The new M17xR3 will be Alienware's first 3D-capable Laptop - Discuss here

It is getting a refresh that features Intel’s next-generation Core i5 and Core i7 quad core Sandy Bridge processors. Dell is so proud of their work, they’re calling this the most powerful laptop in the universe. The Intel P67 Express chipset inside should give this gaming machine a nice power boost. It will also boast Full HD 3D 120Hz playback. The included wireless HD capabilities (with zero latency) helps make this machine optimized for wireless gaming. Other specs include an HDMI port for connecting to a Blu-ray player, Xbox 360 or a Sony PS3. The 1920 x 1080 resolution screen also comes with graphic options of a 1.5GB Nvidia GTX 460M, ATI 1GB HD6870M, or 2GB 6970M chip. Price will start at $1,499 and will be available starting January 10.

http://ces.cnet.com/8301-32254_1-20027298-283.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab_LlmQElBI

 

So the HDMI is 2 way now... Its an input and an output?

 

With 1080p and single GPU it's a no go for 3D gaming... Hope the r3 will get xf/sli optiions... and why just the 460m and not 470m or 485m? It won't be the most powerful laptop at all with the announced options.
The 1920x1080 screen is a downgrade too imo.

HDMI-in sounds nice, but really, who wants to connect a console to a gaming laptop? The diplay is to small for split screen gaming sessions.

And I can't see a reason to jump on the 3D train... I mean it's not that great at all. Maybe in a year or two when you don't have to use glasses anymore...but even then I can't really see what's so great about it.

 

HDMI in is really cool. I don't think it will get used as often as some think, but for people who are always on the go, its nice to have that option. Also with the 3d capability of the PS3, it would be fun to mess around with.

They are also not showing the glasses though? Some active glasses are really really ugly...

 

Are the specs released?

 

Alienware M17x Hands-on: Stream Games to Your Big Screen in 1080p

 

"...comes in two color options: black and red. We say pick the latter, which has a great soft-touch finish."

Cool - red soft touch. Nice!

 

I kinda hope this will fail so they'll concentrate on what AW was made for GAMING and go for SLi/well CF/OC capabilities better cooling...etc.
3D is for your living room giant screen not your laptop com'on..and no more 1200..I'm keeping my R1 probably the R2 will stay if he behaves

 

I agree. This 3D phantom is a big red herring. They are chasing their tails when they need to be focusing on building high-performance, robust machines that work exactly as advertised. The world doesn't need 3D right now. The world needs Alienware to do a better job on the current generation of high-end capabilities.

 

That's why it has the new ATI cards! (insert trollface)

 

lol wth, guess once these bomb I can look forward to the r4 or r5 without the 3d and single gpu crap. Although they're probably sticking with the 1080p

 

YouTube - NVIDIA CES 2011: Black Ops

 

my bet is that you'll quite readily and easily be able to spec this new system out with crossfire or SLI.

 

even if it has crossfire support getting the parts will be hard especially the cable itself. Many people who picked up a single gpu and later on wanted a dual gpu ended up spending alot more than if they got it ahead of time and ordered it along with the computer. Same goes with the extended warranty which is usually alot more after the sale. Also you can negotiate pricing with a rep over the phone and get it for even less and i would rather have it fully loaded and negotiate 15-20% off and get it OTD then add the upgrades down the road and have to mess with trying to get it to work with existing setup. I am really hoping that it has crossfire since that is the only reason and RGB i went with m17x over the m15x. I would imagine they want to support Crossfire since the space is already there to support it and would easily give them the edge.

 

I hate the 3d As well but single gfx in a lighter thinner chasis makes sense for non gamers who just need a 17 inch screen Single powerful card and maximum cooling for the CPU. Maybe there is a separate chasis now for the sli?


The new lid is ugl compared to the old one. Unnecessary overdesign

 

IM (modest)O I would say that (so far) the news are quite disappointing (to say the less).
Without 6970 XF (or SLI, which personally I don't like too much), 1900x1200 (a must, indeed!), USB 3... What’s the attraction?! 3D? It’s sound rubbish for serious performers…!!!

