What would you like to see in the next M11x?

There would be more draw on the GPU since it would have to output to a higher res which would lower the framerates.

 

Is it just me. Or does m11x looks larger than it is in reality on YouTube videos?

Hmmm. Proly because at bestbuy, they set it up near the large ones.

Anyway, good point there DR650. May I ask, is the current m11x optimized for external display as well? Considering that that was what they were hinting for us to do with the vast array of display ports?

 

Yea, the M11x has a strong GPU which is the main component. With an overclocked GPU I was able to get 6800+ at the 1280x1024 resolution. Which isn't bad at all. Since most games require a strong GPU, you can display on an external at high resolutions. I've played games on an external at high settings in my office. THE GPU is suprisingly powerful for such a little laptop. It also mauy look bigger since some of the youtube videos are zoomed in.

 

I would actually like to see a extra headphone jack so I can run 5.1 surround and a mic for games.

 

Thats already on the current version Two headphone jacks and a mic jack that can be used for 5.1

 

I know, but I cant run my mic when I have my 5.1 surround hooked up.

 

Actually, I'd like to see an Alienware M13x:

A slightly larger form factor would allow:

13" screen (1366 x 768 please)
Slightly larger touchpad
Slightly more spacing between the keyboard keys-no more crammed enter or arrow keys etc
Space for additional cooling (maybe a slightly larger, quieter low rpm fan?)
Space for an even higher capacity battery
Space for an optical drive


Plus all the usual requests:

New Core ixxx ULV CPU options
Nvidia Optimus or newer low TDP ATI switchable graphics
Matte screen option
Synaptics Multitouch touchpad drivers standard

 

New cpu
Nvidia Optimus
USB 3.0 (yes I know this one is a pipe dream!)
External battery
Non glossy screen


If it had the top two of these I would buy one straight away. I'd even pay £100-200 more.

 

@dr260
i know bout the zoom in thing. i meant the videos where they actually showed one in hand. like the one where they test it to game anywhere in London. and the one where they compare it with Sony Vaio Z.



The last one really made me think of wishing for the 13" since the m11x is already close to a 13" body built. an m13x, following alienware's built logic would more or less likely to be near a normal 15" laptop.


I just wish for a technology that would lessen the need for an external mouse (note lessen the need not substitute) making it really 'ultraportable':

hmmm. a highly sensitive trackpad perhaps? placed on the lower right? (or at the middle to be fair with our lefty friends). and placing the two mouse buttons above the said trackpad. this (concept) trackpad would be more or less be multi touch.

Concept Usage: Three fingers (thumb, ring, & pinky) would be touching the trackpad for mouse movement while the other two (index & middle finger) are at the two mouse bottons (as said above) above the trackpad?

of course the track pad would have to be stretched a little and the sensitivity of pointer movement doubled (these two maybe what makes this one not feasible). what do you think? possible?

 

I can only say that if the m11x had a better CPU, I would have ordered one already. The glossy screen puts me off also.

edit: Oh, and yeah optimus.

Rectify these things and I'll purchase one in a flash.

 

For me it'd have to be:

- a ULV i5 or i7 CPU, since the CPU is the current bottleneck.
- Nvidia Optimus (better driver support plus programs can be specified to make use of a specific GPU)
- Matte display
- preferably a 12.1in screen with the same size laptop. Rename it to M12x or hell, just keep the name M11x.

I've noticed a lot of people point out the first three. Hope Alienware takes note.

 

Well maybe it's bold, but I'm just going to say it - if they're going to upgrade the processor it would be a great idea to incorporate the LM Version, not the UM UltraLow Voltage ones. There is a 7W difference in TDP, so maybe they could compensate by putting in a more energy efficient GPU?

Other stuff:

• screen with a matte option, pretty please
• USB 3.0
• Optimus

 

The Optimus thing and the CPU made me pull the break on buying the M11x. I have been wandering forums for a post like this one and it is pretty encouraging.

One thing though that bothers me, is everyone is focused on Optimus and current nvidia GPU which is not DirectX 11 compatible. Why not giving the option of adding a Mobility 5850 or 5870? DX11 claims that games are benefiting of the technology and acheiving higher FPS because of coding optimisation and GPU usage. It should give a longer life to the laptop!

Here's what I would like to see:

- Core i5 minimum
- DirectX11 compatiblie GPU : ATI Mobility 58xx
- USB 3.0
- 13inch would be welcomed so we better use the current shell
- Matte display

Thanks!

 

I agree, DX11 would be a huge advantage, so maybe R5850 should be an option?

 

a 13 inch model with higher end CPU/GPU is going to make the 899$ starting price a lot higher and the base model will more then likely cost over 1K. I highly doubt the screen is going to change in size considering the name of the computer indicates the screen size. I can't see the M11x being a short lived model and replacing it with the M13x or even having 4 models rather.

