legally blind

I am in the market for a new gaming laptop. I was all set to buy a R3 but with my eye site as it is I think the 3d would be a waste. I was looking at the R2 because of the better screen and build quality(flex scares me). My question is should I go with a R3 or a R2? Is the Sandy Bridge that much better? The specs I'm looking at on the r3 is the i7 2820QM processor and the 3d display. On the R2 I'm looking at the i7 920XM processor with 1900x1200p RGB Led. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

I should clarify I'm legally blind in one eye, other eye is fine.

 

While I can't do a comparison of the two, I have an M15x from 09 and an R3 on the way (will pass my 15x to adult daughter). While not legally blind, I do use trifocals and I cannot imagine noticing much (if any difference) between the two screens.

What I would notice a difference in is old tech versus new tech at more cost for the old tech. I will always default to new tech when it comes to computing as it moves so fast.

As for the flexing, as I posted in another thread, the flex is occurring because people are forcing it. I have not yet seen one report that under normal operating conditions there is any flex whatsoever. Heck, I can make the hood of my car "flex" if I go out there and put my weight into it...doesn't flex any other time though...

I vote R3, get the 460 with Optimus (no 3d), and make use of the battery saving tech (if you need too). I went with 3d, but only because I wanted the 120Hz screen (which I think works without the 3d). If you want the 120Hz screen, I think you have to get the 3d package, but you can turn 3d off.

 

Hello Ronkuba, and welcome to the forums. Everyone is going to advocate the laptop that they currently own. That's a fact. What would help us to help you more efficiently is what your budget is, and how much computing 'horsepower' you want. There are several things to consider. The R2 is older tech, but it's still currently more powerful than the R3 when equipped with two 5870 GPUs and a 920XM CPU. This setup can be had for around $2,700 on the Dell Outlet. If you want the newest tech, and don't care about raw power, I encourage you to check out a few of the 'R3 First Impression' threads here.

 

Thanks for the advise. If I do go with the R3 I will defiantly want the 120hz screen. The thing that makes me want to at least think about the R2 is I hear the screen is great and the build quality is very good. The alluminom body sound great to me. That said I'm leaning toward the R3 because of Sandy Bridge.

 

I'm a member of AAFES and this is the config I'm looking at for the R2
System Color;Space Black - Anodized Aluminum 1 $2,556.60 $2,556.60
Processor: Intel® Core™ i7 920XM 2.0GHz (3.2GHz Turbo Mode, 8MB Cache)
Memory: 4GB Dual Channel Memory (2x 2GB DDR3)
Power Adapters: 240 Watt Adapter
Display Panels: 17-inch WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 RGB LED (1200p)
Video Card: Dual 1024 MB ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 5870 with ATI CrossFireX™ technology
Hard Drive: 250GB 7,200RPM SATA-II HDD
Nameplate: Personalized Nameplate (Ronald O Kuba)
AlienFX: Quasar Blue
Operating System: Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
Adobe Reader Acrobat SW: Adobe Acrobat Reader
CD ROM/DVD ROM: Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Sound: Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
Wireless: Intel® Ultimate N WiFi Link 6300 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO Technology
Automatic Updates: Automatic Updates: On
Service: 1 Year Basic Service Plan, DMLP
Factory Installed Games: Steam and Portal™ Factory Installed
Factory Installed Games: World of Warcraft Preinstall Edition
Bluetooth: Internal Wireless Bluetooth® 2.1 with EDR
Standard Nameplate Trigger: Thank you for Purchasing Alienware

The R3 Config I'm looking at
System Color;Alienware M17x, Soft Touch Stealth Black 1 $1,745.80 $1,745.80
Processor: Intel® Core™ i7 2820QM 2.3GHz (3.4GHz Turbo Mode, 8MB Cache)
Memory: 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz (2DIMMS)
A/C Adapter: Alienware M17x 240W A/C Adapter
Display Panel: 17.3-inch WideFHD 1920x1080 120Hz WLED w/ NVIDIA 3D Vision Bundle
Video Card: 1.5GB GDDR5 Nvidia GeForce GTX 460M
Hard Drive: 320GB 7,200RPM HDD
Nameplate: Personalized Plate (Ronald O Kuba)
AlienFX: Quasar Blue
Operating System: Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit
Adobe Reader Acrobat SW: Adobe Acrobat Reader
Optical Drives: Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Sound: Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
Wireless: Intel® Ultimate N WiFi Link 6300 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO Technology
Automatic Updates: Automatic Updates: On
Service: 1 Year Basic Plan
Datasafe: No DataSafe
OS Customization: Fast Access Facial Recognition 3.0 Software Application
OS Customization: AlienGUIse Theme Manager with Breed Theme
Standard Nameplate Trigger: Thank you for Purchasing Alienware

 

Those are both very nice builds. The R3 is nearly $1K less, and very capable. You'll very happy with it. I will always own the machine the most raw power, so I would personally choose that R2.

