New m11x Owner! Looking for Help!

Hello! I have finally ordered my m11x today and am awaiting it's arrival on September 22, 2010.

Summary:

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I was computer-less for the whole 2 months of summer, and during that time I researched on and on and on about the perfect laptop for me! I came down to two laptops the u43 and the m11x. I finally decided, and spent the last two weeks negotiating with AW representatives to get a good discount. I'm new to bargaining... but with the already $214 off the i7 core version, I was able to ask for another $35 off. So in total I saved about 20% from original price. I was unable to apply the EPP student discount or company discount from my dad's company, because they refused to apply it since there was already $214 off. Anyways, I have set my order and am awaiting it's arrival!

This is what I got:

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Alienware M11x, Soft Touch Stealth Black
Overclockable Intel Core i7 640UM (4M Cache, 2.266 GHz Max Turbo Frequency)
4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 800MHz
Alienware M11x 90W A/C Adapter
11.6-inch WideHD 1366x768 (720p) WLED, no WWAN Antenna
1GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 335M
320GB SATAII 7,200RPM
Personalized Nameplate
Personalized Nameplate Trigger
AlienFX Color, Quasar Blue
Alienware Command Center Software, M11x
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
DataSafe Local BackUp
PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
Integrated 10/100 Network Interface Card
Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0 Multi-Language
Integrated High-Definition Surround Sound Audio (5.1)
Alienware M11x a/b/g/n 2x2 MIMO Wireless
Automatic Updates: On
1.3 Megapixel Webcam
MCAFEE Pearl MUI, 15mth,With Media
Dell Hardware Warranty Plus On-Site Service, Initial Year
Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year
1 Year Limited Warranty
No Warranty, Year 2 and 3
Soft Contracts,Banktec Care,Alienware
Warranty Support,Initial Year
S and P Drop-in-Box Marcom forDHS Notebooks
No Internal WWAN Antenna Installed
Thank You for Purchasing AlienWare
Alienhead Chrome Blue
Alienhead Chrome Blue
Steam and Portal Factory Installed
World of Warcraft Preinstall Edition
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
* -DISCOUNT $35.00
* -DISCOUNT/COUPON APPL
State Environmental Fee for display less than 15 inches
Alienware Orion Neoprene Sleeve for M11x $31.99
A2G Anti-Glare Screen Protector for Alienware M11x Netbook Computer $31.99
Subtotal: $1,107.98
Shipping & Handling: $0.00
Tax: $96.94
Environmental Disposal Fee: $8.00
Total Price w/Discounts: $1,212.92

Now that I have the laptop, here's my current checklist:

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On-the-go
[X] Alienware m11x ($1,099.99)
[ ] Dell External 12.7 Tray Super Multi Drive ($79.99)
[X] Alienware Orion Neoprene Sleeve for M11x ($31.99)
[ ] Logitech Wireless Gaming Mouse G700 ($99.99)
[ ] Razer Kabuto mousepad ($19.99)
[ ] Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930/Plantronics GameCom 377/Creative Labs HS-1200 Headset ($39.99)
[ ] Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2/Xbox 360 Controller ($99.99)
[X] Anti-Glare Screen Protector for M11x ($31.99)
[ ] Outlets To Go™ 300 for Laptops ($29.95)
Total:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------($1533.87)

When-at-home
[ ] SAMSUNG P2370 23-Inch LCD Monitor ($301.99)
[ ] Logitech X-540 Surround Sound Speakers ($89.99)
[ ] Razer Vespula mousepad ($34.99)
[ ] Logitech Wireless Keyboard K350/Logitech G510 Keyboard/Saitek Cyborg ($79.95)
[ ] Logitech G13 Advanced Gameboard
Total:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------($506.92)

Essential, but not needed yet
[ ] Western Digital 500GB My Passport Essential Portable Hard Drive USB 2.0 ($85.99)
[ ] Netgear WNDR3700/Linksys E3000 Wireless-N Router ($149.99)
[ ] 2TB External Hard Drive for Router for Network Sharing (Recommend a Brand) ($149.99)
[ ] IKEA MARKUS computer chair/Herman Miller ® Aeron ® ($199.99)
[ ] 256gb Samsung SSD/OCZ Agility 120GB SSD ($499.99)
[ ] ButtKicker Gamer2 ($149.95)
Total:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------($1235.90)

For Music (Last to buy)
[ ] Earphones (NEED ITEM FOR LIST) ($XXX.XX)
[ ] Headphones (NEED ITEM FOR LIST) ($XXX.XX)
Total:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------($XXX.XX)


Total:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------($3276.69)

The next set of items that I'm actually looking for and need your help finding are an external disc drive, the Logitech g700, and the Razer Vespula.

I have a few questions that I was wondering if you guys could help me with...
I was wondering if there's a way I can find the g700 and vespula in person without ordering online, because I want to refrain from buying online. I was also wondering if not, if there's an alternative way to pay online to get the g700, and vespula? Such as paypal/amazon gift card. Do you guys suggest it?

I was also wondering if you guys are using any certain external disc drives with your m11x's, because I'm looking for a cheap slot-load multi-purpose portable external disc drive...

