Low-end specs of m15x question for current users

hey, so yeah I'm going to postsecondary soon (hopefully if nothing screws up) and I'm thinking of getting a laptop, just regular use to replace my desktop and something I can use while lying on bed (don't think wrong). I have very low expectations for computer because I spend most of my time just surfing the net or on msn or downloading.

My first pc:
Pentium I 200mhz
3.00 Gb harddrive
160 Mb ram
should be integrated graphics

My second and current pc:
AMD 64 bit 3000
80 Gb harddrive
1 Gb ram (512mb x2)
128Mb radeon 9600 SE
Logitech X620

Now I'm hoping to get a GOOD LOOKING laptop to replace my desktop because of all the frequent write and rewrite in my harddrive, my computer now bluescreens whenever it's working slightly harder than usual.. so basically almost once a day. I've looked at Asus lamborghini, Dell XPS 14/15inch, Voodoo Envy 113 with CARBON FIBER and ultra thin, and Alienware m15x/m9750. However, half of them are hopelessly expensive for me and very impractical (since I won't be using half of its potential anyways).

I'm thinking between XPS, m15x, and m9750 right now.
XPS exterior and keyboard design are kinda plain for my liking and I see a lot of hating going on around that company brand, about using cheap malfunctioning parts and terrible customer service; but AW is not much better as well. I've thought about the m9750 base model, since only $1400 and 17 inch, and nobody seems to have problems with the chassis, well built and sturdy. But then I thought, I have no use for 512Mb graphic card, and VERY unfortunately I can't downgrade it to a 256Mb one for lower price.

The m15x stole my heart, but then I read the shltloads of problems it have with screen peeling apart and cracking case, cheap paintjob, bios update that fix nothing,etc. But then since m15x is introduced for quite some time and they brought out the skullcap design, I wonder if they fix any issues...

My budget is under $1800, so I'm considering about getting the m15x with no upgrade except the illuminated keyboard and respawn 2.0 $1600 total (incase things flips* up and you know the service they have...) and also I'm in Canada, so if i have to ship it to US to get it repair, I'll be really ticked.

So yeah, my question is, anyone bought a low end m15x and experience the same problems people have? I'm thinking since I'm getting 256Mb graphics and 2.0 Ghz core^2 processor and 120Gb harddrive, maybe there's much less heat and stress than the $4000+ laptops, and the case and paint will be much better?

Also, if you recommend any other great looking laptops with price around $1500 and looks good? The Asus lamborghini VX2 really makes me moan haha... genuine Lamborghini seat leather with yellow stitching, lamborghini wheel for fan guard, car quality yellow paint, lamborghini mouse,etc. Sigh, $3000+ and I just got out of high school, so...not for me...

*suddenly remember so add on here* How does my x620 connect to the m15x? The m9750 has three audio jacks but the m15x only has headphone and microphone jack even though the specs say it supports 8 channels.

 

okay don't take this wrong but if you're not into gaming, don't even consider gettting the m15x. it's really not worth the headaches and problems if you're not going to be gaming a lot on it.

i'd recommend a dell xps (1530 or 1330, depending on which size you want), or maybe even a macbook. they have awesome build quality, very good battery times, and a clean, elegant styling.

of course, if money isn't too much the concern, i'd get the voodoo hands down. it is bloody expensive though.

 

dude, get the acer ferrari. The laptop isnt great spec-wise but it looks awsome.

 

haha money IS the problem, that's why no voodoo or acer ferrari, way beyond my price range of $1800-
I know this sounds foolish but yeah, I've always wanted to own an Alienware and the m15x only because of the lights.... I mean come on, you know you like it..

 

course i like it, but i don't know if i'd buy again... i'm living with the build quality only because of the gaming power...

oh and the m15x is not only a good bit larger than other 15.4" lappies, but also quite a bit heavier. so you might to consider that too. again, dell xps or a macbook. really, the macbook would totally fit your needs. heck, if you want some bling, get the macbook air. but please don't get the m15x, you'll regret it.

 

U can get any cheap laptop and paint it ....Skin it...Sleeves....

 

XPSM1530 is the way to go. You can get a VERY nice one for around $1100 if you find the right time to buy them or look at the outlet.

 

Play around with this, it'll fit into your budget...:

http://www.colorwarepc.com/p-138-dell-xps.aspx

 

I would say just get a regular XPS M1530 and get the 3yr accidental warranty.

