*OFFICIAL* Alienware 18 Owner's Lounge Thread

I don't mind the more sober design, although I know that the new look sores the eye of those who prefer standing out the crowd with a more flashy and sleek notebook. I'm going to miss the media buttons too, but I understand (and agree with what has been already said in the forum) that Dell is trying to cut production costs wherever it can. Even though sad, it's understandable considering the not blooming economy of lately.
I checked the availability of AW 18 in the Dell shop Italy (where I'm from although now I've been living in the US for a few years) and they simply don't have it. There's no dual card solution. I think several European countries are in the same boat. Kinda sad, really. Hopefully, there'll be availability soon. I know that many Italians would just love to get their hands on such beast like the AW 18.

 

Brother Luis Pardo is looking into this "LCD" mis hap and trying to get the bottom of it. I tell you what tho,if its a major ballsup im wanting some major compensation. 8 Days in pre preoduction to find out you have to cancel cos some numpty ballsed up the web order config page. Id sack the bloody webadmin and get someone who hasnt done 2 weeks crash course in bloody HTML for DUMMIES.

 

I'm not sure it's a more sobering design. The lid, which is what most people will notice, is much more aggressive; not only in shape but also the lighting. I'm looking at my R1 and the screen shots of the new model and the extra lighting that angles toward the alienhead is a very nice and clean look. The lid is nailed perfectly. The mouse pad is entirely lit up (hopefully even when a mouse is connected) instead of just having the outline of the mouse pad lit from the R1/R2. The entire bottom of the chassis has lighting as opposed to just the front grilles. The only change that is more sobering is the front grilles which aren't lit and don't veer outward like a car (viper/lambo murci). That does indeed look a bit less aggressive but I think there are some fair trade offs. I can't say the new model looks better or worse; just different. That's a sign of good design IMO. I'm a viper guy so I love the 96-2002 GTS cars aesthetically. The 03-2010 were considered too angular and less exotic looking. However no one mistakes it for anything but a viper. The new 2013 is getting a lot of rave reviews on an aesthetic look alone; and still no one mistakes it for anything but a viper. With this re-design, no one will mistake it for anything but an Alienware and as long as the cooling is top-of-the-line, then I have no complaints. This needs to breathe properly and if it does; I am happy.

 

Alright I need some advice now fellas.

I got a quote for a configuration with the 4930mx and dual 780m's (everything else lowest possible on the third configuration option for the 18) for $300 off the total price. That's well within my budget of $4400 if I opt for no warranty... however I don't want to opt for no warranty.

I could get an extra 100$ off if I could get that bloody coupon on retailmenot to work... not sure why it won't let me.

Question(1): If I only get 2 years + 2 years accidental can I extend those later? I thought the accidental could not be extended.

Question(2): Is the accidental worth it really? The thing is going to be sitting on my desk for the next 4 years, so what exactly is covered on the accidental warranty that wouldn't be covered with the 4 year extended care plan? Just water damage? If the LCD screws up will the regular warranty cover that so long as it isn't water damage or me punching it?

Thanks in advance for any advance.

 

1. I believe that you can extend both. Expect them to be at least twice as expensive after the purchase.
2. Yes, if only because you don't want to argue with support about whether any damage that the system sustains is accidental damage.

 

Accidental damage claims are handled by a company other than Dell/Alienware. It's an insurance policy more or less, not a warranty. They are not nearly as open-minded as Dell/Alienware and you're on your own dealing with them outside of the influence of people like those on the awesome social media team. Punching it would not be "accidental damage" so it would not be covered. You need to read the terms and provisions of the accidental damage coverage, because that contract defines what constitutes accidental damage and governs how the accidental damage claims are handled.

 

lol I don't think I'd tell them if I actually punched it >_<

Well other than that disgusting arbitration clause (lol I love that every contract nowadays says we can't sue in a court room if we get screwed over) it's essentially covering drop damage and spills (but not big spills like floods haha). Power surges also but... people still have power surge damage? Is that a thing still? Doesn't everyone hook their computer up to an extension thing with surge protection anyway?

Idk. I'll think about it.

EDIT: Easiest way to solve this, if my screen get's scratched for a reason other than me dropping it or spilling water on it, will the regular enhanced care plan cover it or no?

 

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I received a call from my rep to say that the Alienware's website has listed the sale of 400NIT displays incorrectly and that not only are all UK machines to be sent out with a 350 NIT display but it will also be the case for all laptops globally!!

.................oh dear, don't shoot the messenger.

 

Hey, I also hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I just received a really weird phone call from Dell. The rep said that he was very sorry, but my order would be delayed due to LCD quality issues (so apparently is not limited to UK, it also is affecting US). So I'm thinking, "Man, my EDD is July 25th and they know for sure it will be delayed past that???" The rep continued on to say that the new EDD was now....wait for it....July 25th....I said, "Ummm....the EDD has always been July 25th", and he just ignored me and went on to say that Dell would be sending me a $100 coupon in my email as compensation for the delay!? I said, "umm, ok, thanks" and that was it. That's just really weird, but I am bummed that I won't be getting my 18 until, most likely, sometime in July...but, $100 + my $250 GC makes the purchase a little sweeter, so I won't yell and fuss too much.

