What are some realistic expectations for M11X R3?

Now that the core i5/i7 R2 has been out and getting mixed reviews, I'm interested in knowing what you think is possible for R3 or what you would like to see in the next refresh. Ideally it should come at around Christmas time considering R1 --> R2 took half a year.

- Is there a new gpu model annouced that will replace the GT 335M (if so, any specs available?)
- the chasis looks good right now but I wouldn't mind a redesign that looks more like the m15x/m17x

So far, the pros/cons I see from the R2 are

pros:
- faster laptop all around, snappier at running programs
- noticeable improvements in cpu intensive programs and benchmarks

cons:
- battery life takes 10-25% hit, dropped from 7-8 to 4-5 hours
- FPS increase is not significant (except BC2)
- $150 for core i7 upgrade

 

Absolutely agree with a newer GPU, it seems the CPU wasn't as much of a bottleneck as originally thought.

Also like to see:
-The option to manually switch between integrated and dedicated GFX. People who like craptimus I mean optimus can continue to use it if they wish.
-Solid processors with a decent base clock and reliable overclock, this will inevitably mean better cooling and heat control.
-Edge to edge display, higher resolution would be nice but not a must. Better contrast (especially black levels) and brightness levels are.
-Memory to run at higher speed.
-Nebula red option.

I'd like to see a bit of a redesign too, just to keep it fresh and new. A more customisable lighting scheme would be nice also. But they are just little extras, the current design is very nice IMO.

 

come on, not another non-sense/speculative thread about things that are not about to happen

 

Better hinge.

 

Dont think there will be a R3. Has there ever been a third revision for a model rather than a "new" model introduced? I can only think back the the m17 ...

Someone else chime in with more insight?

Thanks, StevenX

 

Well I can't see the m11x itself being dropped anytime soon as I hear it has been extremely successful for Alienware. So, they'll just release a completely new design called the m11...something?

 

yeah the screen is definitely one of the key things that should be upgraded next. If the hardware is powerful enough a larger screen that fill the bezel and running at 1440 x 900 will be perfect.

I thought there has been talk in the alienware forum for over a year now of a 13" alienware, that will be the best size/performance combo.

and this thread is not non-sense as it allow people to share their opinions and may help potential buyers decide if they should buy now or wait it out (assuming there is some concrete info being posted such as new gpu specs)

 

Enough with the R3 already!! Sheesh!

 

My guess is that R3 or a new model or whatever will include a new mobile GPU. (An aside, but it will probably be an R3, in the other Alienware models things like the GPU and such are interchangeable, on the M11X it is soldered onto the mobo, thus it is more likely they will have more refreshes with the M11X than their other models since each new GPU or CPU is a refresh). At the moment I would not expect a refresh until sometime into next year at the earliest. As far as I know the ultra mobile DX11 cores are not even available yet, and then after they are finally available it generally takes 6ish months for companies to start launching refreshes using them.

For example, the i7 and i5 ULV had launched when the M11X R1 was first coming out and shipping, but it took them 6 months after that to launch the R2.

Anyway, I would not recommend waiting to anyone, unless you just really don't need a laptop and want to keep the M11X in mind for next year sometime. However, everyone with R1's will probably want to wait until the R3 to upgrade, since you can be sure it will be a much more impressive performance jump than the R2.

Some features I am hoping for in the R3:
A screen upgrade option
No more optimus, or optional optimus, or at the very least Optimus that works
New GPU
Maybe a slight case redesign to fix the hinge and screen on keyboard problems

 

i feel that USB 3.0 and perhaps just a small notch up in resolution will be considered.

remember, they're marketing this notebook as the m11x, and not the m12x / m13x so no, i wouldn't want them to debut this computer with a larger screen, rather, i'd like a higher resolution screen (perhaps 1440 x 900).

perhaps a different GPU? maybe ATU has debuted a better gpu

 

higher resolution on the m11x? would that be to high to notice a difference with the same screen size?

i think the next step would be a faster and more powerful GPU, does the m11x have a replaceable graphic card?

 

It better have usb3, a matte screen and hopefully ssd standard as prices will have come down. If not then at least a momentus xt option.

Oh and it better be damn rock solid as far as external monitor/resolutoins go none of this crashing stuff.

 

it would offer more real estate for the desktop which i would LOVE. i already scale back my games regardless on the m11x to increase FPS so the increased resolution wouldn't be for gaming for me.

 

+1 couldn't agree more with the screen size.


I wouldn't increase the screen resolution though. This is a small laptop and it will always be lacking in the power department compared to larger machines. Having it push a higher resolution will only make games slower. 1440x900 would make the little guy render an additional 24% of pixels. Not to mention the resolution would be so fine it could get hard to read.

My wish list:
1) Fix hinge design so its more durable and doesn't scratch the screen against the keyboard.
2) GPU upgrade (Largest impact on gaming)
3) Screen with better viewing angles.
4) CPU clock increase (Some games like Crysis and possibly BF:BC2 seem to be CPU bottlenecked even for an overclocked i7 640UM)
5) Better cooling design. The airflow to the fan at the bottom seems to get reduced significantly by the ground. The vents should continue to a bit of the side.
5) Third wireless antenna. If it can have an extra 2 antennas for WWAN, why not allow you have use one of those for a third WiFi antenna.