 

michaelsd01 wow i like the site a lot, i'm thinking black and yellow combo, but $600 paint job...
if i get a Dell XPS at $1500 and add that on... i might as well get a refurbished aurora mALX for $2100 with 19inch screen and custom graphics brushwork
stone825: yea that's what im looking at right now... last week they have $500 off but now the promotion is over, i'll wait a while i think
thanks to people who replied

 

I have a friend with an XPS 1330 (around 1400$ with his spec) and it runs like a charm. Very sturdy and looks pretty stylish, but in the more conservative end of the spectrum. You could probably cut that price down a bit too.

 

if you are looking at the mALX right now.....stop....that's a big big mistake. get HP HDX if you want big screen, with $500 off coupon, you can knock the price down to $1500.

 

Dell offers a lot of 25% off coupons for the XPS M1530, an awesome rig should only be around $1200. The mALX is really under-powered and last generation. It only has one processor, the newer laptops have dual core processors. Plus the 19" screen makes the laptop huge and unpractical.

 

If all you're going to be doing is surfing the net, chatting on msn, and downloading (music i'd presume), then you really don't need any special high end notebook of any kind.

now if you were into say content creation and or gaming then yes you'd need the best notebook money can buy with lots of RAM and a great Graphics card. As it stands based upon your needs you could get by easily with a $500-$600 15inch laptop from any major manufacturer.

 

nirvana: the HDX is $3000.. way out of my budget, haha im not looking at the mALX, im just saying that if i were to put $600 on paintjob for XPS like someone suggested, then i might as well get sth else...

directeuphorium: i noe what u mean, i don't need any special high end notebook, i just want to emphasize i want a laptop with looks haha.. like in my first post, the example laptops that i mentioned all have the looks but very expensive and m15x is the cheapest at $1600 configuration.

so yeah, anyone bought a low spec 2.0 Ghz core^2 duo with 256Mb graphic card n still experience all the quality and build problems that haunts so many users?

 

if you are getting a low spec m15x i wouldnt worry about the screen breaking or the case cracking since a low spec m15x would definitely run alot cooler than one that is loaded. im not sure how high the temps on the 8600 can go but im pretty sure that the 8800 is definitely higher.

if you are getting a low spec m15x for the looks i would recommend the m1530 over the m15x. the only category that a low spec m15x would excel in compared to the m1530 is looks imo. if looks are really important to you then i might suggest the m15x since i think its one of the best looking laptops on the market. if you want a smaller laptop that is lighter, runs a bit cooler, smaller, and looks ok then get the m1530.

 

There is absolutely no reason to get the m15x if you are going for a 15" laptop with a 8600GT in my opinion. The dell simply offers so much more. I saw a $2000 dell with a 2.4Ghz / 3GB / 160GB / 8600GT / 3 Yr Accidental for $1200 so just look for the right sale and you'll be good. Whatever you do make sure that they are on sale.

I think the reason Dell's are so cheap sometimes is that they "sucker" some buyers into buying the laptops with no discounts, but the smart shoppers find the discounts and take advantage of them.

 

Oh well Dell is having a summer savings so there will hopefully be some big deals in there

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/...&s=dhs&dgc=DM&cid=28146&lid=705414&ref=homepg

 

what on earth does 8800m gtx has to do with screen breaking or the case cracking? to cause the chassis to deform, the laptop itself must generate at least few hundred C of heat constantly.

 

exiled: that's what i'm hoping..
argh... i know what you mean.. it's like.. choosing a super hot girl to be my girlfriend but she's full of attitudes (defects like light leakage, overheating, case dipping, screen wobbling), or choose a more mild, conservative looking, but trustworthy and loyal girl to be with me (Dell XPS 1530).... maybe when she starts putting makeup on (discount tags), i'll go for Dell. I'll wait until summer or before school starts...

 

the link that stone just posted with the dell summer saving event is a very good deal already. i dont think deals will get any better than what stone posted.

 

I agree with everyone on the M15X. Unless you want good Battery Life. With Stealth Mode and extra Battery.

I would also look at the Pros and Cons of each laptop.

 

sigh.. seeing more ppl who bought skullcap recently with problems... with 8800... but COME ON, nobody has bought the 8600 with core 2 duo 2.0Ghz? i really want to noe how this laptop last with basic components... the dell xps is frequently going $300 off right now.... so frustrated...
oh and just bombed 2 exams that worth 40% of the course.... some test that i need to take... the booking is all full.... im so overwhelmed...

 

I guess you just missed the deal of XPS today, um...technically 49 minutes ago, there was $750 off XPS rig.

 

Most people don't buy it with the 8600 because it's not really worth it if you're going with that particular card. At that point, you really would be paying just for the looks and the flashy lights and the horrible customer service.

It'd be a better investment to go with a more solid company that produces less problematic machines--like Dell, for example.

 

But I also notice buying low end you get the laptop faster. Then buying the grapics cards is just waiting game.