Looking into buying a M15x, what should I get?

Hi there,
Lately I've been shopping for a new notebook and I always liked the M15x, though I dont have an unlimited budget, lets say I cant go over 2000$ CAD ( so with canadian price and all)..
I was wondering what I should get for that kind of money, the i7 820M? More ram? The 260M? The 1080p screen, the 9 cell battery.. I dont really know..
To give you guys an Idea, I am not planning on doing any intense gaming, I play games, but nothing serious (Counter-strike as an exemple). However I listen to a lot of HD movies/high quality pictures and music, and I also do quite a lot of video/music conversion..
SO yeah, what are your advices, tricks, choices?
Thanks for the help..!

EDIT: I obviously want the i7 720 (or better) cpu.

 

I have the 240 instead of the 260 and all the source games run flawlessly. Counterstrike source as an example runs at 60-well over 100 fps with all the settings at the highest.

With the 9 cell battery you will get a little bit extra life time, but it's still going to be extremely low as the 6 cell lasts about 30 minutes. You're going to have to keep this baby plugged in most of the time.

I got all the standard stuff in mine just for a lack of money xD. I would have been happier with the better graphics card but this one works pretty good.

 

Thats what I though, but I kinda dont like the style of the 9 cell battery.. But i guess we dont really have the choice!
Now what about the memory, do you guys think it's worth it to go with 1333Mhz Ram?
And Isaac252, what are your feelings about the standard model? Are you satisfied? Do you feel like you should have upgraded something?

 

you must get 260m gtx and i7. everything else doesn't really effect performance, well maybe a ssd can, but you can upgrade that later on when it get cheaper.

 

The 1080p screen isnt worth it?
Going for 1333Ram rather than 1066 doesnt make a difference?

 

1333 RAM will be roughly 30% faster, but only in operations that require large transfers to and from RAM.

The 1080P screen is a personal preference. My M17x has the 1440x900 screen, and I think it's fine.

 

M15x will make use of the 1333 ram unlike M17x rite now, but performance wise you can hardly tell the difference. I got it because it was pretty cheap to upgrade. 1080 screen if get blueray or like having screen real estate. but for games 900 does better.

 

Allright
SO if I go for the 260M + 4gb of 1333Mhz Ram it costs something like 2049$ which is over my budget
Since I dont play any intense gaming dont you think the 240 is gonna be enough? Thats a good 300$ I could put in other things such as more Ram or a 1080p screen.
Also, nah I wont get the BR reader

 

I'd skimp on the RAM and hard drive before the graphics card. The first two are easy and relatively cheap to upgrade down the road. The latter is not.

 

I dont care much about the Hard drive capacity since I have an external HDD on which I stock all my media..
Do you think the 9 cell battery is a must have if I want a minimum of mobility?

 

Couldn't tell you that one, but if you're looking for really long battery life you should look elsewhere. The Alienware notebooks are not known for their battery life.

 

^^^^^agreed, just get 260m you won't regret it, everything else keep basic. a 240 would do fine in gaming but if you decide to upgrade later it will cost you.

 

I dont wish to have a 5 hours battery life, but I mean.. 2 would be useful.
I would really love to get the 260M but now that Dell raised the price so much, its hard to let all that money go And since I dont play any new and intense games, I dont really see the needs..!

 

You wont be getting anywhere near 2 hours even with the 9 cell. You'd get maybe 1 hour and 30 minutes doing very little stuff. I have the 240 beacuse I couldnt afford to upgrade but when I get money I am definately going to upgrade to the 260. If you're playing very lite games like CSS then the 240 will be fine and get you well in the 100s fps on max settings. If you're not doing super heavy gaming but rather want to watch nice quality movies and stuff then I'd say get the screen upgrade.

Yes I have all the stock hardware and I find it very fast except for some higher end games but for most it's max settings max fps. Of course with a higher resolution your results may be less.

*btw just an estimate on the battery time I dont actually know since I have the 6 cell and it says I have 50 minutes but it ends up depleting in 30 if I do a bunch of stuff.

 

I spec'd out an M15x just now with an i7-720, 4 gigs of 1333 RAM and the 260 and it came out to 1774. What else are you adding / what's your budget?