 

Better than a kick in the pants

 

Mike,

My build is almost the same as yours, and mine has been in production for a week now, and my EDD is July 30th. How did you find out about an earlier delivery date? Just calling and asking them? My EDD has never been sooner than that.

 

we are in the same boat. I got a $250 GC that makes my purchase a little sweeter too, so I won't yell and fuss too much. by the way my est. delivery day is 07/26/2013. can't wait muaaahahaha.

 

I ordered mine on June 13th, and my EDD was immediately July 25th, and it has been that all along, that's why it was so weird when the rep told me today it has been delayed and the NEW EDD is July 25th...and I'm like that little yellow dude in Despicable Me, "Whhhaaaattt????" lol

 

At least you guys are lucky to get something.

I got a call regarding the delay too for the LCD. They just called and told me the news and hung up. No coupons, no compensation, no nothing!

 

I'm starting to think Dell got quite sloppy on the new product launch this year. Alienware laptops have been using the same design for 2-3+ years minimum so they have had plenty of time to prepare. Now...they launch the new lineup and have auto-cancellations, part shortages, screen issues, etc. I went with a 17" but some have said the screen delays are across the board. I really don't like the waiting game if there is a problem...make a statement that all orders are delayed or if a specific model is delayed.

 

Man am I glad I found these forums....... so im real close to my order, just seconds away, and boom, i see something new, Maxwell is next year, Y U DO DISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS? And according to u guys its legendary, I live in the middle east, so assume the cost to ship Maxwell cards IF I go with the 780m SLI right now. I also see Volta, would the 780m SLI last me till 2016 until volta comes out. And the Maxwell and Volta cards can be installed in the alienware 18, right? Help please.

 

Just call then and ask about the delay, and ask for something for free. But be nice with then or you will not get any thing. That's what I did.

 

Not to dismiss your concerns, but I think you are being over-cautious. Even yesterday's 680m gpu's will suffice for some time to come. The 780m's even more so. Thinking ahead further than Maxwell is only going to mean you NEVER buy a machine. There is ALWAYS something greater in the pipeline - to sit and hold off on a purchase and wait for it means you will be in a constant state of postponing your purchase.

 

Lol u are soo right, I think the best option right now is get the 780m's, and then get Volta, skip Maxwell.

 

Don't get me wrong, Maxwell will likely be a good improvement, but it does not automatically mean that a machine with 780m's will be defunct. Waiting for new tech is a vicious circle - buy it now, enjoy it and then think about upgrading your cards when Maxwell hits some time in 2014.

 

Hello

You a delivery date?

My 07/29/2013

 

Ok, so, as I mentioned in a previous post, I received a weird phone call yesterday telling my that my 18 would be delayed due to the LCD QC issue...but it still had the same EDD. I just got an email from Dell with the following: "As per latest update from our fulfillment team we were able to recover the inventory and order moved into production. Once we receive any further update will keep you posted."

I don't know what this means, I am trying to get confirmation if this means that the LCD issue has been resolved or not. I'll edit this post when I hear more...

 

what this guy said is pretty much correct.

but maxwell will be a game changer for gpu, don't count that out - Volta even more so, believe me.

if you keep holding off buying, you are never gonna buy anything.

advice i'd like to give is this, buy a generation, skip a generation (skip a generation again, if it is based off same architecture), buy a generation.

 

also to note, 780 will last you 4-6 years. people say games are being revolutionized - and this is more or less true depending on how you look at it, but at the moment it is very much stagnating with indie games on the rise.

right now, the gaming at the highest level is what you saw at e3 and possibly crysis 4 in the future, and even crysis 4 will not be what you call a game changer, it will push the system that we have to the limit, but it won't even be something so dramatic that you have to pursue a new gpu. we're even seeing a new direction right now with virtual reality through occulus rift (which is a totally new engine - and is going to change through out the years pending on how much attention it gets - i personally think it's too advanced at this time and age and the name itself sounds utterly stupid).

so calm down, don't get your panty's in a bunch.

 

That's pretty sound advice right there. The only exception to this 'rule' that I would consider would be if we had a huge performance increase like we saw with 580m to 680m and you already owned a 580m system. The gain, in this particular example, was astronomical. Of course, if you find yourself in such a situation, then like many people do, you can upgrade just the gpu's instead of buying a whole new machine. Many people, including myself, took this approach when 680m hit, even though we had previous gen. gpu's - the increase was just too much to turn away from! LOL

 

D; stahp attacking me peeps, im only concerned as this is my first MAJOR purchase, I have come absolutely no where near buying this expensive, so yea, I might be a bit paranoid, sorry, will go with the 780's naow. Thanks all.

