What users want in the M18x R2

@Dell-Bill_B
One more time, thank you for your great comment !

Is there a way to push D/AW to get a person with the same role as yours ? (if possible to make that is you)

 

I think they are moving that direction. In the meantime, I'm happy to help out. I just don't know who the AW planners are. I will find out at some point.

 

Nice to hear that Bill

I read something (In French) that tell us that Dell will drastically reduce is support of low cost product and give more effort for the middle and High level product.
Dell se retirerait de l'entrée de gamme

 

All i care about is the m18x to continue using aluminum

 

maybe throw in some more copper too, eh? - all copper heatsinks and a triple for the cpu would be very tasty....

 

That's right!

 

If they were to make the M18x.R2 out of plastic like the M17x.R3 I don't think I would have any interest in owning one. The anodized aluminum chassis is at least 50% of what made the M17x.R1/R2 and M18x "to die for" awesome... with the other 50% of the awesomeness owed to being dual GPU.

Alienware knows that we feel this way and I seriously doubt they will change either of these things in the flagship product. Remember, they're being designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts.

 

Definitely: plastic is a no-no... and no!

 

Hey bill, is that a 100% confirmation? Friend and colleague of mine was told something else so I'm glad you put that rumor to rest. I'll e-mail you more about it. I agree with everyone else: Anodized aluminum is a must for the top end Alienware notebook.

 

For the M18x-R2 I want Eyefinity.

 

100%. If your friend's source works at Dell, pass along my email address to them, and I'll be glad to have a chat with them.

 

yeah, so no more people talking about these "hidden" sources.

 

OMG!! More copper!! Please!!! More copper!

Is there any third party copper heatsink for now? Like the triple or quadruple copper heatsink? I

 

Still in the works We are waiting for our CNC guy to receive the copper, lol. This time it has to be a thicker plate, non-standard order. Takes forever, the sketches were ready 2 months ago

 

I wish all the best for them
Why is it taking such a long time anyway?

 

That would make many of us Alienware laptop owners happy.
I been considering upgrading my M17XR2 to 6990m's but loosing the audio over HDMI has kept me from doing it.
I was able to compare Skyrim playing side to side with my R2 and a new M18X, while the maxed out ultra settings in the M18X looks awesome, the RGB screen in my M17Xr2 made the game look so much better, there is simply no comparison, the beauty of Skyrim jumps at you, some scenes are truly breathtaking in the RGB color richness that literally jumps at you.
Now, just to imagine the benefits of the latest mobile GPU cards combined with a huge 18" RGB monitor, makes the gamer in me long for such a rig...
Please make it happen!! you will have record sales if so. I know I would place my order immediately

 

Dear Anentropik, just wondering: What about a FireWire port (like the one in the Precision laptops?). To connect HD VD cameras (or the miriad of Firewire disks [LaCie in my case] that we already own) seems that's a must have... ( or maybe there is already another way I'm not aware of it?)

 

@SOS4DELL
Like you I need a firewire port, beceause I use many music interface that use it !

But if this is not in the laptop we could get a PCMCIA card to bring us the firewire support.
Is there a PCMCIA slot in the m18x ?

I add this in the OP
29) A Firewire port (often used by the effect pedals, or music interface)

.......................................
Is there a moderator that cans supress this thread ?

 

@ Anentropik:
Not just " used by the effect pedals, or music interface" but also to connect HD DV cameras to record and edit video (and games too )... Personally I use HD DV cameras, among other academic functions, to record and edit my lectures and debates among my students and colleagues.

Back on topic (regarding the claims 4 better display screen on the next M18x [& the Precision M6600]):
"Citing industry sources, Digitimes is reporting today that Apple is currently planning to launch a new MacBook Pro in the second quarter that would come with a 2,880 x 1,800 ultra-high-resolution display. The display would be a significant step up over what it's currently offering. The company's 17-inch MacBook Pro, for example, features a 1,920 x 1,200 LED-backlit display".
( http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-57342871-17/apple-bringing-ultra-high-resolution-display-to-macbook-pro/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20)

The question is: Will Dell left that particular (and so needed) field on the exclusivity of Apple?

