Thinking about buying an M17X R3, help!

They were going for a lighter and more portable version of the M17x when they came out with the M17xR3. You can kind of tell because they opted to go for a single-GPU configuration rather than the dual-GPU setup that the M17xR2 had. And of course the plastic casing to save on weight.

That's where the M18x comes in. The M18x is a "true" successor to the M17xR2, as it uses dual GPUs and it brings back the aluminum casing.

 

oops...wrong spot somehow..

 

Ok, so the time has come for me to buy my first Alienware (probably sometime in June). I waited to see what the new updates would bring and after seeing the new line up, I think the M17X looks like the one for me although I'm having a few doubts with the release of the M18X.

Before I get into my question about which to choose, here is a brief overview of what I'll be using the laptop for:

GAMING

oh yeh and some light browsing too..ha.

I'm not a programmer or graphic designer or anything like that. I'm just someone who likes to play the latest games that will visually look the best. The reason I'm now torn between the M17X and the M18X is the possibility of the dual GPU option in the M18X.

I kind of think that someone like me ie just a gamer, may benefit more visually by having a 3D screen instead of dual GPU's? Does that make sense? Although, will there be a ridiculous performance boost given by the M18X over the M17X in terms of gaming? I know that benchmarks etc etc etc probably say the M18X is way better, but will I notice that (seeing as I'll only be playing games and not doing any other intense tasks) or (number aside) will the 3D screen M17X be better for me?

 

Yes that is exactly what I read about with the magnesium. SLI/XFire would be nice but if it is only going to be offered in the M18X, that machine starts at $2k and the battery life is probably bad. Not to mention carrying an 18.4" laptop around campus...

Yeah I agree with you on that one. I wish they would've kept the aluminum casing and RGB LED, forget the 2nd card. LOL

Nice

Although you are hijacking my thread, the M18X will start at $2k. It will offer the same CPU options as the M17X. The only thing that will be faster is dual GPUs.

Computer Games on Laptop Graphic Cards - Notebookcheck.net Tech

It looks like it is anywhere from 20-100% faster.

 

Sorry Dude, I saw the thread title and thought it'd be best to post my question here instead of creating a new one. Cheers for the advice though.

 

Don't worry about it. Do you have any other questions?

You can always get an M17X R2 with dual 5870s.

 

I looked at the R2 but although some may say the 3D option on the R3 is a bit gimmicky, to me it will prob improve the gaming experience loads. It might sound stupid but I kind of think an M18X may be wasted on me as I'll only be gaming, nothing else.

I was talking to Dell Irish support there a few hours ago. Currently, I'm trying to find out when the Nebula Red version of the M17X R3 will be released on the Irish site (only the black is available at the moment). The girl had no idea.....pretty annoying tbh. She tried to convince me to get an M18X instead. She was trying to tell me that the M18X is out this wkend. I told her I was pretty sure it wasn't out till may but she kept saying this wkend.

 

Perhaps it is out this weekend? I am not sure about release dates but it will probably be in May. I would say the M18X might be too much. You can get that M17X unit with dual GPUs for $1600 with a blu-ray drive. Only thing you need is a 1200P LCD screen which you can buy, so the total might be like $1850 plus discounts maybe.

Currently people are having issues with Nvidia 3D, and it is also fairly new too. The 6970 is quite better than the Nvidia card as well.

 

Update: I ended up buying the M17X R3!

Now I need a buyer for my x305.

I got a great deal and had a nice rep, if you want my rep, give me a PM!

Thanks to everyone for their help!

 

Hi, just curious what you paid (% off?) and a good choice I think. With having to lug it around campus (which you're used to), the M17x probably made more sense. The M18x is 12lbs and with the brick, you're probably looking at 15+.

I didn't know they had a signature event for Alienware machines.

 

Got around $600 off, paid $2300.

The M17x is perfect for me. The M18x is too much lol