Alienware M11x @ BestBuy In April: SU7300/4GB/250GB - $899!

I pulled the trigger since the site said they had the 250GB model in inventory.

What I physically saw at the same store was the 320GB model.

 

Looks like there is a good handful of them in St. Louis area!

 

Just picked one up today from my local Bestbuy. Couldn't be happier so far.

 

I got the coupon at one of their after-hours Reward Zone events (a Sunday night, and I believe it was early February)...it was in a little cardboard folder they handed me when I walked in the store...the only items excluded in the fine print were Apple products and the coupon expired at the end of May (which probably means another "exclusive" after-hours event)...I was saving it to potentially buy a Sony Vaio Z if they ever showed up at Best Buy (Best Buy carried the Z's predecessor...)

The cashier scanned my RZ card, scanned the box, and scanned the coupon...everything worked fine...

However, I suspect the cheaper price is due to Alienware/Dell providing minimal warranty support...the warranty manual (and I believe it's probably the same manual that buyers received if they purchased the laptop directly from Dell) sends you to dell.com/warranty which says you have a 90-day, 1-year, 2-year etc warranty that doesn't include accidental damage...but I can't find any electronic file on the machine that says which warranty I have...

Also, purchasers from Best Buy DO get a laser etched nameplate...it says 'M11x'...not what I would have chosen, but I'll just make sure the laptop's butt never gets exposed...

And the default LED backlighting color is blue...and the desktop background is just ALIENWARE with the alien head to the right of it...didn't try adjusting any of that...just started downloading games from my Steam account...

I did uninstall McAfee (blech)...have no idea how long the 'free' subscription lasts...

The 250GB HDD is Hitachi...and I'm not familiar enough with Windows 7 (only previously used XP) to figure out the LCD panel manufacturer...

Just registered my service tag with dell.com and got the following:

The order info says the display is an Au Optronics...

The warranty info shows Rapid Response Depot as 552 days and XPS Tech Support as 452 days...both clocks starting on 03/20/2010 when Dell shipped the laptop to Best Buy...

 

I was all set to return my M11x to BB today (cannot OC), based on the web site saying OOS at my store. Went there, they actually have one more left.

So, if you really want to pickup the M11x from BB, I would at least call your store to see if they actually do have it, hopefully you get someone that actually knows. I went to another store yesterday, my original store told me that other store shows availability in the system. Went there, those guys INSISTED they do not nor ever will have any Alienware. Sure enough, now the website says it's available at that store.

My new M11x is working great with OC. I've owned MANY laptops, and I gotta say this is the coolest one so far.

 

How where you able to Over Clock your M11X?

 

Thats great news Andy! I am glad you were able to get a replacement so quickly, as this system absolutely kicks butt! It sounds like Best Buy really gave you the run around though....

 

In the bios

 

just picked up the 250GB model.
I'm sooo giddy with excitement!

 

It's a total no brainer - it's and overclock on (1.73ghz) or off (stock 1.3ghz) setting in the BIOS. You got no other controls.

Being a relatively weak CPU, this slight OC makes a noticeable difference. Actually this is a 33% OC, quite nice for a small laptop. On my original M11x, I was in the low-mid 90's FPS (model and backgroun on high, particles mid, all else low) running the Street Figher 4 benchmark. On the replacement M11x with OC enabled, I was well into the 100's, 110's on a few scenes. It is actually able to sustain 60fps with vsync on. Awesome performance for a "netbook".

The fan is blowing while running the benchmarks (OC on), but the air coming out is barely warm, almost cold. Don't worry about OC'ing this thing.

If anyone picks up the M11x laptop, if you got a few minutes to spare, you might want to open it right then and there to see if you can OC it. On my M11x that could not, it will blue screen during boot. The few times that it did get into the desktop, completely froze randomly. My experience was a 1 in 3 - their display unit and my replacement work fine, my first one wasn't. This was all that my store had, the 3 units.

Good luck, this is a COOL little notebook!

 

I don't think they deliberately gave me the run around. They were genuinely clueless. I don't blame them for being clueless, blame corporate and the local store manager for having clueless employees.

 

Cool, I am OCed now. My warranty through Dell is good through 10/2011, and you can change the LED colors any way you like. The backgrounds are the same as other AW lappy's.

