**M11xR2 Discussion Thread

Yay EPP is finally working now. Got my 10% and $100 off. Only ordered it 3 times today. Once over the phone and twice online. Now I have to call and cancel the previous orders. Too bad Dell CS can be so difficult with EPP and cancellations. They are currently open for orders, but closed for cancellations.

Also you can't cancel by Email.

 

lol Dells PA APR is ridiculous.

 

Despite promises of all-day battery life and inexpensive prices, laptops with Intel's ultra-low voltage processors, otherwise known as CULVs (Consumer Ultra Low Voltage), haven't been doing that well. Part of the reason is that Intel hasn't updated the line with its new Core technology, so until now, the CULV line was based on the Core 2 Duo technology.

On Monday, Intel took the wraps off its new, low-powered line up, promising a 15 percent power reduction from the standard volt Core processors. The new chips will come in Core i3, i5, and i7 flavors and their part numbers will end with the letters "um" (i.e. Intel Core i5-430um, Intel Core i7-640um).
0diggsdigg

Advanced Intel Core technologies are also included with the new CULVs, including Hyperthreading and Turbo Boost. The new processors will have a thermal envelope of 17W, which is at least twice as energy efficient as the standard volt Core processors. What this means to the average consumer is that a typical 6-cell battery can probably get you a full day's worth of battery life. Energy efficiency, however, usually comes at the expense of speed, but Intel claims that there will be significant speed improvements over the Core 2 Duos. For instance, video editing is now 40 percent faster, multitasking is 35 percent faster, and you get twice the graphics power (with a new Intel integrated chipset).

More importantly, the new chips will enable smaller and thinner designs, and you can be sure every manufacturer will have an ultrathin laptop, running these new CULVs, by this summer.

Intel Launches CULV Processors in Core i3, i5, i7 Flavors | News & Opinion | PCMag.com



Intel better live up their promises.


40% better video editing should mean better gaming performance too!

 

sounds exaggerated lol

 

^ not really.. video editing probably from the extra threads. Multi-threading previously (unsure now) was not beneficial to gaming. The i7 will no doubt help FPS from games that were bottlenecked at the CPU only but remember this is the ULV i7... clockspeed is nearly the same although performance are the new i-cores are better.

and on the previous posts... even if you're mostly gaming, an SSD is ridiculously awesome, b/c in the end, you'll be doing more than gaming. SSD helps load times a lot, noticeably but you'll experience less stuttering when it comes to streaming which a lot of games do a lot now adays, especially open world games which are quite popular.

 

If you're talking about Handbrake.

 

you got 2 ram?

 

I just ordered the same config, after 10 minutes of back and forth, I went with 4GB even though I have an extra 8GB to stuff in there. I don't think you can get 4GB for $45 right now; the 2x 1GB modules they put in there are worthless after you upgrade the memory yourself.

This changes my whole plan. Not able to get the EPP discount yesterday, I jumped on a HP tm2t deal. That's a great tablet, especially if BCB comes through making it >50% off. I thought I was going to forget about the M11x, but I have a thing for it Shocked at myself for going for the i7 - I truly believe CPU upgrades on a laptop is the worse bang for the buck.

Looks like the Envy will have to go..

 

can u recommend one that will fit the m11x?

 

if space is not important and 80GB or 160GB is enough then definitely the Intel X25-M for speed but you'll be paying $200-$400.

Want more space? The Samsung 256GB option is still fast and roomy (I got the OEM option from Dell).

I haven't followed the SSD scene in the past couple months I believe there is another 256GB option as well.

 

I thought you couldnt trust the clock speeds anymore as far as measuring performance!

 

Yes and no, I mean even though it use more power, but doesn't neccessary mean it use more power all the time. Core i-series w/ turbo boost should in theory scale better in term power usage. Meaning when idling or light usage, it should use less or similar amount of power. And when running full load, it would use more power. Therefore power supply/adaptor have to provide enough power at maximum this also include using it with all 3 USB ports, 3G card, wifi on, and external monitor.

Also you should considered that M11xR2 have Optimus also, which mean it should use less power when that GPU isn't required.

 

Eh well, I've seen Frys have deals on DDR3 Notebook 4 Gig ram for $50 after a $50 rebate, so I can sell the ram I have in here for like $30...profit! lol

Yea, I can get 4GB a little cheaper at Frys around here lol

 

I wonder why it comes with a 90w adapter.

 

no this is true. That's why I mentioned the i-cores will still perform better at similiar clockspeeds, but you can still gauge around where it can perform. I feel people are looking at the i7 as if it's the true 2.66Ghz + or quad core cpu lol forgetting it's the ULV version that at stock is 1.2Ghz for two cores, and single core turboed to 2.2ghz. Still will perform better than the SU7300 but a lot better is still in question. Gaming wise I don't know if it's comparable as other CPU tasks like video encoding etc.