Self correction: Well, after all it's seems that it will have the USB 3 and the option of a 2GB 6970... what about the XF? isn't clear. Will it have the option of a 1920x1200 RGB instead of the 3D... we will see... after the 10 january as they say... Where the h... is Jocker? Usually he have very good insights... I (at least) would like to hear from him...

 

Looks like the downgraded their displays to 16x9 from the proper 16x10. When will they stop this madness and realize that TV does not equal Computer!

 

So was this the big announcement for AW? I know that some thought they might be announcing a new 15x or something else.

 

Agreed. And as stated earlier, why 3D on a lappy? It's for IMax and maybe, maybe a home theatre. Not the laptop. FAIL!!!!

 

Also a single 460M???
Thats a surprise and a powerhouse
First impression..bad

 

Are the new GPU offerings significantly inferior to the R2 xfire and sli options?

 

460M Single GPU..definitely.

 

the intel hd result in the 3dmark06 result become even wierder


and just to point out a single 460m is just a little short of a single 5870

 

I have the following GPU option (if I choose R2 and order now):
• CrossFire™ Dual 1GB ATI® Mobility Radeon™ HD 5870

I have the following GPU options (if I choose R3 and order later):
• 1.5GB NVIDIA GTX 460M
• ATI 1GB HD6870M
• ATI 2GB 6970M

Can anybody give a reasonably informed comparison of these GPUs (or, at least, a reasonably educated opinion as to how they may perform in real-time applications; media playback, gaming, etc.)?

Would much appreciate this, as the time-scale for the R3 intro may be quite short.

Many thanks

 

Crossfire 5870m should be faster in everything that supports xfire. Otherwise the 6970M should be about 30% faster in single GPU use.

 

I'm a little lost; the same specs plus 3D for less than it already currently is? If that holds true my current m17x is going on ebay faster than toast with jesus' face on it.

 

Cheers Joker...

You say 'Crossfire 5870m should be faster in everything that supports xfire. Otherwise the 6970M should be about 30% faster in single GPU use.'

I assume you mean that the older 'xfire' or 'sli' configurations may outpace the new 6970M chip, in stand-alone?

 

They're not the same specs. Some are better some are worse. The R3 doesn't seem to have dual GPU.

 

If they can manage CF 6970, then 470/485M SLI should very much be possible as well. While it will be argued, I don't think 485M SLI with just a 1.5GB mem config (vs 2GB) would manage in the R3.

120hz = nice but WLED is a very serious step DOWN from the RGB LED system. If they'd managed 120hz AND RGB LED, I would have lived with the 16:9 screen. I just can't believe on such a high end screen, meant for the Cadillac of laptops that they would cheap out with WLED's instead of RGB. The parts sourcing manager should have their head examined...

USB 3 = good and a good enough replacement to skip out on the Expresscard. I can live with USB 3 and no Expresscard and I suspect many will be able to do the same.

I pray the touchpad is better than the last. I think they made it too large. Typing on the keyboard while still intermittently using the touchpad is bound to cause touchpad bumping errors on a pad that size. The plus is that they FINALLY put back the separate buttons vs the R2's single cheap button. That was good. Pad is too big though.

What is with the analog VGA. Displayport would have been better or another USB 3 port. Analog VGA is so dead it's almost an embarrassment.

The only chrome I want to see is dark blackened chrome. Bright chrome bits make this machine look cheap and tawdry, like a Qosmio.

Still no screen latch. I understand design-wise that they didn't want to put one in. But the hinge problems that have appeared on nearly every Alienware speak to the need to be sure the screen is latched down. They are just asking for worn out hinges down the line, and a lot of pissed off customers after spending so much for a flawed design.

If they were going to put the card reader in such a wide open space above the cd drive, why not make it a full card reader (including Compact flash) just to cover the gamer/photographer folks out there who are likely to appreciate such things. This is a small beef, but worth mentioning.

