M17x R3 or M18x?

I'm kind of stuck on what to do. I don't like how heavy and big it is and I doubt the battery life will be long. But the Dual 6970m's is so tempting. Will there really be a big difference between 1 6970m and 2 6970m's when it comes to gaming performance?

 

Very noticeable performance increase. But it comes down to budget and size for you. that we cannot help you decide.

 

today's single dGPU's are pretty powerful (ie: 460M/485M & 6870M/6970M), although on games that support dual's, they're definitely faster. if you're into benchmarking, then dual's are especially going to be to your advantage...

a good read:
GeForce GTX 485M SLI vs. Radeon HD 6970M CF

 

I just bought an M17x R3 that I love, and I was waiting to see the final M18x specs before deciding to return it. I got a crazy good deal on this anyway, and really the only thing that I would like better on the M18x would probably be the aluminum case even though this soft case on the M17x is actually pretty awesome so far IMO. If the M18x had a better quality screen option like RGB than just the standard WLED then that may have swayed me too, but you will technically have lesser quality display (granted it is marginal I realize) on that one because it has to cover more screen space with the same number of pixels as on the M17x. And the size, weight and battery life on this M17x are just perfect for me. Adding several more pounds on my lap and any larger chassis isn't for me given that there isn't anything else hardware wise that is so amazingly better UNLESS you are someone who has to have dual GPU for whatever reason which I wasn't.

 

Another reason is 3d do you want it or not. If not then I would recommend M18x.


I'm using the M17R3 right now and I can say the it's a really nice laptop as my first alienware but m18x has better build quality/sound/performance.

But if you want a more portable and single great graphic card instead of 2 then sure it would be a great buy.

 

For me it is about size. I had the chance to return my R3 and get an 18 but the reason I have a notebook this powerful to begin with is that I need portability.

The 18 is just too big for my needs. If you are looking for a DR than go for it if you are looking for something that you plan on taking with you for travel than stick with the R3.

 

all are great points for your consideration, insightful.

the mention of 3D is spot on too, while not great for frame intensive gaming (beyond recommended 720p, and really only a factor when 3D turned on), for some it's nice to at least have the option to turn 3D on/off for games & media whenever/wherever desired (surprised the 120Hz isn't offered on the M18x), right at the click of the finger...

another good read (for quick comparison):
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...3-m18x-r1-fundamentally-same-system-hm67.html

 

I would say that if you want to be quite mobile, go with the M17xr3. If you want to be somewhat mobile (ie: visit a friends house for a bit of gaming, etc) then M18x, NO QUESTION. lol.

I really wish to know where all of these "traveling" people get the money to spend on gas/tolls/bus pass/subway pass. From most of the threads on here asking the same question, it makes it seem like the first thing you do every morning is travel far to a cafe to have breakfast, then over to a friends house, then a bookstore, school, etc.

Some people have super busy lives that are actually not at all busy...just on the road for the reason of "just because".

Anyway /rant.

My vote, M18x, otherwise, for super mobility M14x or below.

 

Food for thought:

The difference between the M17x R3 and the M18x is actually very minor. In terms of size there's only about an inch's width in it, and the M18x only weighs a couple of pounds more; not much when you're talking about 10+lb systems to begin with.

However, to be realistic, a single 6970M should be enough for all of your gaming needs. It is capable of playing almost every single modern game out there - maxed out - at 1080p resolution, including Crysis 2.

There's also the price to factor in. You're paying a lot more money for that extra graphics card which, depending on your gaming needs, might really be of no use to you.

It's something you need to decide for yourself. The M18x is more powerful but the M17x R3 will be powerful enough nearly all of the time. There's not much difference but the M18x is noticeably bigger (just) and heavier. The battery will be much better in the M17x (unless the M18x supports GPU switching, and I don't think it does). And the M18x does sport a better aluminium chassis, but is also significantly more expensive.

I agree with the others though. Unless you truly need portability over occasionally taking it to a friend's house or moving it around the home, there's little reason not to go for the M18x apart from cost. And if day-to-day portability is truly a big factor, I'd personally consider the much more portable M14x or M11x, or another smaller notebook.

 

$2400 buys you Crossfire 6970M in the M18x. The Stock Intel 2630QM is fast enough, 4GB RAM is more than enough, and 1080p comes standard. Besides the beast weighing more than 12 pounds, there's no reason to not like it.

 

My preference is for the M18x.

If portability is the only concern, the difference between the two is a subjective judgment whether 3+ lbs is significant. True road warriors would opt for the 11 or 14 I think. I travel 2000 miles per month and think that the 17 would be marginally better than the 18. I do ride a BMW S1000RR, so the difference could be more pronounced on the back of a motorcycle.

The performance potential of the 18 with the two cards and extreme processor trumps the 17 all day. I also like the aluminum skin.

So for me, I will return my M17x if I can with the reps blessing (ie no restocking fee) and I can get a decent discount on the 18. I got 30% off the 17 which makes it tough to give up.

