AW/DELL Ordering Advice - How to save $$$

This is my spec:

Alienware M18x - Nebula Red Anodized Aluminum

Intel Core i7 2960XM Overclocked Turbo Boost to 4.0GHz (8MB Cache)

8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (4DIMMS)

Alienware M18x 330W A/C Adapter

18.4-inch WideFHD 1920 x 1080 WLED

Dual 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M NVIDIA SLI Enabled

750GB 7,200RPM SATA 3Gb/s

AlienFX Color, Quasar Blue

Alienware Command Center, M18X

DataSafe Local BackUp

PC Restore

DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG

Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit Service Pack 1, English, w/Media

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner, DVD+-RW, CD-RW

Roxio Creator Starter

Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio

Killer Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO for Gaming and Video

Bluetooth 3.0

NO VIRUS PROTECTION REQUESTED

Dell Hardware Warranty Plus On-Site Service, Initial Year

Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year

1 Year Limited Warranty

No Warranty, Year 2 and 3

Soft Contracts Dell In-Home Hardware Agreement for Alienware

Warranty Support, Initial Year
Steam and Portal Factory Installed
RAZER MAMBA 2012 ELITE-WLS GAMING MSE $119.99 $119.99
Subtotal: $3,869.40
Shipping & Handling: $0.00
Tax: $343.40
Environmental Disposal Fee: $0.00
Total Price w/Discounts: $4,212.80

I think I'm being ripped off a bit i wanted to change 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (4DIMMS) and 1 Accidental Damage Service, 1 Year but at this price...

 

Ah ok Ty Missing only on post.

 

seems like everythings pretty maxed out. but as we say in here. the more upgrade, the more discount. Just 1 more post and we can go!

 

$5 for a 25% off dell inspiron, alienware, and xps. No minimum price required. - Page 10 - Slickdeals.net
Ask there.

 

Also wondering if anyone has tried this ?
Discount 50% off on orders of $10,000 or more
CODE:
50PERCENTOFFCOUPON
Found it here:
http://www.couponchief.com/alienware

 

i wish i could still use a coupon even if i've order it a week ago

 

Yeah that sucks , thing is the more you mine the net the more coupons come up, but I still think you got a really good deal.

 

yeah, I did and I'm really happy with my deal. BTW I'm trying to pm you but still can't i guess we still have to wait for a quite while.

 

Go here: Alienware Deals to start your build, make it in your cart before you call in.

I configured a system that would run laps around the one you are pricing (the SSD provides 100+% performance increase, that processor you picked provides maybe 20% that you won't even notice):

System Color Nebula Red Anodized Aluminum
Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit
Processor Intel® Core™ i7 2860QM 2.5GHz (3.6GHz with Turbo Boost, 8MB Cache)
Memory 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (4DIMMS)
A/C Adapter Alienware M18x 330W A/C Adapter
Display Panel 18.4-inch WideFHD 1920 x 1080 WLED
Video Card Dual 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 580M – NVIDIA® SLI® Enabled
Hard Drive 256GB Solid State Drive SATA 3Gb/s
AlienFX Quasar Blue
Adobe Reader Acrobat SW Adobe Acrobat X Reader
Optical Drive Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Sound Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
Wireless and Bluetooth Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO for Gaming & Video and Bluetooth 3.0
Security Software No Anti-Virus Software Selected
Hardware Support Services 1 Year Advanced Plan
Pre-Installed Software Steam and Portal™ Factory Installed
Standard Nameplate Trigger Standard Nameplate
ACCESSORIES
RAZER MAMBA 2012 ELITE-WLS GAMING MSE

Total: $3,398.00 just in the cart, with no haggling using these promotions:
Limited Time Only! Get 16GB for the price of 8GB.
Limited Time Offer!
- $200.00
Limited Time Only! Get a Solid State Drive for more than 60% off.
Limited Time Offer!
- $250.00
Alienware M18x Price Includes $99.99 Total Savings for a Limited Time!
Limited time offer!
- $99.99
Save $50 off any Alienware laptop purchase $899 or greater
Expires Wednesday, February 29, 2012
- $50.00

You call in you can probably haggle a bit more off, end up with a system that is much faster than your config for over $1000 less.

