Looking to purchase an m15x, advice on specs is needed! Please help!

I'm pretty much decided on this system. The specs I have chosen so far:

Design: Silver Ripley
Display: WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD
Graphics Card: 512 MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTX
Processor: Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000 2.8 GHz (6 MB Cache 800 MHz FSB)
OS: Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1
Memory: 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM AT 667 MHz - 2 x 2048 MB
Turbo Cache Memory: Intel Turbo Memory (1GB) - Accelerate Data Transfer Speed
System Drive: 160 GB 7,200RPM (8MB Cache)
Sound Card: Internal High-Definition Audio with surround sound
AlienFX Illuminated Keyboard

I will be using this computer at university and at home. The only game I play is The Sims 2, although I have many expansion packs and hope to be able to run as many of them as possible. Ideally, this system will be compatible with The Sims 3 when it comes out. If anyone reading this has experience with computers and plays The Sims, I would appreciate their recommendations on expansion packs and their impact on the smooth running of this system and the game.

I have read that Alienware only offers the option of a 32-bit Vista operating system. 32-bit only recognizes 3 GB of RAM, but only 2GB and 4GB are available for the system through online purchase. Is the difference between these two significant enough to merit spending the extra $202? Finally, is the Turbo Cache Memory worth it?

I would like this laptop to last at least four years. I have done my best to "futureproof". One more random question: Would anyone recommend the software program "System Mechanic"? I do not have much experience with computers at all and so any feedback you could give me is greatly appreciated. I hope to finalize my purchase decision tonight. Is the 5% student discount applicable in Canada?

 

well, if you're not really into gaming, frankly, i wouldn't recommend you the m15x. if you insist on the m15x, here are my recommendations.

1) display: i suppose if you're not really into gaming, you might as well get the WUXGA. i've heard it's very nice.

2) CPU: almost all users of the X9000 have reported downclocking (a loss of performance) with this processor. therefore, i'd advise you to go with the T9300 (2.5Ghz). it should be sufficient for all your processing needs for years to come, and you'll save heaps of money.

3) GPU: the 8800m-gtx is awefully powerful, and runs rather hot. if you're not really into gaming, i'd say you could easily make do with the 8700m-gt and save some more cash.

4) memory: yes, Vista 32bit won't recognize all 4gb of RAM. trust me however, 3gb is more than enough. i have yet to max it out in normal usage. on a side note, if you order 1gb of RAM and upgrade yourself, you'll save over almost 200 dollars...

5) turbo cache: no one really knows if this is good for anything, some say it helps with battery life, some say it doesn't. i suppose if you want a futureproof system, you might as well get it.

6) system drive: i have the 160gb drive too, but i'm beginning to regret that. imho, you should get a bigger one (unless you plan on upgrading yourself, then you should of course take the 120gb drive).

7) illuminated keyboard: a definite yes.

hope that helped.


EDIT: about the sims: in any configuration, with or without the 8800m-gtx, this system should simply tear through The Sims 3.

 

Thank you!

The system is MUCH cheaper with these changes made to it, which I can definitely appreciate. I am not sure as to the complexity of The Sims, but if you feel that I can safely make those changes without noticing much of a difference then I will definitely side with the changes.

 

or you can get sager 8660 which is cheaper and better to me al least

 

and looks like a boiled horse. why must you Sager fanboys always try to convince potential buyers that they're wrong and should get a sager? what if they want a laptop you can actually be seen in public with?

 

You are talking about simcity type games. So the game it self is caculations. So cpu and ram is a must for this game.

CPU get the 2.5 ghz with 6mb cache the cache and such will help with the game. The extra cache will help alot

gpu go for the geforce 8700 gpu

This will save some money and give you a system that runs sims 2 great

 

I hate people like Xirurg who try to sell other stuff on the forums. I beleave that called spamming

One fact Xirurg left out was the M15X has better battery life then clevo. With a hot swap battery.

 

hear hear. yes, i don't think that sager has 6 hours of battery life.

 

I wonder how long the M17X battery life would be with hotswap batterys. I would guess 3 to 4 hours?

 

no, i don't think so... the m17x already has a 12 cell battery if i'm not mistaken, and the SB battery is 6 cell... and the m17x doesn't have the IGP. so i'd guess about 3 hours tops.

 

watch your words!and edit your previous posts,Atol and whizzo!what i m saying is my own point of view!and who is fanboy now?

