*OFFICIAL* M18x Owner's Lounge Thread

Hummm, that looks like the same chart dxg posted.

 

When will the 680m above release?

 

Merry Christmas fellow Aliens!

 

Merry Christmas to you too! - Greetings and Best Wishes also to all NBR members, from me, across the pond here in the UK....hope you all have a fabulous festive holiday.

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND PEACE AND PROSPERITY FOR ALL (HUMANS AND ALIENS)

 

Merry Christmas to Team Red and Green

 

maybe santa is using m18x merry christmas to my co-owners and all NBR members and mods. this is the best Christmas gift (i gave to myself) my m18x! more games to come! lolz

 

Thank you finally got it sorted with your help today, Merry Christmas and thanks again

 

Glad i could help merry christmas to you too .
Cheers.

 

Merry xmas. Learning about shooting stuff at about 800m with my dad hehe

This is much cooler than playing a sniper in Crysis

 

Unless of course...You're this guy here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3h0hiYbj20&list=LLpH878uqEhga21j085gpIOQ&feature=mh_lolz

 

Awsomeness

 

Mr. Fox is correct (as always!), the unidentified hardware you see in the Device Manager is in fact the free fall sensor on the motherboard which sends a signal to the hard drive to lock the actuator arm back in order to prevent damamge to the hard drive platter surface. This is not applicable for solid-state drives as there is no control arm, just memory chips which is another reason why I use an SSD - no worries about damaged hard drives from dropping or hard jarring of the laptop. Also, something else - it is my understanding that the M18X does NOT support NVidia Optimus technology, meaning that you can not switch back and forth between the dedicated graphics and the integrated Intel graphics on the Intel Sandy Bridge CPUs. Please someone correct me if this is not right - thanks!

 

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I am not always correct, but I try to be, LOL. I tend to keep quiet when I'm concerned that my ignorance will be exposed.

You are correct about Optimus. The M18x graphics switching technology requires a reboot to take effect. It does have graphics switching, and it's awesome that it does. It's just not "on the fly" switching within Windows. Optimus technology is not supported on dual-GPU systems from what we learned from Dell in our recent conference call.

 

Does anyone know if Dell/Alienware plans to release an M18X R2 (or later)version that has a 3D 120Hz screen? IMO, it's the only thing missing besides having NVidia Optimus technology that could be an improvement over the existing 18X R1. Thanks in advance for any replies!


M18x R1 | Core i7 2760QM | 8GB KINGSTON HYPERX 1600 | CORSAIR FORCE GT 240GB SATA3 SSD | SEAGATE 750GB 7200RPM HDD | GTX580M SLI
KILLERN-1103 WiFi | Blu-ray reader | USB powered mini-Displayport to Dual-link DVI connector to my AW2310 OptX in 120Hz or 3D

 

No, I'm sorry. They don't release that type of information to us. I wish they did. It makes sense that they don't disclose that information. It's hard for the competition to hit an invisible target, LOL. We cannot speculate about what "might be" and we will have to wait and see.

 

Hi all, I am new to the alienware m18x universe so please bear with me. I recently purchased an M18X from the dell outlet and instead of receiving the red one I ordered the laptop I got was black.

After working with Dell Customer Care they offered me a credit for my trouble and I was able to get them to send me the correct color covers. The question I have for the forum is show difficult is it to change these covers?

I checked the service manual for this laptop and there is no information on these specific parts. Any help or direction is greatly appreciated.

 

Really only other people see the laptop when your using it. I think there is too much hype about the color. I got the red one, but in the end I doubt I would have not bought this one if it were black.

 

The M18x does not have replaceable "covers" as you referred to them. The anodized exterior metal panels for the lid and base are the actual chassis and you would have to completely dismantle the M18x and rebuild it from the ground up to change these parts out.

I find it difficult to believe they send you these parts. It was not intelligent on their part. The person that assisted you probably had no earthly idea what would be involved in that project.

 

Thanks Mr. Fox for the reply. The parts that the dell rep is supposed to be sending are J1C2G (top) and 1988J (base). I had no idea these involved a complete teardown. Guess I will be sending back because I have no plan to completely tear this down.

 

You're welcome, bigtower. I have had the M18x apart multiple times down to the bare chassis, but it's definitely not something most users are interested in doing. If you had your heart set on red, exchange it. If the black unit you have is working flawlessly, it might not be worth the trouble of exchanging it. As they say, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

I also forgot to welcome you to the NBR Forum. We are glad you're part of the Alienware Community.

I customarily share helpful links when greeting newer members. Please take a few minutes to click through them. I hope that you and other readers find the links useful in jump-starting participation in the Community. Again, welcome to NBR.

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All members reading this post are encouraged to become familiar with the rules for our forum. The information on how to search the forum is especially useful, as it should help members find information quickly, avoid creating new threads to ask questions that have already been answered in another thread, as well locating appropriate threads to participate in an established discussion.

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I'd agree with Mr. Fox

Dismantling the laptop to exchange the bare chasis can be overwhelming depending on your comfort level and familiarity with computers as well as willingness to do so.

