Cancelled my order on Friday

Ok, I have been lurking and reading everyones posts for a few months now. I am a soundman and have been very busy with the summer festival season. So in my spare time (or little of it) I have been looking for a new laptop.

I decided on an Alienware;

A rea-51® m17x System [PC-LT-AREA51M17X,SKU-DEFAULT~0.00,0.00,39.21,1,/Robert Robbins/]
Video/Graphics Card: Dual 512MB NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 8800M GTX ? SLI Enabled
Display: 17" WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD with Clearview Technology ? Black Includes AlienFX® Illuminated Keyboard ? Exclusive Design!
System Lighting: Alienware® AlienFX® System Lighting - Blue
Processor: Intel® Core? 2 Extreme X9000 2.8GHz (6MB Cache 800MHz FSB)
Memory: 4GB? Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz ? 2 x 2048MB
Operating System (Office software not included): Windows Vista® Ultimate with Service Pack 1
Notebook Tuners and Remotes: Internal Digital/Analog (ATSC) MiniCard TV Tuner with Express Card Media Center Remote Control
System Drive: Extreme Performance (RAID 0) - 500GB (250GB x 2) 7,200RPM (8MB Cache) w/ Free Fall Protection
Optical Drives : 8x Dual Layer Burner (DVD±RW, CD-RW) w/ LightScribe Technology - View Demo
Turbo Cache Memory: None
Wireless: Internal Intel® Wireless 4965 a/b/g/Draft-N Mini-Card
Sound Card : Internal High-Definition Audio with surround sound
Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support w/ Onsite Service
Security Software: None
Microsoft Office Suites: Microsoft® Office 2007 Professional ? Factory Installed!Includes Small Business + Access!
Productivity & Benchmark Software: 3DMark®06 The standard in 3D benchmarking
Productivity & Benchmark Software: System Mechanic® System protection for optimum performance
Port Adapters: FireWire Adapter: 9-pin (1394b) to 6-pin (1394a)
Mouse: None
Power: Additional AC Adapter - Alienware® m17x 230 Watt Auto-switch AC Adapter
Speakers: None
Alienware Apparel: Alienware® T-Shirt (Size XL Black)
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Mesh Cap
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Mousepad
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Mobile Binder
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Personalized Nameplate
Alienware Extras: Owner Identification Card
Alienware Extras: Area-51® m17x Protective Cloth Sleeve
Alienware Extras: Area-51® m17x Keyboard Diagram Overlay
Alienware Extras: Area-51® m17x Smooth Mylar Touchpad
Nameplate Engraving: None
Avatar: Alienhead 3D
Window Style: Graphite Window Style
Mouse Pointers: Standard Mouse Pointers
Wallpaper: Alienhead 3D [
Power Plan: High Performance

