What users want in the M18x R2

I think one of the reasons why they don't make laptops easily upgradable. specially when GPUs are concerned is because they are counting on their base clientele to continue to upgrade to the next available or newer more "advanced" model or revision and this way have a continued profit. The idea of implementing an easy to remove and replace GPU solution in their laptops at this point in time is a "no no", customers after 2 years or so would just buy the most recent GPU offering and slap it in their easily upgradable GPU slide in port instead of buying a whole new laptop and that would simply loose them profit.
I can understand to a point their business model, I mean they got to make a profit and not just any profit, but a good one. But, in the other hand, and going back to selection of screen, the moment they offered RGBLED screens as choice in the configuration selection menu, it was a big plus, i mean after all, the GPUs can only do so much for the full effect of the eye candy the latest graphics offer, the monitor or screen is the other half that must also be top notch, right? I mean, the screen must do justice to the graphics card, but once the RGBLED screens became a non existing option, that's the part that were they went one huge step backwards, imho and actually walked away from what made Alienware the high end choice...
Alienware entices me to buy laptops from them because they are always pushing the boundaries of currently available technology and featuring the very latest hardware, and that is the foundation of their success, so, here is a plea for that trend to stay, please don't go changing a wining formula, forget plastic chassis and outdated screens, keep pushing the envelope, risk a little and win a lot, keep your customer base and attract new ones. You already have a great financing system available, so common now, entice us with the goods!

 

Hey SOS4DELL

Like we said this is the shorten version that we choose :
Easy GPUs interchange, by mean of a slot in which we can plug/unplug GPUs. (allow Quadro or similar and CF/SLI 4 Gamers + big upgradability)

I can also do a shorten one with à link to your post for the one that needs better explanation.

What do you prefer ?

@BajaCapt
In your equation you forget the people that don't buy D/AW and that will do it, if they can have one laptop that include the better option for working and gaming.

 

My post was just a brief summary of what in my opinion keeps laptop manufacturers to make upgradable friendly laptops, and that is all it is... I also say "keep your customer base and attract new ones"
On regards to the last part of your post, Alienware laptops are among the top on gaming laptops and the gaming clientele is what they are targeted at, and generally laptops that handle gaming well can handle just about most needs for work, that is unless you work in intense graphics development such as in the movie industry for example, for that you would need an specialized rig and for that Dell does have also a targeted product such as the Dell Precision M6600 Mobile (Quadro Mobile). This brings me back to the point I was trying to relate across, enabling a laptop to switch graphics cards that easy would greatly loose them product sell... Again, just an opinion

 

As W. Shakespeare would say: "As you like it"... I leave it to your final decision (the shortest's the best ) in the meantime HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND PEACE AND PROSPERITY FOR ALL

IMHO, business and pros that need a DTR only for working matters will continue to choose and buy the Precision Mxxxxx but people that need to move / travel for work and want to game also, would like to buy the interchangeable sets of cards... Today they already "give" us the possibility to upgrade CPUs, memories, HDDs/SSDs... In some occasions they give us also the option of a variety of sound cards, different displays, different communication cards, etc. So we can hope they will get some "light" and give us the option to buy two interchangeable packages of GPU cards: one card for heavy pro work and one set (CF or SLI) for heavy gaming.

Edit: BTW, I have some friends (man and women) that had purchased the AW machines (M17xR1, M17xR2 and M18x) even that they do not like to game at all... just because of the design and quality of the machines... (and you can believe me when I say that they are not people that like to "show off"...)

 

Absolutely, having the easy swap GPU slot would be excellent for us buyers and perhaps for the GPU manufacturers, but would it be good for Dell? probably not and that from the simple reason that one laptop would do what both the Alienware and the Precision do in one neat upgradable package, a Hybrid Beast, who would not want one? I know I would, but again, that business model would literally loose them profit.
Now don't get me wrong, I would love to see such a rig come to life, I am just not counting on it any time soon, and even less from Dell, perhaps another company that share our vision here would dare to go in that territory, only time will tell.

 

Personally (and from my extense experience) most of the people would not purchase two DTR (one Precision 4 work and one AW 4 game @ 10 ~ 12 thousand dollars or more)... So, IMHO Dell/AW would not be "losing a market" but incrementing the sales of options (parts) for it's computers. And most of the people like to have all the options handy and will buy them to get a M-Alien (aka: Master-Alien).

But, you're right: Only time ( and the mental openness of Dell/AW) will tell...

("The mind is like a parachute: it only works if it is open" - A. Einstein)

 

I add this in the OP :
31) Easy GPUs interchange, by mean of a slot in which we can plug/unplug GPUs. (allow Quadro or similar and CF/SLI 4 Gamers + big upgradability) ( more info here)


AND I WISG YOU HAPPY HOLLIDAYS TOO

 

You are great! Thanks pal! ( let's hope the thinkers @ Dell/AW are open minded... )

 

120HZ Matte 3D screen!!! Sager can do it so why can't Alienware?