 

But it still has a stealth mode. So I would guess it would disable one gpu and lower the cpu power and gpu power. Or you would have to disable one gpu Then try. I will have to play around with that. But I dont have the sb battery for the laptop.

Fact Xirurg I dont use other forums to premote any other computer. But what I see you doing is advertising a differnt system on a Alienware Notebookreview fourm. Which is agenst the rules.

 

and no,it is not spamming!i m advicing the laptop that i think is better!and i can politely argue on that theme!

I think that Sager is better cos-
1.well,juging by previous sagers quality and m15 owners responses,i think that 8660 has a better build
2.8660 has a new montevina platform
3.8660 is cheaper
4.has esata port()not much of advantage,but still)
5.is lighter
now you!tell me why is m15 better.

 

Because they are both fanboys...
I think it became quite sick, the attitude of some users.
People come here gathering information... most of them only set their minds on AW because they were told (or think) they are the best.
They completely ignore the existance of brands that deliver better products for less money.
Why telling them to look into this is spamming?
Honestly guys... it's time you start thinking about your attitudes and how you can justify them.

 

can u prove me that it is against rules?and i m not advertising anything i ve no connection with sager.i m just advising!

EDIT: thank u milcs!your posts express my fillings!

 

According to tech specs, the m860TU weighs 7,1lb while m15x weighs 7lb.
Ref:m860TU: http://www.rkcomputer.net/rkcnotebooks/index.php?l=product_detail&p=89
M15x: http://www.alienware.com/products/a...Code=PC-LT-AREA51M15X-AI1&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT

What frustrates a lot of people in the AW forum is that "Sager people" come onto this forum and for every question regarding the m15x they say something like: "or just buy a Sager". What is frustrating is the way it is worded and said, the comments give no help to the person asking about advise regarding a m15x spec and the people posting the comments have no intention of helping the person with his/her question.

This happens on EVERY thread regarding the m15x, and it is often more than one that says the exactly same thing. That is why it is spamming, as several people post the same thing on all threads, and even if someone has posted it before they post the same thing again. If the posts would be more like, "well try this and that with the m15x, but have you checked out the m860TU? If so do so as it is coming out soon and is a competitor to m15x" would be both helpful and informative.

I understand we have different views milcs, but I am just saying that there are different ways of saying "check out the m860TU if you havent". The way that frustrates the AW people is the attitude the people posting these comments have (and it shows through their comments and multitude of posts saying the same thing in every thread), I can honestly say I cant find AW people coming on the Sager forum posting frustrating annoying posts on every m860TU question thread. Personally I think it is a bit imature to do so, but that is my own opinion.

 

have u read posts about people who bought sager after m15?

 

Yes I have read about people that bought Sager after m15x. I am sorry but I fail to see your point with that question.

 

Fact is milcs I dont think alienware better or worse and I am not a alienware fan.

What I am tired of is people advertising other systems.
I do not go on other forums and go this system is better then this one. Even if it was ture. What I see is some people are acting childish If the fact where switch. I still stay on the laptop company who sells My laptop it could be clevo alienware or Acer and 50+ other fourms.

I am on this fourm to help people I did not go on here to advertise on it.

 

if you use "advertising" word once again....

still,Svarto,my point was that everyone says that sagers quality is better then AW's and they are more pleased with sager...

 

Fair point to make, what I just would like to point out is that the people that changed (that i have read about) are the unlucky owners that have had major problems with their system. Ofcourse people would be more happy having a working system than a non-working system. I am happy for those people that have switched and found a good computer which they enjoy.

Sager has a very good reputation on this forum, and that is all good. I am just advocating a certain degree of caution towards the m860TU as it is packed with cutting edge technology which is bound to produce a high amount of heat. Before it has been released and been out for some time we wont know how it performs, I hope though that it will turn out fine so that AW can hopefully see and learn.

 

well,this is the type of discussion that i like-polite and with good points!

but still its -are u lucky or not
so lets settle down this until 8660 is out and we have Chaz`s review on it!maybe we can ask him to do VS review between them?

 

Everyone is right here...
I understand both sides. But let's stop to think for a second here... What is this forum supposed to do? Help in making choices.
When I came looking for a laptop I've had my mind made up about what I wanted. Based on what? Nothing really... Just because I wanted some particular laptop.
Is it really wrong to have other people telling me that there are alternatives (when I'm unware of them)?