 

I think the greatest issue here is the Optimus seeing as some current owners complain that the fan of the current m11x doesn't die down as it should be when switched to integrated mode.

The CPU is a given. This should be changed. It is a stain on Alienware's logo as a gaming machine company (making me more inclined to believe that Dell placed those core 2 duo's in an effort to rid themselves of their stocks seeing as everybody's going core ix these days, even the newly refreshed MacBook Pro's)

About the screen. I was one of the dreamers (and I still do), but seeing how the 'ultraportable' element of the m11x had made people bite even with complains on the bottleneck CPU, I doubt they would do us a favor and stretch that screen a bit.

Funny how just this rumor have some owners putting their m11x on craigslist already.

 

I would like to see a bloody matte or anti-glare scree!! lol, Optimums is cool and it would be great to be here, they really could of put the sp processors in here, the temps would of been a bit higher but hey performance matters.

 

Eh I prefer the manual option, wasn't there a problem that with Optimus that programs need to include code to initiate the change? I'd agree that USB 3.0 should've been an already included feature just to support future external accessories that would support it.

 

I would like to see a 12 inch screen same resoultion and with a hinge like that a sony, xps or hp has. The screen with RGB 72% gamt and a plastic cover that stays attached to the screen.

Not to mention the elimination of a reorder process that waits two weeks and then cancels your order without any reason human or otherwise.

 

Well I'm returning my M15x and waiting for the M11x refresh.

 

although i believe M11X refresh wont be anytime soon or maybe even next year or so

but i guess my hope is that it will be with Optimus and i3 as 1/2 of this thread suggest

but also i wish for it to have 2.0 MP webcam, other than that im fine with the current M11X

i have no issue for the super Glossy Screen, in fact i think it looks more premium with that glossy full screen

but the most is that, all that, and still at the $1000 mark, i will be okay with 1200 - 1300 ish as i know the i3 or i5 upgrade will at least cost another 100

 

Would be nice if they have multiple screen options. Glossy and Matte, maybe with a higher quality screen.. Although I wouldn't want a higher resolution, just better black levels, contrast, etc.

Optimus would also be nice, due to having driver support directly from nvidia. I'd also guess that it wouldn't have as many of the issues (fan noise, etc) due to it being more of a standard setup.

 

Just put a i5 and I'm all good to go. The only weak point of this lappie.

 

Please don't restrict it to standard voltage. The main attraction for me is the balance of portability (battery life) and power (GPU). Hope there are options ranging from i5-520UM ULV to i7-760UM ULV (most powerful yet). Maybe we could have some low voltage for those that want a bit more power.

 

The only thing i would change,

NEED SPACE BETWEEN THE KEYBOARD AND SCREEN WHEN CLOSING, i dont like opening to see my kayboard on my screen

 

what did you mean on keyboard on your screen??

 

OOH I know what he means. My cousins always had this on their older laptops. The keyboard would imprint itself on the screen, cuz it was too close to the screen. Those marks can also become scratches too after time. So if you can obtain a gigantic sized invisishield, then you're good to go.

 

I was just curious if anyone had an idea on what possible GPU alienware might be using on the M11x refresh that I hope is this summer.

 

None... the gpu is pretty darn new. (notebook standards, not desktop). If anything the cpu would be the most logical upgrade. The m11x just came out. I wouldn't expect a refresh anytime soon... Maybe same notebook with different cpu option.
Later,
StevenX

 

Hi there! This post is fantastic (and famous)! I've register just for comment here!

I just want to ask a few questions, please:

1. If I have already one M11x and I want to improve the processor... do I have to buy a whole new computer or can I just pay to make my processor go ix (i mean i3 i5 or i7)? in that case, How much do you think it will cost? Cos I've really need a computer for my university degree (and for playing videogames) that starts at 1 of September.

2. Can I use Ubuntu (also with windows -"double boot"-) in the M11x?

3. Is it true that can run GTAIV on high with an average of 20fps (overcloacked)?

Thanks for your time and sorry 'bout my English

PD: God! I love this computer!!! ^.^

 

Core i3 with a usable IGP.

 

More metal More metal More metal......And to stop the M11x from trying to bring down the quality of the higher level Alienware laptops to avg consumer market. Thank you.

 

1. No way, Jose. Different chipsets, different architecture. Just not doable.

2. Of course, no problem there.

3. I honestly don't think so, as GTAIV is a very CPU demanding game...

 

i really wish for a higher CPU clocked option. i mean the chassis and the cooling system as i have seen it can really stand hand in hand in accomodating high clocked cpus for trading power consumption to performance but i just wish...

 

Quite impressive... do you have the core 2 duo proccesor or just the basic one? have you overcloaked it?

