Is this a good deal for the M17x (from Micro Center)

I was looking on Micro Center's website and I saw the M17x for what I presume to be a pretty good deal unless I'm missing something...

http://microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0314770

Product Specifications

Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)

Processor Intel® Core(tm) 2 Quad Processor Q9000

Processor Speed 2.0GHz

Level 2 Cache 6MB Level 2 Cache

Data Bus Speed 1066MHz Frontside Bus

RAM Installed / Max RAM Supported 4GB DDR3 SDRAM

Hard Drive 500GB Hard Drive

Multimedia Drive Blu-ray/CD/DVD Combo Drive

Display Type 17" Widescreen UXGA Display

Video Card Dual NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 260M

Video Card Memory 1024MB

Internal Max Resolution 1920 x 1200

Sound Card High Definition Audio Chipset

Sound Output Mode 5.1 Channel Surround Sound

Network Features 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet

Wireless Network Features Internal Wireless a/g/draft-n with MIMO (2x2)

Technology); Bluetooth® 2.1 + EDR

Ports and Connectors (4) Hi-speed USB 2.0 Ports; (1) eSATA/USB 2.0 Combo (2-in-1 port) with PowerShare; (1) IEEE 1394a (4-pin) Port; DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA - Video Output; Front Speakers Audio Out Connector / Headphone Jack; Center Speaker and Subwoofer Audio Out Connector / Headphone Jack; Rear Surround Audio Out Connector; Audio In / Microphone Jack

Memory Card Reader 8-in-1 Media Card Reader

Expansion Slots (1) ExpressCard Slot

Built-in Devices (2) Front Speakers, 2.0MP Webcam

Input Device AlienFX(tm) Illuminated Keyboard - Exclusive Design

Included Battery 9 Cell Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery

Included Software McAfee® VirusScan Plus 30 Day Free Trial

Dimensions (WxDxH) 15.98" x 12.65" x 2.02"-2.11"

Weight Starting at 11.68 lbs

Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty


It seems like a heck of a deal! I've shopped at Micro Center before and they're great, but this just seems to good to be true. What do you guys think? Sorry if this has been posted before...

 

I personally think that is a great deal. I know Alienware opened a "section" within Microcenter in NJ. I cannot find the link right now, but I do believe it is a great computer at a very good price.

 

This past Sat the 25th they had 25% off of that price so I payed about 1800.00 for that config.. I picked one up there really good the only nit pick is the 2.0 Quad its a bit slow but you can upgrade that later I would tell them you heard about the 25 % off and haggel them down some....Asab.....................

 

It's a very good deal but if you can get the 7% EPP discount you'll get a better deal ordering from Dell with the e-value code.

 

You get the 25% at the store or from the website?

 

No on the 25th they had the Alienware people in the Paterson NJ store and did a special 25% off...They only sold 4 of them lol. I was one. So they need to move them...

They will not go that low but if you give them a hard time about it they should give you the laptop at a better price then that....Asab......

 

how much better is 280M SLI than 260M SLI? Is there really a reason to spend $300+ extra for 280M SLI? the Micro Center deal has just about everything I want in that notebook for a pretty darn good price. I'm just wondering if I should go with 280M SLI...

 

10-15% better.

 

Yes it is a good deal, if you go on to Dell website take the same configurations the price is more then $2,400

 

overclocked 280m is even better hehe

 

you should get 280m sli save yourself the upgrade money later.

 

the microcenter deal is excellent

if I couldnt get the e-value code I was gonna buy the microcenter one since I live near one and would have had it immediately

Fortunately I got the e-value code and EPP

 

I have not had one problem with the 260 in SLI I love the computer to death.

Everything rates a 5.9 Except the CPU its 5.8

I would love to see a 280 lappy and a 260 side by side same CPU see how much better the 280 really is 10 % is not much but every little bit counts lol....

 

overlocked 280m is 30-40% increase.

 

dude you can oc the 260 too

so unless they are both max oc a number like that means nothing

 

Without going in to the '280 vs 260' argument, my one big complaint with this config is the lack of the WUXGA screen. Maybe it's just me, but if I'm going to be purchasing a frakkin' big 17" laptop, I want the screen to be GLORIOUS....and the 900p UXGA just doesn't cut it for me. Every other part of the laptop (with the possible exception of the slot-loading optical, from what I know) is rather easily user upgradeable. Personally, I took advantage of the E-Value code and upgraded the screen- and having a Blu-Ray player with a non-hi-def screen kind of seems a waste, doesn't it?

Still though- price is smoking. Can't really complain when money gets knocked off.

 

it has 1920x1200 screen dude....making the price even more awesome

wide uxga = wuxga

 

.:headdesk:.

See, this is what happens from looking at invoices for too long- you forget that humanity has learned to actually write out words the LONG way....



In that case, I officially endorse this deal as, for lack of a better term, 'awesome'. + 1 to that Scook.

