Thinking of buying a Pre-owned M11X

So, as the title states... I'm thinking of getting a M11X...

I currently own a m15x and a HP dv6... but the dv6 died for the 4th time today and I'm over restoring it, has to be a hardware fault, but HP have NFI about what to do, so hopefully they refund it, they better!

Anyway, I don't want a huge machine, just tiny... I'm wanting the m15x to be the workhorse (I'm studying animation) and the m11x as just the take on the train and standard browsing/word/photoshop/flash use...

I don't want to spend much, $700 MAX! This is what i paid for for the HP DV6.
So my budget is what I get back.

I have found this one on ebay, and it's good 'cos i live in Melbourne, Australia, so I could do pick-up... Alienware M11x R2 Notebook - Includes Genuine Alienware Case - No Reserve | eBay

The current HP DV6 is only i3... and so is this m11x, it's all I really need for this kinda basic work, the big Maya/After Effects work will be done on my m15x.

I'm just thinking of getting another AW as Dell has been very good with their customer support when i have needed it (HDD died in m15x after 3 months, and I didn't do the AlienRespawn setup as I was a noob back then, so they fixed it up for me as good as new... Next day service)
I also love the size and power (potential power) it could have...

How is it to upgrade these anyway?

So, thoughts on buying a pre-owned AW lappy?

Pro's/Con's?
Opinions?

Anything you have to say or feel should be said, I'm keen to hear it!

Cheers.

 

Seems like a decent price, however there are a few factors you should be aware of:

- i3 model = no overclock, low clockspeed, no turbo (fine for surfing, older games, some recent on low settings)
- Warranty is expired

The i5 model of the R2 would be ideal if you can find it since the different between the i3 and i5 is pretty significant (unlike the i5 vs i7 which is minimal).

Having no warranty, you have to ask yourself, if something were to happen, would you be able to fix it? There's also extended warranties, but I imagine it's quite overpriced (especially in AUS).

As for upgrades, you cannot upgrade the GPU, CPU is probably far too expensive, however you can easily upgrade the HD/RAM.

Perhaps you should examine other brands with similar set-up for under 700$ before revisiting this listing (if available in AUS)

If you guys have something similar to: http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=67,68,3252&webid=375410&affixedcode=WW (use L0S1C0), we often have it on sale for 529$, which would be a better choice (new, 1 year warranty, 540 GPU > 335 GPU, USB 3.0, 13.3" still good size for the train, 7hrs~ batt real world usage) or even an Asus K53TA (or the SV model) (15.6" which is a little bigger) that has similar performance, but less battery life by half for less than 550$ here.

I'm personally not a fan of purchasing laptops with no warranties

Edit: Another tip is since the R2 model was recently discontinued, if you did purchase an extended warranty from Dell and something were to happen to it, they're now replacing it with R3's. Obviously wouldn't apply to HD/Ram issues (minor problems), though.

 

Yeah... I'm worrying about the warranty, and it would probably cost a fortune for extended warranty...

Which i5 processor is available for the m11x r2? It might be worthwhile just upgrading it separately...

I'm really just wanting some basic use for the train, so I'm happy for i3 as it would mainly be the mind numbing theory parts that would be done on the train... and the DV6 could handle that just fine, besides it's love for a good old fashion BSOD and randomly wanting to do a system restore... -.-"

I can't find much for the price-range I'm after which I'd be happy with, I'm over carrying a 15" lappy around really... something small would be ideal for lectures, and most netbooks are either killer small in specs or wayyy over-priced for semi-decent specs...

Wait, is this the i5 processor? Core i5-520UM?

I also like how there's the option to upgrade, and if I can get it to last, it should be good to use and upgrade every few years...

Cheers.

 

Yep, that's what the R2 i5 contains.

 

Ah cool cool.

Well I'm seeing the processor selling at $250... Might be another mid-year investment. I'm planning on upgrading my m15x processor then too...

Might be worthwhile upgrading the RAM aswell.

