M18x ? News article looks bogus

To me, the fact that the R2 is still available for purchase tells me that the M18x is coming.

They have an M11x (high mobility), M15x (medium mobility) M17xR3 (low mobility, decent performance cheaper than the old R2???) and the M17xR2 (lowest mobillity, highest performance).

Now, we know dell. They looooove to milk the cash. Pricing a new product lower than an old product, and leaving the old product up for sale - smells way fishy.

No, the M17xR3 is a bigger screen M15x. The M18x will be the next R2. Ill bet money on it.

-Ash

 

My friends and I neither!

 

24 FPS (24p) is simply the hollywood minimum FPS for a movie to play back at to look jitter-free for cost-effective reasons. The human eye can detect well over 120 FPS.

FPS plays a much greater roll in gaming than in simply watching a movie, since as soon as interactivity is added it becomes almost impossible to play a game at 24 FPS since your cursor can't be aimed with any precision.

 

actualy at 24 fps in an FPS type game it's not the low fps that your brain notice it's the fact that there is always a one frame delay between when you move and when it's rendered on screen and when you are runing at just 24 fps well that single frame of delay become verry important

you brain cannot take data from more then 30-40 fps (consiously)but your brain still notice the flicker from the screen changing the datas it's showing thus the head hache

 

In games, it's all down to how well they use motion blur.

With games that don't utilise motion blur well, you can actually detect slowdown in anything below 60fps. Well, I can at least. Modern Warfare 2 was a great example, I could easily see it becoming more jittery at below 50fps, and I considered anything below 45fps to be detrimental to gameplay. I felt 30fps was unplayable.

But in other games that use motion blur well, they can look smooth even at 30fps. For example, Bad Company 2. To me, it appears smooth (not perfect, but relatively smooth) at 30fps, and playable even down to about 25fps. Same with Crysis.

It's the same reason that movies can run in 24fps but look perfectly smooth. The motion blur in between the frames on a movie 'tricks' our brain into seeing it as a smooth, fluid picture. If that motion blur isn't as prominent, you need to significantly raise the FPS to get the same sense of smoothness.

 

People are overlooking the biggest reason they notice FPS drops...the drops themselves. If you are getting 90 FPS and then it goes to 40, you see a DROP in which the frames are rendered differently. If I am playing at 30 FPS locked on a console or 60 FPS, it is nice and smooth. Now if I am on a PC with V Sync Off, then even though I am "averaging 95 FPS, it appears choppier if I am having issues of performance spikes and drops. It is the sudden change of play that the eye perceives IMO. The eye is NOT detecting a difference between 60 constant and 80 constant. No one would be able to tell which is which.

 

The only reason 24fps appears jerkier than 30fps is the fact that 24fps does not sync with 60Hz and has to endure a 3:2 pull down (1st frame twice, 2nd thrice, 3rd twice, 4th thrice) giving uneven distribution across the frames. Thats why consoles have a minimum of 30fps because it is the best sync for a 60hz tv. If you cap your game at 24fps on a 48hz monitor things will also be relatively smooth. Go to doom9, avsforums and guru3d, tonnes of discussions on this.
Anyway back on track M18x.

 

M17x R2 - 17.0"
M17x r3 - 17.3"

it's even bigger than the R2!

 

R2 - 2.11 inches x 15.98 inches x 12.65 inches
R3 - 1.77 inches x 16.14 inches x 11.97 inches


16:9 17.3" screens have a smaller screen area than 16:10 17" screens.

 

your eye can detect spikes and fluctuations when theres big drops because of rendering changes, that doesnt mean that your brain can register over 100 fps a second unless you are some sort of a superman. it just doesnt sound veyr plausible to me. if your game is truly running at 40fps that sounds about right to me. 50 or 60 or 70 or 500 it wont matter in gaming performance much unless you are just chasing numbers

 

Funny, I used to think 30 was the magic number to enjoy games...so now 40 is the number?

P.S. On another note, it must be true what some people are posting about the "headaches" while playing these games if the FPS are low...interesting....now I know its not just me when I get those nasty ones, lol.

KJ

 

A lot has to do with how much the frame rate varies, I think in terms of perception. We'd all love a STEADY, unchanging 60 fps (or higher), but it doesn't happen because of the scene complexity. Pushing the average higher and higher is the goal. In some cases where a game is CPU-bound I have found that limiting the fps helps with there not being mad swings in fps causing stuttering, etc, but that is my taste. It also means cooler system temps too, but some people would never dream of such a thing.

 

The 'magic number' depends on the game. Like I said, in Modern Warfare 2, anything less than 50 would be visibly slowed down, anything below 45 or so would be detrimental to gameplay. 30fps in MW2 was unplayable, IMO.

And like I said, BC2 is playable even at 25fps (for me at least).

Depends entirely on the game in question.