 

@Isaac252 well thats a bummer, but anyways, I'll get it
Thanks for the comments
@Explosivpotato; Thats in the US, I'm in canada, the same specs here is 2025$
My budget would be less than 2k, since a 2000 setup ends up arround 2300$ w/ the taxes and all..
The worst part is that the upgrade from the 240 to the 260 is 300$ in canada, rather than 200 in the US..

 

u gota get the 260 i just returned mine with the 240 i really hated it had so many problems with it i think because it came bad and then i kept having driver failure i tried ot be cheap and save 200 dollars but its really worht it from what i heard
and also from what i have heard there really is not much if any noticible difrance from the 720 and 820 go with the i7-820 and save a few hundred dollars

 

Err, ok I see, I'll wait to see if I can get a good deal in the next week..
Unless you guys think I'd be better with a dell XPS or another brand? Even though I really want an Alienware..

 

But then again... from what I heard from other forums...

If you're the person who rarely pushes limits of your M15x (like increasing game resolutions, etc.), don't bother spending extra $200 (Canadian $300) on the GTX 260M. Just stick with the 240M.

Same applies for the DDR3 RAMS... If you like to overclock RAMs, 1333 is the way to go... Otherwise, stick with 1066 and save $50 Canadian bucks...

For the processor, because you only have $2000 budget, just stick with your 720. Configuring with 820 will drive your config price from $1599 to $2099.

Hey, BTW, I checked Dell Canada today, and they have the Core i5-540M (Dual Core) as the default CPU... but prices seem to be the same from last week...

 

Alienware: For the performance, the looks, and the lights O.O
Dell: Performance vs Value kinda thing...

Source: Friend works for Dell.

If you're going to buy Alienware just for looks, and you still want one... then I suggest buying the M15X with the lowest configuration settings possible (except for what you said about Hard Drive, etc.).

 

3 days ago I had the i7 720 w/ 4gb @ 1333Mhz for 1649$, Now its 1749..
But I'm counting on the XPs signature event to get a good deal on the m15xduring the week..
I'm not someone who likes to push my comp to the limit, I just like to have a really, really fast computer. I just cant handle lags. And I'd be extremely disapointed to buy a 1700$ notebook and find it lagging..

 

Its not JUST for the look ( it sure is a good part of it though ) I also want a hig performance system..

 

Yeah...
Dell just added the i5-540M (Dual Core) as its default CPU... and as a result: it's $100 extra for the i7-720...

But my question to you is: Do you really need a quad core now since there is a dual-core option?

Comparison between i5-540M and i7-720M

540M: Dual Core, 2.5GHz (w/ Turbo 3.06GHz), 3MB L3 Cache, 19x Clock Multiplier, 2 x DDR3 1066MHz Memory Controller, and 35W TDP.
720QM: Quad Core, 1.6GHz (w/ Turbo 2.8GHz), 6MB L3 Cache, 12x Clock Multiplier, 2 x DDR3 1333MHz Memory Controller, and 45W TDP.

Now, its comparing between Bananas and Guavas...
Both processors are powerful indeed... But all depends on what you're going to use more...
In my opinion, you don't need more than 3MB L3 Cache for a high-threaded game (such as Crysis)...
But if you're a multi-tasker and productive-kind-of-person, get the 720.
If you like speed, and doing one or two things at a time, then the 540 should be right for you... Not to mention a 3.06GHz Clock speed w/ Turbo...

 

also get the spec you want and call them to order instead of just ordering online. Most of the time you are able to get the price down abit. just do a little haggling,lol.

 

I'm kind of a multitasker actually, which is why I've been looking at the i7 for so long.. Though the 540 doesnt look so bad either, I would like to see a benchmark or something before I go for the i5..
On other hands maybe I dont need a i7.. But I'm ready to invest about 2000 to get the most powerful notebook possible.

 

Google search Dell EPP. If you are a student you can get a pretty hefty discount. If you look at the system I own in my profile it was $1666.00 after tax and next day shipping. I called in to support to fix a credit card issue and they apologized for accidentally hanging up on me, and gave me free next day shipping...so yea.

4gig 1333mhz - 260 GPU - i7 720 - reg screen

Granted I ordered before the i5 was released so the i7 was $100 cheaper :S

 

I dont get the EPP, what do I need to be elligible?