I just bought 16GB Ram for the m15x, so I should be able to put the current 8GB RAM from my m15x into the m11x (that is, assuming I win it...)

The site you linked won't let me check it out, me being in AUS and all won't recognise the postal address... :S

Yeah, I'm not keen on the no warranty idea, but if I purchase extended warranty, that would be okay I guess...

However the R3 replace does sound pretty goooddd...

 

Just making sure you know that you can't upgrade the CPU on the M11x. It is soldered onto the mobo and I don't think anyone has attempted to take it off.

Keep looking on eBay, something always seems to appear. I would recommend that you go for an i5 or i7 if possible. It's not crucial but Turbo Boost is good feature that the i3 is missing, though the i3 would probably have better battery life.


Also, what CPU do you have in your M15x?

 

I can't?!?! Ah... bugger...

i5 would be ideal really... I'd then use Maya on it...

I currently have a i7-740 QM... will be replacing in July with a 920XM... (July because of tax return is then)... I'm also getting 16GB Ram for it as it has been said throughout this forrum and others that the M15x mobo supports up to 16GB ram... because 8GB sticks weren't available during time of production.

I'm mainly using it for animation, so a better processor would be great...
I just didn't have the money when I bought it...

So it's impossible to upgrade the CPU? What if I got a Dell rep to do it?

I'll keep hunting in the meantime... I just like this one 'cos it's so close, I could pick it up in person...

Really bummed about not being able to upgrade the processor now...
That would of sealed the deal really... guh...

 

Sorry for breaking it to you but I thought it needed clarifying and I didn't want you to find out too late.
Dell wouldn't ever upgrade the CPU. It would be much more time efficient for them to just swap out the mobo for for one with an i5 or i7 already mounted.

Keep looking but also have a look on Gumtree. I've seen a few Aliens on there from time to time.

I was just asking about your M15x because I have a spare i7 720QM from my M17x and thought you might have been able to use it. Yours is already better anyway and you've already got your sights set on a 920XM -- which is a mighty good upgrade I must add!

 

No worries, thank-you for the info.

Just out of curiosity, how much would a new mobo cost?

I'm just thinking. the HP DV6 was fine for what I wanted it for, something "cheap" that would do the bare basics... that's really all I wanted it for.
Just browsing, Word, Photoshop and Flash... and the occasional video encode... Not really much.
The DV6 had an i3 prcessor, and ran fine for what i wanted it for, maybe this little one will be fine for it too???

Thoughts?

Just checked gumtree, nothing.

Unfortunately there's heaps of i5 M11X's on ebay, but they only ship to the US.

Ah, cheers though.
Yes, I've been crying lately as I've been rendering 3D in maya for 10+ hours sometimes with the CPU @ 100%... I would love to have it speed up, so a I posted a thread in the M15X forum and all is pointing to the 920XM, and as I can see sir, you have one aswell...

Thanks for the offer though.

So yeah, any idea's on how much a mobo replacement would cost?

I'd love to + rep, but i've repped too much... I shall when i have some to use...

 

A M11x R2 motherboard would be ~200$-250$.

 

Sadly a lot of the US listings don't ship to Australia.

You'll have to find out the exact part number but there seem to be some M11x R1 motherboards on eBay for $100 - $120. I'm sure there'd be an R2 mobo floating around somewhere. The most crucial thing will be finding out the actual part number of the mobo so you don't accidentally buy the wrong one.
Also consider the cost of buying the M11x and new mobo + DIY work to replace it because it could end up being about the same as an i5 or i7 M11xR2 instead.

Yep, I love my 920XM. Paired with ThrottleStop it is an absolute monster.
If you have any questions about the 920XM and where I purchased it, just PM me.

 

Would that incude an i5 processor? Or would that be extra? Like $500 total... and then labor costs, because I am in no way wanting to touch the mobo without physical assistance!

Would I be able to put my 8GB RAM from my M15X into the M11X?

katalin_2003, you've been a real help with all my questions regarding my M15X upgrade idea's.
I do believe a thank-you is in order, so thank-you.

