[-OFFICIAL-] Alienware M17x Owners' Lounge

I went with the T9800 because on the first day, it was the same price as the T9600 which an extra £179:99, to upgrade from the Q9000. However, now I'm checking the site and the T9800 is an extra £429:99 and the T9600 is still £179:99. Seems like it was a promotion on the first day only, YAY! But there isn't much difference between the two, so most people have been saying to get the T9600. However, if cash is not an issue, go for the QX9300. It is the best quad processor around and you'll be covered under warranty if something does happen to it. Whereas you won't, if you buy a QX9300 off ebay and replace it yourself.

If you want a further look at the quad vs dual core argument, look here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=386171

 

Cool I appreciate the advice a bunch!

But thanks for the guys who have been talking to the Dell Reps, the fact the system will ship pretty soon has convinced me to order one

 

No problem. What processor are you thinking of upgrading to?

 

I was thinking about the T9600, the 6MB of cache is very appealing, but here it is $175 to upgrade. So I am thinking I will hold off for now, and probably upgrade to a quad-core down the line somewhere.

 

Looks like EPP is finally working. Gonna call in my order at 8!

Edit: Looks like I can even remove McAfee but I still don't see the nameplate option.

 

Is the M17x built on the Centrino 2 platform?
I saw the review at driverheaven.net and they speak of the Nvidia 730i SLI chipset. Is this because of the 9400M thats inside. Im pretty confused at the moment.

 

One is chipset the other is processor. Two different things.

 

I ordered one from DELL in the Netherlands and the option of an engraved nameplate is not applicable to the Netherlands. For the USA only! I was told.
I hate this!

 

get a marker or a knife and do it your self. it's cheaper.

 

Think of resale value. Even if I had the option I would want the default "M17x". My name on the bottom really means nothing.

Edit: I see in my cart it says "Standard Nameplate (Alienware M17x)" which is fine by me.

 

Can you please explain this a bit more. I guess there is a Intel Centrino 2 chipset (PM45 and ICH9M) inside too ?

 

Yeah, I guess you're right.

 

Does everyone have their custom handle engraved on the nameplate?

 

The DPA likn on page one doesn't work

 

I do..........

 

I don't, it wasn't an option. When I called up dell about it, they said I could get it customised but it would mean cannceling my order, than making it again.

 

Uh. why not just keep then nameplate? It will increase the value by what, $10 - $20? I don't see how having a default little metal plate on it is that big of a deal. Yeah, they don't want something engraved onto it, but it can be easily taken off. You can probably order a replacement from Dell as well.

 

That is exactly the date a sales rep estimated for me...if i hadn't had so much assurance from multiple people at Dell/Alienware that my system would make it to my door by June 29th I wouldnt have bothered purchasing

 

Again photoshopped...not real:

 

It does get confusing. PM45 is an Intel chipset. I think ICH9M is a controller.

Here is the definition of Centrino from Wiki:
"Centrino is a platform-marketing initiative from Intel. It is not a mobile CPU - rather, the term covers a particular combination of mainboard chipset, mobile CPU and wireless network interface in the design of a laptop."

Hope that helps some. Montevina is the buzz word you really need to know.
"The codename Montevina refers to the fifth-generation Centrino platform, now formally named Centrino 2 to avoid confusion with previous Centrino platforms. It was scheduled for release at Computex Taipei 2008, which took place on June 3–7, 2008,[10] but was delayed until July 15, due to problems with integrated graphics and wireless certification."

 

Provide +rep where it is due! goooooo +rep!

 

Careful!

I got yelled at by a mod for reminding people about rep...

 

Thank you, +rep.

 

I am new here...im totally sleezing for +rep on my first day on forums haha.

Chaz - I dont know you but i cant wait for your post...

 

Everyone knows chaz.

 

Mod in 3......2.......1.....

 

I like the idea of having a PC done especially for me with my nickname on it. Kinda make it special.
(You can always unscrew the plate when you sell it).

After all the issues with the Euro dell i'm thinking of buying in the US

 

What issues with Euro dell? :S

 

back on topic:

has anyone who has preordered gotten out of "In Production" on their order tracking? I saw someone signature say something about "phase 2: Pre-production" but the dell website doesnt even list this as a stage they report on.

EDIT: its Shuya's signature.

 

On my order status, it says:

Phase 2 | Pre Production | Your order is in this phase. Pre-Production time varies and may take up to 14 days. Your Estimated Delivery Date includes the Pre-Production time for your order.

Edit: In production is phase 3, so I haven't gotten to that phase yet. =)

 

You could get the new OCZ DIY ION netbook though. It has the same chipset as the M17x.