Thanks for your reccomendations!! This is all exciting to me, and I really do appreciate your help! OH BY THE WAY, I was wondering if there's a way I can get my laptop faster (without risk of quality), because I really need it for school. I heard about NBD negotiating during it's production, but I'm not sure how I should approach that situation. Do you guys have any advice? THANK YOU!!!

 

1) I do not know of a place where you can get the Logitech G700 in-person. The two usual suspects (Fry's Electronics and Best Buy) currently don't have or don't sell the Logitech G700. So you'll have to buy online. Just buy from a place with a generous return policy (NewEgg or Amazon.com), and you should be fine.

2) NewEgg accepts PayPal. Amazon.com obviously accepts their own Amazon gift cards.

3) Most poeple who get external drives get the Asus external drive, for around $35-$40, like this one:
Newegg.com - Recertified: ASUS 8X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 6X DVD+R DL 8X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 5X DVD-RAM 8X DVD-ROM 24X CD-R 16X CD-RW 24X CD-ROM USB 2.0 External Slim DVD±R/RW Drive Model SDRW-08D1S-U BK

4) The only way to get your laptop faster is to get the Fast Track system (Core i5, 250GB 7200rpm drive). Your EPP discount of 10% would apply, bringing the system price to $945. You can get shipping as fast as next-day. If you ordered today, the laptop could be in your hands by Friday.

 

Mine took 20 days (it's on the truck heading to me right now actually) from start to finish. Like the guy above I get the feeling that you can't rush the set-up that you have.

 

Hello everyone! Thank you for the responses! While waiting for my laptop I'm a little stuck on my decisions. Here's what happened today...

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So after school today I went to Fry's Electronics to drop off my job application. Out of curiosity I went to the computer department and I asked this guy if he could help me out by answering some of my questions on some of the items I am looking for. We spent about 40min talking and then I found out that he goes to my school, so I got his contact info and he also mentioned that Fry's is looking for new employees! I asked him if he could refer me so he introduced me to his manager and then we had a talk... and that I will be getting their call. Not only that this fact excites me of my desire to work in the field of technology around computers-the things I love- since I was in kindergarten, but I have been looking for a job specifically to pay off for my new toy

Which leads me to this question:

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At Fry's, I saw a few items that they had that really interested me.
[Logitech g110 keyboard($79.99), complete g-series keyboard sets, Logitech MX performance mouse($75.99 - $25.00 rebate = $49.99 total), Razer Destructor($39.99), samsung p2450h ($259.99), and samsung e1920($139.99)]

I need to buy 4 items eventually, the Logitech g700 mouse, Razer Vespula/Destructor, External Monitor, and forsure a portable disc drive. I'm trying to rule out which would be better worth it... but I think my deciding factor is the difference between the two samsung TV's.
The p2450h is 24", and the e1920 is 19".

I honestly don't know how to ask this question... but I would like to know whether or not you guys would pay an extra $100 for a 24" screen over a 19" screen.

Or if you guys would get the g700+vespula, and the external monitor later?

I'm not sure if Fry's will hire me, but if they do then I will probably be able to make enough money to get all this stuff in one shot... lol

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Mann... decisions decisions.... It's so hard deciding! I really want the best for my m11x! I am really unsure which is more important, the mouse+mousepad or an external monitor for my home.

 

I've had good luck with newegg.com over the years, I would recommend looking there for your items. As for getting your laptop faster, if you find a way, let me know. I ordered mine on the 5th, and my EDD is the 20th. I almost got the fast track model, but my EPP gave me about $80 more off on a slightly better build so here I wait.

 

Also, personally... I would not pay an extra $100 for a 23in screen. At least not for this netbook. If you had a PC you were building, then maybe. Your best bet is just to get a flat screen tv and you have your monitor + tv all in one. Of course, make sure it's a 1080p tv, 720 is a joke as far as TVs go.

 

Hehe, I was looking at TV's earlier today at Costco as an alternative to just a regular panel monitor. But I'm wondering if the LCD External Monitors will be able to play TV channels if you have the TV box.

I've never had a TV in my room, and I know they are expensive...
Unless I find a job, I don't think I'll be able to afford a TV x)

Hmmm...
Can you guys share any wisdom on the difference between an external monitor and a flat screen TV? They seem to be almost the same to me...

 

I think I might try to get an external monitor second after purchasing an external Disc Drive.

Here's what I'm looking for in a monitor:

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My Desk Space Available for Monitor/TV (I'd like to get as close to these dimensions as possible, but not equal or greater than it.)
Max Width Available: < 28"
Max Height Available: < 23"
Max Depth Available: < 10" (The smaller the better)

Preferred Product: Samsung (Dell, Toshiba, Sony are also okay)

Purpose of Monitor/TV:
I'm looking for an external monitor/tv so that when I am at home in my room, I can hook up my m11x with an HDMI cable to the monitor/tv and use that instead of my m11x. I will have an external Mouse and External keyboard so that I can have the "desktop" experience at home. I want to be able to use this monitor/TV to do everything on my m11x on this screen while at home, instead of using my m11x(ie WoW, Aim, Skype, Photoshop, CAD, everything else).
I have never had a TV in my room, and I'm unsure if it's possible to use a TV as an external Monitor. I'm fine without the TV, but if it would offer much greater benefits, then I would probably look into those, as long as it can be used as a screen for my laptop. I'm not looking for a new desktop, but I might invest in building one in the future. As for now, I'd like to use my m11x as the "desktop source" when at home. 720p is fine with me, and any resolutions is fine, as long as it's greater than 1366x788(or close to).

