New m11x owner

Hi All,
I just ordered a refurb with the 25% off coupon. Specs:

I7-640UM,M11XR2
4GB RAM
500GB 7200rpm HD
Bluetooth
Soft Black

$896 to my door


I am hoping this fills my road warrior needs. I travel 70% and live in airports and hotels. My entertainment use will mainly be videos on the plane, LoTRO, STO, and a bunch of steam games.

My concerns are:
1. hinge issues - Are they really that bad?
2. screen size - Gaming on that size concerns me. Same with surfing. A 14" 1600x900 with the 335gt under 4.5lbs was my dream setup that I couldn't find.
3. Dell refurb quality

Anyways, I am excited and hope its as dreamy as it looks.

 

Grats on the new computer!

1. Well they aren't... until they break.
2. I found it acceptable for gaming. You get used to it. Unless you're traveling in Business/1st class all the time, I don't see bigger laptops being really convenient.
3. Can't comment, but I'd guess it depends whether it has been used. Some refurbs can look like new. Even R2 can't possibly be that old. It was just released what 2-3 months ago?

 

D: Mine was $1300 and I got the same specs.

Didn't know refurb was that much cheapers.

1. Nope.
2. I like it personally, but I'm not a big screen type.
3. Don't have one.

 

The hinge thread is depressing. I'm shocked and worried.

 

Which reminds me.... you did get the warranty with that refurb laptop, right?

There was also a rumor (or a Dell rep fairy tale?) that they might even replace hinges after the warranty expires... but I am very suspicious about that. The next day on-site repair is not bad - they usually send a completely clueless tech, but at least you get the replacement part VERY fast.

On the bright side, it's a GREAT laptop otherwise.

 

Default outlet warranty at Dell is 1 year - free, same as normal retail/CTO.

 

I have one with the same specs except I got a SSD, and I really like it. I use it at home with a 1080p monitor for WoW, and take it with me when I travel. It packs a lot of power for the size. I plan to study abroad for a year next year, however, so I will be selling it before I leave to buy one of the new 11 inch Mac Book Airs. I just want an ultraportable when I am there, and I don't want to be tempted with games =) If you want to game on the go this is the best.

 

Yes, the 320m on the Air is no slouch, however

 

I was thinking about the air and the 320m. Ultimately I am happier with the Alienware considering the better gfx and I do not like the Apple attention.

 

My hinge is fine and it's going on 3 months. It games well, mid-range, and I use it for college work as well. Can't beat almost 7 hours for battery life.

 

1. The hinge issue is bad, but definitely affecting a much smaller proportion of owners than it seems.
2. I mean, the screen is pretty tiny. Most of the time, I'm using it with an external monitor...obviously not helpful when you're on the road. Personally, I've found its smallness to be more noticeable when browsing. I think it's fine for gaming.
3. Mine wasn't a refurb, but I imagine the quality should be close.

 

I am not sure based on what is the proportion small. Only Dell really has that information. What other laptop on this forum (which is relatively well visited), has gathered almost 100 complains on a single issue?

I agree that the screen is relatively small for browsing and such, so you have to bring it closer to yourself. I got used to it and coming from 13.3" I adapted pretty fast.

 

Prepping for it I put my laptop into 1360 x 768. I found surfing painful but I grabbed IE9. Wow, its really usable now. I always adjusted my IE8 to be slimmed down but IE9 is truely awesome. I only add a favorites bar and love the new tab undock / dock feature.

Adding pic

 

I was using the IE9 beta,
I tried to test as many things as i could on it, like videos and any internet games that people play frequently,
runescape did not work which i dont care about but just putting it out there if anyone plays that then you dont want IE9 until they fix it,
All other games that i tried worked fine
It is mainly just the games that have some sort of social networking

 

Did they respond? It would be ideal if they extended hinge only out further.

 

Keep us updated on this please. I just received my laptop today and was also thinking about returning it but an extended warranty on the hinge would put me at ease just a bit.

If they do give you an extended warranty on the hinge, could you please also pass along the person who you talked to/responded to your email?

Thanks!

 

See if you can get an extended warranty.. because it is the best.. an accidental one.. 2 yr 209.00.. they come to you and fix it if you damage it.. ' accidental ' Break the hinge.. fixed..But it goes by your Service Tag Number so they will have to send you out a unit that has the 2 year built into the unit with that service tag number.. MEANING if you dont catch it in time You may have to wait until it is delivered.. then sent back.. then ordered again Aye its a pain . it comes with a 1 year but not accidental . Just a smart move to do... Some here swear by it and a full date as you can get .. 4 year i think.. I went with 2 .

I bought an i5 M11x from Dell outlet. ( to add to my collection )

It came in a brown box with DELL on it with some black candy cane stripe tape.

Basically, it is the same as my other but you don't get the fancy box.

I couldn't find an issue with it.. not one scratch! History related to some previous owner with arguement on financing.

The lid is tight when opening. It does touch the keys. Finger print grease marks on screen from the lines of the keys. With a retail M11x you get a protective cheep key cover that protects the screen when shipping that some use to keep the keys from ' marking ' the screen as discribed above.. Not with an outlet. ( packing material paper foam stuff ). Can buy that anywhere.

You will love it!.. Look for bugs when you get it.. Download 3DMark06 and have fun .. You get the CD of Windows 7. That is all it is just Windows 7 maybe some driver.. But you will need to buy an external DVD player. Actually one on Newegg now.. Search '' external dvd burner usb '' for $39.99 ASUS USB 2.0 8X Slim external DVD burner Model SDRW-08D2S-U/D-BK

But then again.. there are alot of them on this page at Newegg

You just need one for your Windows 7 recovery cd to work .. Sorry not on a thumbdrive.

IF you do decide to recovery your M11x, go here to Dell - Drivers and Downloads , put in your Service Tag number near the Fan under the laptop... and it will take you right to the exact Dell Drivers download.

Chipset first.. Intel driver.. Nvidia driver. etc.

To change your Video drivers.. you must undo the Nvidia first.. Then Intel.. --------- Install ----- Intel first.. then Nvidia.... ( Per Alienware Tech(s) )

This website has many areas for you to go .. you will read a lot here on your new Laptop. You prob will get it in 10 days.Mine was 1 day late. Make sure you call the Deliver company and put your name on your TO: list.. Because they didn't have my name on it and it was late one day.

Case next .. that is up to you .. Good choice for battery life and great machine!

ps. You may find one in Microcenter.. or Bestbuy for you to play with. It will be the Core 2 duo though and will be the R1. Shiny black. Just to give you a ' hands on feal ' But you probably will think the screen is very small sitting next to all the rest in a store.

The screen isn't bad at all.

 

I have the next day on site.. It rocks!!! Alienware tecs = WIN! No india! They give you there contact email address if you need to shoot them a question .. or you call in. no problems.