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    [-OFFICIAL-] Alienware M17x Owners' Lounge

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by whizzo, May 29, 2009.

  1. unhip_crayon

    unhip_crayon Notebook Consultant

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    How does this setup look?

    PROCESSOR Intel® Core™2 Duo T9800 2.93GHz (6MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
    OPERATING SYSTEM Windows Vista® Home Premium (64-bit Edition) with Service Pack 1
    VIDEO CARD Single NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 260M, 1GB
    LCD PANEL 17-inch WideXGA+ 1440x900 (900p)
    MEMORY 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz
    HARD DRIVE 250GB 7,200RPM w/ Free Fall Protection
    INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
    TV TUNERS ExpressCard Digital (ATSC) TV Tuner
    WARRANTY AND SERVICE 1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis

    I would not be using this laptop for gaming but i might use it for catia ("the most powerful and widely used CAD software"). Also, I absolutely hate a slow PC, thats why I picked the 2.93GHz cpu.

    Thanks for any feedback
     
    unhip_crayon, Jun 6, 2009
    #2901
  2. Rob41

    Rob41 Team Pirate Control

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    Looks good but you could save $50 by getting the 1066 Ram. The 1066 has lower latency and still has enough headroom in the event you OC the fsb.
     
    Rob41, Jun 6, 2009
    #2902
  3. unhip_crayon

    unhip_crayon Notebook Consultant

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    hmmm I was just going to ask that...1066Mhz vs 1333Mhz.

    Thanks

    EDIT: Do you think the video card will be able to handle the CAD software? I remember reading somewhere that the between video card and CPU, when it comes to CAD software, CPU is more important
     
    unhip_crayon, Jun 6, 2009
    #2903
  4. Rob41

    Rob41 Team Pirate Control

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    I'm not familiar with Catia, but don't CAD programs benefit from a quad core?

    Just curious with your processor choice for CAD.

    Nevermind. I see you might be using it for CAD and want a fast CPU. :cool: Cool
     
    Rob41, Jun 6, 2009
    #2904
  5. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    Hey I have a cousin named catia...lol! Anyway you'll see many people around here say they prefer the 1920x1200 rez LCD but it's really based on preference. The only thing I would advice on getting is the complete care warranty if it's an option for you.
     
    Mandrake, Jun 6, 2009
    #2905
  6. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

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    If you're in the U.S. go for the T9600 at 2.8Ghz and pick up the higher resolution screen instead for CAD. I get you made an emphasis on getting the highest clocked CPU but any difference you think you notice in .13Ghz is just imaginary.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 6, 2009
    #2906
  7. unhip_crayon

    unhip_crayon Notebook Consultant

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    Whats the difference between the Intel® Core™2 Quad Q9100 2.26GHz and the Intel® Core™2 Duo T9800 2.93GHz (6MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB) besides $350.

    Which of the two produces more heat?

    EDIT: I'm actually from Canada
     
    unhip_crayon, Jun 6, 2009
    #2907
  8. Rob41

    Rob41 Team Pirate Control

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    I didn't even see that. Yeah, go for the high res screen, it's really a big improvement.
     
    Rob41, Jun 6, 2009
    #2908
  9. unhip_crayon

    unhip_crayon Notebook Consultant

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    The 1920x1200 rez LCD makes sense....thanks!
     
    unhip_crayon, Jun 6, 2009
    #2909
  10. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    The T9800 requires less power so it should run cooler.
     
    Mandrake, Jun 6, 2009
    #2910
  11. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

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    Q9100 runs hotter than the T9800 but hopefully both should not be a problem for M17x's cooling. ::knock on wood::

    Q9100 has 4 processing cores to the T9800's two cores which means on apps like Catia that use multiple cores the 4 cores will be faster even though they're clocked lower. On everything else that doesn't use multiple cores the T9800 will be faster.

    If you're eyeing the Q9100 then pay the extra $100 and get the QX9300. You can do an easy overclock on the QX9300 to bump it's speed up.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 6, 2009
    #2911
  12. Rob41

    Rob41 Team Pirate Control

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    If I was getting the M17X, I'd be torn between getting the QX9300 or getting the cheapest proc, and using the X9100 from my M17. It would save me a lot of money and I'd still have very fast performance.
     
    Rob41, Jun 6, 2009
    #2912
  13. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

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    You'd get the QX9300 then pass the M17 with the X9100 to wifey and upgrade to 4850s....finally you'd sell the M9750 with the 3870s to pay for that QX9300. ;)
     
    Phinagle, Jun 6, 2009
    #2913
  14. Rob41

    Rob41 Team Pirate Control

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    LOL! Boy, you totally nailed that on the head! :D
     
    Rob41, Jun 6, 2009
    #2914
  15. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    He's giving you ideas now.
     
    Mandrake, Jun 6, 2009
    #2915
  16. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

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    Concerning the nameplate..I had an idea

    Why not associate the nameplate with the computer itself? give it life, character? as they normally do with ships, rather than have your personal name on it.

    I was thinking Skynet...or GLaDOS (those of you who know where thats from...I automatically love you)

    Or how about Proteus IV...HAL....Xerxes...Shodan...CABAL.........

    so many I can come up with; all the ones I mentioned are famous AI names..see if you can name them xD

    What do you guys think?
     
    Scytus, Jun 6, 2009
    #2916
  17. Rob41

    Rob41 Team Pirate Control

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    Yeah he is. The M9750 is pretty "long in the tooth" but I imagine with 3870's it might not be too difficult to sell.
     
    Rob41, Jun 6, 2009
    #2917
  18. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    @Scytus: That's what we do at work when naming servers. Normally the person building the system will get to choose.
     
