell has integrated S/PDIF into R3. No Windows based laptop has digital output anymore or not that I know of. Now Dell threw it into R3. Looks like they have listened to our concerns That with the improved trackpad.

 

Short answer would be all kind of combination of config would be perfectly fine stability wise. People with 9xx XM and R3 users might wanna throw in some info on throttling, I don't know.

However the general rules are:

- Get the best display and GPU you can afford. You will be stuck with the display obviously and upgrading GPU after purchase regardless through Dell or aftermarket would be either more expensive or a lot more expensive.

- Don't upgrade memory and SSD through Dell. Cheaper, better and very easy to replace are the reasons.

 

this will help grealty, thanks alot man

as for the r3, if they can fix the problem with the SB, i think it would be the better bet anyways since base price was cheaper as well. and i didnt know they integrated S/PDIF into it, which'll be good.

 

But yes, the M17X R2 is definitely worth the price, I don't own one but i have tested many other laptops and the R2 has the best build quality, and Dell support it amazing.

Remember, always try to bargain a better deal, then you can use that money for a RAM upgrade or a CPU upgrade on on Newegg.

 

yeah i love the m17x as well, i have three of them, i personally like the red the best by far. they are not only very fast and can play up to date games but they are so freakin cool looking every time i bring mine to school i get people asking questions about it or saying i got the coolest laptop they have ever seen.

so for me its a no brainier, the power that they have plus the awesome look with customizable LEDS makes it the best laptop i have ever seen.

i would personally get a refurn m17x r2 if i were you, you can get them off ebay for around $200 with the max stats! look in my sig i got that one for $1600 and it has a advance care warranty so if anything happens with it a tech will "come to my house" and fix it. no shipping it out.

 

$200? Where???????

 

mmm, i wouldnt buy them off of ebay because i dont know anything about what the guy did to it and what problems it has. id rather buy and customize my own

 

I believe he meant $2,000 lol.

And outlet + 20% off would be better.

 

FTFY

To OP, go for it!