I'm thinking I'll bid on this nonetheless, because my DV6 was i3 and fine for the basic use, I really didn't mind it... beside its random BSOD's and Restores. I shut it down last night, turned it on this morning, and it went right to system restore... noooo idea... and not the first time either...
HP, you willll givveee me my moneyyyy bacckkkkkkk!!!!

Anywho, I'll be calling HP tomorrow about it, and the money they return will go towards one of these, hopefully a cheap one.

So if anyone has an M11X R2 with i5 for around $600 - 700, I AM INTERESTED!!!

 

What katalin quoted would be a more accurate price. I saw an i7 mobo on eBay for $250 + postage so it may be getting pretty expensive especially if you aren't going to perform the transplant yourself.
The RAM will transfer perfectly between the laptops. I've done exactly the same between my M11x and M17x.

Try filling out a wanted to buy form in the marketplace to reach a wider audience.

Want to Buy/Price Check Forum

 

Yeah... I know... that's why I'm a little bummed...

how would I find the exact part number?

So I'd have to purchase a new mobo + i5/i7 processor + labor + possible warranty???

I'd love to buy a M11X R2 with i5, but none ship to AUS... and with the new R3's based at $1500, it's a bit much for what I desire... If in total I get this i3 M11X R2 for say $650, and mod it... I'm looking at say, $900 total-ish?

Still better than $1,500...

Ah nice. Cheers.
I'm sure I'll take you up with that offer in a few months time.

What do you guys think I'd be looking at if I did it all myself?

Say:
$650 Lappy
$250 Mobo
$??? CPU
$??? Labor

Total:$???

 

CPU comes with the mobo.

So you'd be looking at about:
$650 - Lappy
$250 - mobo (includes CPU)
$??? - Labor

Total: $900+

Not sure about labor costs but the process isn't very hard. In my opinion it isn't worth it for that amount of money.
I picked up an i5 M11xR3 from eBay for my friend for $1000 which still had 18 months of warranty left, perfect condition as well. If you keep looking, you will no doubt find a bargain.

 

Yeah, I guess you're right, Rypac.

The problem being I'm wanting one ASAP, because this DV6 is bricked... and I don't like carrying the M15X onto the train... too heavy... and too expensive to keep lugging around... I have a lot of assignments, and I waste a lot of time on the train otherwise... I like being able to get work done on it...

I'll probably purchase this one I win, simply because it's close.
And if I can get it all fixed up, eventually, it'll still be cheaper than $1,500 for a new one...

Time is more of the issue here I think... And if I can potentially upgrade it in a few months time, I'd be pretty happy...

So unless I can get a fully working M11X R2 i5+ in the next 2-3 days for cheap, i'll stick with trying to get this i3 M11X R2...

 

Fair enough T-ravisty, I completely understand. The i3 M11x would still be able to handle whatever the i5 or i7 could anyway, just might take a bit longer.

Good luck and let us know how you go!

 

Thanks for the help, mate.

Yeah, it'll do for the meantime. Hopefully when I get the mobo done (assuming I win) that it doesn't get stuffed and the lights still work!!!

Will let you know.

 

Mate i live in Perth (WA) and feel your pain. Which is why when i was in the US on holiday late last year, i snagged an i5 R3 for $640 after rebates. Slammed in 8GB of Kingston Hyper-X and a 128GB Crucial M4 and i'm only into this about $800.

If i were you, i would search gumtree + ebay + the "for sale" section of this forum for a similar unit, preferably from overseas. Australian units are NOT going to be cheap, and you could easily find one for cheaper.

I had an R2 (i7) before my R3 (i5), and i personally wouldn't touch the i3 processor, especially with it being out of warranty. Simply not worth the risk/effort/potential hassle.

 

Hey T-ravisty, I've read your thread, and it doesn't look like you are going to be doing any gaming, so why get an M11x? Don't get me wrong, I love mine, but for cheaper you can get a brand new 13" laptop that is both lighter and thinner and has better battery (almost every notebook manufacturer has one of these). So if you plan to use it for word processing, browsing the web, and general travel stuff, The M11x is not the best choice.

