*OFFICIAL* M11xR1 Owners Lounge - Part 4

I've been ok for since I've had this ssd. I guess I should take that ssd health thing with a grain of salt.

 

Drools. I want an SSD but have to pay for winter gear and hostel board. LOL

 

SSD drives are awesome, unless they crash. I work in a Clean room and SSD drives are effectively non-recoverable for us at present. At least with standard drives we can always recover the data or repair the drives through head swaps and board/rom chip swaps, even the occasional platter swap, but SSD presents it's own unique problems.

 

I don't keep anything important on my m11x. Just games pretty much. I should probably back up the save files though lol.

 

can anyone confirm if this rig m11x with 4gb and overclocked cpu can really manage to take google sketchup with a house edit full with tress and other extras? thanks

 

Does anyone know if there's a way to check if your laptop is refurbished or not? Is there a way to check if it's been used before, like some kind of "history" or anything noticable on the hardware?

 

If you take it apart, you will see manufacturing dates on each item, like the top piece, palm rest, etc. Impossible to prove using the date alone, but that's one thing I can think of.

Another is I noticed the 2 palm rests which were brought in to "fix" my unit had a squiggly ink marker line on the top right side of the palm rest. Looks like an indication of some sort; again it's hypothetical but I know for sure my original one was clean.

Then again, if the unit looks, feels and performs as if brand new and doesn't fail too early I don't think I'll mind.

 

Worked in a comp store for 2 months. Was never taught the difference between a refurb and a brand new, but did notice they used warranty stickers differently in both cases.

 

Ok guys.... received mine today.
Dell made huge mistakes on my order, LOL !
FOA, I haveordered a grey one, but received the black.
That 's not all !
I received an US version with Qwerty BUT with WWAN and Wifi (not limited card) like we have in Fr. hahahaha
I really want tol keep it now, I love it too much and i m fluent in english, so no big deal...

 

KEEP IT! Awh gawshdarnit. You lucky devil.

 

I am looking for a few more people to test Optimus drivers on the M11X. So far one person has said that it works and we have it working on the new Vaio Zs. Check my post at LaptopVideo2Go for more info.

 

Optimus? Thought they mentioned you require a certain hardware config to use the stuff and that the m11x would not function with them?

Will try em next week when I have the Easter hols to tinker with the PC

 

It's only 189.42? According to the Optimus whitepaper one of the main advantages of Optimus was the fact that you could use standard drivers... Not really much point considering Dell's drivers are 188.55. Anyone done any benches to see if performance is increased? Also, is that "test" watermark present during gaming?

Traditional switchable graphics (the type used on the M11x) requires additional hardware to be installed (muxes) on the mainboard. Optimus is completely software based and doesn't require any additional hardware.

 

@rpg-ZPS = I heard something about traditional hybrids being incompatible with Optimus but after reading his post it seems like it
might just work. Gut says that newer drivers will arrive when ASUS releases more laptops with it.

 

Well, officially it isn't compatible. That was Jerry (Admin) who mentioned that, but IIRC he just said that Optimus wouldn't be used as traditional graphics was chosen for the M11x instead (Optimus was released after M11x was built).

It does seem to work but I'm not sure if it offers any advantages to the current driver setup we're using. I might try it out myself too and do a few tests to see if performance is increased.

Forgot to say in my previous post, Nautis, thanks for posting up your work!

 

I don't think performance will be any better but would be nice to get some battery life test results since thats the actual selling point of Optimus. And +rep for nautis.

 

But we have switchable graphics too! There would be no difference in power consumption running IGP or discrete GPU either via Optimus or traditional switchable graphics. Here is a list of the main selling points of Optimus vs traditional SG (what we use):

 

Anyone know how to change the colour of the WASD keys? I read that this was possible in several reviews, but I can't figure out how to do this in Alien Fx.

 

you, my man, have been bamboozled

 

Yup, definately not possible. All keyboard lighting is controlled uniformly by a single unit unlike the M17x which has four lighting zones across the keyboard.

 

m17x keyboard in the m11x, get on that for me dr650e!

 

Hmm...so I was wondering, is it worth it to use RamDisk? Apparently using read / writes kills ssd's or something? Lol. I dunno, what's your opinion on this guys. Ideally, I'd like my ssd to live as long as possible.

 

@rpg-XPS = Alright I stand corrected. Think the better way to put it was battery economy (like how the system just shuts the GPU up when we stop gaming etc) or just plain convenience. Anyways would be nice to get it up and running.

 

It certainly would, BTW my intention wasn't to correct you, just to give extra info! But according to how people actually use traditional SG, you're right. NVIDIA did a survey a while ago and it was determined that only 1% of users actually switched graphic processors during daily tasks (i.e. they just left it on discrete all the time or integrated) so Optimus is a big plus in regards to that. It will definitely increase battery life for the users that leave it on discrete all the time.

I don't mind the manual switching myself at all - in fact when I get around to using Optimus I'll probably disable automatic switching! But I have encountered situations where I've had to close download accelerators (of all programs!) before switching and I would like to use modern drivers too. I really hope to see it supported on the M11xR2.

