Is it worth waiting for R3?

Are there even plans for an R3?

If so, realistically how long until it is released?

 

In my estimation, not for at least another half a year. Similar to the cycle between the R1 & R2.

 

We have no idea but if they were to release another M11x, it would probably debut at CES 2011, but really we honestly have no clue.

 

The thing I've generally noticed with computer technology(aside from something announced) is if you're into waiting until something better is out you'll never end up actually buying one.

 

There are no R3 plans that have been made public. Realistically, what you're asking is an impossibility, anything you read is hear-say or 100% uneducated guesses..

 

I agree with you, there is always going to be something else new around the corner.

 

The r2 was expected as soon as the r1 was around because of the anticipation of the new cpus. the r2 also seemed closer to the launch of the r1 than most revisions from my experience. i think the next revision may include a different GPU, either the next step up in the nvidia line or an ati equivalent to the 335m; that is just pure speculation on my part.

 

why don't you just wait for R4

 

In short, no.

If you need a computer the R2 runs perfectly. The R2 came out recently so now is as good a time to get it as any since you will most likely have at least 6 months of knowing it is the best model. In 6 to 12 months time I am just planning to pick up an SSD to make the laptop run faster.

 

better not jump in man just wait for the r5 or r6. im just going to guess next thing they upgrade would be graphics card

 

i'm also planning the same thing just want the prices to come down a bit so i can buy a 100 gb or 128 gb ssd

 

well im pretty sure that there will be a release from nvidia of there mainstream mobile gpu's late aug early sept. tho i wouldnt really call it an r3. its just a new gpu. so hopefully pretty soon becuase a fermi m11x will be AMAZING!!!

 

There will be some upgrades to the CPUs over time. For example, they can bump the ULV CPUs to 1.4 GHz later.

However, instead of a R3, I think a M13x is in the works. There they could put a normal i5/i7, and a good card from ATI. Will be the ideal portable gaming machine, I think.

 

Any time after 21-DEC-2012 would probably be good.
Then you know you'll be getting the full use of the device and any extended warranty period.

 

Yes, absolutely right. The R2 came out incredibly quickly after the R1 (about 6 months, right?). The only reason that Alienware made an R1 to begin with was so that they could show it off at CES back in January 2010, when the low-voltage Core i3/i5/i7 ULV CPUs weren't available yet.

But look at the R2 - brand-new mobile CPU architecture, brand-new mobile GPU architecture, and no other competititors that come even close to providing this level of performance in a sub-14" package.

My prediction is that they are going to ride out their advantage with the Alienware M11x R2 while they have little competition in this niche, and then release either an Alienware M13x or an Alienware M11x R3. Releasing an update or a new model in January 2011 would just be a waste of resources on Alienware's part.

Long story short, now is a good time to buy the Alienware M11x R2 if you're thinking about getting one. I seriously doubt there is "something better" coming out in the next 6 months.