You can get all the information to dismantle it and some visual help from various youtube videos.

I would do it because I'm fairly comfortable and I'd probably like to mod the chasis if I had the time/ resources.

bigtower2003 I'd recommend contacting dell about their error. They might provide you an upgrade due to this mistake. I believe several other m18x owners received compensation after a situation like yours.

Good luck and welcome to the community.

 

I agree... I'd do it in a heartbeat, too. It's a great way for the new owner to become familiar with the M18x. As you mentioned, comfort level and technical knowledge are essential. I'm always a bit reluctant to suggest that because some folks are accident prone and reckless, while others find the thought of dismantling their beast absolutely terrifying.

In reality, in order to properly maintain any laptop, periodic disassembly (at least partially) for cleaning out lint and dust is just about essential. This is especially true on a high-performance beast that is subjected to heavy gaming and/or frequent benchmarking.

 

The problem with disassembling the M18x is that it has some very fragile plastic parts, especially the control cover. So if you have no experience taking apart a notebook, then you might end up breaking some plastic tabs and/or connectors. I could switch out the base no problem but I've taken apart an entire M18x several times like others here.

Keep the black if it doesn't bother you or you could return it and ask for a red one. A third alternative would be to find an NBR member willing to do the job for you and mail the laptop + covers to them.

 

That's not a bad idea. Even one step better, if you live in an area within reasonable driving distance of another NBR member with an M18x, that's a great reason to meet a new friend with something special in common.

 

I hate to place this here but I couldn't think of any better place.
Any found this website. I thinking it's a fake.

Alienware M18X AM18X-6732BAA Laptop Computer - Intel Core i7-2630QM 2.0GHz, 8GB DDR3, 1TB HDD, DVDRW, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M, Backlit Keyboard, 18.4 Full HD, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit [TGDC18646] - US$202.99 : Toolscamera Store

 

Looks like a scam to me. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.

 

Thanks to you all for your advice. My teardown experience is limited to desktops and i watched the youtube teardown of an M18X and it looks really involved. I have decided to stick with the black. Thanks again!

 

I think I may take a swing. They have so many products and verifed by so many.
But I think I take a swing at the M17x for 250$. Risk I know.
Paypal Verfid If I did buy and got scammed. Couldn't I fight for my money.

 

I have some ocean beach property in Arizona that I'll sell you really cheap.

 

Hi Everyone,

I have connected my M18X 560M SLI laptop to an external 24" monitor via the VGA port.

I have set Nvidia control panel to extend the windows desktop across the Laptop screen and the external monitor. This works perfectly.

When I try to run a game such as 'Rage' via 'Steam' the game always starts on the laptop screen even if the external monitor is set as the primary display.
The only way I can get the game to play on the external monitor is to set the screens to 'duplicate mode' in the control panel. This is annoying as I would like to continue to dispaly another app such as Outlook on the laptop screen whilst playing the game on the external monitor.

So my question is how do I play the game on the external monitor with SLI enabled and run another app on the laptop screen at the same time?

Thanks in advance.

MP

 

Try launching the game in "window mode" (not full screen) and drag the window to the secondary display, then change back to full screen mode. (Alt+Enter sometimes works to switch modes quickly in some games.) I have to do this to watch BD/DVD movies on my HDTV or they play on the laptop display by default.

The good news it that this is a very common glitch with programs running in full-screen mode. It's a universal issue and not a "problem" that is unique to your system.
Google: launching games on a secondary monitor

 

Quick question......

Aside from ebay and craigslist, are there any legitimate resellers/businesses that sell the m18x with any sort of discount?

I would like to have this wrapped up by tomorrow but I have a tough time pulling the trigger directly with dell.....

Cheers,
Chris

 

Just ordered, 3 days ago. Jan. 12 Estimated Delivery . Can't wait.

 

Chris and Mitch - welcome to NBR Forums. We're happy to have you in the Alienware Community. Congratulations to both of you for choosing the M18x. In looks, performance and build quality, it has no rival. Coupled with Dell's advanced warranty options--which you are strongly urged to take advantage of--it's absolutely worth the extra $500-$600 to get the 4-year on-site repair or replacement and accidental damage coverage.

Fortnax and Powernotebooks and HIDevolution are a few of the more popular resellers. You'll have to see if you can get one any cheaper than you can directly from Alienware. Why are you having trouble pulling the trigger directly with Dell? That seems like an unusual comment to me.

Congratulations, Mitch. Good choice... the M18x is the best money can buy, IMHO.

I customarily share helpful links when greeting newer members. Please take a few minutes to click through them. I hope that you and other readers find the links useful in jump-starting participation in the Community. Again, welcome to NBR.

USEFUL THREADS FOR FORUM MEMBERS

All members reading this post are encouraged to become familiar with the rules for our forum. The information on how to search the forum is especially useful, as it should help members find information quickly, avoid creating new threads to ask questions that have already been answered in another thread, as well locating appropriate threads to participate in an established discussion.

