Any problems w/ M9750? and my comp thoughts thus far

Hey everyone,

I hate to seem so needy/persistent but I really am on a crunch for time.

I'm just curious because it has come to my attention I probably will not need all of the power/components that the M15x has to offer for my laptop and am wondering if maybe the M9750 is a better choice for me. Is there anything I should know about the product before looking further, I've read a BUNCH of topics on the M15x and seem to have a pretty good understanding of what potentially can go wrong so is there anything like that w/ the M9750 or any other suggestions as to why I may not want to get this machine. And advice greatly appreciated


*Side thought/story** Read if interested in how I got to where I am now on my computer decisions---
--I had been told that the main reason for getting the M15x was for its compatibility with the 8800 GTX and what not, and that I understand. But what I guess I'm still considering is maybe getting it w/o the 8800 GTX card because honestly I don't have the money at this time and really don't need it for what I will be playing yet. I have a PC that I made so if I do ever want to play top of the line games it would just be easier IMO to upgrade this bad boy. So maybe I'll go with the M15x but just not as tricked out as it could/possibly should be. Then I got to thinking maybe it'd just be better to get the M9750 because it is a bit cheaper and seems to have the right amount of gaming capabilities I would need for just my laptop.

SO>>>> this is where I seem to be at, go w/ the downgraded M15x or a descent M9750 that I don't seem to know much about yet... I'm personally not really into the Sager 8668 (no I've never used it, just appearance wise lol) and I need this comp by Augst. 21st and I hear those aren't even shipping yet.
None the less sorry for the book of a post, and please, like I said, any help GREATLY appreciated!

 

how about a newer model of M9750 with crossfire 3870?
http://www.digitalstormonline.com/laptopgamingdominator.asp

 

lol that's even more expensive

 

I gotta tell ya, the M9750 is a sweet laptop. It's got a very sturdy magnesium chassis, the really nice fingerprint resistant exterior and a very understated "coolness" about it. It doesn't have any of the squeak or flex I've heard about on other models and I've had mine all over the world so I've tossed it around a lot. Also it doesn't have nearley as much heft as comparable 17" models. It's pretty light for what it is at 8.5 lbs, but it does have a pretty large power brick.

I know previous A.W. models have had overheating issues and I've heard on this forum that some of the "current" models are downclocking the CPU's and GPU's which is something I've never experienced with my M9750. IMO the M9750 is one of the best notebooks A.W. has ever built.

Rob

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M9750
2.0 core 2 duo
4 Gigs OCZ memory
7950 GTX
2 OCZ SSD's in Raid 0
XP Pro sp3

 

awesome!!

That's reassuring anyone else?

I love learning about comps! lol

 

It's a solid computer. It takes a little work to get it going (hours of playing with drivers), but when it works, it works well. If you decide to get it, send me a pm for tips on tweaking.

Gabe

 

anyone else w/ info on the M9750, I'm kinda in the dark ATM about it

 

it's a very well-made machine, I think 4GB RAM is the only problem it has.

 

Like I said, I'm sorry for being so nosy/persistent but what do you mean by the 4GB RAM being a problem?

 

it can't utilize 4GB ram like others, even with 64bit OS.
with a single GPU, you can use 3GB of RAM.
with dual GPUs, you can use 2.5GB of RAM

 

Yea for that reason and because it uses 8700GT's I think you should opt for the M15x.

 

oh lol good to know,
So should I look at getting 3GB RAM then? I'll just order it from Newegg

Any type of RAM I should steer clear from?

(Still open to anyones thoughts about the machine itself and any flaws it may have)

 

Hi Marinexicex,
I've owned both machines, and it's really a trade off. Here's a comparison chart:

M9750:
Pros-
1. Very sturdy (more solid than a Dell)
2. SLI is present and works when it's supported
3. The black paint really is spotless (hardly any fingerprints)
4. Games run beautifully
5. Screen is great and couldn't possibly be better
Cons-
1. SLI is hard to get working correctly (lots of playing with modded drivers)
2. It will never use the full amount of RAM it supports
3. It's very hot (it will burn you if you try Crysis)
4. The webcam performs more like a VGA
5. The Mic is more sensitive on one side than the other
6. Lots of driver play (factory drivers won't get you far)
7. It's not as flashy as the M15X

M15X:
Pros-
1. It's quite possibly the best looking laptop ever
2. The lights are impressive (pictures don't do justice)
3. The screen is crisp for its size
4. The 8800 acts like one (amazing performance)
5. Very customizeable
Cons-
1. The plastic is very light and delicate
2. The hinges creak a little (not a huge ordeal)
3. Some people don't like the touchpad (easily correct with stickers)
4. The speakers are on the small side and chirp when turned to loud
5. The touch controls are tricky and some don't like it (it still works for me)
6. The webcam isn't 2.0 standard. It looks more like a 1.
7. The screen looks like it's matte. There's no glossy texture

Hope this helps,
Gabe

 

STONE!! lol I've been lookin for u

Please inform me about the M9750!!
I honestly know little to nothing about it just what I've read here

(If I get the M15x I'm guna be rockin 8700 also, don't have the money for the 8800GTX atm... =(

 

GabeZ, that was VERY helpful!! Thank you for your time

How bad would it be if I got the M9750 w/ just 1 8700M GT?
Will I need dual for it to perform well? Mind you I don't play any super intensive game. And can I get a 2nd later and upgrade it myself or no?

