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    Alienware ODM?

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by Tsunade_Hime, Feb 17, 2012.

  1. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    Okay so I've been wondering if Alienware had changed all models to Compal as ODM? Is this the reason for plastic chassis, and overall just a light/cheap feeling? We have a display M11x, M14x, and M18x and none of them feel as solid as my M17xR2 (metal chassis).

    I know all M11x is all Compal (crappy hinges galore), is M14x Compal? I'm pretty sure R3 is Compal, what about M18x? Do they still use Flextronics for M18x?
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Feb 17, 2012
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  2. DanXbix

    DanXbix Notebook Deity

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    The m18x has a metal chassis and I personally think it feels a lot better. I have a m14x too and yes its plastic but still feels solid, nothing compared too the m18x but all soft touch plastic.
    I did love my R2 but the plastic touchpad area is terrible compared to the soft touch on the m18x. I know that doesn't answer you question but wanted to share :)
     
    DanXbix, Feb 18, 2012
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  3. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    Weird, the M18x display unit we have (2670QM, 8 GB, 560M, 2 x 500 GB XT drives RAID 0) feels...like the plastic chassis R3 we had for display. It didn't feel as sturdy as my R2. I honestly hate that soft touch stuff, kinda like that rubbery feel on the ASUS G series bleh.
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Feb 19, 2012
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  4. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    As far as I know, all of the current Alienware laptops are built for Dell by Compal.

    I absolutely love the M17x R2 and the M18x. Both are metal chassis, and both are built extremely well. The soft touch is OK on the palmrest area, but I think that I would hate it on the exterior. I never liked that similar finish on the IBM ThinkPad, so doubt I would like it on the exterior of an Alienware system any better. After owning an XPS M1730 (alloy base), M17x R2 and M18x, I have a hard time imagining myself paying money for a laptop with a plastic chassis ever again. Just the thought of it churns my gut.
     
    Mr. Fox, Feb 19, 2012
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  5. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    Hrm okay, weird that M18x has metal chassis but feels less sturdy than my R2. Wouldn't mind to trade up to an M18x with 2920XM + 580M SLI.

    Yeah plastic chassis makes me faint of heart, one major reason I didn't go for an ASUS G series. ThinkPad got metal rollcage, no plastic chassis here except for my brother's M5030.
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Feb 20, 2012
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  6. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    Yes, I know the ThinkPad has metal chassis and that is very good. They are generally rock solid, excellent build quality and outstanding systems, especially before Lenovo. I was only referring to the rubberized finish coating that I did not like. I have had four or five ThinkPads at work.
     
    Mr. Fox, Feb 20, 2012
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