 

I disagree. The 18 is massive next to the 17.

 

If you are considering a 17 inch alienware, I'd infer that portability is not your main concern. I'd go for the m18x, because it's just somewhat heavier, but you get a lot more power. To me, the way they nerfed the m17x is quite unacceptable. Why make 2 heavy laptops that are pretty close in screen size and weight? Either scrap one and only offer the other or just keep the m17x the way it is.

 

Yea if it's just bigger I don't mind. But it's quite a bit thicker too.

 

I would think the biggest contributor to "which one should I buy", is whether or not your wallet is thick enough to buy the m18x over the m17x.

 

Dual 6970m would be a dream come true for gamers........
It's like having 4 5870m since a single 6970m is almost equal to dual 5870m

I'm very jealous but can't get m18x, I'll save money for m18xR2

 

It's a weird place to be in. I'm just like Drifter and travel a LOT. The 14 inch is too small and lacks certain things I've grown accustom to and like (full numpad). But the 17 inch is too big to type on in a car. Rock, meet hard place.

 

Holy that just reinforced my purchase of the M17, that. That things way too huge.

 

Does anyone think the angle of the picture possibly scales the M18x to be much larger since it's closer to the camera?

In terms of cost, the base M18x vs base M17x R3 is about $250 more if you opt for the upgraded screen and the upgraded wireless on the M17x. Remember the M18x comes standard with 1920x1080, upgraded wireless card, 460M vs. 6870M.

I think both are too big to easily move around all the time. I'd opt for the M18x myself for the aluminum (I assume it's heavier mostly because of this reason) and the other features mentioned above...

 

I think I'm going to get the m17x and wait for the M18x to have revisions in the future.

 

Some probably are. Heck, I have a Desktop I built about a year ago with a Wolfdale E8500 slightly overclocked, 4 gigs of RAM, and a GeForce GTS250. It's obviously not state of the art, but it still runs every game out there.

 

For the most part, yes. It eliminates a ton of cables at your desk and is mobile. You can move it to the living room/bedroom/kitchen with minimal effort.

I can't imagine packing up my desktop just because I am going to be visiting family for a few weeks on vacation. I don't have to settle for being without my games. I can bring them with me. Don't have to wish "If only I could be playing Starcraft 2 online right now." and stuff. You can just play with the same power you're always used to.

...no loss of 1920x1080(or 1200), no loss in framerate, no loss in screen size, no loss in image quality just because you thought you would buy a smaller, weaker laptop as a "main use" computer for "on the go" computer gaming.

If you want to take Angrybirds on the road, you don't need an M18x, but for core gamers, you will want MUCH more than what Angrybirds will ever have to offer.....I could go on but will end my post here. lol.

 

I got an S1000RR TOO!! Sickest machine ever made!!

 

I'll be doing the same as others, keeping my R3 and then getting the m18x later on down the line.

 

I have been so angry about M18x announcement right before delivery of my M17x R3, but I am so happy about it now It is still quite portable (M18x is much less portable I guess due to its dimensions and weight) and I can play everything I have tried so far in FullHD and max settings (e.g. Crysis 2, Shift 2, Starcraft 2, TDU 2).

 

I retuned my R3. For me it comes down to this how much do you want the 3d. I tried it and although it was nice when it comes to games you had the problem with eyes hurting/headache after a while also the videos don't look that great either. 3d still needs a while to go.

If I wanted something that I can take it with me every few weeks I'll look for 14inch and under laptops. Not M17 R3 or 18x. So really it was not that difficult to choose at the end.

 

I had to cancel my 3D order and now I have to wait to return it and re order.. but yeah I think later revisions of this laptop will fix any concurrent problems with the first revision and add better components with possible additions of a selection of new screen types.

 

I am deciding today!

For all around use the M17x is a better LAPTOP imho. The DTR M18x is a niche machine of epic proportions. The only draw backs to the M18x are higher power consumption and that it is of epic epic proportions

My rep will let me cancel because I am not in post production. It will cost me an additional $900 to order the M18x.

To balance desire with cost effectiveness:
- upgrading to the Extreme processor
- upgrading to dual cards
- changing ram from 16GB 1300 to 8GB 1600 (or going base and adding HyperX)
- removing one of the SSD drives (adding a drive later)

