Alienware/Dell no longer offering 680m in any laptops...? - Now available! (See post #125)

And apparently you can't configure them with an SSD..........sounds like there's some sort of juggling act going on over there, or there's some engineering level issues that are being worked out. Either way, there have been a couple of 18's listed for sale recently with SLI 680's for under $3k.......so while the supply is tight, those that want one can definitely score one.

 

Don't think I saw any HD7970m on the M17x config page as well, maybe stock issues?

 

Sounds like stocking of the 680m varies from Country to Country because ALL gpu options are available via the UK website.

Also, I noticed that the UK configurator STILL lets you choose Sli 680m and a Dell SSD without tossing up an alert - either it IS a compatibility issue for real on the US website & Dell UK can't be bothered to let it's customers know, as the alert does not pop up when selecting that configuration.....or it could just be an error on the US website. Either way, it would be good to get some kind of "official" word on this direct from Dell - maybe the AW reps on the forum could clarify this, as there seems to be some general confusion about this issue. If there IS an issue, then it is certainly not fair on UK customers as they are being allowed to order that particular setup without being warned of any potential issue. I know if it were me and I ordered that setup and there WAS problems with it, I would not be a happy bunny.......

Posted in the Alienware Club Forums, the subject (compatibility alert) has already been acknowledged by Dell, via ChrisM, who has said (quoted below) this on this thread: Alienware M18x compatibility question

I've posted a couple of times with no real reply, if any of you guys want to join in, please feel free to do so. It seems that if there is a compatibility issue, as Chris suggests, it's certainly not being translated over to UK customers as no compatibility alert is thrown up when configuring an M18x with a Dell SSD & 680m Sli.

Dell need to confirm this one way or another and uniformly address the possible genuine alert, because if they are selling machines to customers WITHOUT a warning, and there is indeed a problem, that doesn't make for a very happy ending for UK customers - I know I'd be peeved as hell if I had problems that I could have been warned about - something the UK site doesn't do.

So, Dell - do we have a problem or do we not - if we do have a problem, why are you STILL selling the same problematic configuration on the UK website? - sounds to me like some people at Dell need to get with the program and start singing from the same hymn sheet and get the facts right.

See the spoiler below - notice the lack of ANY compatibility alert message in the red box when configured with 680m Sli and Dell 512gb SSD on the UK site (left side) vs. the alert that gets thrown up on the US site (right side).

Spoiler

 

I agree with you, Steve. We need something official with the web configuration tool being fixed one way or the other. If there truly is a compatibility issue with Dell-branded Samsung SSD firmware, they should either stop selling SSD or stop creating a compatibility issue with proprietary firmware. There is no need for it that I can identify, and having it is simply hurting sales and creating animosity for those in countries allowed to configure and order a malfunctioning system. It's like cutting off your nose despite your face.