I want an Alienware..but

...I don't know whether to buy it outlet or from Ebay.

After literally looking at 30 threads I've decided that the m14x is what I want. I can either buy a refurbished model from Ebay for around $1200 AU or get a brand new one from the outlet for $1800 AU. So really, I guess my question would be; should I go outlet or go for Ebay? I'm aiming to try and spend the least amount of money as possible. I guess I'd probably go for Ebay as I can pay via PayPal but I don't know. So I need your help guys. Cheers.

 

Most of them that you see on e.bay are deals from the outlet when coupons are around.
I'd go for the Dell outlet instead of e.bay.

 

Is it possible to buy from the dell outlet from within Australia without a lot of hassle?

I'm assuming the OP is from Australia because he lists his prices in AUD.

 

I can't find Alienwares in the Aussie Dell Outlet anywhere. Do they sell them?

 

Import it from the US??

 

Laptops and Netbooks | Dell Australia

I don't see last generation's M15x, just this current generation.

I would avoid Ebay's refurbished Alienwares. Usually they are refurbished by 3rd party companies, and you will not have a Dell warranty (you'll need to RMA it to the refurbisher).

 

There's only one M15x, sold by Dell/Alienware, the pre Dell model is a m15x.

 

If everyone reckons that the outlet is a better option then I'll probably get it.

Another thing I want to ask is in regards of the coupons and haggling. Do the coupons work worldwide or just on a strict country basis and if I were to haggle, what kind of a discount am I looking to get? Also are there any student discounts available?

Edit: Does anyone know where to find the refurbed models on the Australian Alienware site? I can't seem to find it

 

Coupons are not international.

 

I wish they where! Not many coupons here in Europe.

OP you can import a M14 from the US, have a look at HIDevolution.com - Specializing in customized computers, electronics, and mobile devices for gamers and professionals If you have a coupon you can ask them to use it.

Trusted company, many have ordered there including myself.

 

I feel you,buddy , we don't even have an outlet here.

 

if you ship it from US then shipping cost would be half of the price of it

 

That's false, shipping something like a M17x in its original box US-> FR is ~120$

 

with taxes??

Outlet store with a coupon is the best choice...

 

If you're reffering to the customs fee , in that case you'll have to pay it anyway regardless where you get it from (as long as It's outside E.U).

Yes, "outlet store with coupon is the best choice" as long as Dell has an Outlet store in your country.

 

If you want warranty support I would buy from the Outlet Store.

 

I've just been on Dell chat to a few of them and they've said you can only apply 1 discount per product. Is this true? Anyway, the best offer they've given me thus far is a 15% discount from $1800 which comes out to $1490. Is this a fair price or should I push further? (15% discount is some University Promo)

These are basically the specs I'm looking at for a base model m14x.

2nd generation Intel® Core™ i7-2670QM 2.2GHz (3.1GHz with Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache)
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit (English)
4GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM (2 x 2GB)
500GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
14" (35.6cm) WLED HD+ (900p) display (1600X900)
1.5GB DDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus™ technology (Stealth Black)
Slot Load 8X DVD+/-RW Drive with DVD+R double layer write capability
Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO for Gaming & Video

Is there anything that needs upgrading or should I just leave it as it is?

Edit: It looks like they're not going to budge any further so I'm not sure if I should try and haggle over the phone or maybe ask for freebies..they keep telling me $1490 is all they're going to offer. If anyone has advice here it would be greatly appreciated or anyone with experience with Alienware Australia and since this 15% offer ends on the 1st of October, I need to act swiftly.

 

Well a M17x R3 with much better specs can be bought for 1800 dollars. I personaly do not feel comfortable spending so much money on a small laptop.

XPS 17 has the same or better specs then the M14x, screen is bigger but its thinner. Well is doesnt have the lights and design but thats not worth the differerance.

If you are happy with a 14 inch laptop and need it on the go then go get it. If you need something that is upgradeable, still portable and will last you a couple of years then look for another model. The M14x GPU is soldered to the board so it cant be upgraded. Lot of people also reported heat issues.