*OFFICIAL* M18x R1/R2 Owner's Lounge Thread

Good points. It also looks like you're limited to mSATA + a single drive (HDD/SDD) with the M17x R4. I'm aware of the single GPU limitation - which does suck...but I'd also take the re-order opportunity to downgrade CPU. I don't think the XM is right for me. That would offset any costs related to the 680M price.

Is it a 7 day return window or do they let you push it to 21/30 days? For some reason I feel that within the first 7 days you get more leeway or something. I just received this on Tuesday.

EDIT: nevermind it's 2 SSD or HDD in the M17x R4...nice! - http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/Alw_M17xR4/en/OM/om_en.pdf

 

Returns vary on where you are - for us in the UK its 7 days no quibble, after that, your stuck with it! - 21 days if I am right for the US - other countries YMMV....

 

Looks like it is 21 days here in the U.S...I just submitted a return request.

 

Thanks guys!


BUT, why doesn't the 25% coupon for the Alienware laptop/desktop work? Am I doing something wrong?

I build my M18 and add to cart...I type in the code, hit apply coupon, and nothing changes....?

Man this would be sweet if it would work. Is it only for the outlet, and or the registered user?

Thanks

 

the price on dual 680m is gona be alot, the price of 1 witht he upgrade is +500$ last time i check for one..

 

Call me a sucker then

I at least want to wait so I can make a decision I wont regret. I dont want to pull the trigger too soon on a Radeon 7970m CFX config just for the 680m to be released a couple weeks later with superior performance.

In other words I want the playing field to be level, with both nVidia and AMD having A-game mobile cards available for my deciding pleasure when I config my M18x, as the GTX 675m just doesn't do it for me >.<

 

Yeah, it's only for the outlet.

If it wasn't then my credit card would jump out of my wallet and slap me.

 

There is not any on Alienware systems because Dell knows that enthusiasts (Alienware owners) don't play that nonsense. On other computers that do come loaded with trash, I simply wipe it out and start fresh with a clean OS installation. The time it takes to clean up the mess, on HP systems for example, is more time and effort than it's worth. Much better end result and not a huge time investment to do a clean installation.

Well, I have an M18x R1, but they are so similar that the line is blurred. I own the M18x because it is the most powerful and well build gaming laptop available. It is worth every penny. When it is time for an upgrade, it will be the M18x R3 or Alienware's equivalent if all things are equal or better (aluminum chassis, dual GPU, 18"+ screen or larger). I travel with this beast and would not be satisfied with something less. Its hugeness is one of its lovable traits. It has become very dissatisfying to have to use other computers that are smaller and slower, even though I have to. I put it bluntly, I hate using them.

A high performance desktop computer that will compete with the M18x or exceed it in performance is not really going to be that much less expensive to build if you include a 1080p LED monitor in the cost. Plus, as a stationary appliance, it's useless if you're not sitting at a desk to use it.

 

My M18X R2 weighs about 16lbs with the 330W AC adapter, its not too bad carrying it around with the orion backpack

 

isnt the orion m18x backpack....huge?

also 120hz on a m17x? i heard m18x only has 60hz for screens :/

 

There is no such thing as an 18" 120hz panel available for companies like Alienware, Sager/Clevo, etc. That's why there's no option for the M18x. There are 17" 120hz panels - and Alienware has made that an option for the M17x. Albeit at a $400 upcharge.

From a cost perspective, it's looking interesting. $400 more for 120hz and $300 more to go to 680M. That's $700 extra! Ha.

 

The Orion M17x and M18x backpacks need to be large to fit the laptops, AC adapter and any extra gear. I think it is size perfectly. I haul a ton of stuff in it in my travels. For a frail little guy with physical impairments it might be an issue, but for a normal person, not a big deal.

The 120hz screen is an option for 3D fans on the M17x, but not the M18x. If you're not into 3D it's kind of a "meh" thing to a lot of us. It limits your options and flexibility. (If you want more objective details on that, send a PM to widezu69, as I believe he ended up regretting going with the 3D display in the long run. I don't remember what his list of regrets was, but I do remember reading one of his posts lamenting the option a while back.)

If you're gaah-gaah and goosebumps about 3D, you're probably better off going with large external LCD panel anyway.

 

yeah its pretty big, it has to be to fit the m18x

 

For me 120hz is not about 3D it's about fluidity and performance in online multiplayer. I have a few 120hz panels here at home for my desktops and I think I have played 3D games for maybe an hour? It's "neat" but not why I'd go for it. To each their own, though. I can appreciate 120hz whereas some may not care.

FWIW, the Samsung 18" display on the M18x R2 is INCREDIBLE. I can't decide what I'm going to do. May just stick it out. I can always switch laptops in a few months (like I do anyway)...heh heh.

