Upgrade now or be patient

Hello.

Small bit of background. I'm very handicapped and homebound so my computer is basically my only real independent source entertainment.

I've always bought Alienware because I like gaming. My current m17x just conked out on me. Since it's a bit old, I decided this is a good time to upgrade.

After researching the new systems, I'm interested in the new 3D technology. However, the available video card is the GTX 675m. From everything I've read, the GTX 680m is the way to go.

I've also read that is was once available for the m17x but was removed. Rumors say recall, most other says it's only due to being out of stock.

So, my question. You all know how these things work better than I do. Is it worth waiting an unspecified time for the 680m or should I pull the trigger for the 675m. Is the difference really noticeable?

I conversed with the online chat agent and was told they cannot talk about future products and had no information whatsoever on when or even if the 680m will be available.

One last point. Many people suggest I move to a desktop but the laptop works better because once I get placed in bed I'm stuck there and I'm a night owl, so an easily portable computer that can be moved to where I need it outweighs the somewhat better hardware offered in a full desktop model.

 

680m is a lot faster than 675m. No sense going for last gen tech if you are at a decent budget and looking for upgrade.

It was just available in alienware last week, which leads me to believe it is out of.stock. I.have not read anything that confirms recall/hardware issue. Just speculation.

So wait. I think most people will say the same. Or opt for a Clevo/Sager.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

 

Hi Zygon,
I agree with tommy word by word. I would wait for the 680m to be back on the site, rather than pulling the trigger on the 675m (which is actually the 580m under a different name). The difference in performance in quite considerable. The 580m (aka 675m) is still a powerful card in its own right (i own this currently), however it is still fermi... 680m is a true kepler and gives substantially higherperformance in 3D and 2D gaming. And i do believe the 680m is out-of-stock, hence its not there on the AW site... Was there til last week, so should be back soon. This happened with the 580m too; nothing unusual...

 

Hi, I'm in the same situation as you - had to give up on the desktop I built after becoming disabled.

The AW was my first foray into a laptop for gaming. I am very happy with the 675 for 3D but want to upgrade in the very near future - more for something to do rather than the extra performance promised. Give it a week or two to see how it pans out before pulling the trigger.

 

another option is to check Hidevolution.com, they have some computers with 680m(s) instock, and can usually ship that same day, thats what they did for me anyhow, i got the m18x with dual 680's and thus far its a beast of a machine!
if you dont mind paying alittle extra, the m18x is pretty amazing for the SLI portion, but i dont think it supports 3D, another option like mentioned is any of the sager/clever models and there is a new Clevo model due out very very soon, which also supports 3rd Gen Ivy Bridge and SLI/Crossfire
life is short, money is meant to be spent, my opinion splurge alittle and get everything you want within your budget.
or alittle over HEH

 

Like everyone have said, I recommend you wait for the 680M which gives quite a performance boost over the 675M.

 

It definitely sounds like waiting will be worth it. Thank you for all the great replies, I appreciate your time.

 

I think that you should wait for the 680m or take the 7970m which is almost as good as that one. (couple points less on most benchmarks but not remarkably different). If you need assistance with the specs or anything you can send an e-mail to [email protected] and we'll help you as much as we can.