M11x revision w/built in optical drive?

so what are the chances of ever seeing an optical drive in a future M11x revision?

 

I'd say 1% chance. There are barely any, if any at all, notebooks with optical drives that are 11.6''. Then add in the video card and that pretty much leaves it very unlikely to happen unless they increase the size. The trend nowadays is to go without the optical drive to make it lighter or make room for other stuff.

 

I pray to god they don't put a ODD.

And the only 11.6" notebook I've seen with a built in optical drive is the Gateway at local Bestbuy.

 

What about playing a game like L4D2 o MW2 loading it from a usb external dvd drive? I know that it would not be the best thing to do (considering that you can get it from stem and no dvd needed), would you have any delay or will it run normally ?

 

Why would you need it to play? You would only need to install it through the discs. But correct me if I'm wrong, both L4D2 and MW2 force you to install steam anyways when you install.

 

I think its impossible to fit a ODD in the 11 and keep the firepower that it has.

personally i think ODD are on the way out. And external ones are cheap these days. I wish AW made a 13" or 15" model and take that extra space and add more internal battery or graphics power. having lets say a M13xu or a M15xu (U for ultra portable/ultra long battery) that would get about the same bettery life as the m11x I think would be sweet. Not sure what graphics cards you could use.. Maybe 2 330m's in SLI? Not sure if you could run a 360m and still get 2-4 hours gaming.

 

Once you install it from the DVD it would not request it later for running the game? my question is beacuse some games I would preffer to buy them on dvd from a local store here in Argentina.

 

Well l4d2 and mw2 i'm pretty sure make you install steam, and therefore you no longer need the disc to play. I have used steam for over 4-5 years now and I have never touched a CD since then so I wouldn't know.

 

You've got a better chance at getting an external drive if you wish to continue to purchase physical media that you'll be playing on your m11x. I think one of the points the m11x could be trying to push is digitial distribution.

 

I smell perfectionist... j/k

On a a serious note, I thought about an Optical drive built into the screen casing. Not sure it's possible,or if I'd even want one. But I know when I was doing a re-install I was left wondering why dell had the bright idea of not just throwing in a bootable USB drive, but a windows disc. Makes no sense to me unless the plan was to force people tp purchase an external optical drive.

 

I queried that move as well, I just brought it down to laziness that or someone in the room didn't point out why package discs with a discless device. I'll need to read into creating a USB ver to have as backup, I'm pretty sure it can be done

 

It can be done. I'm just too lazy at the moment. I have a few bootable USB sticks. Just need to get the windows install on there. Here is a good guide to make a bootable usb by zfactor.

 

Lol perfectionist....

About the DVD, it would add to the weight as well. I think it's just not worth it. Plus, It seems everyone is now moving from CDs/DVDs to online media, by paying and downloading stuff immediately online.

 

Agreed. I have tons of folders with backups of setup files. Differant tools, registration codes. I'd much rather download then worry about a disc. Although then I have to worry about loosing my files lol. Why I always kee a back up. Now I just worry about one or two externals and not a book of discs getting scratched.

 

Some dvd games here in Argentina are cheaper than Steam online, COD MW2 and Crysis are the example.

I will buy an external dvd drive (usb) to play those games if they will play ok from the external drive, never tried it.

 

Yeah, I got your point. Well the games don't really run of DVD, the idea is to install the game on the hard drive and run from there. The thing is though, you'd then need the DVD inside every time you'd want to run the game right?

 

Yep, my thing is if the game installs on the hd and I will no longer need the dvd for running the game, if not I would rather buy it from Steam.

btw: Bought my M11X on Feb 26, still waiting for it , Dell Argentina displays it will delivered by April 2/7

 

ruh-roh! i've been busted, lol!