I can honestly say this has been the worst customer service experience I have been through. It started by placing my order and applying for financing. I have good credit so I thought no problem. After a day or so, I got a call from a guy in the finance dept, I was on a show and just finished the soundcheck. He starts by asking for my credit card number, I asked why? I was applying for a AW lease. He said I was only approved for 5K and the rest was to go on my CC. I asked why, he said he didnt know. If my credit rating is a problem it would not be a problem for me to get it from my bank, I thought it would have been easier to stay with AW. He explained he was from Dell Financial and started to get mad and rude with me. I kept asking him to repeat the questions he was asking me because his accent was so think I could understand. He then asked me for my Social Insurance # to proceed with the order. I told him that I didnt have it with me at work, but I would call him back. He got even madder. I finally said thanks but no thanks.
The next day a supervisor called me asking if I had received the leasing contract and if I was going ahead with the order. I explain how turned off I was with this first guy, she apologized and said she would get back to me. The next day she called back and that I had been approved for the full amount and to make up for the poor servic had reduced the intrest rate on the lease. I was happy, that at least is good customer service. So I signed and watched as the order was processed.
The very next day I am bragging about my "new" laptop to a fellow crew guy while I am on a show and he tells me that I need to change my video card. His reasons are that he runs the same software that I use (Martin Show Designer, EAW SMAART, SHOWCADD, SONY VEGAS, PROTOOLS, etc) and said that he had problems and to switch to the QUAD card. Whether I was right or wrong that is a different thread. The point is I called and asked if it was easy for me to change and that if it was going to slow my delivery date. They said it would be easier if I put the change on my CC. I said ok. So the change order was done and I got an email confirmation. The next day I received a new leasing agreement adding $566. Since I was heading out the door for another show, I didnt fax it yet. Later my buddy that recommended the new card and I were on the tour bus and we decided to check out the alienware website to check on the status. When we typed in the laptop specs, it said the new card should be -$500 not adding +$566. I was shocked. So I called AW and after getting passed around for fifteen minutes while on my cell phone, I hung up and called Dell Financial. They explained that AW had given them the numbers but she apologized and said for me not to worry and she would call a AW supervisor and get to the bottom of it. I got a call 5 mins latter (much quicker than being passed around at AW). AW screwed up and gave the wrong amount and it was all corrected now. She talked to the supervisor and he assured her my laptop was on schedule still.
So......I wait, I wait, I wait (from what I read on here I was expecting to wait). So my delivery date comes and goes by. I call AW a few times and I was told that the change to the new video card slowed it down, and that they are waiting on stock. Ok no problem, and he assured me it was only going to add a few days. So the last straw was Friday, I called AW and asked for an update, and after being passed around again, I was told that my system was not even in the system because confirmation of payment was not received from Dell Financial. I asked for him to double check because I received a confirmation email from them weeks ago, and I had spoken to several AW reps and they had assured me my system was being build and was on schedule. I also said how could I be given a shipping date if it wasn't in the system, he said those dates dont mean anything. I asked to speak to a supervisor or else I would be canceling the order, the next thing I now I was passed to a "pre-ship cancellation dept" person. I thought to myself, I guess they want me to cancel my order? So I did.
I guess if I walk away with an impression of my first experience with AW, it would be that at some point they stopped caring about the customer. I am not sure whats going on with them, but they just didnt care. The people at Dell financial actually cared more that I was happy than AW.

I guess the point I am at now is starting to look for a new laptop.....any suggestions?

thanks (sorry for the long rant)

Soundguy

 

I can't read that...

Try pressing the enter key every once in a while . BTW, welcome to the forums!

 

for those who don't want to read all that here's the summary:



After going through that I would've done the same thing, only much quicker.

what show are you working on?

 

Okay a little disclaimer before I post this. This configuration is meant to be a configuration for someone looking to spend a lot of money. This is not a budget setup and might be overkill for his needs. I saw what he WAS going to get and I figured this would be quicker and cheaper so why not . This computer will be quicker than your AW and if you really want good processing power you can go for the 3GHz Intel and overclock it unlike the AW

By the way Raid on laptops = no performance gain or VERY little unless you are using Raid 1 for backup.

http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np5796-custom-notebook-built-clevo-m570tu-p-2415.html

Sager NP5796 Custom Notebook (Built on Clevo M570TU)
- 17" WUXGA "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1920x1200)
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® T9600 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.80GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 35 watt
- 1,024MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9800M GTX DDR3 DX10 (User Upgradeable)
- ~ 4,096MB DDR3 1066MHz Dual Channel Memory (2 SODIMMS) (Requires Vista 64-Bit to recognize Full 4GB)
- NP579x Silver Frame Trim Color
- ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
- ~ 500GB 5400RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 8MB Cache)
- Internal 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo/SD/Mini-SD/MMC/RS)
- Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5300 802.11 a/g/n Wi-Fi Link
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Basic Black Business Case - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- 3 Year Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Based Toll Free Telephone Tech Support
(Labor Warranty through Xotic PC)

Price = $2,947.00

 

Okay. If you want to know what you should really get. Reply here and post exactly what you use your laptop for and what programs you use on it. Depending on that you could be saving OVER $2,500 off of the AW you were about to buy.