 

I agree, it is an awesome deal...I was so tempted to do this instead of the e-value, but it was only 100 more after tax for gtx 280s and not doing that would just be stupid

 

Damn and I decided not to go. For $1800 I would have had to break down and buy one.

Did they have the silver in store?

 

Ai meu ovo...

No it's not and no it's not going to save money.

 

Would I still get a customized nameplate if I purchase through Micro Center?

And what is this additional tax exactly?
Will I get charged with tax if I drop by and purchase one personally at a Micro Center store?

 

No, I'm pretty certain you don't get a custom plate since it's not custom made.

And what additional tax? There's just the usual sales tax.

 

i see... but would you know if will still get all the freebies..?
compared to ordering from Dell (thru phone)

 

I'm ordering my M17x later today from Microcenter. I'll let you know how smoothly it goes. Hopefully much better than what Best Buy did to me, which can't be hard to top, 3 weeks of no communication from them and finally canceling it themselves.

Other than that it's a great build. The CPU is a little slow I'm guessing, hopefully more games in the future will support quad, but it's upgradable. At first I didn't really feel the need for Bluray or the 19x12 but having it makes this thing a moving theater quality entertainment system with the HDMI and everything. I wish it came with a SSD and a 2.8 duo instead, which can also be upgraded I'm assuming?

Fantastic build.

 

And on that note, would it be possible to throw in a SSD in addition to the 500GB HD? Would you need a specific Alienware SSD or do most Notebook SSD function with the M17x?

Having Windows 7 on a SSD would be awesome.

 

any ssd will work as long as it is sata

the tax is just the regular sales tax, but in VA 5% of 2300 is still $115 so you have to remember that

 

That is a sweet deal.

I see that this deal comes with the standard 1 year limited warranty. Is the Dell warranty still extendable if you purchase through Microcenter?

 

The Best Buy and Sam's Club warranties were actually Dell warranties, I imagine the Micro Center one is the same thing, and yes you can upgrade warranties from Dell. Perhaps you should call Micro Center and confirm though?

 

hey that's great news.
i'd love to know if we'd still get all the freebies when buying from microcenter.
i'm referring to the wicked black box and the sleeves, etc..

 

.... and texas micro center has no stock of M17x.
bummer.

 

I'm 99.9% sure when you order your M17x through Microcenter, you're getting exactly what anyone who ordered through Dell would get. 1yr warranty with a factory sealed box.

 

did you order online?

i think the remaining 0.1% would be the customized nameplate.
micro center don't do custom plates, right?

 

the name plate will just say M17x

And i believe you get the full Dell Package, the display at store near me had the alienware mousepad next to it

 

its done im ordering mine next month from microcenter... i just hope i don't run into any trouble... according to most reviews, doesn't seem like microcenter should be my choice

 

According to reviews buying online from anywhere would not be your choice. MicroCenter will take care of you

 

So far, here's my experience with Microcenter...

I tried to place my order online, had a few errors so I called them directly.

Apparently they do not ship items over $1500 anywhere but the billing address for security reasons. This wasn't an issue for me but I'm just letting others know.

About 2 hours after I placed the order through the phone (they were quite nice), I received an email saying it was shipped, with the Fedex number.

They say 5-7 days but in all likelihood, it could be much sooner.

 

ya, unlike sam's and bestbuy, they really have the machines already haha.

Glad to hear you will be getting one. I am alread in love with mine (as long as I don't have to pick it up lol)

 

So THAT'S where all the damn WUXGA panels went....

Friggin' microcenter!

(lol)

 

What errors are they exactly? On your part right, not the site's?

 

It was a problem with Microcenter trying to verify my credit card with the bank I have. I've never had a similar problem. Microcenter called my bank 3-4 times to verify it, while my email inbox blew up with 3-4 canceled orders.

They were very apologetic when I called them and said they would get it shipped right away for me, same day. Then I got a 5th email with the Fedex info.

 

Haha, that's a good point.

I think Microcenter is loaded with these things, not the stores themselves but their storage facility for online orders.

Like Scoot said, unlike Best Buy, when they say they have them, they actually do.

 

no one says my name right

lol

Awesome that you are getting one. You are first person I know to order from them actually, lol Despite that awesome deal

 

I ordered this yesterday, it says it will be here on Friday. Wow that's fast.

 

wow.....even faster than my order and it was SMOKIN haha, although mine was a CTO (ordered 7/31 received 8/11)

and congrats!

 

I'm thinkin about going directly there tonight to pick one up. The deal is too good to be true. Does anyone know what the 4GB RAM stick is? 1066 or 1333 MHz?

 

they are 1066, and call ahead, alot of stores dont have them anymore, mostly just web only

 

My store has 7 in stock. Gonna go pick one up today!

 

You're going to Paterson, aren't you? Maybe I'll see you there!

 

Yea haha if I go.. not sure If I'm going though today.. prob tomorrow if they have any left lol