The importance of driver support when considering the R1 or R2 at this time.

Hi Guys,

I have just recently started in my quest to find the machine best suited for my purposes, and I see alot of eye opening facts here in this thread.(Do yourself a favor and read it all)

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/499875-installing-nvidia-drivers-m11xr1.html

I think it is very important for all new buyers like me to be made aware the importance of looking at your purchases long term and not only on the first day/weeks you get it.

For me, this is a very important trade off for if I am to consider the R1 as you will:

1)lose the default ability to switch graphics on-the-fly
2)lose any long battery life you were thinking of initially when you get the R1.

If you decide you want to be updating your machine to the best performing drivers anytime in the future given the current options right now.

 

Interesting view point... I have always practiced the following when display drivers are concerned:

"Sometimes the latest driver is not always the 'greatest' driver..."

 

@Batboy - too funny.. how long did everyone and I mean everyone utilize Dox's 195 driver set ... Long after the 197 series and I bet some are still using them.

BW,

StevenX

 

I agree that sometimes old drivers are better,... until it's performance benefits are outlived.

But i guess you agree that updated drivers sometimes do perform better as you updated yours...

Anyhoos, I just wanted to make people aware of this very important but often forgotten criteria when making a hardware purchase.

Although, even if the next 'best' driver does not work, than the following one may just work 'out' better, or even the next(you get the idea)...guess it all about giving one more options and extending the 'performance' life of your purchase.

I really do not want to be 'pigeon-holed' into just 1 driver source, and have to make such huge sacrifices(R1) if ever I decide I want to use the future updated drivers.

But what I state above is just from my view point. If your requirements are different, and dont mind stripping away some of your R1 core features, at this time, than performancewise, go for it. But than, if you are still on the fence between R1 or R2, than why the R1 IF you plan to go this route. Note the IF.

 

The last 3 paragraphs of the review says it all.....

Dell M11xR2 Review: The World's Smallest Gaming Laptop Goes i7

Plus you lose all R1 battery benefits and gpu switching with updated drivers.

And even if someone worked really hard to make it all work again....it'll always be a game of catch-up.

So for those like me who are considering either to go with the R1 or R2....think really hard about this. For 'value', 'future-proofing' and 'performance' reasons.

Don't look at this purchase for its short-term benefits, and in this case, even worst compromises.

 

I'm buying the R1 because of the stability and the ability to play the games I like to play, and the price difference. I've priced them both and it isn't worth it to me to get the R2 since I'm also purchasing an M17x at the same time. I'm doing 4000.00 worth of computers in about 4 days. I priced the R2 and that was 1200+ with the tax and shipping. Just not a value to me given the issues. I'm getting the R1 for 870.00.

 

I am getting an R2 for $940.....for $70 diff, its the R2 for me. But if the difference is that great for you, R1 should be considered.

Remember, it's all about economics too. If you can get a R1 for ALOT cheaper than the R2, go for it.

 

Ya know, they are doing a special promotional offer right now. (If your in the US)

Back to School

 

I for one hope that Alienware/nVidia continue to support the R1 with driver updates. Brian, can you confirm if that is the plan?

 

I am pretty certain they(dell?Alienware) will continue support. But at a much slower pace than Nvidia does and will. And even than, you are solely dependent on them.

 

It still came up to 1200 even with the discount. The only change is the procesor from the 7300 to the i7. Everything else is the same. Going with the R1. The M17x is going to cost around 3000 with the tax. Don't want to swing the extra 300 for the R2.

 

I am sorry you could not get the discounts to work to reduce the price to make the R2 a viable option like some of us did. I am sure the R1 will still be able to satisfy your requirements. No worries.

 

Ahem...
Alienware Landing
I hope you are taking advantage of the special offers.

 

Yeah, but it is only a 10% savings. 1199.00 - 119.90 (discount 10%) = 1079.10 plus shipping 19.00 and tax 89.23 = 1187.33. I'll have to think about it. It's the same discount at the EPP that I qualify for. This is for the R2, i7, 250 gig hd, 4 gb ram, no extras.

Anyone know what the waiting period is on these. I know there have been delays.

 

Well it typically takes about 2 weeks for them to build the system(s).
Of course, delays can, well, delay it.