If you are only doing soundwork. That 17" I posted can be specced lower (2.4Ghz / 9800GT) and you will knock off maybe $1000 off of that price.

 

thanks for the quick reply.

The computer is my desktop replacement, in saying that the software I use is;

Martin Show Designer (lots of rendering, new version in beta actually renders photo realistic into a movie> I need this as fast as possible. I design alot of shows.
I use a bunch of different sound programs, EAW Smaart, Cubase, Protools, Linearx LMS and LEAP. These programs I tend to run some of them at the same time.

I also have to do some video editing, currently I am using SONY vegas, but I will be switching to the new Adobe Creative suite with the new laptop.

I use the usual Windows Office etc. and I store alot of audio and video from shows.
I also watch movies when on the road.

(note to MichealSD01 - I learned where the enter button is )

I am going to check out that link.

thanks

FYI the show I start tomorrow is the Niagara Wine Festival - 2 weeks of bands

 

oh I also forgot to mention, I thought the RAID drive would help with data protection. I keep a lot of Shows on my system and it sucks when I loose them. I do backup alot, but sometimes I am so tired after a show I forget.

Do you think the RAID option is what I am looking for?

Soundguy

 

hey can i ask what your budget is?

 

Oh I also forgot....(I just finished a Colin James show so I am tired and memory not working ) I thought the LED keyboard would be awesome seeing the keys in dark arenas etc. on shows.

 

Hi Ricky S,

I don't want to sound like a knob, but I don't really have a budget.....I mean I want something that is going to without a question do what I need it to do for the next 2-3 years (average cycle for a new laptop) and if I am on the road and need support I will get it.
In saying that I was paying 7K for the AW.

 

Hey, Check out the OCZ WhiteBook (it's not really white)

It's looks to be a pretty good system.

 

SAGER NP9262 Ultimate Custom Laptop (Built on Clevo D900C / D901C)
- 17" WUXGA "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1920x1200)
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel Core 2 QUAD Q9650 3.0GHz w/ 12MB L2 Cache - 1333MHz FSB
- SLI ENABLED DUAL (2) 1,024MB (2,048MB TOTAL) PCI-Express nVidia 9800M GTX w/GDDR3 Video Cards (User Upgradeable) ETA 9/10/08
- None Standard
- ~ 4,096MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory (Requires Vista 64-Bit to recognize Full 4GB)
- Standard Finish
- ~ 2X Blue-Ray Read/8X DVDRW Super Multi Combo Drive
~ 320GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache)
- ~ 500GB 5400RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 8MB Cache)
- ~ 500GB 5400RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 8MB Cache)
- HDD Raid Settings - OFF
- None Standard
- None Standard
- Internal 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo/SD/Mini-SD/MMC/RS)
- Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5300 802.11 a/g/n Wi-Fi Link
- None Standard
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Built-In Multi Region TV Tuner w/ Remote (Standard Remote)
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Basic Black Business Case - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (12 Cell)
- None Standard
- None Standard
- None Standard
- None Standard
- None Standard
- None Standard - Drivers & Utility Software Only
- None Standard
- None Standard
- 3 Year Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Based Toll Free Telephone Tech Support
(Labor Warranty through Xotic PC)

total: 4707.00

also you can custom paint the laptop.
more options:
http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np9262...-clevo-d900c-d901c-p-2273.html?wconfigure=yes

that maybe a bit much but if you going to spend 7K on AW, this is a really good deal in comparison. But as stone said, if you were to get the same configuration as your AW laptop, you can know off alot of dough, by buying Sager.

that also has a backlit keyboard I believe.

 

if you want support, go dell. they'll meet you ANYWHERE WITH TRUE ON-SITE SERVICE. You obviously cant lose time by mailing the sucker in for a 2 week or more return timeframe.

The new precision is coming out in like a week or 2. 17", raid, 1gb quadro card. We have a 6300 i bought for my boss, and i like it better than my 1710. The service and support just cant be beat. I also believe it will be offered with the new quadcore mobiles. Not sure if they offer complete care anymore, but i had 2 family members that were OUT OF THE COUNTRY and still got onsite warranty repair service at their hotels no less.