Optical audio out? Suppose HDMI will do, but you won't find speaker sets that recognize HDMI for sound input, but you find a number (growing number) that recognize SPDIF optical. Seems like a shame to miss.

HDMI in is a nice touch.

I understand that Intel Widi might not perform as well as whomever they chose for Widi. But honestly, Intel is likely to be the largest vendor of such devices in laptops and there are likely to be a wide variety of devices that interface with the Intel transmitter. Going with a 3rd party is something you might see in a cheap asian knockoff PC. Cadillac/Lexus pc's like the R3, should use Intel parts, Intel Widi, ethernet and wireless. At this price level, folks aren't debating the extra $10 in parts price it would take to get the Intel parts, and they are smart enough to appreciate the Intel parts.

It's may be enough to warrant a purchase, we'll see. But fixing these oversights above immediately would greatly improve the good market acceptance of this machine.

 

Thanks for the reply Joker. I understand the difficulty in comparing specs - hence my question; I suppose all is rather in the air until we discover final specs.

One Q for you (or anybody else):
The Dell press release stated, 'available on January 10, 2011 (that date will vary by region)'
As I'm from Ireland, my region is Western Europe. Have you any idea (highly unlikely, I know) of the history of release delays for other (non-North America) regions?

 

If they built the R3 with CF/SLI in mind, they would mention it in every sentence today. Brings me to conclusion that it wasn't planned from the start.
Just a thought, - a 2920XM is capable of boosting all cores to 3.5Ghz for short periods of time, that may result in a power draw bump, add a 100W GPU, screen, HDDs, RAM, etc and you have a 240W. An extra GPU would need a beefier PSU and (maybe) some power circuitry redesign, which may not be what AW is willing to do at this point.

 

I wouldn't count on either.

Unfortunately, given the new pricing scheme of the M17x and the obvious shortcomings, I don't think Dell is aiming to create the "Mercedes" (I hate cadillacs) of the notebook gaming world any longer. That honor will likely die with the R2.

Pretty much what I'm thinking as well. It would also warrant a chunkier/heavier laptop which is a territory Dell is trying to get away from. They want to tread the Asus G73 market but offer a slightly more premium product to draw sales away from Asus. So Aikimox, are you going to get me a killer deal on an X7200?

 

NVIDIA Unveils New Line of GPUs

Following the unveiling, several companies announced that their systems will house a GeForce 500M GPU inside, and these companies include Alienware and Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, Sony, Samsung, Acer, Toshiba, Fujitsu, MSI, and Clevo.

Now what's this all about?
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5996&news=nvidia+launches+new+notebook+graphics

 

Undoubtedly for the M11x revision or a low end M15x GPU option. I guess the 580 isn't going to make an appearance anytime soon with the 485 seemingly performing well. I'm hearing more and more x2 cards probably won't make its way to the R3, really not regretting lambasting Alienware in the CES thread now.

 

X7200 uses 2x300W PSU's in SLI for dual GPU configs. On one hand that gives a nice OC'ing headroom. On the other, we know nothing of the long term system stability when using a power converter (a high risk of "dirty" DC which may be dangerous for inner components) I'd wait till more info is available.
But yes, even though I'm in Canada, we can arrange something

 

Possibly for the M11x/M15x.

 

But as of now, it points to M17X as there are no news or any info on 11 and 15?
Or they are planning for some surprise.

 

That is almost a deal breaker for me. If i get it ill probably apply some model paint for it. the lights are gaudy enough as it is but bright chrome really tips things over the hill for me. the new lid design also seems like a step backwards for me.

but I don't mind the single GPU. Infact the idea that the M17x is not 'whole' without the second GPU was holding me back since i dont need a second GPU but need the second HDD and 17' screen.

hope they come out with a matte or black chrome update in 6 months.

 

Excellent posting – very informative and greatly appreciated.