And the last couple of questions (I hope)... do you recommend me to wait till August to buy it? coz i'm really interested in the core ix... but i need the computer at first of September :S also, i wanna play my games in summer ...

PD: do you think this """netbook""" is good for studying at the university? I mean carrying it all over the campus, into the classes and is it comfortable to write and take notes, make power points... etc, cos i think the processor will be a bit laggy in this kind of activities (forgive my ignorance, please xD). However I still love the size and power fitted in here

Thanks again for your time!

 

Three things I'd like to see:

Metal shell

RGB LED option

Death Ray (well, maybe not necessary)

 

There won't be that much of a difference in processing power (unless they put in a non-ulv processor which seems unlikely), so you might as well buy it now.

I think this would be great or Uni, as it is fairly portable, lasts long on a charge and its processor is capable enough to deal with all your Uni requirements.

 

sweet! Thank you very much!

 

A built in optical Drive

USB 3.0
I3 CPU

Or a 13 inch version of the M11x with the above

 

I totally support you! But i think it is totally necessary

 

no problem, glad to help however.

It's the Su4100, overclocked thru the bios option (although i'd love to see it handles some more serious clocking... when warranty's out... )

some ppl say august, others say end of the year. I'd be more incline to say it's going to be alot later then august, but that's just assumption....

yeah, bet it would work good for school, too. I took it on the road the other day, and got about 8 hours of battery life...

 

(1) HDMI 1.4a For the 100MB Ethernet.
What?
Did you think I wanted 4096×2160p for my home theater.
Oh and HDMI 1.4 supports 3D for gaming.

(2) Optical audio out.

(3) USB 3.0

(4) EEG (brain type stuff) controlled mouse. (OK, maybe next year then)

(5) Coffee holder/warmer.

 

yeah! thanks Freeride

this "portatil" is "awesombroso!" XDDD

 

They had a pretty short refresh between the M17x and the M17x R2 so a precedent has already been set/

Just like the M17x, they could replace the MB and CPU (and GPU in this case) but leave everything else the same. That's what I would bet on.

 

I would like to see an i5 and usb 3.0 but I think that now its more than perfect for me.

 

Well the only things I would reasonably expect to come out in a later version would be:
1, Gigabit Ethernet
2, A newer and faster ULV processor
3, ESATA port

 

I got one of these recently with the 500GB 7,200rpm drive and 4GB DDR3 RAM, I was really debating between this and a VAIO Z Series with an i5 or i7. I overclocked it straight away to the 1.73Ghz, which has seemed fine and left it that way since having it hasn't crashed once. Pros, great quite keyboard, touch pad isn't bad, runs well, better res than most netbooks of 1024x600, sim slot but difficult to get going in Aust. Cons: Screen doesn't fill to the edges and bottom which would be better use of the space, is heavy 2kg and battery isn't removable, no gigabit ethernet, e-sata, fingerprint reader (Alien face detection isn't reliable when moving around changing lighting conditions) overall it's far better than it is worse, but wonder why some things like e-sata, gigabit ethernet couldn't have been included as even the Gigabyte 14" similar priced cheaper notebooks have with a DVD drive also and lighter. It doens't seem to get hot while playing games and runs COD MD2 perfect, Assassins Creed 2 struggles slightly though.

My improvements would be:
Removeable battery
fingerprint reader
E-Sata or USB3
Gigabit ethernet (seems stupid bringing out a new device with it)
sligthly larger screen that goes to the edges and bottom
A faster CPU that could run underclocked seems better than overclocking a slow one, who buys a gaming PC for battery life anyway. I'd rather performance.
IF it was slightly thinner would be better
Mini PCI slot as there's a large amount of space on the right side with no CD Drive
In Built TV Tuner
More settings in the BIOS, E.g. allowing multiplier settings to be changed and increase RAM speed etc

 

I agree with many of the common suggestions, but I am adding a voice here (even if redundant) to help push Dell/Alienware to actually implement the suggestions in this thread in the event that they actually read it.

However, rather than "refresh" the m11x and leave early-adopters feeling abandoned, I think Alienware should introduce an m13x with a higher screen resolution and space for parts with better specs, even if the chassis width (but not thickness!) gets more like a 15". I would not mind paying a bit more for higher specs (that is what Alienware is for IMO), and the m11x could remain successful as a value model.

Upgrades (in order of importance):
- Faster processor (at least ULV i5/i7 or maybe even regular i5/i7... Sony's Vaio Z pulls them off)
- Nvidia Optimus
- Anti-glare, edge-to-edge screen
- Less cramped keyboard
- Removable battery
- Fill the blank space on the chassis with ports? (no wasted space)

Thinner and lighter is always better, but I prioritize higher power. I would be happy with an improved device as long as its thickness stayed about 1", its battery life remained decent, and its weight stayed under 5 lbs.