Forum Rules - *PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING* | Alienware General Information & HOW TO: Search the forum - *PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING*

Reputation Points/Power and User Titles | Forum Guide and "How-To" | How To Properly Insert an Image Into Your Post | NBR Marketplace

 

Thank you Mr. Fox.

 

OK I have solved it.

I have tried to get 2 games on the Steam platform to run on a secondary monitor.

'Left-4-dead' will run on a secondary monitor provided the monitor is set as the primary one.

'Rage' was a bit different. It doesn't matter how you have the monitors set up. You must select the secondary monitor within the video settings menu of the game. If you do that it works fine.

Now I know it can be done I'm off to Amazon to order a nice 27" High def monitor.....

 

Hey

I have got a good offer(i think) on the m18x after some phones and negoathing with Dell Norway(even if they sit in Denmark), but i wounder if i should wait to the new refresh with bouth CPU/GPU. What do you think?

Thanks in advance

PS: sorry for my bad english

 

buy it now because you will alwasy ask yourself should you wait..............thats the gift and the curse that is technology. As soon as you buy it, something better comes out. The power on this will last you several years so unless you want to be the guy with the highest benchmark in your neighborhood.............ORDER NOW!!!!

 

As Mr. Fox indicated, the "Unknown Device" you are seeing in the Device Manager is in fact the hard drive free fall sensor. Go here to download the the driver for the M18X: Drivers and Downloads | Dell [United States]

You will need to restart your computer for the driver installation to complete.

 

Totally agree with this. Tomorrow never comes and owning the best and fastest is a futile endeavor for anyone that is not filthy rich and able to spend money indiscriminately. Get it now and enjoy it. Or, buy it later and live with the "new car bugs" LOL. Your choice... there's no wrong answer, just don't procrastinate.

 

First I am newbie that would appreciate any help someone may be able to offer. I am mainly going to purchase the m18x for the monitor size. I am not much into gaming but run a lot of engineering design programs and 3d simulations.

Is there anyone that can help me to specify the components that I should include tomaximize the performance? I am not looking for the best of the best, just something that would fit the mission above. To give you an ideal I am using an HP 1285x as of today.

Thank you for the help,
Chris

 

Chris - you might want to review this thread and communicate with Southways (NBR member) to determine if the things you are wanting to do are similar. The M18x, as awesome as it is, did not meet Southways' business needs all that well. http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m18x/632619-have-m18x-2xgtx580-need-quadro-cad.html

You might actually be better off with a Dell Precision. Dell Precision M6600 Mobile Workstation The NVIDIA Quadro or AMD FirePro GPU may be better suited to your activities. These things are beasts also. They don't have dual GPU, but they do have (please verify they still do) an alloy chassis like the M18x. The pricing is similar to the M18x. The 17.3" screen is excellent, although just a little smaller.

Here is a video on the Precision.

 

Chris ...
I use ProEngineer, Mechanica FEA, Solid almostworks & some rendering apps like Hypershot & Modo, so it sounds like we are in the same arena.
I bought a M18x because of the large screen & the overclocked processor, hoping that I would/will be able to tweak the graphics to make it a viable CAE semi-portable workstation.
Short answer - I love the M18x but it is hopeless for our sort of work as it comes in the box. I spec'd a "burger with the lot" inc overclocked, 32GB, dual 580GTX, & SSD + 1TB.
I am currently installing a single Quadro 3000M in place of the dual 580GTX's, but it has not yet shown any improvement as I have not managed to get any Quadro driver to load ... yet.
I suggest you follow the link I started, as indicated by Mr. Fox above.

FYI ... I have owned several Dell Mobile Precision Workstations and they have all been very good - I probably should have bought a M6600 this time too.
My desktop workstation is a T7500 dual Xeon etc.

 

If you decided to keep the black and that's not what you ordered you can still get some compensation from Dell. They might knock off x amount to keep you from shipping it back (which you have the right to do). Or they might send out a technician to replace the chasis. Or both.

 

Again Mr. Fox is correct.

While the M18x is a nice laptop it might not be the correct one for the job.

I was offered the hobson's choice in regards to my m18x. Under my circumstances it's not the ideal choice.

For some people the 18.4" screen is fantastic. in my case my lid is frequently closed while working on a 24" external.

The battery life on the m17x r3 was incredible, the weight was nice and it fit into my backpack.

The m18x required a very expensive new bag.

Even if those are non factors, depending on your usage you might be better off with another model.

The alienware is not very business like, so you should take that into consideration as well.

 

Behold, the worlds most powerful Cat Bed!

 

Just noticed on my m18x that if I am using headphones and lock my machine with windows+l and then login again later I get no sound from speakers or headphone port until i unplug my headphones and plug them back in.

I am using only the IDT drivers and not the X-Fi software.

Anyone else got this issue?

 

I had the same issue, then I disabled the device called communication headphones and was fine after with no problem in using my headset.

 

If I had a kitty that did that to my beast, it might instantaneously use up all 9 of its lives, LOL. I think it is more interested in the mouse than it is the keyboard.