Please understand that all of the following questions are coming from an individual, about to purchase an M17X, but torn regarding the pros and cons of the R3 (as listed):

Pros:
• Faster (apparently) CPU
• Refreshed design
• Wireless HD (unsure of it’s use, as yet)
• 3D (is this format likely to become obsolete quickly)
• USB 3 (is this confirmed?)
• Intel P67 Express chipset (can't say that I yet understand the significance of this )

Cons:
• Possible plastic casing (as opposed to 'Anodized Aluminum'... mmm...)
• No SLI/Crossfire options for GPUs
• No RGB display option
• Reduced screen size (16:10 - 16:9)
• DRM embedded in 'Sandy Bridge' chips (though this point may be a bit sensationalist - don't fully understand the implications yet)

With reference to your posting:

Regarding the GPU: Can you see any argument at all for not including an SLI/Crossfire option?

Regarding the display: I’d like to get the best that I can for my money – most info suggests RGBLED, but it seems that this is no longer an option. As somebody who must purchase soon, would you advise towards the old system (RGBLED) or the new (FHD WLED) – (with the future consideration of 3-D technology in mind).

Regarding USB: Would love USB 3, but could manage with/without

I’m now skipping a large number of important feature-based points that you addressed (sorry – time constraints)

If you can forgive this, and post a reply, it’d be much appreciated. Cheers…

 

lol..
Looks like to in order to fully use the features of R3, I will spending a lot of money on HD TVs, Nvidia 3d Vision glasses and stuff..
Reminds me of a joke of finding tires on sale and buying whole car to put on top of it.

 

2GB 6970M woohoo! This machine rocks im very glad at this announcment. Go alienware!

 

V.Ram really doesn't makes it woohooo....

 

I just bought an m17x, I have a feeling i'll be returning it soon and getting the r3.

 

^ If you have crossfire, better keep it.
Looks like R2 will be a dominant system.

 

No 1200p Screen, Cool gues I can save a lot of money now and keep my R2, Thanks Dell.

 

It would be nice if it supported CrossfireX. But without it...meh. I'm not interested. If it had a 6990m 4GB, that would be alright, I guess, but I doubt such a two chip board will ever surface. Is it 100% certain that it won't support SLI/CrossfireX? I really don't get it. The M17x is supposed to be the flagship...unless they are aiming for a new model (possibly a larger one?) for their dual video card setup.

As for 3D, it's a nice toy, but on such a small screen, it's really redundant. I just hope one can use the display at 120Hz at full resolution without 3D, too. 1920x1080 is a little bit of a disappointment, but I could live with just that.

 

I'm feeling better about my R2 purchase now. I dont see why SLI and Xfire wouldn't be in the R3... I dont think I could live without the RGB screen either.

 

This forum is so funny A bunch of tech geeks, people who want the latest and greatest are complaining about the latest and greatest. I have a feeling all those people who are happy about their R2 purchase now, or who are knocking the R3, will want it in a few months

I will bet that joker has one sooner rather than later and then will say how awesome it is I dont think its as bad as everyone says, especially since the CPU is so gonzo awesome.

 

If it doesn't have dual GPU support, you won't see me anywhere near it. As of right now, my next planned notebook isn't even an Alienware unless Dell really surprises us in a few months with the introduction of an M18x with 350W PSU and dual 485M + 16:10 IPS/RGB LED.

 

Now , if they did THAT, I too would be selling this off rather sharpish....

Thing is, if the R3 doesnt have a 1920x1200rgbled, thats the biggest turn off for me....i could live without dual gpu IF the proposed "single" gpu would offer the same/comparable performance but thats obviously unlikely.

Seems like this NEW R3 is taking a back step from out current maxed out R2's and as such, it really does seem like Dell is not so much interested in the very high end laptop gaming market but moreso, targeting other mass manufacturers of other gaming laptops...the days of Alienware being "all powerful" for new buyers seem to be numbered if Dell take this approach....

I think when AW "was" AW, they were passionate about high end systems BUT since Dell acquired it, its become "dellized" to such a degree that if the proposed R3 specs are anything to look at, its a sure fire thing that one day, AW will just be another gaming laptop...