 

Agree with Turbo, good either way. I use AAFES as well and did the R3 loaded with RAM and dual SSD. Hard to beat the savings through AAFES. Between tax and AAFES discount, saved $1700.

I just don't have interest in messing with overclocking, so since the new tech can run anything I need it to, I opted for the Sandy Bridge and the 120Hz screen. And down the road, I should be able to upgrade to the 485GTX which is currently outdoing the last generation dual cards. There is no guarantee I'll be able to do that, but if the past generation is any indication, it will eventually be doable.

Personally I am not a one brand is better than the other brand guy...could only get the 120 Hz screen with the 460.

Found this on another thread in reference to RGB, didn't know if you'd seen it yet http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/464895-m17x-r2-rgb-led-wallpaper-test.html. Colors look great to me as is, so as I said not so sure I'd notice a difference, though those with better eyesight may.

 

Now that I've been thinking more about it, the R3 may eventually get the i7 2920QM and a 485 or 6970. This would make it quite a monster, but that's all speculation currently. Problem is that if you buy now, who knows what kind of cash you're going to pay for those upgrades. It's all up to you, Sir. Both will kick butt and take names.

 

6970 is available in the UK.

Probably released stateside tomorrow, just as the original rollout began with the UK.

Both configurations are very nice, you can't go wrong with either. Which you choose depends on how long you plan on keeping the system and how much you want to upgrade it in the future. I think waiting a day (or two) will probably reveal a new GPU for the r3 which would eliminate one upgrading concern.

 

Yeah, if the 6970 comes out tomorrow, you should snag the R3.

 

IMO, I would go for whatever fits within your budget. That being said, the R3 is the best bang for buck. However, just because the R3 is the best bang for buck doesn't mean that the R2 is a slouch in computing power and not worth the purchase. If you want raw power and RGB then the R2 is the best choice. Seeing that you have issues with your eyesight, neither will make much difference because the RGB is made for those that require accurate colors while the R3 focuses on 3D. Also the 120hz screen is heresay as to whether it will run games at 120hz vs. 60hz? I'd just try to pursue what's best for you.

Agreed, both systems are neither obsolete or better than the other at this point. I haven't noticed any games that fully utilize CFX or Quad cores for that matter. The 920xm is a beast for a chip and so is the late QX9300 for the R1 due to overclocking potential and core speed, so neither is better at the moment.

For a budget, the "no brainer" is the R3. The only reason why the R2 is still up there in price is because of the dual card config and xm CPU. Both are nice configs, definitely go for the one that fits your budget requirements.

 

Not to go off topic but, It just makes me sick to hear individuals make accusations when they haven't even owned one or done benchmarks themselves to prove that what they are saying is true. I'm not disregarding the fact that one day the R2 will be obsolete or that the R3 with 6970m may very well blow the R2 out of the water. But to speak on speculation and trying to convince someone else that is trying to make a respectable purchase decision believe that that speculation is truth then I have a problem with that.

I wouldn't say that the information is erroneous because he may very well be correct but to post the information based on speculation when the op is trying to make a important purchase decision is wrong. Help the buyer by stating facts and preferably facts that are based on personal experience rather than what he/she read or believes in. Also, when postng these speculative beliefs also post the proof that supports your speculation.

 

If people only posted from a basis of fact the internet would be a far more barren place. That said, you are taking it off topic, regardless of what you preface it with. Just use the report button and let Bat do his thing

 

or look on ebay, i got the same setup for $1600 with advance care warranty. look in my sig, its a red one too which i think are the nicest looking ones. i heard the r3 are like a rubber paint? i dont no about that i like the shine to my R2.

oh yeah for $1600 i got the 720qm but its only $300-400 for the 920xm on ebay

and these are not bids these are buy it now from computer sellers that give you a good advance care warranty if anything goes wrong, and the computers have no scratches or dents i just bought one it looks brand new i didnt find one mark

look heres a great deal, i bought a computer from this exact seller hes a great guy

http://cgi.ebay.com/ALIENWARE-M17x-...44183962?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item230d21f29a

and heres one less money but not as good

http://cgi.ebay.com/ALIENWARE-M17x-...18804766?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item2a0db83e1e

and thats all less than $2000. if you want to spend alittle more you can get the highest r2 specs available. i dont understand why dell outlet cost so much money, its the same exact computers for $1000 less then whats on dell outlet. and your getting just as good of warranty or sometimes better. i got an advance care warranty with mine.


PS: heres the exact r2 i bought last week, i love it
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...si=SxzxY%2BpW2v6rkK3mp6nWIxKT9ww%3D&viewitem=

 

I agree buying the R3 with the 3D screen would be a waste. If I'm not mistaken, in order for 3D to work, you need 2 eyes.

 

You also get the 120Hz LCD...which is usable without the 3d.