Just a thought.

 

Hi jah2323,

I didnt know that about dell service. Thats kool.

Soundguy

 

Soundguy, i'm going to go against the norm here...

i've paid $7k for a "premium" boutique that, at the time of order, was THE best of the best...

after 3 years of lugging that 13lbs Folding Desktop + 1.5lbs Power Brick, it began to show it's age... my MB is in it's 3rd swap, and what really pissed me off was the fact that it failed on me in the middle of a buisness trip with a week to go... so i was carrying a dead laptop for a week, in 2 different occassions.

these systems are nice... the numbers are amazing... OCZ, the m17x and such... but it seems that when the time came to spend money on a laptop, my mind goes to the system that did not fail me...

my dell inspiron 8500 is still working... and NEVER failed me at all.
AND, i've also shipped the dang thing with my checked luggage...

why the failure of my D900K? i dont know... i'm no tech but my mind wonders...

1) these super heavy DTR's are labeld as laptops.. but just because it folds, does it really mean it's portable?
2) i've been told that i must run this at full fan speed all the time, increasing the dB to an unbearable amount when i use it in my bedroom. and is that normal? i was dissappointed at this fact. does it mean it's cooling system is "borderline" sufficient?
3) is it the weight that in time acts against it?
4) was it the gorgeous and glossy blue custom paint?
etc etc...

well, again, i am no pro... i've seen many folks here still using the D900K and without asking them or knowing them, these are just one owner's speculations...

in the 3 years, i've traveled tremendously with my laptop.. but 99% of the time, it would be Home -> Office which eventually, i just left it at the office...
or from home to hotel in some foreign country... but i've never really carried my laptop to the daily meetings and such... it's just my dedicated workstation that i can use wherever...

so in conclusion... on this recent purchase, i asked myself...

1) will i be breaking world records with my laptop? no.
2) will i be happy for lifespan of my laptop 2-4 years, that it held the world record for a couple of months? no
3) do i need to have the latest.. SSD and God knows what GPU and CPU we are at? no

and taking these factors in mind... and my applications... i rather have something that is RELIABLE over mind boggling performance that my old eyes will probably never see the minute or even some of the noticable differences...

i decided to buy into a workstation or business grade as well as looking at a plain old system from Dell.

now if Crysis and the likes is high in the priority of games, i would look elsewhere.. but that's not for me...

in the end, i have received a Studio 17 right now (which i'm impressed with...) and i have a Dell Precision M4400 coming shortly...

i will decide between the 2... and it looks like i'll be sticking with the Studio 17 as it offers a more "diverse" and "general" fuctionality to me... basically occassional light gaming...
and i'm stuck on the 17" wuxga screens.

so, in the end, i think the Sagers or the OCZ's are nice and they seem to be at the top... but for what you seem to be doing... a workstation line seems to fit your bill better... and forgive my inexperienced opinion... but for some reason, it gives me a better sense of reliability... which over time will outweigh the sheer benchmark numbers and fps's and such...

as for my decision... it cost me $1700~1900 shipped, pending on the model... and honestly, if it last me 3-4 years as did my Inspiron 8500, then it's money VERY well spent...

sorry for the long read...

just wanted to share some of my thoughts and experience...

 

i've been told that Dell business is much, MUCH better than personal computer...

hence go Precision...

 

In the M6400 17-inch flagship "concept" Dell is offering up to 16GB of RAM, 1TB RAID storage, 100% Adobe RGB color gamut in an LED-backlit display, and high-end NVIDIA Quadro graphics.

Dell revealed its first quad-core notebook yesterday, a 17in monster that'll appear as part of its Precision mobile workstation line once Intel gets its four-core laptop chips out the door.

