m17x certain key combinations wont work

Hey, I've been waiting to pull the trigger on a laptop for a while now and started to side towards an m17x or m18x. While researching it I came across some disappointing info about the keyboard.

Apparently certain 3 key combinations won't work on the built in keyboard, for example s + d + space bar. So for me that means I could not strafe left and move backwards and jump at the same time.

I'm hoping they are not all like that... kind of a deal breaker for me.

So, basically I would appreciate it if any of you that own a m17x r3 or m18x could try and see if space will work while holding down s + d.

Here's a few of the links I found that talk about it if you were curious:

Notebook check review under the keyboard section
Review Alienware M17x R3 GTX 580M i7-2820QM Notebook - Notebookcheck.net Reviews

Anandtech m17x review (just someones comment at the bottom)
AnandTech - Alienware's M17x R3: An Antidote to Clevo

A few months ago on these forums
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/562596-m17x-r3-strafe-jump-issue.html

Thanks guys!

 

Those key combinations do work, however even if they didn't, it would still register the jump as the last key pressed and you would continue to move backward after your jump. In all honesty, if you care that much you would have your own separate keyboard with nkro

 

I believe the issue is that spacebar will not even register as being pressed if the s and d keys are held down. Yeah I did consider the option of getting another keyboard, but I think that would make me more influenced towards getting a small form factor pc and a nice little 120hz monitor to carry around

A few years ago (about 7) I had one of those neon green 4:3 screen alienware laptop beasts and the keyboard on that, while crapily constructed... never had problems with multiple key combinations, or at least not centered around the esdf keys.

Any chance I could get at least a few owners of m17x R3 or m18x to try out holding s + d and seeing if spacebar will register on the built in keyboard?

I would really appreciate it and I have no other way to find out for sure since they dont display these laptops in stores. I'm basically down to either ASUS G74sx or alienware 17x or 18x and your help would make the decision alot easier

 

When I had my m17x I could strafe and jump in CS source so I believe the keys worked okay. Normally key combinations focused around the wasd keys should work.

Use this link to test:

Microsoft Applied Sciences Group

If the key combination lights up as u hold them down, it works fine.

 

Nice link! Makes testing the keys a little easier.... now if I could only find some willing owners to click on it and post the results

 

all combos work.. except S D Space :S

 

in my lappy W+E+ SB does not work. solution? called alienware, complained, got a free keyboard... I have everything else anyway, they did try to offer me a solid state device drive though, but I already got two (for free)

update: S+D+ SB does not work also

 

Whattttttttt that is crazy talk! I wonder if it is like that on the R2 I just ordered? Although I plan on plugging in through USB anyway... who knows if I'm on the move.

 

Wow that's strange. M17xR3 here and I can confirm that every combo I tried works except s+d+SB.

 

yes, I previously owned a R2, had same issues. then again, you don't really notice this minor problem,though you can always ask for something in exchange from customer service as you have rights to it.
Tsupp guy tried to persuade me that they are working on this issue... that was like 4 months ago before even R3 was released lol... So yea, there's some ground to punishing Dell for sure

 

Thanks for testing that out guys. I'm disappointed that it appears to be a problem common to all units, but mabye its not quite deal breaking like I said earlier... the more I look the more I dont think the 560M in the g74sx is going to cut it.

I'll have to pay attention to s + d + SB combo when I get home from work and game tonight mabye It's something I can live with.

Too bad I cant take the KB out of the crappy dell latitude (work computer) Im using now and slap it in an m17x, this keyboard has no combo problems that I've tested near the esdf keys.

 

Just tried it today in Bad Company 2. Looks like I can use A+S+SB and jump but not S+D+SB.

 

I still can't believe this lol. I wonder what the ascii value adds up to - maybe it is a conflict!

 

Funny story, also very irritating that they ship 2-4k$ "All Powerful Gaming Laptops" with ty although extremely cool looking keyboards. I can tell you that since I got my laptop, I've loved and hated it, As for the keyboard issue, I cannot in certain games for example WoW use W+E+Sb aka run while strafing right and jump, the opposite works W+Q+SB and UP+E+SB but not Up+Q+SB, I think I've called enough times to warrent an exchange for a less faulty system, specifically astic XFire 4870s/cable

Also I did try remapping ingame keys, and switch strafe using e to using D and W+D+SB worked but not S+D+SB

 

I have an m17x bought from Dell in late 2011. Not only does S + D + space not work, but any two key combination that is side-by-side along with spacebar as the third key does NOT work.

 

i've also had strange keyboard issues when i got mine brand new.. alt, ctrl, delete would require alt & ctrl on opposite sides of space bar.. using number pad to enter alt+number special characters gave me incorrect characters.. many common key combinations would not work at all.. in certain games and applications.. a single key command would auto spam continuously, making the app/game useless.. like dvd player constantly repeating same chapter..

replaced keyboard and connector ribbons twice through warranty.. would seem to work normal for a day.. then problem comes right back.. dell replaced motherboard twice near the end of my warranty.. but now the keyboard works they way it's supposed to.. S+D+space SHOULD work.. i use that combo in-game all the time

 

This is the official word on that, it's a Windows limitation that doesn't let this combinations work.