An optical drive would be nice, but its absence would make room for better components, cooling, and battery. If the 13" Sony Vaio Z (complete with optical drive) can pull off regular i5/i7 processors with almost as good a GPU as the m11x, I see no reason why Alienware could not match those processors with a better GPU, cooling, and/or battery life if they kept out the optical drive but used the bigger chassis.

I could also do without lighting FX*, logos, and webcam if their absence could leave space for more meaningful components like CPU, GPU, HDD, screen, and battery.

Ultimately, CPU is the main factor keeping me away from the m11x and a combination of GPU and price is keeping me away from the Sony Vaio Z. If Alienware could provide the processing power of the Z with their emphasis on gaming and better graphics, I would be more willing to pay a higher price for the ultimate premium system.

Edit: *I do not want the backlit keyboard function to disappear. I just meant that the multicolor system could be simplified if it would free up space.

 

Okay, since I'm becoming more an more interested in the m11x, I thought I'd compile a list in no particular order, and add what I would want. By "what I want", I mean, "I will buy this immediately, on an impulse, even at a premium" which says a lot (at least in my book). So, here we go. From page 1; apologies in advance for not crediting people. Yes, I just went through 20 full pages of posts.

Links of Interest:
• Darkhan's Posting - 07 April 2010
• NW Guru's Posting - 20 April 2010

I've seen people wildly toss around dates as far back as September/October, but cannot find any links to where they have sourced that information. As far as I know, Darkhan's June/July posting is the only "confirmed" timeline, with NW Guru confirming the summer, perhaps back a month, to August. The next potential news on anything related to small form factor performance laptops is likely to come out of Computex (June 1-3?) or E3 (June 14-17?).

Current and Potential Competitors:
• Sony Vaio Z11 (13.1")
• Apple MacBook Pro (13.3")
• Acer TimelineX 3820TG (13.3")
• Asus UL30/N82JT (13.3"/14")
• HP Envy (14")

Cosmetic:
• Color Option: Red, Blue
• Screen: Matte/Non-Gloss/AntiGlare
• Screen: Larger/Edge-to-Edge Screen
• Screen: Higher Resolution
• Screen: RGB LED or Similar
• Case: Aluminum or All-Metal Design
• Case: Stronger Hinges

Hardware:
• Stronger CPU (Arrandale/iX or Faster Core 2 Duo)*
• Regular and CULV CPU Options
• Faster GPU (Wider Memory Bandwidth, GDDR5, etc.)
• DirectX 11 Compliant GPU
• nVidia Optimus*
• Overclock: Faster RAM
• Overclock: Unlocked BIOS
• Optical Drive (Option: Blu-Ray)

Functionality:
• Port: eSata
• Port: HDMI (in Full)
• Port: USB 3.0
• Port: Gigabit Ethernet
• Port: SD/Express
• Port: Optical Audio
• Port: (Half) Mini-PCI (Internal/External Option)
• Keyboard: Larger Arrow Keys
• Keyboard: Recessed Island (to Prevent Imprinting)
• Standard/Integrated WWAN

Miscellaneous:
• Weight Reduction
• Better Battery Life
• Multitouch Trackpad (as Default)
• Finger Print Scanner
• Carbon Fiber Weave
• Docking Port
• External Battery
• TV-Tuner
• Form Factor: Thinner/Lighter

My Personal List:
1) Arrandale: i5/i7 @2.0GHz or Higher
2) (U)EFI 2.2/2.3 - "Next Gen" Right?
3) nVidia Optimus Enabled Arrandale/GPU
3) Quality Control: Case and Hardware
4) Multi-Touch Touchpad
5) Optical Drive (Dual-Layer DVD Burner)
6) Edge to Edge Screen; High Resolution
7) Keyboard: Separate WASD Color Zone
8) Mini-PCI SSD in WWAN Slot

*Denotes Confirmed


Starting with Arrandale... I think most everyone agrees that this machine is CPU bound. Core 2 Duos are "old tech" (as is the GPU I might add) so their resale value is hardly spectacular. Throwing in an Arrandale at least guarantees this thing will last more than a year or two. I solidly prefer nVidia for Optimus, and a few other unstated reasons.

EFI. Why not? It's the new thing right? And give it to us unlocked too. If Alienware is "the bleeding edge" company, then they should at least make an effort to incorporate new standards. If you're going to comment/flame me on this point, at least do your reading beforehand.

Quality control is a huge issue for me. I've been reading about various nightmares regarding bad hinges, dead pixels, imprinting keyboards, uneven screens, faulty motherboards with bad overclocking potential, horrible Alienware/Dell service customer service, and the list goes on. Okay seriously, of all the laptops I've bought, I have never encountered a single dead pixel. Fix the quality control issues.

The rest is just stuff I'd like, but wouldn't consider integral to a purchase.