You'll have to wait until the autumn, the chip giant admitted, but it's likely to find a fair few folk will given the tantalising glimpses it's given of the beast's specs.
Dell M6400 teaser

All Dell's revealing of its quad-core laptop

In addition to the first mobile quad-core CPU, the machine - dubbed the M6400 - will support up to 16GB of main memory - and 1GB for the on-board but unnamed GPU. Or GPUs - multiple components seem the name of the game here: it'll also take a pair of hard drives with a total capacity of 1TB.


The machine will drive a pair of 30in monitors, but its own screen is no fall-back. The 17in edge-to-edge panel is LED backlit and will deliver a full RGB colour gamut, Dell pledged. DisplayPort connectors come as standard.

There's a cute iPod-style clickwheel next to the trackpad to help out with video editing and the like.

Finally, the system sports a flame orange casing - black'll be available for more conservative buyers - that wraps the workstation in colour

 

All available for the low, low, low price of....? care to take a guess?
i was going to wait for this... but i think the initial sticker price is going to kill me...

you can check the precision subsection of dell section and there's a pdf info sheet and some images on this...

kinda bit mac-ish, no?

please, no white...

 

lol. but he was going to spend 7k. i bet fully loaded it will be around 5k with a 4 year pro-support warranty.

I'm up for a new laptop next year (as i personally extended my work 1710 for another 2 years - it was a replacement for a much-maligned xps2)... maybe the bossman will reward me for having such a low salary! lol.

***uhh.. if adding 16gb it will probably be close to 7k! LOL.

 

good luck in talking to your boss... the vostro 1710 seems like a nice workhorse...

in the old days, i think premium luxury boutique was when you pay a large amount of money for a painted and well serviced laptop (voodoo service was and still is great in my experience)... but i think it's redifining ourselves...

many folks criticized buyers of such boutique brands for paying a lot of money for something thats avaialbe except a paintjob...

i think the re-defined "premium" buyers should be folks who buy into these blazing fast machines (of course for the short duration of it's glory)...

what's more shocking is how many folks seem "content" despite obvious flaws and defects, no matter how small...

 

Hey soundguy, i'm in the music production scene so i know what your needs are. First of all, I agree with steveinspokane about the OCZ Whitebook. It's the most portable 17" laptop with backlit keyboard like you wanted.
Here is a link check this out. I'm getting the same thing soon too.
http://www.xoticpc.com/force-extreme-built-arima-w840-order-p-2495.html

For sounds you probably using a professional Interface i assume? DAW's don't require that much graphics power, mostly CPU and RAM and HDD to store your projects.

This laptops support up to 2 HDDs, with ATI Crossfire GPU (and future upgrades Radeon Mobility 48xx series).

I think you should look into this. I've been wanting to buy a laptop too but after joining this forum i've learned so much from so many people. I've finally decided to go with the OCZ whitebook/Arima w840di.

I hope this help

 

Yet you "weren't in the system" the entire time. That's... just pathetic. So AW reps are just flapping heads that say whatever the *** they can think of to get you off their phone line. Great to know. You'd think $7k for a product would get you the ability to speak with someone who hadn't come to this country on a floating door. But that's Miami for ya I guess.

 

RAID 1 is the appropriate choice if you need backup. RAID 0 has no backup at all and as Stone said there is very little performance increase with a RAID 0 configuration.

 

dell xps M1530?

check out the 1730 as well...

 

Sound engies runnin MSD? What has the world come too?

 

Hey Amplyfied Noize,

Yeah and I board op a MAXXYZ too, bi-technical, lol

soundguy >>>> er lightguy >>> umm i am so confused

 

Just to confuse you more Adobe Premiere is not worth the money, Vegas gives you the same for less (I have Vegas on a 9750). And if you are doing video and you want to save your assests raid it 3 or 5. Although Adobe says it will work in raid 0 I wouldn't.

 

Bi-Technical! haha

Somehow I learned HOG from behind a sound board.

 

wow, 2 cancels in 1 week, there goes some profit for AW, maybe they'll catch a clue.

 

that thesis should go for macbook pro.

 

well unless he wants to use OSX

 

Dell XPSM1730
NP5796
NP9262