    Mandrake, Jun 6, 2009
    #2918
  19. Rob41

    Rob41 Team Pirate Control

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    Or how about "Extreme Edition" #1 of 100?

    Woops, that would be wrong. lol
     
    Rob41, Jun 6, 2009
    #2919
  20. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

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    Phinagle, Jun 6, 2009
    #2920
  21. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

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    Yea see thats awesome!

    imagine turning on a system, and it asks you to log into Skynet..

    ..epic xD
     
    Scytus, Jun 6, 2009
    #2921
  22. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

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    Not if everyone did it using the same #1....two wrongs don't make a right but 100 should do it.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 6, 2009
    #2922
  23. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

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    zaphod xD

    hitchhikers guide ftw
     
    Scytus, Jun 6, 2009
    #2923
  24. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

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    sleey0, Jun 6, 2009
    #2924
  25. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

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    Still want your system shipped early then? ;)


    Any Aussie's buying the M17x? Reports are Acer down there is already shipping the vouchers.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 6, 2009
    #2925
  26. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

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    I mentioned that several pages back...but Ive been wondering, is that when Dell is able to offer it, or is that when Dell is going to offer it. ? Why they would wait to offer it, I have no idea, companies have their reasons...

    ...or do I just sound stupid? xD

    EDIT: Linkeh
     
    Scytus, Jun 6, 2009
    #2926
  27. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

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    They have to wait because that's when Microsoft told them they'd honor free upgrades. If Dell wanted they could pay for the upgrades themselves and offer it early as a discount/incentive. Puget Systems went that route starting back in March.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 6, 2009
    #2927
  28. zfactor

    zfactor Mastershake

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    wow a lot of new pages.. i have to catch up i was jumping out of planes all day lol.. today was a day of skydiving... wow what a rush
     
    zfactor, Jun 6, 2009
    #2928
  29. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

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    " Still want your system shipped early then?"

    HECK YEAH!!

    I'll take my M17x over Win 7, thank you.....
     
    sleey0, Jun 6, 2009
    #2929
  30. Rob41

    Rob41 Team Pirate Control

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    If you think skydiving is a rush, I've been trying to referee between my 3 and 5 yo grandsons all day! lol
     
    Rob41, Jun 6, 2009
    #2930
  31. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

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    lol.. That's my life EVERY day with my daughters (same age).
     
    sleey0, Jun 6, 2009
    #2931
  32. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

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    No I mean...thats when Microsoft would start honoring it, yes..but is that when dell will start offering it?

    Dell might not offer it till a few days later (maybe for reasons to update the website with the new offer).

    This is what Im unsure of
     
    Scytus, Jun 6, 2009
    #2932
  33. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

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    But it doesn't even ship till July 7th..?
     
    Scytus, Jun 6, 2009
    #2933
  34. zfactor

    zfactor Mastershake

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    oh i know already with mine lol..dropping from over 15k feet though sure gives you a new perspective at times
     
    zfactor, Jun 6, 2009
    #2934
  35. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

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    I am sure M$ sets the date.

    I am also sure that millions of upgrade coupons have already been printed and it's just a matter of time before someone at the factory starts putting them in boxes early :)
     
    sleey0, Jun 6, 2009
    #2935
  36. Rob41

    Rob41 Team Pirate Control

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    I get to spoil them and stuff them full of sweets before I send them home after the weekend! With a bunch of noisy toys of course.

    It's payback time! :D
     
    Rob41, Jun 6, 2009
    #2936
  37. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

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    If it doesn't ship till then we will most def get the coupons. If you don't then call dell and I am sure they'll just give you one.

    I am hoping for a much earlier ship date, though :)
     
    sleey0, Jun 6, 2009
    #2937
  38. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

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    Well Dell wouldn't mention it early because that would kill sales between now and the 26th....and for the opposite effect it makes sense for Dell to announce it as soon as they're allowed to to increase sales.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 6, 2009
    #2938
  39. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

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    You grandparents are all the same!!!
     
    sleey0, Jun 6, 2009
    #2939
  40. zfactor

    zfactor Mastershake

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    ^^^^^^ 100% agreed
     
    zfactor, Jun 6, 2009
    #2940
  41. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    Skynet sounds like an ISP.
     
    Mandrake, Jun 6, 2009
    #2941
  42. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    We should have done that here. "NBR Special Edition #". The number would be based on when we ordered.
     
    Mandrake, Jun 6, 2009
    #2942
  43. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

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    I went oldschool and put "T-1000" on mine :)
     
    sleey0, Jun 6, 2009
    #2943
  44. Rob41

    Rob41 Team Pirate Control

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    As in Terminator?
     
    Rob41, Jun 6, 2009
    #2944
  45. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

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    Yeah, but I was just kidding :) Got the standard nameplate (I'm boring... at least that's what my wife tells me).
     
    sleey0, Jun 6, 2009
    #2945
  46. Rob41

    Rob41 Team Pirate Control

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    Cool.

    I think I would have gone with "NCC-1701"

    FTU!
     
    Rob41, Jun 6, 2009
    #2946
  47. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    imma name mine optimus PRIME

    AUTOBOTS FTW
     
    The_Moo™, Jun 6, 2009
    #2947
  48. Nvida

    Nvida Notebook Consultant

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    Best idea i've heard all day
     
    Nvida, Jun 6, 2009
    #2948
  49. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    You youngsters don't know the real transformers. I used to watch it religiously 20+ years ago.
     
    Mandrake, Jun 6, 2009
    #2949
  50. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

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    I don't read sci-fi as much as fantasy and fiction but the most obvious ones:


    Don't Panic

    To Serve Man

    Take Me To Your Leaders

    I Come In Peace
     
    Phinagle, Jun 6, 2009
    #2950
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