 

I know that cause my dad had an old Sony Z with a 9400GT and he never used it at all, the switch was always on stamina (we could tell by the pattern of the dust accumulation in the switch). I always have to close Steam and an Endnote addon plus WinLiveMsnger whenever I swap, kind of a pain but heck.

As for R2... iX processors... Optimus... Soft touch paintjob... Why did we get R1 again? Lol

 

Let me start out by giving two interesting pieces on Optimus vs Hybrid Graphics (aka Switchable Graphics):

Youtube video comparing Switchable Graphics and Optimus
PcPerspective Review & Battery Charts

--

Optimus will not make your GPUs any faster than using Hybrid Graphics. But that is not the point of it really. Optimus is Nvidias evolution of Hybrid Graphics technology. It is what they have been trying to achieve with the tech since they started. What I think most people are doing is thinking of the technology backwards. Hybrid Graphics was never about adding performance to the Intel part it is about adding additional battery savings to the Nvidia part. (Why run a fast graphics processor all the time when you don't need it all the time?) Optimus also takes care of most of the issues with Hybrid Graphics. Delay when switching, sometimes having to close programs before switching, lack of driver updates, etc.

One of the largest issues with Hybrid Graphics is the drivers. The drivers are put together in a way that require both Nvidia and Intel parts to be in one driver package. This is not only a bad and improper way of packaging drivers but it is almost impossible to support. (Who does your Intel graphics device say it is manufactured by? What version are the Intel drivers?) The consequence of the driver package being released this way is that it ends up being the responsibility of the notebook manufacturer to support and release drivers for. (You will be lucky if you see three Hybrid Graphics driver releases for the M11x.)

Optimus on the other hand, utilizes separate Intel and Nvidia drivers, and will be supported by Nvidia. This means regular driver fixes and updates for both graphics parts. Furthermore it appears that Nvidia may make Optimus a part of their standard drivers which means you will be as up to date with drivers as everyone else.
Hope this all makes sense.

 

Sorry if this is posted already elsewhere.
but is leaving the m11x plugged in after reaching full charge bad for the battery?
and should you always try to drain it to the max before recharging?
Thanks!

 

I have always found that leaving a battery plugged in and charging to be bad on the life of the battery. I followed the advice i got here and tweaked the bios to not charge the battery when it is plugged into the outlet.

 

1. In my experience, no - leaving it plugged in while on AC is fine. It also acts as a backup power supply

2. NO. LI-ION batts have a total # of charge cycles. You do this and you will kill your battery before 'it's time'.

 

Hey guys,

I havent ordered my m11x yet but im in the process of doing it. I have read reviews from people using the m11x and most of them are positive.

As I said I cant voice my opinion as of yet but I have had some spare time to research this laptop.

It would appear that most of the people that ordered their m11x from the UK/EU appears to be having the OC problem.

Is it possible for people who actually own the laptop to confirm this?

Thanks alot guys.

 

Does anyone know how to get rid of Failsafe, or at least stop it from displaying a reminder screen every session?

 

You could probably request a new keyboard layout. Just say you would like them to ship you the keyboard layout you need for your part of the world and that you will change it out yourself.

 

Care to elaborate the steps on how to go with it, i'm a nubcake in computer.
If you're plug into the AC, did you monitor the battery level?

 

Hi guys....

The stupid girl from DELL who refused to listen to me or to change it because of their mistake saying now you need to deal with it DELL will not change it for you with aggressivity then they put me on hold and lost the contact (not realizing that it was not just a keyboard mistake). so finally i have decided to keep it...
Sorry DELL.The papers of expedition are a proof of what i have ordered, simply they made a mistake in China (LOL).
IMHO Dell should stop using a sell team in Morocco with stupid girls not even knowing what they are SELLING (come on DELL we have plenty of people in Europe jobless !).

It's much more complicated than it seems, first of all they sent an US model, which include much more than the European one, WWAN GRPRS card (~150$)+ Non restrictive Wifi (as we have here in France due to paranoid gov. ....

Now if i order a French Keyboard i m afraid they would send me a HD instead....seriously.

So far, I m pretty happy with it, i m testing CUDA under linux, works perfectly well, Wifi Atheros card is compatible with all Linux Distros.

The battery is charging very FAST guys , never seen something so quick to charge (15" can charge up to 90%!)... and lasting very long (NON OverC std graphic card leds on it says10 Hours/ fully loaded OVerC + Nvidia ON, it 's 2~3 hours but don't expect more).

My only complain is the screen, a little bit bigger would have been nicer (a real 12"+) glossiness is ok, but REALLY not the best thing if you are outside.
The black model ***ROCKS*** with a bad boy kinda style, and honesty very little of fingerprints are going on it (not as much as some people mentioned in their review, and the reason why i wanted the Grey one).

