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    M17x General Usage?

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by goalieman077, Sep 4, 2009.

  1. goalieman077

    goalieman077 Notebook Guru

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    Im looking to order a m17x in a week or so. Just wondering if this laptop is ok to use on your lap. Not really weight wise but wondering if this will cover the fans. Also i use my bed as a chair most of the time so would putting this on my bed overheat it?
     
  2. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Even with the M17x's epic cooling design and the ability to use only the 9400M G mGPU to reduce temps, I would still recommend using some kind of lapdesk. Something along the lines of:

    http://www.lapdesk.com/

    or even this would work

    http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY_basic_lapdesk/

    Having the M17x on your lap will cover the intakes but shouldn't block them entirely. I would NOT have it resting on a bed though - this will completely kill the intakes without some sort of hard surface underneath.
     
  3. unbrandedbutter

    unbrandedbutter Notebook Enthusiast

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    how about if I need to take my M17x on the go all the time? most (if not all) lap desks are too bulky to travel, especially thru airport. thanks :)
     
  4. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    its fine

    it will run perfectly fine on a bed

    i have it on mine right now and here are my temps

    36 c For the CPU

    51 c for the 9400m
     
  5. Ethrem

    Ethrem Notebook Prophet

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    You've also modified yours, Moo.

    Mine runs at 46 CPU, 64 9400M GT... And that's idle...
     
  6. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I mentioned the bed not being a good idea in the sense that if he had the unit just sitting there on a comforter or something fluffy that the intakes would be completely blocked - which is never a good thing. A phone book or any hard surface would be fine though - just dont block those bottom intakes completely.
     
  7. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    you also have a quad

    i have not modified ANY thing ...
     
  8. EviLCorsaiR

    EviLCorsaiR Asura

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    Using it on your lap should be fine, as long as you spread your legs out a bit so it blocks the vents as little as possible ;)

    Ironically my M17 actually gets better temps (apart from the HDD) on my lap as it has much more air under it instead of just a few mm from the desk. This is however just because the vents aren't blocked at all by my legs.
     
  9. goalieman077

    goalieman077 Notebook Guru

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    Ok thanks for the help. I Guess il go on with my purchase then.
     
  10. unhip_crayon

    unhip_crayon Notebook Consultant

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    When I browse the internet (or just messing around), whether I'm plugged in or not, I've got my M17x on power saver mode and I've had no issues with heat.

    Unless you plan on gaming on your lap, you should be fine