After using for a year, my only dislikes about the m11x

I initially purchased the m11x because of the price point and the all in one capability (I was looking for a portable laptop with a graphics card). It was to replace my horribly unreliable, expensive mac book pro which never ran windows (vista or 7) properly.


1. Screen size - I think we all wish for a 12-13" screen, even though thats something we knew going in.
2. Screen quality. The resolution is fine for the size but the screen plain sucks. No LED backlight (not sure how much that would help), but the viewing angles are meh, but more importantly the quality is barely passable, esp. when compared to the mac book pros and other higher quality screens.
3. Trackpad. It works, and is a good traditional trackpad, but I would like something with easy multitouch capability (yes it sort of works on our m11x's) - including 2, 3 finger motions. We don't need a one whole button touchpad, discrete buttons are fine but a bigger, more accurate touchpad would help.


That's it. I guess I honestly can't complain about the display at the price I paid and the screen size is simply what it is. I see now there is an m14x, but it appears to have the same garbage screen - bigger resolution perhaps, and not sure about the trackpad.

I love the power, the portability, pretty much everything about it. Even a year later, I can find VERY few 13" and below laptops with dedicated graphics and decent battery life. I will probably use the m11x as a main laptop for another year and then I will be looking for my perfect laptop - m13x + good display + good trackpad.

 

pretty well summarized my opinion also, but I'd also like to add to the build quality (the plastic chassis needs improvements)

I'm so relieved I don't get to use my m11x outdoor or in any bright light, the screen is pretty much useless outdoor.

 

Well in terms of the multi touch trackpad I use the latest scrybe drivers. It gives you a lot of multi-touch options that I personally find useful. I also installed this Smoothscroll Google Chrome Extensions on google chrome. Makes two finger scrolling a breeze.

 

I agree, the m11x is a nice device but there are ofcourse cons. Screen quality is one of the biggest ones I have come across. I use mine in all sorts of different lighting and at times it's very hard to see anything and that's with full brightness! At this point however I only have mine as a paperweight lol. I've been using my Macbook Air more as it suits my needs better but the m11x will always hold a special place in my heart. Playing Starcraft II while waiting for my next class to begin was a joy

 

i agree completely, plastic parts on the m11x feel cheap, especially the way areas around the hinge creak when pressed.

 

Thank you. I will check that out.

I did enjoy the better quality chassis (well not on my pre unibody mbp) and better touchpad on my old mbp but I have hellish reliability stories about it. Even with heavy use after a year, my m11x has held up much better.

And the whole running windows on a mac thing is not all that great unless you are using a desktop with a proper keyboard and mouse. And the sheer gall of not using a normal bios, etc, drove me insane. All I've wanted for a while is something with the footprint and initial quality of a say 13" mac book pro with the internals of this m11x. Unfortunately no one has yet stepped u pto the plate.

 

I just hate the performance on my M11X and the oily keyboard & mouse.

 

I use a disinfectant wipe cloth to clean my laptop from time to time. Though I do not use it on the screen.

 

KB cover solves the "oily" issue.

 

I r lazy I no use cover.

 

Wash your hands.

 

I use alcohol wipe a couple of times a week on both the display and keyboard. While that helps with oil, it doesn't change the fact that over time the textured surface of the keys is worn down to a smooth gloss.

 

MY only dislike:

USB ports, the right ones are very near where I put the mouse, and if I pulg something, I need to move the mouse or I keep reaching that USB cable plugged in, the left one is OK......

 

Well, you don't want to get up and wash your hands while you're playing some multiplayer game. Sweat sucks.

 

Nice info. I've been wanting to buy an m11x for a while now and finally decided to buy it later this week. Good to know there aren't any major issues with it. Poor screen I ca live with since I'll have it connected to a monitor.

 

Agreed. My M11x has served me very well for the last year, whether it be taking notes in class or playing the latest games!
The poor screen is a major bummer.
I wish Dell/Alienware offered a better screen for upgrade :C
Ah well, guess you can't have your cake and eat it to.

 

I don't see why people call it a poor screen. It's okay, I haven't seen a better laptop one. Weird. Could you guys tell me what you dislike about the machine and I will compare it maybe.

 

Well maybe "poor" is a bit much.
Rather it's just a bit disappointing. I mean, you typically shell out a +1000 USD for an M11x, and one would an expect a pretty good screen.

The screen on the M11x however just seems like something you would find on a 500 dollar laptop. Viewing angles are not that good, and the quality of the screen is just "meh."

 

Well said Noah. Spending that kind of money on a laptop should definitely warrant a higher quality screen. It's not terrible, just lackluster...

 

Really? To me it's just fine, perfect, no problems on the screen. Probably because I'm not adjusted to quality screens.

Although I do admit, the screen could be 1080p but that will affect the performance of gaming. Viewing angles ain't bad, unlike my Acer Aspire 5100 where everything will go negative coloured if you tilt your head slightly.

I still don't get why this screen is bad. Is it washed out to you?

 

Well, actually it's the glossy surface and vibrancy of colors that disappoint me. My s10 netbook screen looks better especially outdoor.