The 500 GIG HD is F.A.S.T. in fact compared to my DELL XPS 16 (Vista 64 6 GIG RAM), THE M11X is starting and loading faster with its 8 Gig DUAL of DDR3 under windows 7 !
About the 8 GIG :
Seven is surprisingly taking 2 GIG of RAM loading the OS in memory and THAT S GREAT !y It makes all the SYSTEM really SKYROCKETING, even compared to my XPS WITH CORE 2 DUO 2.8 on vista !

Watching a 1080 HD movie is a real pleasure of fluidity and this machine is so quiet, even if you get pleasure waking up with good music in the morning, this little baby can rock the whole apartment very well !
The keyboard is water resistant and very nice to type on....i get used to it quickly and no problem with QWERTY even when writing in French....

My biggest surprise was at the restaurant today, i noticed the waitress was like hypnotized by this "baby" as soon as i took it out of my bag, she was suddenly even very caring and smiling to me, and me honestly for now, i m more interested about configuring my "baby"

My best advice to all of you, check it well when it arrived ... you might have free bonuses

Anyway thank you M DELL for this tiny sexy useful gear.

 

8 gigs... by golly you sure know what you're doing ay.

 

Will this memory work in my M11x ? When it says Dual-In Line Memory Module does that mean Dual channel if these run with 2x2GB of the same pieces?

Patriot Signature 2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3-1066 SoDIMM Memory Module - PSD32G10662S

Patriot Signature DDR3 1066MHz Non-ECC Unbuffered SO-DIMM is designed to support high performance notebook and mobile systems. Patriot SoDIMM memory modules are fully tested and validated at 1066MHz (PC3-8500) to ensure reliable performance and compatibility. These memory modules are perfect to meet the needs of those requiring memory upgrades.

Features

PC3-8500 (1066MHz) Data Rate
204-Pin Dual in-line memory module
Non-ECC Unbuffered
2 Rank Double-sided module
7.8US Refresh Interval (8192 CYCLES/64MS)
1.5V Power Requirement
Auto and self refresh capability
PCB height: 1181(mil)
Serial Presence-Detect (SPD)
100% Tested
Lifetime Warranty
RoHS Compliant
JEDEC Compliant

 

Yes, that RAM will work fine. No, SO-DIMM (small outline dual inline memory module) is basically just a type of RAM, it doesn't refer to dual-channel. It's the motherboard that supports dual-channel architecture. To utilise dual-channel memory, it is advised to use two identical sticks. Since you're going to do that, you're good to go!

 

So no one knows anything about the above?

 

can anyone confirm if this rig m11x with 4gb and overclocked cpu can really manage to take google sketchup pro7 with a house edit full with tress and other extras? thanks

 

From post 1633

Will a Core iX processor make a noticeable difference over the current dual core SU7300?

Spiff

 

If you missed it, and are thinking about ordering one still(or just want to feel good about having it already) Cnet added another review

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20001012-1.html
And they'll be doing another review later this week with benchmarks and the like as well.

 

I'm more than willing to test the drivers, if it means that we will actually see an official release of said drivers.

 

Can a OC m11x run photoshop and illustrator cs4 well? Anyone doing this?

If I buy this it will be on an external monitor when at home.

Thanks for any help!

 

What would be the definition of a 'workable' Optimus on non-Optimus designed notebooks? It's been stated several times that the M11x and other first generation hybrid graphics are unable to support Optimus, due to hardware changes needed on the motherboard. So I have my doubts.

 

Is anyone using ramdisk with their ssd installed? I'm curious if it's worth the time using it to "save read/writes" to prolong ssd life.

 

Both works very well ....especially with Nvidia card activated.
Even without external monitor its high def is perfect for doing some work on the run.

The manual says battery are done to support 300 charged cycles.
That's I think the quite average of every battery.
In my opinion this new battery is one of the best around, fast to charge and long to discharge.

I have deactivated a lot of things that i don t use, (WWAN,blue tooth...), and some services in windows.
Also the AlienFX software is great to deactivate automatically the leds when watching a movie, so no need to it manually....
The F2 functionality should stop the charging of the battery everyone is waiting for the update from Dell.
Hope you will find those informations useful !

 

Thank you Frenchris! +rep for answering. It was the final bump in whether I order or not.

Ordering this week woohoo!

 

Anyone been able to get MotionJoy working over Bluetooth on the M11x yet?

 

I have searched everywhere and can't find the answer.

What is the model of the 500Gb harddrive in the M11x?

Thanks

 

ST-9500420AS

The Seagate® Momentus® 7200.4 drive delivers the highest available capacity and performance in a laptop hard drive and draw only .05 percent more power than a 5400-RPM laptop drive.

Seagate® Momentus® hard drives provide the optimum combination of performance, capacity and mobility in a 2.5-inch form factor. They are also a good fit in certain non-PC applications, including external storage, copiers/printers and entry-level blade servers.

* Highest available notebook performance

* G-Force Protection™ feature

* Native Command Queuing

* Green features:
- Lowest-power 7200-RPM laptop hard drive yet
- Ramp load features improve idle power consumption

* State-of-the-art error-correction

* Fluid dynamic bearing motor

* Support for S.M.A.R.T. drive monitoring and reporting

* Support for Read Multiple and Write Multiple commands