Appart from that, to the OP... I'm sure you will be happy with whatever you end up choosing.
Good luck,
M.

EDIT: I agree with xirugz point... at least svarto is capable of inteligible arguments! Even though he is a fanboy! ahahaha... just kidding.

 

I don't mind hearing about alternatives... I will investigate all of them, but it's not likely that I will change my mind. Any advice that can be given is always appreciated, but specs advice is just appreciated MORE.

 

Wow another topic asking for help and then it goes off topic to the Sager. >>

basically eventhing Whizzo said is what you should do. The ram you definitley should only get 1 gig from AW.

The Turbo Memory i would buy later. It doesnt seem to do much. you can also get it from a different retailer for cheaper and just install it yourself.

The screen i would go with the 1440 x 900 screen.

The Pros of 1440 x 900 over 1920

Lighter
Takes less Energy
Better Viewing Angles
Better Contrast Ratio
Brighter
Faster Response Time
Glossy <-This will be a con if you perfer matte over glossy. Glossy screens have better colors and they make the colors look more vibrant.

Cons
Lower Res meaning less room if you photoshop alot.

The only Pro to the 1920 x 1200 is the amount of desktop space you can get if you photoshop alot. The other reason to get the 1920 is if you like matte screens over glossy screens. If not save money and go for the better screen which is the 1440 x 900. Watching movies on the 1440 x 900 would be better since you get a brighter screen and the colors will be better.

 

Another pro for the 1440 x 900 screen is that you will be future proofing your computer even more, as the 1920 screen takes more "juice" from your computer to run games at the native resolution while the 1440 takes less. So you will be getting higher framerates in the 1440 at native resolution that the 1920, and if you play at a resolution different to your native resolution you will sometimes get a slightly blurry picture.

I would otherwise recommend you doing same thing as Whizzo said, the x9000 is unfortunetaly not recommended as it will most likely overheat.

Plus, get a smartbay battery if you are going to use ur computer a lot in lectures etc without any access to a power socket, will give the computer a sweet 5-6 hours battery life.

 

That's great to know, I thought that the colors would be better with the 1920. Definitely the 1440 suits my needs in this case.

 

The 1400x900 is (in my opinion) the best choice. I've tried different resolutions in a 15'' and that is' by far, the one I would choose anytime.
Also... the screen on the M15x (for that resolution) is amazing.

Appart from that... can I just ask you one question?
How/why have you decided on an Alienware laptop? I just want to understand a little bit better the AW phenomenon.

Cheers,
M.

 

I started out looking at many different types of computers. At first, I was going to buy the HP dv7t model, but because I live in Canada I can't. It is hard to find notebooks with a lot of power gaming wise here, so this was the first premise I investigated Alienware on.

To be completely honest, I love computers that look cool. I'm definitely a bells-and-whistles kind of girl. The AlienFX lighting sucked me right in. It's a poor decision to base buying on, I know, but I'm enchanted by it.

 

Fair enough points. I think you should go for what makes you happy. And if lights is what makes you happy, then I'm sure you won't be dissapointed.

Let me just ask you a couple more of questions:
Where and how did you hear from AW first?
And... have you ever heard of Sager before? (or any other boutique brand besides AW that can actually rival and give you similar products to AW?)


Take care,
M.

 

ah,then you are girl!that changes everything!may i know what do you think about apple?

 

I didn't hear about Alienware from anyone, I've been browsing online almost nonstop for a few days now. I saw some good reviews about Alienware and googled the site for more information. I liked what I saw, and the system came with the kind of specs I wanted. I have heard of Sager before, although I haven't looked into it very much. I do plan to, though.

Haha yes, I am a girl. And yes, I am prone to stereotypical girl weaknesses, such as cool lighting. I have no complaint with Apple products, but I'm not very comfortable with the OS (I've always been a windows user) and it would require that I buy all of my beloved Sims 2 expansion packs yet again for Mac.

 

do yourself a favor and skip this model. it has tons and tons of issues that pop up after a few months.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=273885

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=254627

 

reviews are good bc reviewers dont keep it long enough to see the issues.and have u ever used mac?i dont mean 1 time,but like about a week?

 

I like lights... does that makes me... a girl!?

battlesun, I don't want to influence your decision in any way (or tell you to buy here or there or anywhere). I just want to end my "intervention" by sharing my view of why you think AW is great. Since I've started dealing with AW till now, it became quite clear for me that AW is great at one thing... image working. Lights, amazing webpages, huge publicity, etc etc...
Well, underneath the outershell there is always the truth behind it. And that's what you should try and find by yourself.