Hope not at all!

 

Interesting news ! But 17" is clearly not enough for me :/

Also I evidently now that Firewire is used bye other thgings than music & pedals. Fo you think I should remove the parenthesis in the OP? (It was just an example but perhaps it's too much restrictive)

thank you for all you bring to us SOS4DELL !

 

This is a really tough one to answer.

Think about supply chain issues. Supply and demand. How many 18" laptops are there? (low demand) How many 18" panel manufacturers are there? (low supply) With low demand and low supply, there are just not a lot of financial and manufacturing resources dedicated to tooling up a line to pump out 18" RGB WLEDs. A manufacturer has to sell so many units of anything to recoup capital investment like retooling a line or factory. It's just logical that there's just not enough demand to recoup the capital investment.

 

Your analisys is logical indeed. Even so, if I must I will gladly go back to 17" instead of 18" if I can enjoy working (and gaming) with an RGB-LED/IPS and higher resolution... According to the posts in this forum and in other places around the web (also mentioned here in many threads), a substantial majority will preffer an Alien flagship (and a Precision too) with those higher resolution and MATTE!!!

 

Your Kung Fu is also strong, wise one.

 

Smart bet would be to discontinue M18x and make a dual card M17x with rgb led ips the high end again. Offer the choice between a resolution above 1080p and 1080p but both panels should be of nearly identical spec so everyone has a choice.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk

 

And to add a spoon of oil into the fire, the 17" RGB LED IPS already exists - HP 8760w and Precision M6600 (this one is still on paper though).

Since LG has been making these screens for a couple of years now, there won't be any retooling required.

We have been trying to make this happen on a smaller scale but after initial assessment it became clear that only a handful of key players in the notebook industry can secure this niche

 

As much as I would like and RGB screen, I would also hate to lose the 18" screen size. As per Bill though, the 18" form factor is here to stay for another round at least, so hopefully at the worst we will end up with a slightly better screen than we have now.There's always hope that Dellianware will work a miracle though, if they need a kick starter I'll fund the venture with my billion $ life savings, no prob.

 

I would like to see different keyboard options for those that don't want a number pad or macro keys and would instead prefer larger keys and a more user friendly layout. I am disappointed that Dell doesn't offer this, especially considering the price of the laptop. I adored the keyboard on the Studio XPS 16, it was without doubt my favourite laptop keyboard.

 

@BruteUK
I add this to the OP :
30) More Keyboard layout options (wirhour Tactix, without numpas, with mor larger touch, ...)

 

While I do understand the logic behind your response I can tell you one thing for sure, after you do your gaming in an RGB screen such as the one in my M17XR2, there is simply no going back to an ordinary monitor, I done gaming in a much more powerful M18X with dual 6990m and while the FPS and maxed out settings look great, the rich popping out of the screen colors in my RGB honestly put the regular monitor to shame and not even the cranked up eye candy can make up for the lifeless colors the regular monitors have to offer... not when your eyes have seen the RGB. With that said, I agree with what others responded here, I would gladly see the M18X end production if we would see the M17XR* return in full Xfire/SLI configurations with an option to upgrade the monitor to RGB as well, now that would be something to brag about for Alienware, add to that RGB 3D option and make us Alienware users an offer we cant refuse, you got a very successful sales season!
Thanks for your replies here, and hope this suggestions somehow make it to the right ears in the productions chain...

 

That would only be an acceptable option if it retained the phenomenal M17xR2 and M18x construction (anodized aluminum chassis). A dual-GPU version of the M17xR3 (rubberized plastic chassis) could potentially kill the Alienware brand.

Personally, I like the chassis size of the M18x better. I have both--I still own an R2 with RGB LED--and while the 1200p screen is higher resolution and sharper, I would find choosing between the larger M18x chassis and a better 17" screen to be a challenging decision to be faced with. If the best of both worlds is not an option, I'd prefer the larger screen and larger anodized aluminum chassis.

