VERY brief review of m17x r3

I've never owned a laptop before, but build gaming pc's for myself, friends, and family. So generally, I know about gaming performance but not about laptops.

i7-2630
6970m
4gb RAM
750gb HD
1600x900 (mistake)

Likes:
1. Solid, heavy construction
2. Extremely good looking - the soft touch finish, keyboard layout and font, lighting package are all eye-catching (in a good way)
3. Gaming performance is surprising (Far Cry 2 and Crysis 2 are only games tried so far). It does not feel like a step back from my 6870 x-fire desktop rig. Maybe even "smoother". My oldest son even commented on the smooth quick gameplay.
4. Sound is better than expected (but see dislikes below). Clear, loud, and relatively dynamic. Gunshots report with a satisfying "crack" and voices are easy to understand.
5. Quieter than expected, silent when idling and no louder than my desktop when gaming
6. Full-sized keyboard

Dislikes:
1. Spongy keyboard (but maybe I am used to high-end desktop gaming keyboards)
2. Screen is too glossy
3. Speakers have NO bass....but hooking up my external amp/speakers is seamless

Overall....I think it's the most amazing single piece of computer tech I've actually held in my hands. A sturdier keyboard, matte screen, and built-in subwoofer would make it the perfect desktop replacement.

Mark

 

Built-in Subwoofer? That would take some space... :-?

The R1/R2 have a plastic keyboard (which i would call 'sturdier'). I used to envy the R3 keyboard until i read this (The flexing looks cool)

 

I really hate glossy screens which is why I have an external monitor for most use.

 

Eh??? Many laptops have subs now. The XPS15 we just bought has a sub and it sounds magnificent.

 

"...no louder than my desktop when gaming"
That doesn`t sound very good. Well, it depends on what desktop you have though. Can not imagine having a laptop few centimeters away that is just as noisy as a desktop you usually sit few feets away from

Could you elaborate?

 

Sure.....I have two HD6870 in x-fire in my desktop. It sits on the floor a few feet away from me when I game. When the fans ramp-up during games, you can clearly hear the sound of rushing air. No annoying whine or anything.

The R3 is approximiatly the same volume when I am sitting directly in front of it as my desktop machine is a few feet away. You can hear it but it is not annoying. I would not describe it as "quiet" during game though. So if you plan on "stealth" gaming when you are supposed to be working/doing homework, it is probably going to give you away.

 

I never know that M17x R3 does not come with sub-woofer.
How the sounds compare to SXPS 16?
Because I'm considering to buy M17x R3 as well.

 

I ordered one with the exact same specs as you and it will be having an EDD of 5/06. Really looking forward to it. As of right now I am using the asus g73jh with a 5870m and a 720 i7. This will be a pretty good upgrade I think.

 

Oh, I went with 6gb of ram in mine though. I did get the 1600x900 lcd as well, but IMO this is not a downgrade from the 1920 panel in the sense that on a 17.3 inch screen 1600x900 is a good resolution, as well as increased performance in games. I went from a 1600x900 in the g73 to a 1920, and kind of regret that decision.

 

Yeah, I thought the 1600x900 would give the video card "longer legs", but it seems to have plenty of power and 1080p would have been no problem. I also am coming from a 1080p desktop screen and the reduced real estate is noticable.

However, I do like the screen (other than the extreme glossy finish) and it seems the correct resolution for 17.3". I would probably pick the 1080p if I had to do it over again though.

 

I agree about the screen
I've never experience glossy finish like this. It's so bad, I actually get back pain from moving my head around so much (on long, bright work days).

Too bad we can't cut off the True Life g(ay)lossy cover without voiding warranty.

 

Lol, the keyboard feels about the same as any cheap chinaplastic "gaming" keyboard.

Get a real mechanical and you'll be unable to use anything else.. Its almost painful to type on the laptop's keyboard and (when gaming) I NEED to have my DECK sitting in front of it

And yeah, the screen is pretty irritating.

 

Thanks for the explanation, that sounds a lot better.
I have realized that you won`t get any laptops with this setup that is nearly silent when gaming. Well, Asus G73 is very close to that from what i have heard, but most laptops you will hear when gaming. But i don`t want noisy laptops such as the Sager laptops either. For me it is very important to atleast have it quiet when surfing the internet and doing office programs.
Would you describe it nearly silent when doing these light programs?

 

Yeah, you can barely here it when not gaming, only if you really listen for it

 

How was your order time? From time of order to delivery? Thats a concern of mine..waiting a month for a laptop.

 

Ordered 3/18....received 4/13