 

Hi,
You can order with one 8700 and install another later. It works well with one, and better with two. There's a lot of games that don't quite support SLI, so you may not even be able to tell the difference. However, when you do find that magical game that supports SLI, you'll see the boost in power.

Gabe

 

What about as far as a processor goes? I'm lookin at gettin the 2.0GHz.. Will that be good enough for my needs?


Allllso, for the screen, the clearview technology, is that a necessity or what? I don't know much about that either. Cna one tell the difference/what does it do?

 

2.0 always worked good for me. I still can't tell the difference between adding a few extra megahertz (and probably not worth the extra hundreds of dollars). Clearview is just a higher resolution. Keep in mind that most games won't run at 1920x1200. You'll be crusing around 1280x800 or 1440x900. The higher resolution is a good choice if you like a bigger more detailed picture outside of gaming.
Also, both screens are glossy.

Gabe

 

I believe this is my last question I can think of atm, as far as the 3GB of RAM goes, would I just buy a 2GB and toss it in? Cuz it comes w/ the one... And does it matter what one goes it wut slot?

EDIT: Oh wait, it comes w/ 2X512 so that wouldn't work... lol so do i buy and !GB and a 2GB?

 

I would load it up with 4. Most computers disable dual channel memory when you put odd pairs. Apparantly, the new computers ignore odd pairs and still enable dual channel. I have yet to put this to the test. I would follow the old rule of always sticking with even pairs even though it may not use all of it.

gabe

 

ooooh, I didn't know it would still read it.
Then I'll just go with 2x2GB

THANK YOU ALL SOOOOO MUCH!!

You've all been such an AMAZING help!
I'm guna sleep on it and think about ordering the M9570 later this week, it seems like the one for me. Not a super avid gamer, and a college kid that needs a little bit more reliable laptop.

I'll report back tomorrow on what I think and will probably have more questions. Again, I cannot thank you all enough.

---Still on the market for more insight/user thoughts on the M9750---
from what I understand it's a bit less powerful, bit more reliable, and a little more durable.

 

You can always look at it this way. You're going to go for the 8700 in either one, so you might as well go for the more durable one. College life is full of accidents, and the m15x is very breakable.

Gabe

 

Just thought of ONE last thing for the night...
On newegg they have the "Laptop" memory tab, is that the kind of RAM i need to buy, or can it be any?
-Night

 

Can't sleep...
Another thought popped up,
The M9750 seems very clunky/big/heavy.. That's one reason why I like the M15x more.. However I really don't want to get a $hitty one that breaks and I have a ton of problems with. I watched a review video on it and the opening and closing of it seemed to make a terrible sound.. Also looked at the Sager NP2096 and it seems pretty cool. I just wish the laptop itself looked cooler, o well. I don't really know anything about them so if anyone has any insight on that it'd be more than welcome.

 

If you get the M15X you will get a few things that can help

You can buy smart bay battery. Extra battery life.
You can upgrade CPU if you send it in to the manufacture
Ram you can do your self
GPU you can do your self

It looks nice.

People if you want power go for a desktop.
If you want a laptop pick the ones that has the best battery life.
If you want a high end laptop Pick the laptop that runs the fastest.

For you MaRiNexICEx

Before you have people tell you what to buy do your research. There are alot of people who had problems with alienware. I was one of them.

But to get more facts on the M15X try http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=266924. Look at the survays and such.

 

So I was getting pretty pumped about the M9750 until I saw a review vid. done by some TV station and they pointed out there is a BUNCH of room between the bottom of the laptop and the keyboard... kinda turned me off, made they keyboard look funny

 

get a macbook pro if you want something look great and solid built. otherwise, dell m1530. no point to get a AW with such low configuration.

 

Hmm I was just informed of the DV5t... Looking into ur suggestions now Nirvana

 

I have had my m9750 for over a year now (7950gtx x 2 SLI) and it has been trouble free and still looks and performs just as good as the first day I turned it on. It doesn't have the performance of a 15x but I think it will hold up better and last you longer. Doesn't look bad either if you don't mind a keyboard without lights.

 

^^^I hate the lights, never turn that on on my macbook pro.

 

It would also be very helpful to know your actual budget for your purchase.

 

my budget is around 1,700

I can get the M9750 pretty base (just upgraded CPU, and i'll upgraade my own RAM) for about 1,600... so who knows lol

 

just don't forget that the m9750 is old technology, like really old. it's based on the Napa platform, which came before Santa Rosa, which came before Montevina, where we're at now. so it's pretty outdated tech.

 

Well geeze... That doesn't make my decision any easier. I was really lookin forward to possibly getting it lol...

I'm pretty much done considering the M15x because I hear nothing but problems with it so far. Does anyone have a GOOD M15x experience?

 

me, whizzo, dhoang has good expieriences so far. cant think of anyone else yet though

 

lol thats honestly not too reassuring...
It's like, I really want one, and would love the extra battery life w/ the smart bay thing, but damn. If it's not guna work/cause problems/get all beat up and cracked, maybe not.

 

Svarto and dsproductions as well.

 

cant believe you forgot about me! -rep! (if that was possible)

 

What tweak ideas can you offer me?

Thanks

 

tweak ideas for what? Vista? HDD? GPU drivers? you need to be a bit more specific...