I considered getting one myself and then going for the cheap 250GB HDD option in the M17x just to move it into the OCZ Neutrino.

 

I see...The reason it caught my eye is because on my order status if i click on "In production" it brings up a window with the following order status reporting stages:

Pending
Your order is pending and Order Number(s) have not yet been assigned for specific items within your purchase. Please check back again later.

In Production
Upon approval of payment for your order, the order will be In Production. Production time includes obtaining the parts, assembly or build time, and shipping preparations/transit to the carrier. Shipping preparations will vary based on type of order and size.

Shipped
After an order has completed the manufacturing process and shipping preparations it is transitioned to the carrier for delivery. Shipping time will vary based on type of order and size and shipping method chosen.

Canceled
This status means an order has been canceled. For any questions regarding a cancellation, please click on the Contact Us Page.

Changed
This status means an order has been changed. Go to the "Order Details" page to learn more about a Changed Order.

Order Processing
Order Processing includes time to process payment. Approval times vary based on the designated form of payment.


Now this is all off of a Dell site, perhaps if you ordered this directly through Alienware you have seperate order status tracking?

 

Has anyone that's spoken to AW asked about the free Windows 7 upgrade vouchers?

 

No. Did they mention something about it? I may ask shortly if there is a chance for that...

 

For me, I ordered through Dell UK. There are five phases over here:

Phase 1 | Order Processing | Your order has completed this phase.

Phase 2 | Pre-Production | Your order is in this phase. Pre-Production time varies and may take up to 14 days. Your Estimated Delivery Date includes the Pre-Production time for your order.

Phase 3 | In Production | Your order will be assembled.

Phase 4 | Delivery Preparation | Ink cartridges and other small items will be sent by post. Laptops, desktops and other large items will be delivered by our delivery partner.

Phase 5 |Delivery | You will be able to track the order with our delivery partner.

 

Microsoft is supposed to be offering PC manufacturers the option to offer free upgrades to Windows 7 from Vista so that PC sales don't slump while people wait for the new OS. I've heard a couple of rumors about when the offer should start...some say end of June others say August.

If it's June and M17x's are getting shipped starting in July I think it'd be worth finding out if you qualify.

 

I am sure i dont need to ask but i will anyway...

Can you please let me know when you get updated to phase 3? Due to my strict deadline I am extra curious to see how quickly from order these things start building.

Cheers.

 

Thanks for the info Phin. I will call and provide an update if i can get one within the hour.

 

I will definitely let you know. I think going to 3 should be quick, it'll be 3 to 4 that'll take ages. =(

 

I'm going to be talking to them today. I can see if the CS knows anything. Any other questions I need to ask?

 

I know about this. I also read the Wiki about it. All I like to know what platform/chipset the M17x is built on.

 

Could ask about whether or not the ATI Mobility 4870 cards will support switchable graphics with the Nvidia 9400M chipset but I already know you're not going to get an answer of any value whatsoever.

 

Are the ATI cards really that much better than the nVidia cards? Why is everyone so concerned about 4870 compatibility?

 

I called Dell and they told me they couldn't find my order in their system and asked me to call back this afternoon to see if it shows up...I ordered yesterday and my bank account was charged for the PC and i have confirmation email and order tracking status...so I may just not have gotten the sharpest tool in the shed...

I did manage to talk to one guy that said Dell has not yet been notified by Microsoft when they can start offering free Vouchers for the OS upgrade...I will try again in an hour or two and in the meantime ill probably call Microsoft.

 

The 280 GTX outperforms the 4870, as far as I have seen. As for the 260 GTX, I think it's equal, if not just below in terms of performance. The fuss about 4870s is mostly being carried by m17 users.

@ Phinagle: I believe someone already asked that question and the answer was no.

 

No one knows for sure. It's been speculated (everyone's favorite word) that they should perform better but we won't know for fact until they're out.

For me though I've been holding off on buying a notebook to see if they made it into the M17/Whitebook. I waited this long so I would feel cheated if I didn't wait another month and the 4870s turned out to be great cards.

Then again they may suck and I end up buying the GTX 280M SLi anyway. But I can wait so I will.

 

260 GTX and 280 GTX meaning the desktop cards...mobile GTX 280M isn't the same architecture as the desktop GPU and the 280M performs at about the same level as the 4850+ in the ASUS w90.

M17x is getting Mobility 4870 cards....details on when and what GDDR type they're going to use isn't available yet though.

 

Little treat for everyone

Alienware released a new video, mention a lot of cool details....and you get to see a glimpse of the red laptop : D

Linky

Enjoy!

 

Sorry, forgot the m after them. But someone provided benchmarks of the 280s and there was a lo of shock and awe about how it was better than the 4870. It's around 50 pages back.