Should I go M17x R3???

Folks, here's the deal...... I have a descent PC at home, but I haven't
upgraded it in forever.. I have a descent Asus laptop with an 8800GTS GPU,
but even that machine is over a year old.

I am really looking at the M17x R3 since the M18x wasn't released today,
but I really need to pull the trigger now....

Okay, here it is. The two questions I need help with:

1) I would like my next laptop to be able to play games for the next 3
years, does the M17x R3 fill that need as far as everyone here can predict?

2) Seems like there are lots of issues with the new M17x R3 that people
are complaining about, like the GPU switching, flexing keyboard, whatever...
Is the M17x R3 a well built machine?

Here's basically my config of a new M17 R3:
All stock, upgraded LCD, 6970M GPU. I'll upgrade ram/hdd as needed.

Here's what I like:
Looks good, and the lighted keyboard is a must for me.

This will be my destop replacement that I can take with me on trips when
needed... Can anyone help me with some real world, user experiances
here?

Thanks!

-Birdmanicus

PS... Just to give you an idea of how old my desktop is, the base M17x R3
proc is DOUBLE my current desktop proc.

 

Go for it, just buy extra insurance w/accidental and your covered....

 

I'd wait for M18x if you don't have any reason to rush.

 

If you can, I would hold off a bit longer for M18x prices/specs on Dell.....M18x will be same kind of build as the R2 with metal casing...the R3 is a soft touch plastic outer shell. The R3 will only have the ability of one gpu, so in terms of gaming for the next three years, your gonna be pretty reliant on your one card being able to keep up...a crossfire or sli gpu setup that would be "awesome" right now should last you a fair amount of time.

As an example, Ive had my R2 for 8-9mths and newer gpu cards have come out but the x/f 5870 still has plenty of power to max out most games easily.

No one can really account for what software/game developers will come up with in the next three years to make games even more demanding on gpu's, but, if you dont want to change before then, I would look at getting the most powerful gpu solution thats available right now - this would be a dual gpu M18x and not a single gpu R3.

As with any new system, there will be teething issues....it will likely be the same with M18x as the M17x R3....heck, the M17x R2 still has some unresolved issues so its highly unlikely you will get a new system which is 100% problem free....

If portability is a must (even with a 17 or 18inch laptop) the R3 may be the better choice as it would have longer battery life as opposed to the M18x, which is a true desktop replacement system and will be designed to not stray far from a wall socket for best performance. The M18x is likely to be heavier obviously.

 

I think it will last you 3 years easily if you accept that by the 3rd year you will not be able to run the newest games maxed.

I bought my 7811FX over 2.5 years ago when it was new and super powerful and just finished a playthrough of Bulletstorm at pretty good settings. It will not run Crysis 2 really, though. I think this same situation would happen with any new tech laptop.

As for complaints about it, just remember the most vocal people are people with complaints. Also note that for the complaints about it on this board, there are MANY more praises.

 

M17x R3 and M18x are not that different... in fact they are about the same but this one is 1+ inch larger and got better materials (like M17x R2)

 

I'm quoting TaK, but I thank all of you for the response.... Great responses.

I am an AW fan, even without owning one, just from all of the research
I've been doing.... I guess being an old guy, I look at my purchase as
something that I want to get a return on, and in this case, that's a little
bit of portability mixed with a touch of longevity (3 years).

I know that Clevo, Sager, and other companies put out a great product,
but those other compnies seem to be using the retreaded Clevo design,
and that's just boring.. Sure, they have a 485m, but if just one of them
could figure out how to get a lighted keyboard, their sales would be
higher... Who knows.... Anyways, thanks again.... I'm still deciding. I
REALLY wanted the M18x to come out today, but I guess that was
hoping for too much. Maybe I can lean on my Asus G50V fo just a few
more weeks.

-Birdmanicus

 

to be honest, id agree with others on waiting for the m18x, i mean it has not come out today, but it still might tomorrow (optimism), and if you would want your lappy to play the games in the upcoming years (not saying the r3 wouldnt be able to), you have a higher bet with the 18 simply because of the dual GPU option. my 2 c

 

What is the price diff though?

 

starting price will be about 2,000.00 if im not mistaken

 

Ouch...I was hoping $1699 or $1799 tops. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

 

I think the release date is slated for may according to the Engadget post.