What do you guys think?
System Color Space Black Anodized Aluminum ABLK [225-0887]
Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate, 64bit AW7U6E [420-9691][420-9956][421-0092][421-1398]
Processor Intel® Core™ i7 2920XM Overclocked Turbo Boost to 4.0GHz (8MB Cache) O2920XM [317-6852]
Memory 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (4DIMMS) 8G4D16 [317-6885]
A/C Adapter Alienware M18x 330W A/C Adapter 330W [331-2428]
Display Panel 18.4-inch WideFHD 1920 x 1080 WLED WFED [320-2269]
Video Card Dual 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon™ HD 6970M - AMD CrossFireX™ 6970M [320-2271]
Hard Drive 256GB Solid State Drive SATA 3Gb/s SS256G [342-2629]
AlienFX Quasar Blue BLU [313-8792][421-5099]
Adobe Reader Acrobat SW Adobe Acrobat X Reader ADOBEX [410-0548]
Optical Drive Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW) BRR [318-0843][421-1305]
Sound Internal High-Definition 5.1 Performance Audio with SoundBlaster MB Software SBXFI [421-5100]
Wireless and Bluetooth Intel® Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 a/b/g/n 3x3 MIMO Technology and Bluetooth 3.0 N6300 [430-4150][469-0549]
Automatic Updates Automatic Updates: Critical Updates Only AUTOCRI [330-6350]
Hardware Support Services 4 Year Advanced Plan S4CC [421-1719][421-1724][950-7447][953-9080][953-9090][953-9100][953-9150][990-4653][990-4683][994-3730]
Factory Installed Games Steam and Portal™ Factory Installed STEAM [421-1360]
Standard Nameplate Trigger Standard Nameplate

 

Well thankfully the m18 you can switch off the gpu to save power.


You can save quiet a bit by buying ram and ssd(a better performing ssd) off market since Dell ask a lot for something that can be get for much cheaper. There easy ti install as well. Other than that the specs are good.

 

I think this is a case of not seeing other people's situations. There are many reasons to get a laptop for 2-3 times as much as a desktop.

For me and a lot of other folks, sometimes we travel and I've noticed it's the only time I even have time to play anything (on the road) a few times a year. A 17" notebook and a 18" notebook which I plop down on a desk after I arrive at a destination isn't that much different. As for the cost, the M18x is also not a lot more money ($250 base for much more benefits).

It's also a pain to sync up multiple machines (as mentioned by others) and keep software in sync. Desktops also are noisy, take up a ton of space, completely a pain to move with a screen and all the cables.

Also, if you live in an apt vs. a house, it's less likely you will move your laptop around an apartment vs. a larger house (when I was in a 1 bedroom apt, I was quite happy with my desktop).

With kids, married in a house, I move my laptop occasionally up and downstairs depending on what's going on so desktops aren't even an option. Especially if you want to game in a different room...The M17x R3 can do that for you, but the cost is worth the bump up really...

Aluminum chassis, possible crossfire/sli, larger screen, "flagship" product with probably higher resale value, more fn keys, etc...

Really an easy decision for me (and I was planning to get the M17xR3 myself). Especially at this price point. If the crossfire was $900, then I'd definitely have to reconsider.

 

I'm absolutely grabbing an m18x...for Xmas. I figure that'll give this new beast a nice bit of time to marinate in the wild, and let whatever inherent probs it has, come to light.

Don't really wanna be a "beta tester" for it, if you know what I mean. Perhaps that will also give enough time, maybe, for a refresh of the initial gpu's offered. Not really all that jazzed about dual 460's. Nice, but not what I'd want in the latest, greatest, bleeding edge, monster laptop. Just mho.

Looking forward to hearing from you guys that are gonna jump right in and get your feet wet, for your initial impressions!!!

 

For size the M18x is really close to the build of the M17x-R2, for those who have experience with the R2. I had one and it wasn't a pain to transport for weekend trips and the like so the M18x was a no-brainer for me. However, if I was doing more day-trips and on the road quite a bit I'd likely go with the M17x-R3. It can still rip through any game out now but it saves 3 pounds and some bulk.

M17x-R2
Height: 2.02-2.11 in.
Width: 15.98 in.
Depth: 12.65 in.

M18x
Height: 2.09-2.13 in.
Width: 17.17 in.
Depth: 12.68 in.

In all honestly, I wish my R2 never died. It was a rockin' machine and the screen was top dog.

 

It's funny that Dell Canada changes the price of M17X-R3 and M18X today...they give M18X $260 discount but downgrade the M17x-r3 at the same price....Now The price of M17x-r3 with 6970m is higher than M18X with Dual 6970M CF. For me I will choose M18X for lower price with higher performance.

 

I decided to stick with the M17x because of the screen.

 

M17x R.3 is the right choice
Because M18x is huge and
if wann purchase it the configuration
Cost around

$3,208.00

Where as M17x R.3 Cost around

$2,468.00

 

unless he wants 3d.............me personally I plan to take the m18x but I would go nutz if they have a 120hz screen come out after I get it lol cause that is my factor right now. with my busted m17x r3 I was going to get anpther one but I wanted the amd chips but they would not give me the 120hz screen ):

 

Yup, that was a very important point for me. Couldn't resist that price, ordered my M18x yesterday.
Also, I'm sure even if the stock screen is not the best, there will be a way of upgrading down the road.

 

And, Aikimox you get to check the screen to see if you can live with it. I suspect it will be good enough.

Portability (even if you aren't a constant traveller, but following kids around house or taking the machine on a trip or into the office from time to time) is handy, as well as just taking up less space in the house. Have company and need the extra space? Pack up the laptop and put it away. And with living spaces getting smaller and smaller these days, it's no shock how valuable additional floor space can be.