The OC changed my windows index from 4.1 to 4.6, not too shabby I must say

Warranty info, I registered at Dell.com

Description Provider Start Date End Date Days Left
Rapid Response Depot CTS 4/10/2010 7/9/2011 454
XPS Technical Support DELL 4/10/2010 4/10/2011 364

+rep to Andy for the OC information

 

How do I get my Alienware account number to signup for "My Hive", if I bought my AW at Best Buy?

 

that is not for the all powerful line

just the models bought under the AW name - the last model was the M17

 

Thank you, I guess I am good I am registered under the Dell Web Site.

 

Quick questions for those who have it - how is the screen? I know it's pretty glossy from what I hear, but how is it to actually game on the unit? Have it in my cart at Best Buy waiting to click check out.... just want to make sure it's fairly easy to game on even with the smaller screen on the unit.

 

I just got mine yesterday, I have played Left4Dead, and Warcraft III (I know). It looks great, no problem gaming.

 

I still play Warcraft 3, no worries lol. Spent most of today playing diablo 2 on my M17x

 

Still yet to see anything within a 50 mile radius of San Antonio, Tx pop up :| talk about "killer suspense" I don't think I can take it ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

 

Just picked one up and to my surprise the front edge where the trackpad is, is completely loose. I can lift up the front of it and see some internals. Really unhappy about that, definatly going back to best buy to exchange it. but other than that this thing is awesome. Played a bunch of games already and they all run good. The screen very reflective but it is very very nice. I just wish it was a bit brighter.

 

I just hope that BB didnt outsource the displays to another company. I've noticed displays of BB models (even from reputable brands like Sony or Dell) tend to be a bit turdy.

 

Has anyone else seen Best Buy accidentally have a 320GB model?

 

The 320GB model is still there. They haven't priced it yet. It looks like the specs from Micro Center...but no listing of Blue Tooth.

 

So the BB rep told me earlier the laptop was deleted from their system so they will not carry it there or any other location around town so my only option is to just order it online :\ STUPID!!

 

The online specs also indicate it has an Expresscard slot. I'm assuming this is wrong.

 

Interesting - just stopped by the local BB - they have them in stock (though not via the online "check" interface).

Same as noted before - $899 / SU7300 / 4GB / 250GB / no BT. Everything as expected - however, interestingly enough, the display unit they had also had the gap issue that I just sent mine back for. I also OC'd the unit - rebooted - no issues.

Also played with the newest Apple toy yet again (iPad) - and still came away with the same "meh" as before. Nothing new there...

 

Which Best Buy is this? I am sort of curious if there is a way to specifically purchase the 320GB/no Bluetooth version. Any ideas would be appreciated?

@flynnaz I noticed your review on Best Buy. Just to double check, have you been getting the 7-8+ hours of battery life as everyone else who ordered theirs through Dell has been getting?

 

Neither of the Best Buy models have Blue-Tooth, and I'm not sure if there really is a 320GB model or if that is just an error? Everything I saw in store as well as online is for the 250GB, either way they are both 7200RPM versions so it would be fairly easily upgradeable, but that's the only difference there, BT is the same.

 

I have been running it in "Proformence mod" using the Nvidia instead of the Intel Graphic card, I got 5+ hours of genral use, no gaming. I will say I am impressed with the battery power, I also have mine OC'ed and on High Preformence power setting.

 

Best Buy in Aurora, IL. It is located on Rt 59.
It has a different Dell model # and Best Buy item #.

funny thing is that when they tried to scan the box...nothing cam up on their system.

 

Well I am in DC so it's not like I'm going to be able to drive all the way over to IL, but is there any chance of you sending me the different Dell model # and Best Buy item #? I would really like to find out if there are more of them out there and if perhaps I can get Best Buy to ship one of those variants to the store near me.

 

This model has been deleted in best buys inventory system which means one of two things. They new 320gb models will be replacing the 250gb models or the m11x in general will not be sold in best buy anymore. Im pretty sure its the latter but in the inventory system no m11xs have been ordered in to any best buy so pretty much no best buy is going to have its m11x stock replenished.

 

...and I assume it was a Best Buy associate who told you this? I would take any such sweeping statements with more then a grain of salt.

 

I bought at Best Buy and I've been getting under 6hrs with low brightness, no Alien FX, limited WiFi usage, no O/C, and Intel GFX. Right in line with Best Buy's estimates. It's a step down from my 9-cell Atom's battery life but I'm still totally happy. I just hope it isn't less than if I ordered directly.

