Refurbished M11x R2 (i5) impulse buy...

So on impulse I purchased a refurbished M11x R2 from the Dell Outlet Store. It's an i5, 4g ram, 250g 7200 rpm drive for $639 (using the 20% coupon).

I was previously looking at a new M17x R3, but was waiting to hear whether the 485m card would be offered. I already have a fairly powerful desktop PC and was looking for a laptop to take with me overseas on trips to do some gaming (from steam) and movie watching (including by connecting an external blu-ray drive).

I don't know very much about the gaming and movie-watching capabilities of the m11x and I have never bought a refurbished anything from Dell (it was an impulse buy as I said!). So I wanted your opinions on whether I should keep this refurbished laptop or cancel the order and just get a new m17x R3.

What do you think?

 

What do you want?

An m17x R3 isn't meant for portability really. It's powerful and I do want one but it's more of a desktop replacement.

The m11x R2 on the other hand is small, highly portable, longer battery life and pretty much the best notebook in it's class. I can play most games on medium to high settings.

As far as refurb there's nothing much to worry about. You have the same warranty that you'd get if it were new. And they usually come in great shape. If it's in bad shape you can get them to send you a new one.

 

Nice buy! I think you will be happy.

 

That's a great price. I think you'll love it.

 

Sounds like you got an awesome deal!

I got the R1 refurbished for $509 and I've loved it. If you want a small computer with a long battery life that can also game on the go then this is it.

I think it would cost you another $200-$300 to get the i7 version and I dont know that you would get much of a performance boost.

I think you should be very happy with your purchase.

 

That's a pretty darned good deal. And I wouldn't worry at all about buying a refurbished product. I've bought several refurbished Dell laptops before, and honestly cannot tell the difference between a new laptop and a refurbished laptop (even when pulling it out of the box). They all come with a warranty, so you are covered if any problems do come up in the future.

As for whether to keep it or return it... the single biggest benefit of the Alienware M11x is its portability. If someone asked you what you want out of a laptop, the word "portable" should be one of the first words out of your mouth. If this does not sound like you, then there are likely to be other laptops out there that will suit your needs better.

 

LOL. M11x or M17x. That's like wanting to buy a Mini Cooper or a Ford F350.

 

Thanks for the response guys. Feeling much better about this purchase now.

The only thing I wished the m11x had come with is the internal bluetooth, mainly so I can use wireless headphones. Can this be added easily? Or am I better off just using a bluetooth dongle?

Also, any suggestions for an external slim blu-ray player to use with the M11x? (for watching blue ray movies mainly)

Thanks!

 

Does the particular config that you bought not come with a Bluetooth module? If not, then I'm sure that you could buy the internal Bluetooth module and install it after-the-fact. I have not done this specifically with the Alienware M11x, but I have done it with two other Dell laptops in the past relatively easily.

As for the Blu-Ray drive... the two most popular ones seem to be made by Sony and Asus. I'm sure you would do fine with either one. Personally, I just rip all of the movies I want to watch into a file format. Nothing beats carrying 100+ movies on a single USB external hard drive. Compared to the BR drive and the discs, it is considerably easier to carry around and saves on battery life when watching movies.

 

That's odd most of the m11x R2's on refurb come with the bluetooth module.

 

Yes, you can purchase a BT module and install it. It does require you to get fairy deep into a teardown in order to get to it though. Not difficult as long as you're comfortable with a screwdriver, have a magnet to collect your screws and keep track of what you're doing.

This video shows you exactly how and is a great visual guide to use.

YouTube - Alienware m11xR2 high speed modding

Either a Dell 365 (RM948), but I think a 370 might be compatible as well. There's been discussion here on specifics.

 

Awesome reply, Slickie.

I'd give you +rep, but I can't. Apparently, I've already given you too much +rep, and the forums want me to spread the love before I can +rep you again.

 

@Kent1148:
I gave slickie some rep on your behalf. He's posted much information that has been helpful to me and I owe it to him.

 

damn what!

i bought a refurb last night and didn't see the R2.

i bought the R1 500GB 7200RPM w/o bluetooth for a total of 603.

i tried canceling my order but it's already shipped. oh well.