 

I did not know the M17XR3 had a plastic chassis, this would be unacceptable indeed, basically if you owned a M17XR2 and bought an R3 you in reality downgraded, except for perhaps the GPU...
The flagship of Alienware who takes pride in innovation in the field would have to be anodized aluminum, offer the best of current monitor technology along with the top of the line GPUs in a variety of user defined configurations, the thing is that AW knows this I am sure and I understand if they trying to cut corners in their more budget friendly choices, but, we do need a real flagship here AW, we do...

 

There were a number of uninformed R3 buyers that made this very unpleasant discovery this after their purchase... I remember seeing some of their posts here at NBR forums. I was planning to buy one at one point and as soon as I learned of it the R3 was immediately scratched off my list. The single-GPU would have also nixed it from staying on the list, but I learned of the plastic chassis first, LOL. (I was actually saving up for one before the final specs were disclosed.) For an Alienware first-timer that never owned an R1/R2 before and didn't know any better it's probably not a big deal. You cannot miss something you never had.

 

Although the M18x is the first AW machine I have ever owned, I've been watching the AW scene for a long time. At first, I really wanted to get the M17x R3 since I initially thought that the M18x is too big.

The plastic chassis is really a deal breaker for me since previous AW models have anodized aluminum chassis. Having only a single GPU was another thing I didn't like since I already have a G73 and having another machine with nearly similar capabilities would be impractical.

I ended up choosing an M18x and am overall satisfied. I actually like the idea of an 18" screen. It might be a deal breaker for others if the screen is scaled down to 17" again. As for the RGB LED, I don't really see the big deal since I'm partially color blind.

I guess more screen options wouldn't hurt. And if they do plan to put 3D into the M18x, maybe it would be a nice idea to have the no-glasses 3D like in the G53SX. Not a personal experience since I don't wear glasses, but my mom said that it would be better if you didn't need glasses to watch 3D. Much more friendly to those with glasses.

 

Well, is great you saved yourself from that purchase, while I am sure is a fine gaming rig, is certainly not what one comes to expect from an AW laptop.
I been buying Aienware since way before they became Dell property, and I generally been happy with my rigs, point in fact, I just purchased a loaded M11XR3, I got it for an upcoming trip to India, I will be there for one month, I will have hip surgery there and I will spend some time in a hotel convalescing before returning home and I wanted something light to carry that is gaming capable, the M11XR3 will fit that job pretty good. But, going back to RGB screens, my M17XR2 has ruined me to all other monitor options, and I mean ruin me, before I saw this monitor, I would be fine and even happy with the older offerings, well, not no more... My new M11XR3 runs Skyrim great in high settings, great battery life, simply great, but I miss not the size of my M17XR2, but the color pop, the RGB makes a beautiful looking game such as Skyrim simply glorious... I am sure that while stuck in a hotel in the other side of the world I will learn to love my lil 11xr3 , if only even the 11X had the RGB option as well, oh well, I am sure it will become possible soon, there is no stopping a better thing from taking over a lesser one, specially in technology.

 

In an ideal world we would have an 18" notebook with aluminum and IPS RGB LED but like Bill hinted, the limited amount of panels made for 18" notebooks puts a damper on those dreams. So our best bet for maximum quality is as follows IMO:

-Discontinue M18x until IPS RGB LED or AMOLED is available for 18" panels

-Make M17x-R4 the flagship with dual video cards supplied with pure copper heatsinks (like Clevo) and large quiet fans. Additionally, add bumpers on the back bottom of the notebook that are around 1-2" in height so it elevates the notebook for optimal air flow.

-Make two different chasis: one aluminum and one rubber/plastic so people have a choice of which they want--high quality feel vs lighter weight.

-Change the palm rest design so it isn't held by flimsy plastic tabs. This is the worst design Dell has ever come up with.

-CPU/GPU should be accessible from the bottom panel and not require a tear down.

-Display options: IPS RGB LED (1080p+ resolution), IPS RGB LED (1080p), WLED 120Hz 95% gamut (1080p). The RGB LED panels MUST have profiles we can set like the precision series so the extra gamut is actually meaningful. Lastly, offer an option for Matte or Glossy so everyone is happy.

-Ditch the TactX keys, I don't find them useful and I bet many others don't either. They just get in the way.

-Guarantee users at least 2 Dell supported video upgrades during the products life cycle. Your systems adhere to the mxm standard so you should support it. Additionally, release bios updates for all new pin compatible CPUs.