(Do you guys think the Alienware developers even read these forums? Or are we just posting to one another back and forth?)

 

I would LOVE
*1920X1200 Full RGB Gamut screen,
( my M1710 has one WHY don't they offer them on the new laptops!)

* Bluray writer (not just the reader) Slot or tray I dont care.

*Mate screen opt would be nice

*ONE mother board option
(so if you happen to order it with less ram you can still upgrade to the full 32 gigs later if you want too)

*IC Diamond Thermal paste would be great!

* Sturdy keyboard
(IE, no flexing My M1710 has no flex and the thing is SIX years old! Come on Dell, what happen to your craftsmanship)

* Six and Eight Core Options
(AMD and or Intel, not just the four cores they currently offer)

* A lid Lock
(Simple I know...My lid locks on my M1710, why don't the new M1*X's have lid locks?)

* More Hard drive Options

AN ETA on the R2 M18X from Dell Best Christmas gift I wold get this year!!

 

Any word or rumors going around on when the release is??? I want a new gaming laptop soo badly ;( .

 

The next release is... when it's released! Manufacturers doesn't like to announce their next move... before they actually do it (and the moderators here don't 'like' rumors... beware!)

BTW dear Jew Unit: Shalom for all & Merry Chanukkah!!!

 

As SOS4DELL pointed out, we don't support the rumor mill here.

Tomorrow never comes and it seems my timing is never perfect. Chances are great that you'll be waiting for the "next best thing" indefinitely, or you'll always be a step behind the cutting edge. Take the plunge and enjoy it. The M18x R1 is phenomenal in every way.

 

Sorry about that...I rarely post here...I didn't know about that rule...I'm saving up right now and I wanted to know if there is another version coming out soon.

 

Hey no worries, friend. I only brought it up so the thread would stay on topic. Everyone here is excited about new tech and we will all be happy whenever the M18x R2 is announced. If it has just 25% of the stuff on our wish list it will be awesome.

 

I second this, heck, I would be happy with just the RGBLED screen!

 

I agree,we all know tech is constantly evolving.We are sure to get certain technologies as they become available for retail sale.The M18x is a top quality rig in every available technology now.I just want the same cutting edge tech Im sure we'll have in the r2, and my only problem will be where to fit 2 m18s.LOL And please Alienware keep it aluminum. Rgb is good enough for me also Capt.

 

Only a small thing but how about a WiFi activity light.

 

You can have @ the taskbar a Network Activity Indicator, who needs more than that?

BTW: regarding the main and only topic of this thread: " I never worry about the future, it comes soon enough" A. Einstein

 

Rhaaa it's sooo long to wait for news !

 

Im taking the plunge on an M18x this year. Probably going to wait until March or April. We'll see what they're selling. I've seen Fox, John and Joker putting down 28-31k in Vantage. Im not sure how much more Im going to need then that! Today's m18's are already rocking the mic pretty hard.

 

Nvidia Kepler architecture is apparently ready to show its face in Q1 2012 !

This could be à good thing for m18x R2

 

Change the keyboard and include a Page Up and Page Down above the directional keys so that it becomes easy to navigate using Page Up and Page Down when browsing.

 

I wish Dell would make available all the customisable options in all countries. I have noticed that the current M18X has more available options on the Dell US website that the Dell UK website.

I find this very irritating.

MP

 

A screen ratio that has more pixels than 1920x1080p. 1080p looks better on a 17" than on an 18". Now, making the M18XR2 with a 1900x1200 would have a much crisper image, I think, although I don't know hardly anything about laptop monitors, except that 1080p looks better on a 17" than an 18".

 

Is there an interrest for Gorilla Glass 2 on laptop screen ? I don't think so.

Anyone have news for the R2 incoming ?

 

I have news!!

But I can't share yet.

I apologize. That was cruel, and I'm a bad person. I can't talk about unreleased products, but I can guarantee we are still working on the M18x program.

 

Hi Bill B.!
Thanks again for being with us.
I think we all understand your (and Dellienware) position.
At least, can you tell us is "some" of the ideas posted by the fans are taked into [serious, positive...] consideration?
Thanks!

 

Well gee Bill, thanks?
I will conveniently interpret your reply as "Yes, the M18X will have an LEDRGB screen option available"

 

Thank you very much Bill,

I'm happy to know that the m18x R2 project still alive

It'll be hell to wait out the informations !

 

LOL. Thanks a lot. Now I need a new keyboard.

Pay attention to PAX East.