 

Hi folks. Similar to many, I suspect, I was hugely disappointed with the M17x R3 release specs. I’m now torn between three possible choices, and would appreciate any and all advice.

As I see, my options are:
3. Wait for the (as yet unconfirmed) M18x
…Related questions:

• Regarding Alienware’s new-product-release history, do they normally wait for large expos, when making big announcements (in order words, are we likely talking about E3 2011 in June)?


Sorry for the length of the posting, but, as stated, all advice greatly appreciated… this is proving to be a seriously tricky decision.
Many thanks.

 

Probably, well let's say hopefully they will confirm that an M18x is coming to hit stores at E3 2011 in June. As far as ive checked the list of so called "Exhibitors", Alienware is listed on it. So we will probably hear more about an M18x around that time.

I can't wait to hear more about the M18x.

 

Thanks for that bit bit of info - long time to have to wait though

 

Can't answer your question directly, but my opinion is that they might just release one unit per expo.

Which would looks like the M18X would hit the 2011 computex running from may 31st to june 4, 2011.
Or, if we're lucky, the 2011 CEBIT running from march 1st to 5th, 2011.

As a matter of fact, I bet one bone and eleven kneecap that our awaited M18X will indeed be given birth in june, this year...

Time will tell though; just a thought...

 

To: eYe-I-aïe...

Excellent reply. Thanks very much for this.

You say, “if you use I7 940 XM along with TS, the only thing you'll be missing over sister Sandy would be better power management.”

Sorry, but can you clarify the meaning of TS for me?

Regarding the capability to support dual GPUs:
I (just now) downloaded the R3 manual from Dell Support, and in the 'Main Menu' section of 'System Setup Options' appear the list items:

Integrated Graphics: Displays the integrated graphics.
Discrete Graphics 1: Displays the primary discrete graphics.
Discrete Graphics 2: Displays the secondary discrete graphics.

Do you reckon this suggests dual GPU capacity?

Finally, (although Dell calls it soft-touch) has it been confirmed that we are indeed talking about a plastic casing? – another big let-down if so

In all, based on the info you’ve provided, I’m edging ever closer to the R2 – strange to be considering an outgoing model.

 

TS = Throttlestop, great little program to unlock the full power of the extreme processors. The xm CPUs have a adjustable multiplicator (for adjusting the CPU speed) as well as asjustable TDP/TDC limits.

This means you can greatly OC the CPU, its no problem to run a 940xm at about 3.3Ghz across all cores, the cooling system of the M17x is good enough... with TS the 940xm beats quite a couple of the new sandy bridge cpus.

 

17xR2 discussion in the R2 Owners Lounge

17xR3 discussion in the R3 thread(s)

Discussion on the 18x topic/'news article looks bogus' here.

 

Dell/Alienware aren't on the Exhibitor List for Computex 2011. They'll be at E3 from June 7-9th though.

 

Good enought; same june timeframe

 

Cheers for that

 

Sorry about the thread/message placement screw-up.

 

No worries - its been crazy since CES. lol

Thanks to all who help out and use forum search and post in the most appropriate thread.

 

it's just a picture and specs of the m17x r-3. they are for some reason under the impression that the screen is now 18 inches, which is false.

 

I am preety much confident that there will be M18X for sure to calm down the riot here in NBR and other forums..
I even heard some inside story to surround Michael Dell's house and protest..

 

Most likely, the M18X will be launched in march/april of this year.

Maybe at the Germany's CEBIT...

Most likely, I will get one.

Maybe on launch date...

Wait and see; time will tell...

Countdown has now started...

Tic, toc; tic...

 

Some very nice 4-6 month old (used) fully spec'd R2's up for auction over here at present for very good prices. So very tempting... but must... wait... for... M18... x...

 

Most likely, I will get one too... so my friends
But we hope it will be truly better than the M17x R2...

 

They're better be an M18x now or there will be some REALLY ticked off people...

 

Considering the r3 used the gtx460 and 6870, they almost can't go wrong because there aren't many other slow cards to choose from for an m18x. I would guess 470 as a base card and optional sli

 

Alienware offers the GTX 460M and HD6870M because they cost less, not because they think consumers want the option to buy slower cards.

With it's ~$200USD mark-up over the GTX 460M, the GTX 470M doesn't fit the bill for a "base" card option.

 

As their pricing strategy suggests, the M17X-R3 is aimed at competing against those G73 and stuff, so, yes, it's a matter of pricing.

Basically, the M17X-R3 is NOT the sucessor of the R2 flavor, more a side order, an hors d'oeuvre, a starter, a delicatessen instead of the main course...

As far as I understood what's happening, the M18X will be the main course, the one replacing the M17X-R2.

And this should happen in the march/april timeframe.

And I just can't wait...

 

Expect it to launch alongside the 6970M, with a Crossfire option. That makes the most sense.

 

Which are expected ot launch on ?


Sorry for my ignorance on this one...