 

When I received my M18X, the realization hit me that I just spend alot of money on a laptop and it was quite a bit bigger than I thought. Then the next thing I thought of was returning it and either going for an Asus or the M17x. But since it was already in my hands I decided to try it out and after a few days I decided to keep it. Smooth experience with it so far, can't wait for my Dell coupons to come so I can order 2x SSDs and put those in the system.

Besides flickering in LoL with crossfire on, which apparently killing CCC.exe fixes, weird.

 

Yeah, it's growing on me. Surprisingly, the first chick that saw it (yesterday) was pretty infatuated by it. She was like "I think you should keep it!"...heh. Not that it matters...but to me, it seems like an incredible eyesore. But I'm sure if I'm in public with it people will be like ! It's a beast. Quite a statement maker...definitely a power statement, heh.

 

Yeah its definately a beast, a portable beast, once I get SSDs in raid 0, it'll be more powerful than my desktop, which is a pro to keeping it.

 

They just had a 25-30% off at the end of April-beginning of May for AW outlet. So it seems pretty often?

 

Just threw up in my mouth a little bit....wait...it's ok. I swallowed it.

Impossible question. Like dividing by zero. The deal is sourcing the 18" panel. I THINK we are single sourced on the 18. If the market picks up total units sold in the 18" space someday, you may see more options. I bet Scott RCTek could speak to the supply chain story with a lot more authority than I can.

Just sent this quote off to her manager and my boss's peer in Alienware, along with a bit of my own narrative. I wish I had budget to hit her with an on the spot award. Maybe next Q if my memory holds out that long.

I'm a bit out of the loop with Alienware engineering since my team is launching a gaggle of XPS, Inspiron and Vostros over the next several weeks, but I THINK this is corrected with a new or reseated CXF cable. I'll get one of the Alienware techs working the boards to have a peek. If I'm right, someone will probably reach out to you about shipping you a cable.

 

I am dissapointed, since I already jumped the gun and placed the order at $3.7k I wasn't able to drop the price to like $3.5k so tax wasn't hitting me so hard that I couldn't get a 2-year accidental. Eitherway, I got 1-year, and got an upgrade from 2-day shipping to 1-day shipping. Helps the almost 2 months without a notebook sting a little bit. I'm sure I'll be a lot happier once it actually gets here, but I don't look forward to dishing out like 400 or 500 to extend the warranty

Side question, I called the automated order status and it says it 'shipped on the 8th', which isn't until tomorrow. Does that mean it shipped already and the date is wrong, or that it ships tomorrow and they just always use past tense? Woulda been neat to have had it here before the weekend, instead of getting it here Monday lol

 

Agree with Bill. I lead the AW team on NBR. Will get one of my guys to connect with you shortly.

 

Thank you very much Bill to take the time to answer my utopian questions

 

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mark O. You will see him and his team (mostly his team) out on the boards helping out. Be gentle, as most of you always are. They are new to forums and social media. These folks were hand picked by Mark based on their performance and skill at treating customers in traditional tech support roles. It will take them a bit to figure out this forum thing, but once they do, manna from heaven will flow out to all.

 

Feel free to PM me or send us an e-mail to [email protected] whenever you are ready for the warranty extension.

 

Anybody that puts IdeaStorm in their sig has my undivided attention (undivided is a lie, but it sounds good). I used to manage that community.

 

Welcome to NBR, Mark. Having guys like you and your team (and Bill, of course ) here is truly amazing and I am sure I can speak for all of us when I say that your prescence here is extremely welcome and much appreciated by every NBR member

 

I think I speak for everyone that we are thrilled to have Mark and his team joining us here in the Community. *virtual cartwheels*

Hopefully, it wasn't enchiladas, as they just don't ever taste as good coming from the recycle bin. Always looking for a nonchalant way to irk the guys on the crApple cart without having to utter a single word. It would be especially effective sitting in first class in a seat next to one of them. Wouldn't have any use for it otherwise. It's sort of a "conquering" or dominion thing to be able to say, "I have Windows, Linux and OS X in a triple boot config. And, I choose Windows."

 

I don't even have an m18x but I feel weird using my laptop in public. I always feel like Appletards are gonna be like "lolz dats so big! My macbock pro is beter and mor portabul lolz! win! omg! yeah! woo!"

 

Hilarious. I'd rep that if I weren't already over my limit for today.

"win! yeah! woo!" is classic.

 

Thanks Stevie and Mr. Fox! We are glad to help and love the brand. You will rarely find me without my Alienware hat on. Just picked up an old school one from Alienware.EU

Could not stop laughing about the enchiladas comment. Dodgeball references are always appreciated...

 

this is just amazing lol, now seeing some company representative here made me want to purchase even more but nevertheless this is only for alienware in the states correct?

