Looking at getting AW or ASUS

Hey guys. I'm on the fence about getting a gaming laptop. I am stuck with deciding between AW M14x or M17x and Asus G74. There's really something about AW that I really like even if its really more expensive than G74.

Yesterday, I have decided to submit my setup in my cart for the M17x with 3D but was surprised that it was removed (3D) from the options already. I chatted with Dell rep and he was actually surprised either. (Although its kind of hard to believe lol).

Then I saw the thread about the new AWs when I went to this forum to ask about the missing 3D option. Now I decided to wait for the new ones.

I kind of feeling like I'm back on the decision phase again between new AWs and G75, Asus' new ones that will come out on 29th.

I want to ask you guys, honestly, will you recommend Dell AW? I've been reading a lot of horror stories about Dell laptops and customer service and its quite alarming. I am just hoping the 2 Dell laptops I bought for my kids just a month ago will not have any problems. Thanks!

 

As an Alienware Owner, I would recommend Alienware, but for real gaming performance Laptop in the Alienware series, M17x is the best and most suitable for people who looking to get a Gaming Laptop like you. Because the M14x is not really good if talking about performance, because it is in somewhere between Portability and Performance, and these two word doesnt goes together very well.

For the 3D Option, All M17x laptop when in configuration will always offer the 3D Option, so the removal of the option "might" be just a website glitch, because when I first config my M14x, there are also website glitch where I cannot config my option to add the newly configured laptop the the cart. After I report the issue and a day later, I visit again the option back to normal.

For the Horror stories, I assuming you read them from NBR, if so then, let me assure you. All laptop are not problem-free, though some are just troublesome at start, while other will not until few weeks to years of use, any hardware can fail at anytime depending on how long and how careful you look after the laptop. And Since NBR is a forum where most troubled people come to report problem for help, so be expect that most of the thread here will be horror stories .

Finally, since I dont and never have owned an Asus, so I cant comment on that, I'll leave it for someone else who has experience on that to help suggest. Sorry about that.

 

@CGSDR - thanks a lot for the response. This is quite helpful. Yeah I am really more inclined in getting the M17x. Sometimes I am attracted with the portability of M14x.

About the 3D, does this mean that all GPU options in the M17x series are all 3D ready?

 

Ooops. My thread was moved here I posted it in AW section because my question is geared more towards the Alienware users. Its not that I have no idea yet what I want to buy. I am just asking about the Dell's services and AW laptop performance.

I just mentioned that one of my option is Asus G74/75. I am hoping to get better/more response in the AW section that's why I think that section is more appropriate.

Please MOD, can you bring this back to the AW section pls

 

Try to wait a bit for the new clevo/sager models, the 15'' fits portability with the same power as the m17x

 

Well, as far as I know, all NVIDIA GPU starting from the GT(X) 2xx series or higher, are all 3D native GPU, however it is disable because it is not required, because to fully take the advantage of the 3D effect, you need a 3D ready Monitor or TV.

In short, those who did not opt to get the 3D Screen when you config the M17x, will had their 3D feature on the GPU disabled, and vice versa on the other hand. However just to clarify, that this is what I think, so dont take it as for real, it is just my theory and opinion on it, should you have more question you should ask the M17x owners in the Alienware M17x Sub-Forum.

 

I've moved your thread back as requested. In the future, for a faster response, you can use the Report Thread feature ( button).

 

The m17xr3 is a great laptop. If you are considering a 17" model this will offer video card options more powerful then the ASUS laptop. I'm not sure I'd jump on a purchase right this moment though. The Alienware web site has removed some of the customization options from the m17xr3 (ie. 3d screen and 1600x900 screen, 560M video card) in the last couple days. This may seem like speculation but I believe it is to prepare for the next line-up of laptop revisions. People often say there is always something better comming and you might as well buy something now. I'd honestly suggest holding off on a purchase to at least see if anything official is announced by early next week regarding this before making a purchase.

I too strongly considered the ASUS G74 when I was looking at getting my first gaming laptop. I only have expierience with my alienware but can honestly say it's a surprisingly well built system (but I was surprised to have a laptop that could play bad company 2 better then my aging desktop too). I found the ASUS gave alot of nice stuff like bluray player and lots of ram and good sized HDD for a nicely priced package and it also had the matte screen. For me it just came down to getting the best video card. If I could of gotten a 6970m, 6990m, or 580m in the ASUS that would have made me buy one instantly. Hopefully some ASUS owners can give you their opinions too but I'd say for games you want the best video card possible.

You know your needs best though so this may not be the right advice for you.

 

If you want the biggest and best combination of high performance and build quality, the M18x is unmatched. The dual GPU CrossFire or SLI shreds everything you can throw at it--especially when paired with a 2920XM or 2960XM processor--and the anodized aluminum chassis is an awesome work of art. You can get acceptable gaming results with something less if you are willing (or prefer) to settle for less and compromise on build quality and performance. Some say the M18x is not a "portable" system, but mine has traveled extensively with me on business trips. I find it portable enough to not be an impediment to travel and would be dissatisfied with something less after owning this beast.

 

Thanks a lot for moving it back. I think I didn't get any response when it was there Thanks again!

I think I wasn't able to describe my problem well. You're right, I'm supposed to refer to the 3D screen option that is missing. I cant find that option anymore in my saved config in my cart. Thanks.

