To buy or not to buy...

So, I am a student about to begin college in the fall. I plan on buying a laptop, particularly the M11X. Seeing that Alienware is dumping its current M11X's, and the price is very affordable at $599, do you think I should buy the laptop now or wait for the R3? I don't necessarily need to purchase one until right before school starts so the wait won't be a problem. For me, the most important factors are price and performance (essentially bang for your buck.) I just want a good deal. Initially, I was set on buying the M11X now for the low price but I learned of its faulty hinges and highly reflective screen while researching. Now I don't know what to do. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

The whole R3 thing is speculation at this point. I mean a new one will probably be released soon but waiting for one is not worth it imo. Just get what you want or need now and don't worry too much about the future, it will drive you nuts. Besides that, if and when the R3 is released, it will probably cost a lot more than what the R1 is selling for now. The hinge issue fix was posted in another thread so I wouldn't let that stop you. Best thing to do is look for deals from Dell. They are constantly running promotions. I picked up an R2 a couple of weeks ago for $650. Good luck.

 

I'd wait, it's not even summer yet. See what happens. If nothing else you can always get a rerub r1 or r2 if the r3 is too expensive.

 

Rerub? Sign me up!

 

What's a rerub?

 

lol. Augusta is just making fun of Iryxian's typo.

 

Ah, so I'm guessing he meant refurbished?

 

I'd say wait for the next $200 off sale and go for it!

 

R3 is speculation. If you are buying this for school I wouldn't suggest it as you'll spend most of your time troubleshooting when you need it most. Get the new Amilo. They are compatitble with ATI's new XGP (Xternal Graphics Processor) via PCI-E bus. Its pretty sick..

 

I bought my R2 middle of last summer for school. It is a GREAT machine for school. Doesn't take up much room in my room. Portable for when I have group projects on campus with great battery (7hrs and yes that is with the i5). I use a 32 inch Samsung LED as my external at home.
I never have a problem with it, I run modded drivers and other ICC profile along with Throttle Stop and it has never left me in trouble.
I have many different programs from National Instruments such as Labview, Multisim, etc on it that run beautifully. I haven't run Solid Works or Autocad yet this year.
My advice to you is to wait until summer to maybe cash in on the possible R3.

 

No, I was talking about the Dell Suppport guy that comes in a alien costume to give you a "rerub".

 

When the R3 comes out (IF it comes out), I doubt it will be priced low enough to be "bang for your buck". Typically you would pay a premium to get the latest model. So go ahead and get the R1 or R2--the recent sales for both models have been amazing deals.

 

dont buy now. after all, i dont like its screen. dont like its keyboard. i traded mine for father's thinkpad T400. all happy now.

 

the screen is about average, and in line with many other laptops. i'm pretty happy with it. i'm already used to its glare and i don't notice it that much indoors. i like the keyboard's feel, and i'm used to the layout now.

try to check one out in person for yourself and don't listen to us idiots on the internet

also, $650 for a new R1 with 250GB HDD and 4GB RAM is a great deal. or, get a refurbed i5 R2 for around the same amount of money. as others have said, an R3 is just speculation at this point, and when it does come out, you're probably looking at $1,000 for a low-end one.

 

I second all this - a very straight to the point opinion imo. I'd probably say that the screen is slightly below average, not about average - but, even as such, it is definitely in line with many other laptops - that's true. Also, this screen is adequate for the $650 price tag indeed.

Most importantly, be sure to double- and triple- check if the display lid on the laptop you will be getting has the revised hinges. Be 100% positive about it - otherwise it is absolutely pointless to buy an m11x.

 

I'm not sure if it's that critical. They are being replaced, so if you (the OP) are prepared to live with the hassle of them coming to replace it sometime in the future then it's not as big a deal as it was when there were a lot of reported faults, but no resolution in place.

I just got mine last week, knowing about the hinge issue, and knowing that I had a warranty and that there were plans to replace them anyway. I don't know if I have the new hinge or not. But I'll see how things work out, and will check with AW before my warranty is up to arrange a replacement if needed - just in case

 

Yes, you are absolutely right - it is better now than it was before, at least in case if "them coming to replace it" service is provided in your country of residence. But then, it is exactly as you said it - IF the OP is prepared to pay for living with the hassle. Personally, I find the idea of purchasing broken hinges a bit ridiculous, even if I am sure those would be somehow replaced free of charge - therefore I recommend the easier way - make sure you are protected from the issue before you spend your money.