 

Yeah, I'm concerned about warranty... Unfortunately I'm not going to the US for... a few years... lol.

Hey ThatOldGuy, I know what you mean, but I'm considering if for that on the go After Effects render and the likes.
i'm studying animation, and something small, yet powerful would be good.
even to set it up at home and have a mini render farm with Maya going on...

I want something sturdy, and most small laptops/netbooks are all but that... I like the potential options...
i'd be able to do on-the-go maya if I got i7 or i5.... with i3 I just don't bother... with this Dv6 it is just dying... I called HP and they'll send a tech to check it out, and then assess return options... worst comes worst I sell for parts or use it as a paper weight... I just don't trust it... It's the 4th time it has died.

I'm even considering trying to get money for the DV6 and putting it towards a new m11x....

small with potential power is what I'm after.
multi-tasking with photo-editing and film and 3d software... mainly really... just waiting on HP to call back... so probs won't be getting this 2nd hand m11x... still not sure...

 

I agree and share your distaste with HP. My previous dv6 (a while ago) broke down 3 times and on the 3rd return from the depot, the screen was scratched and they had the nerve to blame me (10 minutes after UPS left my home). Never again!

The M11X is an excellent machine to have (I used to have an R1 and miss it to death). Hopefully you won't have any issues b/c of the warranty thing

It's a shame that the motherboard/cpu i5 switching would cost a small fortune. Here, extended warranties after it's been out of warranty is generally the current price of a warranty + 80% as per a AW rep I was speaking to, so 199$+80$ ...quite pricey. I imagine it's more over in AUS since laptops are about 50% more in price.

 

GUH! Tell me about it!!! We get ripped off so much for computers in AUS!

Yeah, unfortunately HP most likely won't refund me. I have a tach going to fix it, but even then, I'm just not gonna bother... I'll try and sell it once they repair it, or give it to someone... it's annoying as it cost me $700 to buy last July, and not it'd be lucky to get $300 - 400 for it, if that!

Anyway, any money I get will go to a M11X... I'm thinking i5... and just get it all base stuff, i was shocked to see that a 250GB SSD would add $500 to it!!! So I'd just get the 500GB HHD and then replace with a SSD... I've seen decent ones going for like, $250... You can replace the hard drives on these, yes??? unlike the CPU?

A bonus is that the car insurance agency I'm with offer up to 15% off Dell products, I looked it all up, I think I can get maybe 8% off... not sure... I'd have to call up, I'd phone order as usually you can haggle a bit, I did that with my M15X (which I'm typing on now) and I got $300 off... woot!

But yeah, thinking just 4GB RAM and then when i get my 16GB RAM for my M15X, I'll replace the 4GB RAM with the 8GB... Win! XD

 

Yes, you can replace the hard drive and memory .

 

Nice.
That's good news... I'd probs keep the original HDD for a while until i can afford a new SSD...

Only so much money in the piggy bank.

 

Sounds to me, like someone said before, you aren't going to game on it. You already have a m15x. Looks for other notebooks, an Intel intergrated gpu works fine for photoshop work and such.

 

What small notebooks available that are able to handle Maya/After Effects?

Which one's have a decent processor and graphics card?

I've been thinking about my workload and schedule, and there's a lot of time where I'm travelling or away from home.
where I'd be able to work on AE or just research.

I understand the value for money, and cheaper options.. but I'm after a emall notebook that will last, something sturdy.
I'm not really aware of any notebooks which have that.
I looked at a few yesterday in the shops, including rhe m11x, and none really match up to its physical build.

Call me old fashioned, but I do believe price does indicate quality, sometimes.

There are a lot of i3 notebooks which I'm seeing, but none of them have as much upgrade options and the likes.
I don't know of a single small notebook which can take up to 16GB ram... and most I'm seeing at the shops and online don't go past an i3 processor.