Doesn't seem valid to me, if it was I would use it though. $5000 in savings, ROFL!!

 

Item Number Quantity Item Description
225-0537 1 Alienware M17x Soft Touch Nebula Red
317-8448 1 Intel Core i7 2760QM 2.4GHz (3.5GHz w/Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache)
317-8464 1 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (2DIMMS)
331-1347 1 Alienware M17x 240W A/C Adapter
320-1933 1 17.3-inch WideFHD1920 x 1080 60Hz WLED
320-1940 1 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M
342-3651 1 500GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s
331-1350 1 Custom Nameplate
330-6106 1 Personalized Nameplate Trigger
313-8792 1 AlienFX Color, Quasar Blue
421-4655 1 Alienware Command Center Software, M17X
420-9691 1 DataSafe Local BackUp
420-9956 1 PC Restore
421-0092 1 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
421-5789 1 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit Service Pack 1, English, w/Media
410-1883 1 Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0 Multi-Language
318-0396 1 Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
421-4541 1 Roxio Creator Starter,No Media
421-4550 1 Power DVD 9.6, 3D
318-0424 1 Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
430-4330 1 Killer Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO Technology
461-8389 1 NO VIRUS PROTECTION REQUESTED
939-0320 1 Dell Hardware Limited Warranty, Initial Year
939-0340 1 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis, Initial Year
994-3700 1 Accidental Damage Service, 1 Year
950-9797 1 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3
421-1721 1 Soft Contracts Service Hardware Agreement for Alienware
421-1719 1 Soft Contracts Consumer Accidental Damage Agreement for Alienware
994-3730 1 Warranty Support, Initial Year
421-1360 1 Steam and Portal Factory Installed
330-5090 1 Thank You for Purchasing AlienWare
* AW mniskillz
Subtotal: $1,729.70
Shipping and Handling: $0.00
Sales Tax: $103.79
Total: $1,833.49

well I'm done my search. now I have to wait til feb 10th delivery date. kind of crazy. I might cancel if I find a good deal on ebay. Rep told me they start production within 48 hours of the order and my order was delayed cause I wanted nebula red .

 

Nice! I can't believe the premium for 1"+ screen and an extra video card is $600. I also don't have Killer Wireless...

 

Looks like an awesome machine. Are you sure you don't want an SSD though? It was confirmed in another thread this morning that the Alienware SSD is a Samsung 830 series, that is a $400 SSD that is one of the best available right now for $150. I know everyone tells you to upgrade later, but you will not beat that SSD deal. Before your order hits production you could call in and get it added, it really is a $400 SSD for $150.

 

Very cool. Red is a nice choice.

 

Sorry I missed this earlier - I personally got the 2760QM over the 2670QM because the 2760 can take faster RAM, as well as more of it (16 vs 32). For $150 more, I felt that those two qualities alone was worth the investment in longevity. I REALLY wanted the 2960XM, but I can't justify an additional 400-500(900).

For 50% off, its a no brainer to me.

 

I got the 2760 as well. I think it's a very solid processor, and like you said... takes that faster memory

So tell me more about this 2960XM... can you buy/install this later from a 3rd party supplier?

 

yeah. that's why i'm going for the 2760QM.

I'm afraid right now that my order might be cancelled. I check the bank and they return my money but when I check the status through the phone and online it's in production. why is this?

 

My guess is Dell issued a chargeback to your bank for the old cancelled order and they haven't yet processed the new charged for your new order. Wait a few days and it should straighten itself out.

 

It seems that you can - but it is more expensive to buy and install later at this time (though will likely drop once Ivy Bridge comes out) - but I personally wouldn't bother. The 2760 (even the 2670) is suppose to perform as well if not better than my i7 950 -- and I barely take advantage of that. I can't see myself using a 2960XM at full capacity. Might be different for you.