 

I also checked. It says: "CPU bus clock is between 134 MHz and 166 MHz."

I wonder if that means we can increment it in 1 MHz steps?

 

I have a SU7300 model on order that is shipping soon for around 750.00. The Core I5 would cost about 200.00 more for the same specs. Having a hard time convincing myself that it's worth 200.00...I honestly could care less about Optimus. I would rather change the graphics myself.

 

I think it's most likely the same way M11xR1 works, but I have no idea since I never own M11x.

 

how does the overclocking on m11x-R1 work?

 

Been browsing the manuals for each Revision:

R1: Network adapter
10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN on system board

R2: Network adapter
10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet LAN on system board

hmmmm

 

Does anyone know if there's a 100 off coupon that's valid for australians? I've read like 3 pages of people ordering i5 ones for the same price as the C2D one over here

 

Sign up on the Austrailian Dell Home site for email offers... or if Dell Austrailia has an EPP Program, check with your Employer or School coordinator.

 

Im planning to get my m11x, but i dont find the coupon for 100 anywhere. any help or link?

 

Same i am looking for a coupon the one on the first page of ordering advice the dell rep says it doesnt work for the m11x

 

Nvm Found The Answer

 

the 4100 is almost a dead ringer for the SU7300 in performance. Maybe a 5% difference at best. The main difference is the cache, and that's it.

 

It's just an on and off option in the BIOS. On = 1.6ghz, off is the standard 1.3 of the SU4100/7300.

It's a smart move by Dell on the R2, letting you bump the base frequency in 1mhz increments. If you get BSOD, back it down. On the R1 if you get BSOD (many do) with OC enabled, you're SOFL. I had an R1 from Bestbuy that blue screen with OC enabled.

 

lol i ended up deciding to keep my su4100 and see how the new cores perform. if they perform. by the time i need to get a new laptop there will probably be r3 with a new gpu or something. but right now i dont think paying 1000+ is worth it especially since i got mine for 774.

 

I got mine for $970, and that's EPP pricing. I feel ripped off.

 

So far i have mine down to $1,288.70 before tax with i7 4gb ram 320hd bluetooth and 3 year advanced warranty with the 10% and $100 off might get more when i call in tomorrow guess i will see

 

Most don't think it's worth it if you already have an R1, but if you're buying now it almost makes no sense to buy the R1 if you can get the 10% + $100 off.

The R2 with no options (i5 520UM) other than the 4GB RAM upgrade (need to reach $999) can be had for $799.

 

Well, i decided to return my R1 and ordered the R2 with i7, 4gb ram, bluetooth, 320gb hdd. Paid only $68 more. It is worth it to me.

 

Save some money and stick with a 160gb HDD. Dell pricing for hard drives are steep...

 

Just had a look at the driver downloads for the M11xR2 and note the nVidia driver version is GeForce GT335M 189.69 A00.

The M11xR1 is running GeForce GT335M 197.12 P03 if you've loaded the beta driver.

So there, a big Nelson(simpsons) 'Ha ha!'

 

Well I'm probably going to bite on this laptop since I can get the 10% off and the 100 dollar coupon.

I realize there is usually a coupon is there usually the 10% off through EPP?

Also, I'm very curious about the Advanced Warranty from Dell. Does anyone have any experience with Dell's warranties and how good they are about them, I'm not sure whether its worth it to buy it is what I'm saying.

Also, does the i7/i5 cut DOWN on battery life or ADD to it. I thought somewhere i read that the new ulv core ix used less volts than the C2D's.

In terms of the coupons, I don't see it dropping in price anytime soon, so I think that it doesn't matter much when I buy it except it is missing free shipping. I wish the boeing one worked.

 

is this a good price?

Alienware M11x Qty 1
Alienware M11x, Soft Touch Stealth Black, Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (64-bit) Unit Price $1,219.00
Dell EPP Members save 10% off select Alieware systems!
Limited Time Offer! View Details
- $121.90

Get $100 off any EPP or DellU Laptop or Desktop $999 or more with coupon!
Expires Wednesday, June 30, 2010 View Details
- $100.00

No interest on Studio XPS systems if paid in full within 12 months!
Limited Time Offer! View Details