 

For me all I needed was an email ending in ".edu", so I changed the email on my dell account to my university email. They also have discounts for small businesses, but I think you have to register an actual business with Dell, it might be easier to just borrow a friend or relatives University email for the purchase and have them forward you any emails they receive. I am also a US customer and assuming you are as well, it could be different overseas. The email can be a school employee email as well, and i think they even offer K-12 discounts, but I am not sure how substantial those are.

I got a good $140 of the base price and about $10-$20 off of each component I upgraded.

I am think it all was just a 10% thing. Hope this helps ;D

VZEGM make sure to make use of your student discount when you buy your laptop as well!

 

Really? Any other tips to make me save money? 8D

 

@-Snacks-: Thanks~! Something like this is what I'm looking for...
Except that I'm a student in Canada. I wonder if they still accept Canadian college emails... Oh and BTW: SoccerThierry is Canadian and also mentioned her budget as "$2000 Canadian Dollars" some posts ago...

@SoccerThierry: Ok then... As a multi-tasker, Core i7 is the way to go~!
For the EPP, if you are employed by a Small/Medium business that has some connections with Dell, then you qualify for EPP... Larger and giant businesses like Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, Microsoft, etc. will increase your eligibility tenfold...

I'm a student, so I should go as a student... But 10% discount isn't a bad deal...

 

So as not to spam up the board, I figure this thread is where I should put my question... here goes...

I'm planning to get an M15x to replace my XPS M1210, and I've been wondering about whether it's worth the extra money to get an i7-820 over the i7-720? I know there are quite a few posts here and in other forums that say that the 720 is more than adequate to run the latest games, which is good to know since it's significantly cheaper than the 820, and gaming is one of the things that I plan to be doing with the laptop (other stuff I plan to do on the regular would be converting video for mobile devices and maybe some light photo editing).

However, my real concern is how future-proof the 720 is versus the 820? I know it's difficult to tell with computers in general, but as I don't plan to buy another for at least 3 years (hopefully 4), would it be worth it to shell out for the 820 instead?

 

The i7 820QM is about 116% the performance of the I7 720QM (or you can say the 720 has 84% of the 820's performance..) which, in my opinion, isnt that much of a difference for 400$...
Besides, still no discount for the M15x, I'll just wait..
I cant stop thinking about it! I even had "The Alienware Dream" (see Kung Fu panda for references )

 

Hm. I'm horrible at math, so I figure what you're trying to tell me is that... it's about 16% better in overall performance?

If that's the case, I suppose that it really isn't worth the extra money.

Though, you are buying yours in Canada, right? I'll probably be purchasing mine through Dell's EPP in the US, since that's the only way I can afford it at the moment. The difference in price between 720 and 820 through EPP is about $270 (USD), I think.

 

Well thats up to you, in my opinion the difference is not so good but I never really tried it so..
It surely will make your computer better, but wont expand life spawn for really long..

 

I would say unless you are creating HD models and video content and such, you wont need more then the 720 for several years. Nothing is truly future proof, because Intel wants to keep making money .

I would pass on the 820 and stick with the 720. Too bad you guys didn't order earlier. THey added the i5 and kept the base price the same, when I ordered mine with the i7 720 it was $100 cheaper than it is now

 

im just about to order now...

what is the latest discount code for this?

are the issues with "throttling" sorted now?

i notice theres no mention of a hdmi port on the m15x...that cant be right?

 

Hey, doesn't Dell Canada have a "Signature Event" going on right now until January 14?
I saw the M15X or M17X on the flyers... You should check for those discounts... But hurry, make sure you have the appropriate specs you want on the M15X during the sale event...
Today's deals are the Studio XPS 16, Studio XPS 9000, and a Dell monitor...
Tomorrow: ??? But hopefully not M15X yet... unless you are ready...

Google the latest "discount e-codes" for Dell... But I cannot guarantee how long they last or if they are suited for Alienware products...
Sorry... I don't know much about throttling on the M15X as of now...
According to Driverheaven, I'm afraid there is no HDMI port for the M15X...

 

There is no HDMI port fot M15x, just display port but they do gave you an adapter from display port to HDMI.

There is no official fix from dell for the throttling issue yet. But joker and unclewebb have a fix for that issue.

 

I am in the same boat with the 720 vs the 820. With the throttling issue does that make the 820 a better option? Am I thinking correctly that it would take more to get the 820 to throttle?