Study your decision well. Don't get carried away with all the reviews around. As Xirurg points out, they tend to be a bit biased as the laptops are not properly tested. What if the laptop turns out to be a failure? At least you won't need to worry more with christmas lights. You can always hang it in your christmas tree!

Good luck and hope you will give a good new "house" to your Sims (one that won't be too hot and melt on them! Ahaha... couldn't help!).

 

I understand that both of you are strongly against this system, and that your opinions are well-founded. I fully intend for my purchase decision to be considered to the best of my ability. And I do realize that many reviewers do not keep the system long enough to provide an accurate description of usage. But there are people have have had their system for four or more months and are still quite happy with it.

Having said that, I am taking into account the complaints, most notably with regard to soundness of structure. I will continue to scrutinize reviews, although my preferences still currently return to this system.

 

trust me read most if not all what's gone on with the AW m15x since it came out and I did not get it, since the design it self is flawed..

 

still,its a lot of money!but if you like it so much then dont listen to me or milcs,get m15x and be happy!

 

i feel like the m15x has a love/hate relationship. you love it if it works perfectly and hate it if it screws up on you. the system looks beautiful, but there have been high return rates and even higher complaints about it...

if you're comfortable buying the system despite the fact that there is a good chance it will have some flaws, (messed up chassis, gpu, processor, ram whatever), because there IS a good chance, then CONGRATS.

otherwise, i would advise you rethink the possibilities and either invest in a current "good system" (whatever it may be), or wait until alienware sorts this out.

 

Umm I'd rather be seen in public with a sager over a AW. When I whip out my AW it just screams NERD. With a sager it really doesn't stand out at all which I LIKE.

 

"looks like a boiled horse" is totally subjective, I think my 911 looks better than 1.3 million Enzo too. Plus Sager have better built/price/CS, Yes/No? If m15x is up par with m9750 I would definitely recommend it.

 

When I was "seen in public" with my laptop, everyone at work made fun of me. But I mean... literally everyone. Appart from me, there was not a single person that said "Oh, what a nice looking laptop!". Everyone made fun of my little alien toy and how it just looked a big plastic box.

So... I guess it's a bit subjective. I want a computer that performs... and if I can, a computer that makes it without making everyone look at me. Performance in ninja style... That has to be the best solution.

So... to answer whizzo the AW fanboy's comment on the boiled horse (what's a boiled horse, by the way...)... I was quite ashamed of having to take my laptop to work as I would be the laughing stock of all my colleagues.
If I could get the same performance with a laptop that is not only about lights and flashy things... I would be much more pleased. I hope the "boiled horse" will give me that.

Long live the fanboys and their views of life.

 

Hahaha.. Sorry milcs but that is really funny. Sad to hear you got laughed at by everyone at work

All the best with your next laptop !!

 

Yes... it was funny. But I still liked it and I'm sad that the outer shell didn't come with a matching inside.

Appart from that... I do think that if you are a professional adult like myself that depends on your own laptop to work... it will make it a bit of a difficult situation to deal with everyone's comments on the "little alien toy".

 

there is a bit of jealousy there as well I think, however if I would bring one into work, I can see the same happening

 

No jealousy, I can guarantee you. Well, no one of my colleagues liked it. We are talking about 25-50 year old people. Mature people that have lives and not kill their time playing computer games... well, except me!
Anyway... a different kind of people that would never really choose AW has it looks really too much for professional use.

 

see, way i see it... it's very much similar to cars...

you pull out this...

(the one in front...)
and you get oohs and aaah and thumbs up and stuff... even a vette's and porsche's stop to let you by...

you pull out this...


or even this...


then... um... yea... you will have some folks laughing at you...

 

a boiled horse is just a quote used by jeremy from Top Gear. it was used to describe how ugly a car was. forgot which car though. Milcs you're from the UK, you should know about that show.

 

:| My bad... BUT... I watch no television. Too much time flamming in this forum and all! I'm not really a TV person.
But... regarding the steaming horse... Let's just say that you can completely customize it with any colour you want and laser engravind and etching and all the full mounty. And... there's brushed aluminium all over the laptop. Let's see the plastic from the M15x giving you so many possibilities!

 

that show is really popular tho. im from the U.S and i know about the show. its like not knowing what pokemon is. i am also not a tv person