 

Yeah. I guess so, co'z the bank was calling my dad this morning probably they're going to ask an approval. I won't worry for now unless I read that my order is cancelled.

 

I'm not sure where you got that information but on the dell site it states;

256GB Solid State Drive SATA 3Gb/s [Add $400.00 $130.00 or $4.00/month1]
Alienware Recommended
Limited Time Only! Get a Solid State Drive for more than 60% off.

Samsung 830 series is SATA 6Gb/s

Sounds to me its more the Samsung 470 series.

 

Multiple people in this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/628584-alienware-m17x-r3-a09-bios-7.html who just recently got their machines confirmed it was the 830 series. You have to use the A08 bios to get 6Gb/s speeds, but otherwise it is the 830 and it does work at the highest speeds.

 

I emailed the rep I ordered from about upgrading.

I noticed you upgraded for 150 the current upgrade price is 130.

 

If you don't get a fast response your gonna want to call. It hits production quick (a few hours for me), and they can't make changes after it hits production. It will be much easier to change it than to try and re-order.

That is strange your seeing it for $130, the Alienware site still shows $150 for the M17x upgrade, the M14 is $130 and the M11 is $100.

 

looks like alienware is changing their prices online. My m17x r3 3d version used to have instant savings of $300 now it's $330. I might save more then. haha!

 

He wouldn't let me upgrade for 130. He would of changed my system price to 2049 if I wanted the SSD. I asked him if he could change the free ground shipping to free 2 day. See what happens. Not going to lie but Kathryn's rep isn't that flexible maybe only with the ladies.

 

HAHA! he's nice to me though plus i use my pleasing girly voice LOL!

 

He should let you change for $150, send him here: Alienware Deals if he does not believe it. If he still won't do it just talk to his manager or something.

 

I think his manager is onto him. I bet at least 5 people from this forum have hit him up for discounts. I have a feeling he's on a tight leash now.

 

I inquired as well, and was told that due to the use of coupons, their options are limited in terms of discounting. I'm not complaining much, as I already have a 160GB Intel 320 sitting on my desk waiting for a willing host.

 

alienware changed their stock hard drive to 750gb online. hmmm..

 

the difference is you actually haggled without a coupon and so did Kathryn and others. So in effect you can get the deals thats offered. We, the people that used a coupon, don't have the luxury as we can't get any added deals others than the 2% off for using DPA.

 

I see, I didn't realize you had used a 25%. In that case you still got an excellent deal, saved a lot more than you would have without the coupon.

 

The free shipping is 3-5 business days when you do it over the phone.

lol oh well. now its just the waiting game. good luck to anyone else looking to buy alienware.

BTW this guy says he has a code for sale for 10 bucks. Send 5 thru paypal to him to get the code then 5 again once you get it to work. Guy doesn't have many posts, seems to be a troller. semi risky if you want to try and get a code.
This is his member page; Slickdeals.net

 

look at this, you might weep though.
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

 

Thanks for the heads up.

At this point I can't afford to cancel and add another week+ to my delivery date. Wish I had found that Slickdeals thread before I ordered though, would have saved me some more money if I could have secured a coupon.

 

I wouldn't risk getting ripped off for a coupon code. Call directly to a Dell rep and they can work with you. It's clear that coupon codes really limit the discounting ability of the rep involved. I think the max they'll do is 25% total... any more than that and they need to get a whole bunch of manager approvals.

 

oh if anyone is trolling this thread, check this out. seems like a good deal. I mean I probably would of gotten this if I wasn't dead set on getting nebula red and 580m *edit* and didn't have 25% coupon

Alienware M17x R3 Gaming laptop. i7, HD 6990M, 1080P, 4GB 1600 RAM, 500GB 7200HD | eBay

 

Red was a pretty big deal to me too - plus, that's refurbed and yours is new.

 

still get one year warranty but yeah. just saying if you didn't have discount coupon and didn't want to haggle and didn't want to wait 2-3 weeks and it fits what the buyer wanted. its an option. lol.