 

Yeah Miller you better wait until the 14 there is a lot of chances of a sale featuring the m15x.
And yes Vzegm, the M15x has a display prot and they ship you an HDMI adaptor in the box! =D

@stewj, I believe the 820 will throttle as much, or even more, since it needs more power and all.. Just wait for it I heard there will be a BIOS upgrade (that wont brick your system hopefully) soon...

 

really?

why is there a sale on the m15x on the 14?

 

Err wait do you live in Canada?

 

haha no, Scotland!

 

Ah I see, then neverming

So here what I have, I'm pretty much sure now,
Base System Color Alienware M15x, Cosmic Black
Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
Processor Intel Core i7 720QM 1.6GHz (2.8 GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
Memory 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz
LCD Display 15.6-inch WideHD+ 1600x900 (900p) WLED
Video Card 512MB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 240M
Hard Drive 250GB SATAII 7,200RPM
Nameplate Standard Nameplate
AlienFX AlienFX Quasar Blue
Avatar Alienhead Glow
Adobe Reader Acrobat SW Adobe Acrobat Reader
Optical Drives Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Sound Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
Wireless Intel WiFi Link 5300 802.11AGN Half Mini Card
Automatic Updates Automatic Updates: Critical
Security Software McAfee® VirusScan Plus – 30-Day Free Trial (English)
Primary Battery Primary - 9-cell (85Watt) Lithium-Ion Battery
Service 1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
Misc 5 Please contact me with more details
Factory Installed Games Steam and Portal™ Factory Installed
Bluetooth Internal Bluetooth 2.1 Mini-Card - 2.1 Enhanced Data Rate

I'll just wait to see if I can get a good discount with the Dell XPS signature event! And I might go for the gtx260M if the discount is really good.
Does anyone know how to change your nameplate on dell.ca?, its kinda odd >.>

 

Ah. Thanks for that. I'm a student and part-time journalist, so creating HD video and rendering models aren't exactly a priority. I guess the 720 will do for now.

I agree though that I should have ordered it earlier--I was actually waiting because Dell's EPP has a 10% discount going until February 1 (it's usually only 7%), and I thought "no rush, I can wait a while." Then, CES hits and the processor refresh along with it, and I notice they made it $100 more expensive just to get the same configuration.

I was chatting to a rep online about it, and they refused to budge over giving me the pre-CES price for the config I was looking at. I probably should have saved that config in my cart or something...

 

I'm pretty sure Dell will put some kind of discount on it soon or later, it's unusual to see a computer where there is no "you save" under the price.. Give it few weeks (or wait and see the XPS signature event) to save more money..!

 

Issac your way off base with your battery times something is configured wrong in your power saving options. My estimated battery life with the nice cell is 4 hours. I have screenshots of that. The actual life is about 3:40 watching streaming videos ect. I rode shotgun on a 4 hour trip recently and spent over 3 hours watching southpark episodes and browsing the web with a verizon aircard. You can P.M. me if you need help with your powersaving setttings, you should easily get 1 1/2 hrs with your 6 cell, 30 mins makes me think your battery is damaged.

*After installing 7 it only displays 3 1/2 hrs battery life I originally saw 4 with vista. Make sure your maximum processor state in powersaving mode is not 100%. something like 30% or even less is fine internet browsing ect. For some reason the default in windows 7 is 100% on battery which defeats the point of powersaving, give it a try.

 

I assume you were using the stealth mode?

 

No, stealth mode on the M15x doesn't do anything for battery life, you actually can't use it while on battery. What you can do is use the AlienFusion software to adjust many of the power consumption options. You have to throttle back the CPU and GPU, I also turn off bluetooth and my wifi card if im not using it. Turn off AlienFx which you can do by pressing Fn F11. Also Dim the display to a reasonable level, even half way makes a big difference, your eyes will adjust quick and when you turn it back up it looks blaringly bright. Your basically turning your machine into a netbook in terms of performance but when you plug it back in everything goes back to 100%. There are many other options you can turn on or off to suit your needs but anytime I am away from power its just to use the internet or listen to some music and with these settings all of that is still easily possible. Youd be suprised how much battery power you can save with a few of these options.

 

Orly? Well thanks for the advices!
So overall would you say you are satisfied with your M15x? Is it worth 2000 bucks? =0