 

Really? I got just over 5 and a half hours on Wow with mid screen brightness and discreet graphics.

 

I called today for a price adjustment and was advised this was never intended to be a retailer's skew. The rep was unwilling to provide any realistic comp for the $300 difference in price and chose to cancel my order instead. Apparently they have had many cancellations due to this release to stores and it has been 'reconsidered.' If you want a deal from Best Buy, they do indeed look temporary.

 

Yeah I should have said this in my other post lol. My bad, I actually work for Best Buy in geek squad and when I bought my m11x I looked into the inventory system to find that it was deleted. But I mean like I said, I'm really not 100 percent sure what the outcome will be. But I am very happy with my purchase . Im getting 6 and a half hours plus with brightness all the way down no wifi. Just typed some notes in 3 classes and my battery is almost all the way down.

 

Finally saw the m11x in person , and three thoughts came to mind.

1) Its a freaking NETBOOK !!
2) $900 for a 11" ?
3) a few more hundred dollars you can get the m15x.

Regardless of the power it has, it could be at least a 14" at that price. Not my kind of flava...

 

1. Some people need/desire the portability.
2. ...and its worth every single penny!
3. See number 1

 

Yeah it's a netbook but I got sick of carrying my Asus around from friends house to friends house to LAN games. The M11x isn't for everybody, but it suits my needs. I can take it to class and take notes, then on my break I can pwn some noobs in MW2. tell me what netbook would allow me to get 25+FPS in that game and I'll return this and buy that one

 

I would have bought it if it was at least a 14".

The price $899.00 looks cheaper than $900.00. lol Thats where marketing gets folk..... I know... I know... I am not bashing...

 

No offense but the POINT OF THIS NOTEBOOK is it's size.

I guarantee 99% of the people buying this are using it as a second computer for TRUE portability. I wouldn't be caught dead lugging around a 10 pound piece of crap on an airplane.

 

Touché..

 

okay so a BB a town 50 miles from here has one and I am thinking of getting but a few questions... say I get this and it turns out that somethings wrong either it doesnt OC or that issue with the gap whatever be it would I have to return it to the original BB or can I just return it to one closer to me? Also will I be charged a restocking fee because if I did return I would like money back because they don't carry any at my local BB

 

lets get something straight, equivalent "netbook" with su7300 and 11" costs $600

http://www.amazon.com/Acer-Timeline...5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1271127695&sr=8-5

So, basically for $200-$300 more you pay for gpu upgrade, AW brand name and annoying lights. That's about it.

If you want to play games and still have battery life when needed, there are no alternatives at the moment.

 

My 12 pound piece of crap has been great for me during plane flights....

It is not really lugging if you use a backpack like a smart person

it does dwarf the TV tray though....requires the cooperation of your neighbor there lol

 

I would have preferred it was a 13", it's almost that size anyhow. But you won't find a 13 or 14" with similar specs for that price or less. Biggest draw is the GPU. Pretty much any 13 or 14" have the GT 310m with the exception of the Sony Z which has the GT 330m but costs twice as much.

You can return at any BB, obviously if they don't have it there they won't be able to exchange it until they order a replacement. But just call to confirm, I can't imagine a chain store like BB wouldn't accept a return item they sell in another store just because they don't stock it.

Last time I took my 15" on a plane, I couldn't even open the screen up far enough to be useful. Airplanes these days are so cramped, it's not even possible. That's where netbooks and anything the size of M11x or smaller are useful.

 

Hmm but you will running on battery power yea? Do you have enough power to play games before the plane takes off ?

 

Very good point. You can watch a couple movies (at least) with M11x as long as you're on integrated, and maybe play a less intense GPU game for a couple hours like Sins of a Solar Empire, Galactic Civ II, Starcraft, etc.

 

You can return it to the Best Buy near you, the only thing is if the don't have it in stock you obviously can't exchange it. They can give you your money back and won't charge you a restocking fee if it won't OC or if there's anything else wrong with it. What you can do is go to the Best Buy near you and ask if they can OMS something it. OMS is still in its trial stage but if your Best Buy has it you can order it there and they will be able to ship one to the store from their warehouse. If their warehouse has it in stock that is.