-Institute a robust company wide driver program that releases updates regularly. This should extend top to bottom for all Dell products, not just Alienware.

-REDESIGN: I think the Alienware systems need a new design that's a departure from the existing one. Something more sleek.

I don't know if there is an IPS RGB LED with 120 hz but if there is, then add that to the list above. People WILL pay a premium for a top of the line system, so there is no reason for Dell not to source these readily available components and offer them to their customers.

 

^^^that would be an ideal world -- something for everyone, with desktop upgradability^^^

Although, a 20" behemoth DTR with a 1200p IPS or AMOLED would be awesome. I am committed to never owning another HP computer for as long as I live, but an Alienware equivalent to a beast the size of the now discontinued HP HDX 9000 DRAGON would be an acceptable replacement for the M18x in my book. I would take an Alienware version of that--with an anodized alloy chassis--in lieu of an M18x R2.

I actually find them not only un-useful, but a borderline nuisance. I never use them. Fortunately, they are placed far enough from the keyboard that I don't have any misplaced keystrokes. I agree... ditch 'em. Or, move them to the left of the power button where they're not in my way. Make the keyboard wider to take up the space currently wasted on them.

Maybe... depends on what it is and what new design means. I think it needs to keep some elements of that distinct Alienware flavor that we've seen since the M17xR1, so it can be recognized from 100 yards away as an Alienware... sort of like a BMW grille... unmistakably Alienware. Might have mixed feelings if they lose that. It is just one of the things that makes it special and other laptops ordinary.

 

Agreed, it has to retain the front exhausts/speaker grill in some manner so we can recognize it as an Alienware. However, they can definitely come up with something even better looking. The current design is nice but there is a lot of room for improvement. As long as they don't add tacky colors like MSI and Toshiba use..ugh.

 

It would be cool to have a slightly industrial, but still sleek and elegant look... Perhaps something like a brushed aluminum palmrest and keyboard surround panel carved from billet aluminum or a cast aluminum, and made as thick as the rest of the chassis. It could be anodized to match the exterior color or anodized in an accent color with a tasteful contrast that is complimentary to any shell color (such as charcoal or smoke gray). It would be nice to have the original "Space Black" (deep pitch black) color back again as an option. That was very striking in the M17xR2. The gunmetal "Space Black" color used on the M18x.R1 is attractive, but not striking.

At any rate, I would like to see as little plastic used in the build as possible. Maybe nothing but the keys and touchpad using plastic. The plastic bottom cover is a bit of a downgrade from the metal bottom cover that was on the M17x.R2.

It would be good to have all panels attached only by hidden screws and no clips of any kind to break off. If the material were heavy enough to not bend or flex, it would not take that many screws to button things up.

 

I'd like to see a glass trackpad and matching aluminum palm rest but the soft rubber is nice too, feels good when you put your palms on it. The next redesign should definitely incorporate more curves and attempt to make a thinner profile. If they use thicker copper sinks, making a thinner notebook is entirely feasible. I updated my post with the list of things I think the next AW design needs.

BTW I just checked out that HP 20" monster you linked to and this picture gave me a good laugh:

 

^ HP Dragon?

When I first saw that back then, I really thought it was a joke. Wonder if Alienware will decide to try that?

 

I hope not unless they want to be the joke of the industry.

 

Very nice model I thought......ooops, sorry.... meant to say NOT the laptop....

 

I don't think they'll risk that. An 18" laptop is about as far as I would personally go. Really funny to see the 20" laptop though. Very impractical too.

 

I totally agree with all Mr.Fox says !

I will love an D/AW 20" ! (Thank's for the link on HP)... I hate HP materials ... but I will consider this option

I certainly don't want à 17" screen.

I will love an 18" or 20" IPS(RGB LED 120Hz 3D screen (Pay extra money for that with no problem !)

I totally disagree with that, all of the screen that do the no glasses 3D I see, was awful and very tiring to watch.


In any case, the m18x beast absolutely need the best screen option available, without that it's like to have an Aston Martin ONE 77 with bike wheels !