 

Yes, our team provides support to USA and Canada, we are working a lot on the forums to answer all kinds of questions. If you need any type of assistance feel free to contact us or create a new thread and we will help as much as we can.

 

They also have some limited ability to gather issue and customer contact details to forward an overseas case to their counterparts. It's by no means a guarantee they can help or influence what happens in support in other regions, but they can indeed forward information along to teams in other countries.

 

We can definitely do that!

 

You guys beat me to it - I was just gonna say "oi! - what 'bout us lot outside of US/Canada" lol - you know the score and how passionate I am about "equal opportunities", right Bill?

 

CHEERS ON YOU DEAR BILL, AND TO MARK O AND THE OTHERS JOINING AND GIVING A HAND TO THE CLUB OF ALIENS HERE!!! WELCOME AND TEN TUMBS UP!

 

Now there's a PROPER alien right there with ten thumbs LOL - couldnt agree more with your comment tho, Brother SOS.

 

Well, brother StevieJ, we all must wear some anamorphic camouflage after landing here, isn't? Especially when people are staring at our mighty vessels... ( maybe we will not need so much after the launch of the forthcoming "LeapMotion"... )

 

Wow, it's awesome to see more Dell/Alienware reps around.

Bill has made my day quite a few times with not only his help but his highly entertaining and cryptic posts... plus he has cool taste in glasses.

Seriously though, I had issues with my machine and Dell went the extra mile to make it right (largely thanks to Bill). This is one of the many reasons why I have almost always purchased Dell products and recommend them to family and friends.

Anyway, I very much look forward to seeing the Alienware team post here.

Edit: Also, thanks to Federico, Chris, Mauricio, Juan, Allan, and any other representatives that may be around.

 

RED/2960XM/6990M CF/Blu-Ray/Killer N Wifi for $1499 after 25% off and before tax.

I got in right when the coupons were sent and immediately put all the XM units in my cart then weeded through their specs, settling on this one. I had your unit in my cart, too, because I wanted SLI 580m's but ultimately decided 6990's and a sweet 2960XM with Killer N and Blu-ray was more desirable.

Gotta love the deals at the Outlet! Mine will be here tomorrow. You're in Sweden and order from the US Outlet?

 

anyway if dell/alienware can include the alienware tactx mouse?
i want one....

 

there are not much but personally i found cyberlink powerdvd and syncup to be useless and i uninstalled them (i use media player classic with k-lite codec pack instead )

 

Ask for it when configuring your system. I have no idea about the cost though.

 

My notebook comes in today! Since I didn't get the SSD with the notebook since I already have one I'm going to put in it; what do you think the easiest way to put the factory setup on the ssd? I'm going to obviously be booting on the SSD and the HDD will just be used for storage. What route would be the most convenient do you think, cd or something with the hdd already in it?

 

Well, $79.99usd when configuring a machine, maybe a bit more afterwards if buying elsewhere - or maybe you could find it cheaper with a google lol - quick search shows NewEgg coming in cheaper for the Logitech G9X, which the tactx mouse is based on....the G9X would be a better choice IMHO, as its customisable with weights/grips still with the added benefit of AlienFX style lighting...

 

On the subject of gaming mouse, I use the Razer Orochi because I hate wires and dongles. It's one of the few good Bluetooth options available, and it can be used with a wire (included) if necessary. I do wish that someone would release a larger Bluetooth gaming mouse. The only down side to the Orochi is that it is smaller than I would like it to be.

I love Bluetooth stuff because you don't need to waste a USB port. I have a Dell Bluetooth travel mouse and it works great, but the DPI is too low for serious gaming and it is also a small mouse (hence "travel mouse"). I also use Dell Bluetooth headphones. I am so used to having no wires that it is terribly annoying to be tethered by anything other than radio waves.

 

how are you guys doing this overclocking or getting these speeds.....i just received m18x r2 and my bios always defaults to manufacture settings...i cant do anything with it..its base clack is 1.1 ghz and the multi is 12....kinda odd since i bought it with the 3820qm should be base at 2.7 ghz not dropping to 1.1ghz...are they locking it down to surpass warranty in the hopes that it lasts til then...very dissappointed...any thoughts please...this is my first post and i read everything here every page...what gives???

I just received a replacement today and its not the right machine color but it is a 3820 qm...again cpuid shows it at 1.1 GHz and a 12 multi.....what a shame...anuone help with this or I'm going with eurocomm or exotic PC

 

I believe its the intel speedstep, where if your comp is just idling it drops your speed down, and when the system needs cpu power it will go up and hit your turbo boosted speed.

 

if you're going to eurocom then thats not very smart cause they have they worst customer service ever. and btw, this time around clevo/sagers cant compete with alienware R2 and thats final lol. 4

regards to OCing on a non OCable CPU, i dont think thats possible is it?

 

This is by far the quietest computer I've ever owned.