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    Should I buy M11x R2 or R3?

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by mickee, Apr 25, 2011.

  1. mickee

    mickee Newbie

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    I have just reserved a redistributed m11x r2. The specs are:

    Processor: Intel Core i3-330UM (1.2GHz, 3M Cache)
    Memory: 4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM
    Video Card: 1GB DDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GT 335M
    Hard Drive: 320GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
    TOTAL PRICE = $849.00

    A brand new m11x r3 specs are:

    Processor: Intel Core i5 2537M 1.4GHz (2.3GHz w/Turbo Boost, 3MB Cache)
    Memory: 4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM
    Video Card: 1GB DDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M
    Hard Drive: 500GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
    TOTAL PRICE = $1,400.01 (after EPP 5% discount)

    The difference in price is $551.01. The r3 has a better CPU, video card, HDD and USB 3.0. Are these upgrades negligible or worth the extra cost? Which notebook would you guys buy?
     
    mickee, Apr 25, 2011
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  2. DavyGT

    DavyGT Overclocker

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    I wouldn't touch that R2 if I were you- it's an i3 so there is no Turboboost for the extra multipliers. This means an overclocked R1 can beat it and when overclocked, it doesn't come close to touching an R3 like the i5 and i7 R2s.
    Are there any other R2s from the outlet?
     
    DavyGT, Apr 25, 2011
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  3. thegh0sts

    thegh0sts Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    yeah, i'd just go straight to the R3.
     
    thegh0sts, Apr 25, 2011
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  4. mickee

    mickee Newbie

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    Unfortunately there was only one R2 advertised on the dell outlet website. I was going to buy the R2 tomorrow morning but your replies have made me think twice. Thanks guys! :wink:
     
    mickee, Apr 25, 2011
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  5. thegh0sts

    thegh0sts Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    yeah, the i3 just doesn't even meet the levels that the R1 and the i5 and i7 R2s can hit.
     
    thegh0sts, Apr 25, 2011
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  6. Benchmade 42

    Benchmade 42 Titanium

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    Skip both. The r3 w/o the $350 coupon from a few days ago is overpriced. I say wait until deal comes back again or get an R1.
     
    Benchmade 42, Apr 25, 2011
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  7. anthonykit

    anthonykit Notebook Consultant

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    It depends.

    If you own no m11x then buy the R3 since you can get it really, really decked out for approx 1180 (tax and shipping included) if you apply the coupons.

    If you own an R1/R2 then wait to get the next m11x. The R3 is simply a processor upgrade from R1/R2. Throw in USB 3 and a slightly faster gpu and you basically have in the R3 what is already in the R1/R2.

    Dell has to make a mors substantial change to the design, chassis, screen to make the m11x competitive.

    I have no idea if they will really do this however if they do not then they will only be getting new customers and none of their core, existing buyers like me (R2 i7) will upgrade.
     
    anthonykit, Apr 25, 2011
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  8. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

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    Buy the r2 and use the extra money to buy a r1..... r1+r2=r3!
     
    ejohnson, Apr 25, 2011
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  9. anthonykit

    anthonykit Notebook Consultant

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    If coupons are not availble then paying full price for an R3 is telling Dell "I dont mind you performing cheap R&D and slapping a marginally faster cpu into one of your "years old" chassis and calling it a new model. I will still buy your stuff Dell".

    Hey, if the auto manufactures have to redesign cars to ignite sales then Dell has to redisgn their m11x chassis.

    The auto makers don't just keep the same car and add a new faster engine do they ?
     
    anthonykit, Apr 25, 2011
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  10. leo6love

    leo6love Notebook Consultant

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    with double weight.

    however, I think you should buy a R1 with 4gb RAM, SU7300 or go straight to a R3. Dont buy that R2 bcos core i3 is a waste of money :D
     
    leo6love, Apr 25, 2011
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  11. mickee

    mickee Newbie

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    I don't have a M11x at the moment, only a very old and heavy Dell XPS M1710 that I bought about 4 years ago. My employer has an EPP discount coupon that gives me 5% discount off any Alienware notebook. Do you guys know of a better coupon I could use?
     
    mickee, Apr 25, 2011
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  12. anthonykit

    anthonykit Notebook Consultant

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    I did not know the coupons were gone.
    I did not know only the i3 R2 is offered.

    mickee, 5% is no big deal.

    If the R3 is now over $1300 it is overpriced.

    By a used R1 or R2.

    I bought my i7 from craigslist here in Chicago approx 3 montsh ago for $800. It was unopened with full warranty.

    Now, you should be able to find a $400 R1 and a $700 R2 if you are patient and you look on craiglist.