Ok the price would be high because of low production, but we are all here willing to pay whatever it takes to it right?

 

Here's a Dell 20" laptop...... Dell's completely wireless & portable All-In-One PC - YouTube and http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=DqY4ojyZonY&feature=endscreen

That beast looks like it weighs a tonne, is built to withstand a bomb blast and doubles as a somewhat bulky briefcase !!

 

I'm not a 3D fan, glasses or no glasses, always gives me a headache either way. I have spoken to some family and friends who prefer more options for those kinds of things.

It might be a nice idea if there is an option for customizing the keyboard. I've seen the MSI GT780 layout, the one with the start button on the right. Quite a hassle when you accidentally press the start button in the heat of a game.

 

I couldn't agree more with the ideals post by 5150Joker and Mr. Fox! As Anentropik says I'm too ready to pay the premium price for those premium options. Let's see if the Santa buried inside the Dellienware designers is listening...

 

For the new people arrived on this thread please don't forget to read my signature and go vote on IdeaStorm for supporting all the great Ideas gathering there.

 

5) should be increased to 6KRO
25) can be accomplished using software.

Ill add mine to the list.

1.) Change the HDMI in to work slightly differently.
Have it actively split the signal to both a "capture card (with hardware x264)" and the Monitor.
You can boot the M18 into a Monitor only mode (f7 or something in the bios)
and you have the ability to record Video from the port, while the Computer or monitor is active.

2.) On the inside of the laptop have a hidden USB port with room around it (for wireless receivers)

3.) Increase the size of the touchpad. And add a fingerprint reader to the center of the mouse buttons.

4.) Allow users to set the LED color of each Key on the keyboard individually.
Switch to different color patterns based on programs. (profiles) (coloring would be hardware stored, and only if you use profiling will software be used)

5.) Macro keys stored in memory (up to 5 Profiles) (solves problem with software issues and os compatibility. [see Logitech g9x for example])

 

An idea that's come out of my imagination after reading about the needs of gamers and pros regarding the GPUs:

The idea is kind of "simple" (but not 'simplistic').
Do you remember those old laptops that have a double multipurpose PCMCIA slot?, well, let's "imagine":

A dedicated slot ( kind of PCMCIA, with the adequated design) to insert one or two MXM GPUs cards acording to particular needs...

So, people can insert one (or two) best option they can (optionally) buy for gaming, and when they need to do some heavy work (like CAD and complex designs, editing, etc.) they can pull out the gaming (CF or SLI) dedicated GPUs and instead insert a different kind of dedicated GPU card; the one the consumer buy for her/his heavy working purposes.

Of course the Bios should be ready to recognize different kind of MXM GPUs cards. Just insert the GPUs you want for your task (serious gaming or professional working), reboot and you're ready to go...

From the bussines point of view, it's an oportunity for Dell/AW to sell the same laptop with "add-ons" for a more diverse market, with TWO kind of interchangeable graphic cards... ( knowing a little from the psychology of computer users, most of them will buy all the possible cards to have then 'handly', even if they don't really need them... (" The appetite is always bigger than the stomach capacity ... and the reason").

From the market point of view, the option to have "all" the alternatives @ hand is most attractive for the consumers / users: imagine a laptop (or a DTR) with externally interchangeable GPUs... That will be a BIG WOW in the market... A brand new approach to a "GWYW-&-WWYW" machine... (a "game-what-you-want-&-work-what-you-want"). That will be some new breed of M-Alien! (aka: Master Alien); a symbiotic hybrid of the world leadings: the M6600 and the M18xR(n)... a 'marriage' that can generate the powerful progeny of aliens and humans that we all dream (and need judging from accross this and other high level forums)... Then, as good old Lennon says: "Imagine all that people!"

With the kind help of Anentropik here is a concise definition of this proposal:

"Easy GPUs interchange, by mean of a slot in which we can plug/unplug MXM GPUs to allow graphics upgradability providing easy solutions for people that need both options: CF/SLI 4 gamers GPUs and professional ones (like Quaddro or similars)."

Just "imagine" that kind of M-Alien (aka: Master Alien...): "Imagination is more important than knowledge" - Albert Einstein...