 

Damn lol right about my bugged

 

Ty much.
I haggled with another guy before and changed few things.
Than what your rep quota came up to:
225-0888
1 Alienware M18x - Nebula Red Anodized Aluminum $3,495.55 $3,495.55
317-8690
1 Intel Core i7 2960XM Overclocked Turbo Boost to 4.0GHz (8MB Cache)
317-6884
1 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (4DIMMS)
331-2428
1 Alienware M18x 330W A/C Adapter
320-2269
1 18.4-inch WideFHD 1920 x 1080 WLED
320-2318
1 Dual 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M NVIDIA SLI Enabled
342-2629
1 256GB Solid State Drive SATA 3Gb/s
330-6106
1 Personalized Nameplate Trigger
331-2426
1 Custom Nameplate
313-8792
1 AlienFX Color, Quasar Blue
421-5099
1 Alienware Command Center, M18X
420-9691
1 DataSafe Local BackUp
420-9956
1 PC Restore
421-0092
1 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
421-5789
1 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit Service Pack 1, English, w/Media
410-0548
1 Adobe Acrobat Reader
318-0842
1 Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner, DVD+-RW, CD-RW
421-1305
1 Roxio Creator Starter
318-0770
1 Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
320-2320
1 Intel Advanced-N 6200 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO Technology
469-0549
1 Bluetooth 3.0
461-8389
1 NO VIRUS PROTECTION REQUESTED
953-9080
1 Dell Hardware Warranty Plus On-Site Service, Initial Year
953-9100
1 Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year
994-3700
1 Accidental Damage Service, 1 Year
950-9797
1 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3
421-1719
1 Soft Contracts Consumer Accidental Damage Agreement for Alienware
421-1723
1 Soft Contracts Dell In-Home Hardware Agreement for Alienware
994-3730
1 Warranty Support, Initial Year
421-1360 1 Steam and Portal Factory Installed
330-5090 1 Thank You for Purchasing AlienWare
* -DISCOUNT/COUPON APPL
A5292031 1 RAZER MAMBA 2012 ELITE-WLS GAMING MSE $119.99 $119.99
Subtotal: $3,615.54
Shipping & Handling: $0.00
Tax: $320.88
Environmental Disposal Fee: $0.00
Total Price w/Discounts: $3,936.42


It's not around 3.5 that i was looking but still decent your rep helped me more than anyone, but taxes kill. I may try to speak with my bank but I'm sure that's the max i can spend have other bills to pay .. I may call again tomorrow to see if anything else can be done...

 

Is there a reason you are set on the XM processor? If you have limited funds that processor upgrade is costing you $500+ and outside of benchmarks I doubt you could tell the difference between it and any of the QM processors.

 

Quoted for truthery

 

That is brutal - I agree with the others - I had an option to buy my m18x with a 2960xm for $3300 after taxes (no SSD or 16GB ram) and I still opted for a 2760qm for $24xx. My current desktop has an i7 950 - and the 2760 benches higher than that. Unless you have a specific need, drop the 2960xm and save yourself the grand.

 

Yeah I may have to slash few items, the price is just crazy but will see to tomorrow although I think they can deff do bit more will see.

 

SOrry I didn't get to this. Not from the UK but looks like you got a good deal. I feel bad for you guys having to pay so much extra for electronics. its crazy.

 

wow . dell now released 48hr coupon code 20% off for delloutlet MPXZJ?TNG873MP
im going to be hawking the outlet to see if i can get a better deal and get my laptop sooner. good luck to anyone who is looking

 

looks like all the resellers bought out the 11 and 14 stocks crazyness.

 

I looked yesterday. Prices were GREAT yesterday morning - as they did not raise - but it was an impossibility to get a machine. Scripts were grabbing machines faster than one could load the next page, much less type in a captcha.

 

Alienware M17x R3
Processor: Intel Core i7 2630QM 2.0GHz (2.8GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
Alienware M17x R3 Laptop
320 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
6 GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHZ
8X DVD +/- RW Drive
1 GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 6870M


$2029 redonkulous.