 

love the ideas but i think what a lot of us aren't realizing is if dell did decide to produce an m18x of the specs on page 1 would even half of us be prepared to pay the sky-rocket price that is most likely to be due to the quirks and perks which are exaggerated to make the smallest thing like fan filters look like one of the biggest USP of the laptop,,,

Curtis

 

Believe indeed... Yes! Most of us Dellienware followers are ready to pay the premium price for more than many of those 'improvements'... Just give us the options!

 

Bill,Bill,Bill, Why, would you say that?!?!?! Now everyone that knows you knows you don't BS,so something cool came down the pipe at DELL for M18X.LOL You are gonna get pmd like mad.I'll Pm ya later dude.LOL And SOS is right we all would be willing to go for the best of the best,that's why we all have m18s now.

 

Corrr blimey!!! wish i had the money to slash on them! also im starting to think Alienware may be taking size & portability into consideration with the new x51 being the size it is, however this may just be a release they are doing for the sake of bringing something new to their product line, however i wont be surprised if they make an attempt to make it slimmer as for portability it's kinda needed due it it being called a laptop

also i am willing to buy an m18x however i haven't got the money on me at the moment (Will most likely have it by April when a R2 will be more than overdue) but i feel the price isn't touching £2000 RRP is because it lacks the perks we all want in it now, however wouldn't mind them for an upgrade option you can choose on the checkout, just not all included with a stock m18x, mainly because it'll keep cost and i'll be able to upgrade slowly as i get the money,,

Curtis

 

Thanks Bill.
I am ready for the new and improved M18XR2. Hope we here somthing soon

 

We aren't going to see an announcement to anything until april from Pax east.And it may be most likely an ips or some screen refresh.Bill Needs his job and I'm shocked he said anything.lol,He's a great guy and knows his stuff.I wish we knew what he knew.Lol You know the next m18x will have new cpu new gpu thats a given,so the new pax announce will be a screen upgrade,I bet.

 

Ivybridge and the 7000 and 600 series cards will be released before then if not during April, so i imagine if they are released before then we should see an Ivybridge system with the new cards in, however i'd be happy to buy an m18x if it has a 120hz screen

 

Thats what I mean,Ivybridge is under embargo,and nvidia has no solid release yet all just sometime in Q2 etc,and Bill said m18x announce from pax east will be april which coincides with other release estimates.

 

Ahh right then,, lol im too tired to think straight i suppose ill always keep a keen eye on the bay and for any news

 

Generously Bill tickled us and now we are starting to fall into speculations... But, beware: moderators here do not have much patience with speculations... and we don't want this thread to be closed... Let's be patient and wait for the best...

 

Me too! lol I just tweeted with Bill he's always on twitter,he can't say for sure what the next m18x will have or when,But common sense is after april all higher end pcs will have Ivy and new 7000 Amd and Nvidia 6 series,also the main focus now is tablets & ultrabooks.I think we are all going to see a new screen being the news possibly IPS.The screen is not a dealbreaker for me honestly everytime I use it I sibeam wi-hd to my 50inch,it's amazing,zero lag and my 8000 series plasma has a great picture.I cant remember the last time I used the m18s screen alone. But right now all is speculation even if company's say it,untill it's an option anything's possible.Not trying to cause confusion just saying.Bottom line Bill said we wont know for sure until april Pax east for screen,all else I said we chatted about on twitter,not my opinion,what I heard.

That is true the mods do not like speculation even when all comes to fruition,I meant no offense or to speculate on my end I was just tweeting Bill@dell and we chatted a while No I will not say exactly what was said,but I again meant no offense.Thanks.

 

some news

Alienware 2012 Notebook Shows up

 

Lol me too.Now online sites are confirming little but we all knew Ivybridge and gpu upgrade was coming and its like I thought around Q2 2012.Lol now let the I wish I waited for r2 begin!I'll start,Arrrggg I shouldve waited a couple more months!Lol just kidding.We all have great pcs already.

 

Awsome find thanks +1 rep for you .

 

We have a related discussion going on:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/640963-new-m17x-r4-m14x-r2-m18x-r2-coming.html

Feel free to continue there and not open any new threads about it.
Thank you

 

m18x r2 definitly needs A LOT more usb 3.0 ports. hopefully i would just use window 8 and it would come as default driver.

most importantly, NEEDS THREE HDD slot. for TWO SSD raid 0 purposes as well as 1 slot for HDD for storage.

 

Probably not gonna happen till the R3 and a complete chassis redesign. I doubt Dell would do it every year.

 

Why not use the eSata port for external storage with a USB to Sata cable.....

 

cause esata is damn slow and with both HDD slot used up for raid 0, window home premium wont let me reload backedup image from an external usb.

so i need 2 for raid 0, and 1 for storage/image within laptop itself

yes, esata is slow for copying all of my files over 10 TB, the same goes for usb 3.0.
eat least usb 3.0 for my barracuda goes over 1.5gbps which is above esata i think, i get about 180 mb/sec copy read/write for barracuda 3tb