I've kinda changed my mind halfway through this thread, thinking a new one would be best. For build quality and warranty.

I want something that'll last me 3 or so years, When I finish my studies, there's a chance that I'll even upgrade the m15x or sell it and get a desktop... not sure...

I'm still iffy as in what to do atm.

But the solid build is a + for me...

 

What small notebooks available that are able to handle Maya/After Effects?

Which one's have a decent processor and graphics card?

I've been thinking about my workload and schedule, and there's a lot of time where I'm travelling or away from home.
where I'd be able to work on AE or just research.

I understand the value for money, and cheaper options.. but I'm after a emall notebook that will last, something sturdy.
I'm not really aware of any notebooks which have that.
I looked at a few yesterday in the shops, including rhe m11x, and none really match up to its physical build.

Call me old fashioned, but I do believe price does indicate quality, sometimes.

There are a lot of i3 notebooks which I'm seeing, but none of them have as much upgrade options and the likes.
I don't know of a single small notebook which can take up to 16GB ram... and most I'm seeing at the shops and online don't go past an i3 processor.

I've kinda changed my mind halfway through this thread, thinking a new one would be best. For build quality and warranty.

I want something that'll last me 3 or so years, When I finish my studies, there's a chance that I'll even upgrade the m15x or sell it and get a desktop... not sure...

I'm still iffy as in what to do atm.

But the solid build is a + for me...

 

For those sort of programs T-ravisty, the CPU will make more of a difference than the GPU.

The M11x features a ULV (ultra-low voltage) CPU which isn't as powerful as a standard mobile CPU. This isn't really a problem for most games which mainly hit the GPU and is where the M11x really excels in its class. For Maya and After Effects, the main rendering and such will be done by the CPU.

I've thought about it and agree with the others that since your main priority isn't gaming on the go, there is probably a different laptop which will best suit your needs.
The main one I can think of is the Lenovo X 220. It features a standard voltage CPU, IPS display and an incredible battery life.

Have a bit of a look around and read up on it to see if it will suit your needs. I know it doesn't have the mean looks of an Alienware (what else does?) but it may be what you are after.

 

My girlfriend is a 3d model art major, she's using an i7 quad core. It will kill your battery life when you are working on it. But it get's the job done. I say the main things you need would be quad core, ram, and an ssd. She uses a toshiba satellite, it's not my cup of tea, but it gets the job done. It runs on a 5400rpm hdd, and I could see the bottleneck of it

 

Ah nice, just checking the Lenovo X220 out, seems decent.

What do you mean about the voltages of the CPU? Like what are the differences in performance in regards to CPU output with these two notebooks in regards to the voltages?

Hey hiarieshi, I like what you're saying, they're the specs I'm after, and I'm looking around atm for different things available for the price/specs I'm after.

I'm iffy about toshiba satellite's, my dad got one last year and had the case/hinge crack on him in the span of a month... So with seeing the insane damage of what happened just by lugging it o the office and home, i'm not too keen on it...

Thinkpad have always been good on build quality I know of, I've known a few people who have had them for years without any hassles...

What options are available for a good solid build that will last average wear and tear and travel? I'm after small/sturdy/power... I'm happy with i5 really, it would be powerful enough to do basic 3D and AE...

The main thing I'm after is build quality with potential power... i understand that the CPU isn't the greatest, but I could do with i5, it would still be able to handle what i throw at it.
I'd do most of the heavy work on the M15X...

 

Mate you're seeing the "i5" and making comparisons between the desktop i5. They aren't comparable. This is a dual-core i5 running at wicked low voltages. Desktops are quad-cores with about an extra 1GHz, more cache, and running at proper voltages.

These ULV CPU's are maybe 1/4 as powerful as the desktop i5's, if that.

I personally think the i5 should be decent enough for photoshopping and some after effects, but as far as rendering 3D models goes... I'm not sure.

 

Ah, okay, I see your point... They're rather slow in comparison to the desktop i5's...

How come these are dual core?