    5% off an overpriced R3 with no extra coupons is not the way to go.
     
    anthonykit, Apr 25, 2011
    #12
  13. thegh0sts

    thegh0sts Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    there's no reference to currency: is it USD or AUD?
     
    thegh0sts, Apr 25, 2011
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  14. mickee

    mickee Newbie

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    Sorry I should of mentioned all the prices I quoted were in AUD
     
    mickee, Apr 25, 2011
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  15. yelohotshot

    yelohotshot Notebook Consultant

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    that is the funniest thing i've read on here! lol, or get R1 x 3 = R3

    seriously i would without a doubt get the R3, forget about the R2 come on its an i3 processor!
     
    yelohotshot, Apr 25, 2011
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  16. anthonykit

    anthonykit Notebook Consultant

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    From what I just read the coupons may not be returning.

    If so a used, under warranty R2 at $800 is a far greater value than a $1400 plus tax R3.

    You would have to spend an extra $600 when Dell did nothing but take marginally better components from Intel and Nvidia and stick them inside the same old box.
     
    anthonykit, Apr 25, 2011
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  17. xtravbx

    xtravbx Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm selling my M11X R1

    SU7300
    4GB of Ram
    120GB Phoenix Pro SSD

    Everything else, you know the spec's. PM if you're interested.
     
    xtravbx, Apr 25, 2011
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  18. mickee

    mickee Newbie

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    The R2 is a new redistributed unit that I found on the Australian Dell outlet website. The total cost is $849 AUD and the sales consultant that I spoke to wouldn't budge on the price.

    The cheapest price I've managed to get for a brand new R3 is $1,326.33 AUD (using a 10% discount coupon)

    The more responses I read the more I'm leaning towards the R3. Spending an extra $477.33 seems worth it now.
     
    mickee, Apr 25, 2011
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  19. anthonykit

    anthonykit Notebook Consultant

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    Mickee, please read the thread here that speaks about the processor in the R3's that have been reviewed not being the processor inside the R3's being sold.

    Good luck and enjoy your R3.
     
    anthonykit, Apr 25, 2011
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  20. mickee

    mickee Newbie

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    I can't find the thread that you're referring to. Would you mind posting the link for me?
     
    mickee, Apr 25, 2011
    #20
  21. seeratlas

    seeratlas Notebook Deity

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    screw the R3, get the m14 with faster everything and better screen for less money.
    seer
     
    seeratlas, Apr 25, 2011
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  22. MICHAELSD01

    MICHAELSD01 Apple/Alienware Master

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    Either get the R1 if you're set on the 11.6" form factor since it's by far the best value or go for the M14x base model if you have the cash.
     
    MICHAELSD01, Apr 25, 2011
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  23. DavyGT

    DavyGT Overclocker

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    The R1 is not even available in Australia anymore.
     
    DavyGT, Apr 25, 2011
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  24. relics911

    relics911 Newbie

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    dell coupons check that out $400 m11x if you get one thats over 1500 bad deal thats what i just ordered.
     
    relics911, Apr 25, 2011
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  25. relics911

    relics911 Newbie

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    sorry $400 off i ment to say
     
    relics911, Apr 25, 2011
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  26. Goethe

    Goethe Notebook Guru

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    M11x R3 all the way, specially for that price...
     
    Goethe, Apr 25, 2011
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  27. thegh0sts

    thegh0sts Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    i don't think those US codes will work in Australia.
     
    thegh0sts, Apr 25, 2011
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  28. Voodooi

    Voodooi AFK for a while...

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    That coupon has been dead for 2 days :p Dell pulled the plug on it because too many people were using it unfortunately :(
     
    Voodooi, Apr 26, 2011
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  29. MICHAELSD01

    MICHAELSD01 Apple/Alienware Master

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    Oh, sorry. Then I'll put my vote in to go with a M14x. It's an all-around better system and value if you don't mind paying a little extra.
     
    MICHAELSD01, Apr 26, 2011
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  30. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    For that cash, I agree M14x. Otherwise the M11x R1. You can occasionally get an SU7300, 4GB, 250 or 320GB HDD for ~ $600 refurbished.
     
    HTWingNut, Apr 26, 2011
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  31. mickee

    mickee Newbie

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    Unfortunately, Voodooi is right. All the alienware coupons have expired. It's a shame. I would of bought the R3 in a heartbeat if I could get a $400 discount.
     
    mickee, Apr 26, 2011
    #31
  32. KSSR1211

    KSSR1211 Notebook Evangelist

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    Get the r1 refurbished, the price will be right, processor will be good and the battery life is great. or get the m14x.
     
    KSSR1211, Apr 26, 2011
    #32