That's actually what I am trying to do. I'm trying to keep myself away from the AW website to help me do that

I am really looking at the M17x. Maybe 50% for M17x, 35% for M14x and 15% for Asus G74. That's how confused I was. But everything changed when I learnt that both AW and Asus is releasing new setups. I'm trying to wait

I honestly haven't tried setting-up a M18x. I always thought it is too big for me. But I guess I will have a look at it. I'm just pretty sure its going to be above my budget though.

 

Having owned both, one of the big factors that lead me to Alienware over Asus was the superior warranty.

Asus Repair Depot:
Mail service; wait 3-6 weeks (I waited 6 weeks before)

AW Repair:
24-48hrs tech is at your house; parts shipped over night

---

Plus, Alienware has:
- Better keyboard
- Better touchpad
- Best backlit / light FX out there
- Superior phone support (5 vs 30-45 minutes on hold with Asus)
- Remote diagnostic (Asus does not have this)

---

I'm an Alienware fan for life now. Product and service has been exceptional compared to my previous brands.

 

I have experience with the M17x R3 and the Asus G74SX. The major drawback IMO for the G74SX is the non-upgradeable CPU and GPU. What you have is what you're stuck with in the Asus. The Alienware, you can upgrade the CPU and GPU later on when prices go down.

When my M17x R3 was sent to Dell Depot, I got a loaner Asus G74SX to use for a few weeks.

Here are my observations:

1. The Asus keyboard is not as good as the M17x keyboard. There are several posts on the Asus forums of users having the issue of keys not being too responsive.

2. The thickness of the G74SX is much more than the Alienware especially at the rear. It barely fit in the Orion M17x messenger bag that I bought!

3. One advantage of the G74SX is that the Asus has a better cooling design though. It barely got over 60 degrees according to HWINFO even during load. With my M17x, I felt it was required to get a cooling pad.

4. The power brick of the G74SX is huge compared to the M17x R3 power adapter.

5. You cannot change the keyboard backlight color of the G74SX. You are stuck with white or off. I like how the lights on the M17x changes according to game events in Eve Online.

 

You already got me on this! I always thought all laptop's CPUs and GPUs are not upgradeable. Thanks!

 

Yup is a great feature that makes your system last quite a bit longer than the asus machines. Need more power? Just buy a newer graphics card down the road. I went from a 460m to a 6990m in my current rig. Other than a few minor issues, the upgrade was a piece of cake. You just gotta make sure you buy a compatible MXM card with a V-bios that works and you should be good to go. My buddy has the g73 with the 460m and his system was comparable to mine before the upgrade. After the upgrade my machine blows his away in most games. Just my 10 cents, but with the upgradeability, warranty, and power of the Alienwares, Nothing really compares

 

As an owner of both an Alienware and Asus, I have to say that I am much happier with performance of the M18x. Although my machines are not exactly the ones you were inquiring about, the G73 is the predecessor of the G74 and is very similar to the newer model. For the case of my M18x, I did have a debate as to whether I would get an M17x or my current AW. I decided that I really wanted the performance boost of the M18x. The anodized aluminum is also icing on the cake.

 

jinda, besides everything else like service (with which you hopefully won't have to deal at all), Alienware notebooks feature much much better build quality. This includes everything: the quality of the laptop itself, the material it is built of, the quality of keyboard's backlight etc. In the end Asus is just cheap plastic (unless something changed recently). If you can afford AW, get AW.

 

I own an Asus G73-JH (5870, not 460) and an i5 M11x R3 and i prefer my M11x and use it as my main machine whereas my Asus sits in the LAN room being used by mates for gaming.

If you get the Alienware you will never regret it, if you don't you will always wonder about what it could have been like.

 

This. I couldn't agree more with this statement.

 

AW vs Asus, here we go again: no comparison, AW blows Asus away in every single way.

AW:

• Higher quality craftmanship
• Faster GPUs for 17"+ notebooks
• Switchable iGPU - you get 4+ hours battery life on a 17"-18" notebook.
• Upgradeable GPU (MXM 3.0b compliant)
• Better Cooling
• Higher quality keyboard + lighting fx (not some cheap wannabe lighting installed by a reseller)
• Built-in CPU overclocking via bios (especially good for 2920xm/2960xm CPU owners).
• Awesome active Dell reps on the forum (shouts out to: Chris M. and Bill B.)
• Dell at home support

'Nuff said.

 

Alienware, all the way. The build quality is leaps and bounds better than Asus and the m17x will be much more powerful.

 

Guys, thanks for the info. Actually you guys have to stop convincing me because I have already decided

I'll get an AW. The only problem is holding back until the new releases comes out It's freaking hard its torture!

 

Hang in there, from what it sounds like the 675m/7970m will be worth the wait.

 

Stop! Don't Get An Alienware Because Its Too Awesome!

 

Just endure it for a few month longer, then you wouldnt have to be torture by the older Sandy Bridge and the GT 500 series GPU. If it was up to me, I would endure these few month for a better newer hardware. So hang in there, because time fly really fast sometime.

 

^ Yep, I would wait since we're getting close to the new revision.

BUT ...if you can find a good priced AW in the Dell Outlet, then I'd go for it, because sometimes you'll find incredible savings when the big coupons are released (you can find them on Dell Outlet US Twitter).

The new lineup surely won't have any discounts for the first little while, so that's something to consider too, especially if you're on a budget.