I would just do basic stuff on it, and use the m15x for the bigger stuff.
I'd probably to on-the-go modelling rather than 3D rendering on it, just quick simple stuff to get idea's down.

It should be fine for AE I can imagine... Not 100% sure.

 

I would imagine power consumption, quad's would use more power = less battery life and imo the dual-cores with hyperthreading are more than enough for this system. That's why the i7 is more of a "luxury" upgrade because it is also only a dual-core and has maybe a 5% performance gain over the i5 for an extra $200 (however the integrated GPU on the i5 is superior to the i7's).

I'm hearing what you're saying, and sure it sounds like a different lappy might suit your needs better, but from the sounds of your posts you have definitely psyched yourself up to get another Alienware, and i absolutely do not blame you.

Get the M11x mate, you will not be disappointed, and if you pass it up and get something else you'll always be comparing it to the Alienware and wishing you'd got it instead.

I use my M11x R3 (specs in sig) as my main machine, and i'm so happy with it i haven't even looked into building another desktop. This does everything i need, and than some.

 

Rishin is completely right. The ULV CPU sacrifices performance for battery life. It is nothing like a desktop i5. A quadcore desktop i5 would obliterate the dual core ULV i5 in performance but there is no way it could used in the M11x chassis.

That being said, I survived for 1.5 years with my M11x as my main machine and everything was sweet. I was using it heaps with MATLAB and AutoCAD and the M11x handled those tasks admirably.
If you love the look, feel and aurora of an Alienware (which lets face it, we all do here) then you will probably be disappointed with anything else. I haven't seen another computer turn heads like an AW does.

Luckily you'd be able to do the heavy AE rendering on your M15x but for on the fly work, an M11x with 8GB+ RAM would do a decent job. It also seems that the R3 and definitely the R1 has considerably better battery life than the R2. I can get around 5 hours doing light-moderate web surfing and word processing which is fine for me, especially since there is an AC outlet at every possible place you might sit down to do work at my Uni.
I've heard accounts of ~7 hours for the R3 and ~9+ hours for the R1.

 

Haha, yes, you're quite right about the psyched up part...
I guess I have a bit.
My m15x has done me good, best part being the keyboards. They keys on it are the best I've ever used!

My girlfriend has been saying the same thing.
Basically saying that I'm happy with the m15x, why not just stick to a brand that has done you well and I'm happy with?

Plus the awesome look of 'em.

Well, if I put my 8GB from the m15x into it, it should be sweet.

Next problem being, do I buy a new one or 2nd hand?
I've been shown one on gumtree which is basically what I want. same specs and all.
Except I'd prefer an SSD...

It would cost me $1900 for one with an ssd at the Dell website, which is a rip.
$1500 with 500GB HDD.

I've seen SSD's for like $250-300 that are compatible. 128 or 256GB.

Would I be able to just use respawn or datasafe, take out HDD, put in SSD and then boot from usb?
or would I need to do a clean install?
Because I've read opposing answers to this... something about acronis letting you to as it just copies the whole drive and respawn needing a drive the same size?

Anywhoo, you're right about I'd regret it if I got something else.

Cheers.

 

I'm doing the same. Very happy with the brand. Tech came out and fixed my M11XR1 within 48 hours. Other brands take weeks in the repair depot.

---

Only you can decide whether to purchase a used/new system. I prefer refurbished if the warranty is the same as new (if offered).

---

If you're paying 250-300$ for 128GB SSD over there, have you considered importing one from Canada/US? Or would it be too expensive?

Here we have some Corsair/Kingston @ 120GB (500mb+ read/write) sata 3's between 129-149$ sometimes on sale.

And yeah, you're right about avoiding Dell's ridiculous SSD price

 

I was looking on ebay for those prices.
SSD's are $300-40? in-store here... rip.

Where would I get one from the US?
do you have a link you could give me?

probs be cheaper or equal to get one shipped...

 

The Crucial M4 is a great SSD which seems to be dropping in price by the day.