Catalog Number: 23 DKCWNN1
Module Description Show Details
System Color Alienware M11x, Soft Touch Stealth Black
Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Processor Intel® Core™ i7 640UM (4M Cache, 1.2 GHZ with 2.266 GHz Max Turbo Frequency) - Overclockable
Memory 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 800MHz
Power Adapters Alienware M11x 90W A/C Adapter
LCD 11.6-inch WideHD 1366x768 (720p) WLED
Video Card 1GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 335M
Hard Drive 250GB SATAII 7,200RPM
AlienFX Quasar Blue
Integrated NIC Integrated 10/100 Network Interface Card
Adobe Reader Adobe Acrobat Reader
Sound Internal High-Definition Surround Sound Audio (5.1)
Wireless Alienware M11x a/b/g/n 2x2 MIMO Wireless
Automatic Updates Automatic Updates: On
Webcam 1.3MP Web Cam
Hardware Services 1 Year Basic Plan
Pre-Installed Games Steam and Portal™ Factory Installed
OS Customization Alienhead 3D
WWAN No Internal WWAN Antenna Installed
Bluetooth Bluetooth Module, 2.1+ Enhanced Data Rate
Standard Nameplate Trigger Standard Nameplate
TOTAL: $997.10



Total Price
Sub-total $997.10

Shipping & Handling $0.00

Tax* $59.83
*Exemptions reflected in final checkout page only


Total Price1 $1,056.93


the shipping is free but is not overnight. if i call dell can i get a better deal? i read some posts that people even got free stuff, like a mouse and things.

 

I have owned many Dells. Never had any problems with Dell warranty - I always request for the parts to be shipped to me, including major parts like mobos and laptop screens. I fix it myself (all bets are off if you choose to let Dell fix it, never had that privilege). No such thing with HP - you gotta send it in, with a good chance you'll get it back with blemishes. The advance warranty with accidental coverage seems to be worth the $69, though I didn't opt for it.

Oh you're not kidding about the boeing one, would have been so sweet!

 

I actually like the HP one I have currently, the turn around time for my POS laptop I got for 500$ is like 3 days, they literally are complete morons there though, however that has helped me get many things replaced (when things were actually broken).

Good to know that they are good with their warranty though, thanks a lot.

 

Hi guys Im new over here but I have been following this tread since its creation, I had to play catch up a lot.

Well its done, I just ordered a M11xR2.

had to be on the phone for quite a bit but at the end I got it from around 2,375 USD to 2,239 USD.

Configuration:

Negro Cósmico < Cosmic Black - No soft version in Mexico
Intel® Core™ i7 640UM (4M Cache, 2.266 GHz Max Turbo Frequency)
Windows® 7 Ultimate
3 Years Advances Warranty
8GB Dual Chanel DDR3 at 800MHz
500GB SATAII a 7200RPM

I cant wait for it to arrive, they told me that around 2 to 3 weeks but with my luck it will be 4 weeks.

EDIT:

About the Warranty, in my experience it is wort it. I already had a laptop Motherboard changed once, the charger changed twice and the dvd burner once.

I like that the technician comes to my house to do the repairs, so I dont have to send my laptop anywhere.

 

DrGoodvibes does this mean I should DL the video driver on the R2 since I have the R1?

Still the same video card so it should be alright right?
Maybe an increase in performance?

 

I've read that the Dell/nvidia beta driver screws up the screen switching if you run an external display via the HDMI out. I'd hold off.

 

I just attempted to get a better price online via online staff, wasn't able to get a thing
Looks like it's the C2D one for me I can get it like 13% cheaper than the online price at a local store so all good

 

Any Canadians here able to combine the 5% EPP + $100.00 off coupon together? The Dell rep I spoke with would not let me combine them

 

Hi guys, im about to order the new m11x R2 and I can't decide if I want the black or the grey? What do you guys think of them and why?

btw, I can't seem to find any info on the new "soft touch" people are talking about on the Alienware Computers - Custom-Built Gaming Desktops and Laptops site.

thanks

 

Folks, going to post this one more time - we've had a change in the forum rules and the following is now policy:

Do not post EPP codes or anything similar not for public use. This also includes discussion related to accessing the Dell EPP Program by non-EPP participants. No posts of this nature will be permitted. We will be very strict with this as it promotes fraud and fraud will not be tolerated on NBR. Repeat offenders will receive infractions, which may result in a ban.

Posting how to use another site to access this is not going to be permitted either. Do not discuss this in posts.

Any questions on this, PM me or another mod. Do not post questions or comments about the forum rules change - they will be deleted.

One request, for those of you who feel compelled to post specs of your order asking if it was a good deal, please edit out all of the extra spaces.

Thanks.

 

Someone probably thought of this already. I'm going to use this machine mostly for school and I think the big alien head and the LED are too flashy and draw too much unwanted attention. It's a business school and I'm afraid no one will take me seriously if I use a machine with a big alien head on it.

The LED can be turned off and it's on the user's side so that's not going to be that much of a problem. However, what to do with that big alien head?

 

You could always paint the eyes although that would be taking it to the extreme. Perhaps some finely cut tape?

 

Do you get order confirmation email instantly or does it take several hours before you get the confirmation? I placed order thourgh tele sales

 

I got mine within the hour.