I also want to get the best bang for my buck, so I'm open to other suggestions.

I'm mainly looking for Samsung Monitors/TVs, so I came down to these three products.

Samsung UN26C4000 26" LED TV ($539.99)

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Video
Screen Size: 26" Class (26.0 inch diagonal)
Resolution: 720p
Dynamic Contrast Ratio: Mega Contrast: 2,000,000:1
Auto Motion Plus 120/240Hz: 60Hz
Wide Color Enhancer: Yes

Audio
Sound Output (RMS) 5Wx2

Features
3D: No
Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC): Yes
Game Mode: Yes
Skype™: No
ConnectShare™ Movie: No

Dimension
Product Dimensions (WxHxD) with Stand: 25.7” x 19.0” x 8.7”
Product Dimensions (WxHxD) without Stand: 25.7” x 16.6” x 1.2”
Shipping Dimensions(WxHxD): 29.0” x 20.4” x 7.8”

Weight
Shipping Weight: 21.4 lbs
Product Weight with Stand: 13.7 lbs
Product Weight without Stand: 12.1lbs

Series
Series: 4

Input & Output
HDMI: 2
Digital Audio (Optical): 1
PC input (D-sub): 1
Component (Y/Pb/Pr): 1
USB 2.0: 1

Design
Type: Black
Color: Black
Energy Star Compliant: Yes

Optional Accessories
Ultra Slim Wall Mount: Yes

Samsung PX2370 23" External Monitor ($299.99)

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Display
Screen Size: 23"
Brightness (Typical): 250 cd / m2
Contrast Ratio (Typical) : DCR 5M:1 (Static CR 1,000:1)
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
Response Time (Typical): 2 ms (G2G)
Viewing Angle (Horizontal/Vertical): 170 º / 160 º (CR > 10)
Color Support: 16.7 M

Signal input
Video Signal: Analog RGB / DVI / HDMI
Sync. Signal: Separate H / V, Composite, SOG
Connector: DVI-I (Digital & Analog) x 1 / HDMI x 1 / Audio out / Optical out

Power
Power Consumption: Typical 25 W
Stand By Power (DPMS): Typical 0.3 W
Type: 12 V / 3A External Adaptor

Features
Plug & Play: Supported
Mac compatibility: Supported
Cabinet Color: Black
Optional Accessories: DVI cable
Special Features: EPEAT GOLD, Magic Lux, Magic ECO, Magic Return, Magic Angle, MagicBright3, Off timer, Image Size Color Effect, Customized key, MagicWizard & MagicTune with AssetManagement, Windows 7 Certification, Safe Mode (DownScaling in UXGA)

Dimension
Product Dimension(With stand, WxHxD): 21.9" x 17.1" x 9.2"
Product Dimension (Without Stand, WxHxD): 21.9" x 13.3" x 1.0"
Shipment Dimension (WxHxD): 24.8" x 19.1" x 5.9"

Weight
Product Weight: 9.0 lbs.
Shipment Weight: 13.2 lbs.

Stand
Type: Simple
Function: Tilt

Samsung P2450H 24" External Monitor ($229.99)

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Display
Screen Size: 24" Wide
Brightness (Typical): 300 cd / m2
Contrast Ratio (Typical) : DC 70,000 : 1 (1,000 : 1) (Typ.)
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
Response Time (Typical): 2 ms (GTG)
Viewing Angle (Horizontal/Vertical): 170 º / 160 º (CR > 10)
Color Support: 16.7 M

Signal input
Video Signal: Analog RGB, DVI
Sync. Signal: Separate H / V, Composite, SOG
Connector: 15 pin D - SUB, DVI - D, HDMI

Power
Power Consumption: 42 Watts
Stand By Power (DPMS): < 1 W
Type: Built - in

Features
Plug & Play: DDC 2B
USB powered hub option: No
Mac compatibility: Yes
Multimedia Speakers: No
Wall-Mount: VESA 3.94"
TCO: TCO 5.0
Cabinet Color: Rose Black
Optional Accessories: DVI Cable
Special Features: MagicBright3, Off timer, Image Size Color Effect, Customized key, MagicWizard & MagicTune with AssetManagement, Windows Vista Premium, DVI with HDCP

Dimension
Product Dimension(With stand, WxHxD): 22.8" x 16.9" x 7.5"
Product Dimension (Without Stand, WxHxD): 22.8" x 14.1" x 2.5"
Shipment Dimension (WxHxD): 25.7" x 17.4" x 5.5"

Weight
Product Weight: 12.3 lbs
Shipment Weight: 15.9 lbs

Stand
Type: Simple
Function: Tilt