The lowest I've seen is $149 on Amazon.com for the 128GB M4 shipped to Australia. I was sooo close to pulling the trigger but I decided that I didn't need it right now and by the time I do, it'll be even cheaper.

 

Not sure if these guys ship internationally, but they're the best in Canada just to give you an idea.

A few links of the one's I think are the best deals:
1) Canada Computers | Solid State Drives | Patriot Pyro 120GB SATA 6Gb/s Solid State Drive (SSD), Read: 550MB/s, Write: 515MB/s (PP120GS25SSDR)
2) Canada Computers | Solid State Drives | Corsair Force Series 3 GT 120GB 2.5" SATA 6Gb/s Solid State Drive (SSD), Read: 555MB/s, Write: 515MB/s, includes 2.5" to 3.5" bracket (CSSD-F120GBGT-BK)

If they don't ship internationally, you can look for these models on ebay/amazon/elsewhere (slightly more expensive).
Just avoid OCZ since they have lousy support and high failure rates

M4 is also an excellent SSD as Rypac mentioned (if you can find it at a good price).

 

I am from australia too, and I would 100% suggest you buying from this aussie site (they're based in melbourne), PC Case Gear
Just an example, a 120gb corsair ssd is $170.

 

PCCG is the greatest (both online & brick n mortar) PC store in autralia, bar none IMO. Ordered from them countless times and their prices are some of the best we have.

+1 for the 128GB Crucial M4, here's the bench of it running in my M11x R3:

 

Yeah, I'm exactly like that. HP customer/technical support is TERRIBLE!!! The tech called me today, HP Customer Support gave them the wrong details and a tech from the other side of the country... they stuffed that up and still no resolve! Guh!

I'm thinking the same thing, 'll wait a bit for it to drop before I get one. I'll be spending a bit to begin with, more than planned...

But yes, I'm set on the M11X now, mainly for build quality and size.

YES! Fantastic store! It's like 30mins away from where I live. I've been to the store once before.
Centrecom is also good too... Centre Com - Cheap Laptops & Computers

Probs end up getting the 128GB Crucial M4...

 

So lads and ladies... I bought an M11X...

$1400...
i5 - 4GB RAM - 1GB GPU - 500GB HDD - Killer Wireless - Upgraded Audio

I managed to haggle with them on the phone and they cut $100 off for me as I'm an existing customer and had a deal for Bose speakers free with AW purchases... Win!

Cheers for the help all.

I'll be putting my 8GB RAM from my M15X into this and upgrade to a SSD midyear.

Although it was more than i wanted and I could of gotten bigger and more specs for the same price, it was thew size and build quality that I was after...

But thanks again.

Should be delivered by the 22nd.

Btw, is it worthwhile me getting an anti-static band? For installing the ram and ssd...

 

in regards to the antistatic wristband. i got one but instead of using it i usually just make sure to touch something metal first and dont move around on carpet or stuff to much while installing it. its always good tho to be safe.

 

Nice work T-ravisty, congrats on your beast. It's good that you ended up going for the M11x. Since you had your hopes set so highly on it, I think that anything else wouldn't have cut it when it comes to size, quality and style in a single package.

I've done everything on my laptops without an antistatic wristband but it may be handy to get one. Good luck!

 

Cheers Rypac,

yeah, I'm happy with my purchase.
I just love the size of it.

Ah cool cool, I might purchase one just incase... For the sake of 5 bucks, it's worth the safety net...

 

Congrats!

You won't regret your purchase decision, the M11XR3 is an excellent machine

 

Cheers all!

Next question, where can I get a decent matte screen protector? Green Onion have a good one I hear, but unfortunately they don't ship to Aus.

I've scoured the web for some, just don't know what are decent brands and decent quality?
I'm wanting it to cover the entire of the screen/border... I've seen many that are screen only... any thoughts anyone?

 

There is no border around the screen, there is a flat glossy screen covering both the LED screen and border, and it has them encased within the entire lid. The way the screen closes too, i'm not sure if it would sit right with a protector on.