 

No ones attacking ya, mate....sorry if it sounded like that. We are just trying to give you good advice. I'm sure you will be very happy with 780m's for a LONG time to come....:thumbsup:

 

I think now is the best time to purchase a new rig honestly. New metal chassis (finally) and graphics that at stock already supercede the capabilities of the upcoming console generation.

I don't care how good they make Maxwell over the next 2-4 years until Volta comes out, I doubt we will see any game developers take advantage of that extra horsepower. We've reached a point in the game industry where making AAA titles that look amazing is just too expensive, and pushing that envelope further just for the PC will be a rare occurrence over the next few years.

My prediction? Expect Maxwell to be more efficient, run cooler and be more battery friendly than any discrete gpu before. Don't expect it to be a giant graphical increase like Kepler was. Volta on the other hand...

 

maxwell sounds like men's underwear line.

i wear a maxwell, it is very comfortable and lets my junk breathe more efficiently than ever before, not only that my junk stays quite snug at night.

 

I agree with the buy a gen and skip a gen. I skipped 580 to 680 but wouldn't have gone wrong if I bought those. Honestly, as of now, if you get the 780m SLI m18, you will be resolution limited for awhile and then you will get great performance because the GPUs will be stressed to hit the native 1080p display. Maxwell will be a big jump; at least according to the roadmap. However, expect new displays to pump out greater resolution to mitigate some of the increase in performance. Buy what your budget affords when you need it; the absolute BEST advice. Waiting is pointless. Now if you are an enthusiast (like myself) then buy what your budget doesn't necessarily afford but enjoy the bleeding edge because you embrace the gaming/technology nerd that you are. Either way; it's a win/win. I had all intentions of staying with my current rig until Maxwell and honestly; that isn't bad logic. I have a very capable machine. However the new design with a quality screen almost was enough to get me to upgrade. I REALLY missed my RGB screen from my old M17x R2. That was a big let down for me. I think the new screen with the potential Johnkiss is showing with the 780s along with what mature drivers and future tweaking does.....will be just fine for me. If you have an m18 on order....you won't be disappointed.

 

Hey all,

I literally just got off the phone with Dell customer support and they told me that orders were initially delayed due to "a shortage of parts" but that the issue has been resolved and they expect the initial orders to be shipped the first week in July. Let's hope they're right. I asked if my initial EDD of 7/30/13 would be correct, and he said, he would expect it considerably earlier than that. Fingers crossed.

 

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I can confirm that too. I was on the call with them yesterday. They say that there is currently no shortage and my machine has been pushed into production. However, my rep wasnt kind enough to say that i might get it abit early :s
He still stuck with my initial 26th July EDD

 

Yep, I received an email yesterday that my 18 was no longer being delayed and was in production. I called and confirmed just now that the LCD issues have been resolved... as always, take that with a grain of salt, but here's hoping!

 

Can you guys confirm your location please? Mine is still in pre-production with a delay (UK here).

 

Hello

France pre-production

 

Well I am in the UK. But just to make it clear, I got the call that my machine is now in production BUT it hasn't been updated in the tracker nor have I received any mail confirming it.

 

Hi

Date Livraison ?

 

US Pre-Production...!

 

26th July........ I ordered on 18th June

 

I'm in US, shows "In Production" on my status screen (since June 20th), ordered June 13th, EDD is July 25th

 

I'm also in the US, order date 6/18/13 or 18/6/13 for you Europeans, went "into production" 2 days later, EDD: July 30th, 2013.

 

Ordered 6/11.

 

i heard dat they no longer offering PLS panels for the 18, but normal TN instead.

 

Hello

Erf No production

 

I really have no words right now. Just checked my order status from the airport and found out my order was canceled without any notification. What kind of service is this?!

 

Canceled after your order or after it was in pre-production ? Mine was canceled aswell but before pre-production. But i got an email that said it was canceled as i failed to answer the phone.... had no missed calls however. After calling back was told what the problem was and got is sorted and then was told that notebook was now in pre-production and still is. Ordered from UK dell

 

I just had my order cancelled as well.......Placed the order on the 12th said it was in production last week and now cancelled.

 

Cancelled for no reason ? This does not look good :/

Call dell as seemes to be a system fault.

"Logged in to check on the status of my order this morning to find out that it had been cancelled for some reason. After talking to a Dell sales rep it appears that it was cancelled in error due to a software issue on their end. Waiting for the order to be re-booked, but i would recommend logging in and checking your orders to see if you have been affected. " - taken from the AW 17 users lounge

 

mine was cancelled last week, but it was because a problem with my bank...

 

In production AW 18, i7-4700mq, 8gb, 750gb hdd + 64gb ssd cache, 765 SLI.

Ordered june 20. EDD : 29 july. They must have a shortage of something... starting to believe its the 400nits panel, but could be wrong.

Almost base config (just picked the 64gb ssd cache and win8pro), but with plenty of power to replace both my old Q6600 desktop and my old m15x that I sold a year ago.... with room for upgrade as needed. =D