 

Do we know if the M18x will also support 3D?

KJ

 

there's no official word about it; however, since Eric G says here:

Jan 10, 2011
Eric G. said...
Guys,
Post will be updated when I receive more info.
Teaser - there is another LCD option for the M18X, which I can't disclose at the moment

So I just hope it's gonna be an RGB LED 1920X1200 16X10 instead of the 3D option available for the R3.

Just my own hope though...

 

That's all I want, we can hope haha.

 

I'm betting on a a 16:9 LCD, but that's mostly because it would be more difficult to have 2 bezels to manufacture - a 16:9 for the WLED and a 16:10 RGB, so dell probably just made one bezel for both a 16:9 screen one.

 

Sure thing Pal.

Hoping is free and healthful though... (providing you're not taking your dreams for reality)

Let's then opt for a (most likely) 16:9 1920:1080 RGB LED...

 

RGBLED would be great. 16:9 would be fine, as long as it was a high quality RGBLED screen.

 

I really think it was a shame the M17x-R3 has no RGB LED option... after I game for a time on my M11x-R1 I am reminded just how much BETTER the RGB LED is on the M17x-R2.... the best upgrade I ever opted for hands down.

 

Give me IPS or RGB LED and I'll be happy. Those poor M17x-R3 guys have no idea what they're missing out on.

 

If the m18x is gonna impress, and bring the alienware name back into the game, here are the specs that it should have.

485m SLI, sandy bridge Desktop 8 core, 4 dimms of ram for a possible 32gb configuration, 2560x1440 IPS or c-PVA screen, 54express card slot, Optimus enabled, backlight keyboard wich im sure it will have, tv-tunner, fingerprint reader, and a pair of speakers better than those in the gx660 msi noteboks. Preferably a 5.1 speaker setup.

All of this with 3x2.5" hdd bays, 1 optical bay, and one 1.8" hdd bay(For a 1.8" SSD where you keep the OS). Since its 18" and they can afford that.
And if by any chance you do all that, than please learn from clevo mistakes and use a single bigger PSU brick. (however much you need so that it wont trip in any circumstances)

OTHERWISE, im not impressed. And for me, the only laptop so far worthy of the name alienware is the x7200.
A 990x 485m sli x7200 is the strongest laptop money can buy.ANd it also has 3hdd bays, a feat no alienware has.

So say thank you dell, for suggesting you what to do with your beloved m18x. Why in god's name dont they have competent engineers there that can think of this themselves ?

 

Don't count on a desktop processor nor is it even needed since Sandy Bridge mobile can approach desktop levels already. It's more power efficient and less power hungry thus it won't have to deal with the dual PSU headaches (how ridiculous is that) of the Clevo X7200. And it should lend to a thinner design vs the chunky x7200. Finger print readers? What for? This isn't a business class notebook, it's not needed.

What we will likely see:

1. High end display (either 3D WLED/IPS/RGB LED that is 16:9)
2. Wireless HDMI
3. HDMI In
4. Sandy Bridge Mobility (up to 2920xm or higher)
5. Support for up to 32 GB ram
6. SLi/Crossfire support (6970M/485M)
7. Speakers + subwoofer (possibly similar to XPS series setup)
8. Slot loading optical drive
9. Alien fx backlit keyboard and other lighting.
10. Magnesium/Rubber/Plastic construction similar to the M17x-R3 but probably a bit more durable. No more heavy M17x-R2 aluminum designs, it would be too heavy at 18".
11. 340W-350W PSU that won't be as large as the Clevo brick.
12. High resolution built in camera with dual array mic + facial recognition security.
13. Bios overclocking options for the CPU.
14. Possibly triple hard drive support depending on how large Dell decides to make the chasis. Dual HDD would be more than enough for me.
15. USB 3.0
16. SATA 3.0

And Bytales, Dell has competent engineers, all their recent All Powerful notebooks were better than what Clevo put out with the exception of Clevo's recent X7200. Dell won't answer with a desktop processor based system because as I mentioned, it's not needed nor efficient but their M18x should compete very well with the X7200 should it be released.

P.S. The latest mobile SB processors are faster than your i7-950 desktop processor.

 

I couldn't help but laugh.

I'd be happy if it was just an r3 with a gtx470 let alone 485m or 2 in sli. With optimus and the gpus off it could have 5+ he battery life if needed vs the 10 minutes that hideous suitcase styled laptop called the x72whatever

 

^No need for such personal attacks. Keep it clean so this thread stays open.

Desktop CPUs in gaming notebooks are a terrible waste of energy, while bringing nothing useful to the table. I wish Clevo would just drop them to focus on something more important, like high quality screens.

 

When you start using desktop components you can't really call them laptops can you? Besides laptop technology is actually very good now there is no need to keep going down that route, the energy efficency is getting so good now that the CPUs are still very fast indeed.

 

Interestingly enought, I was thinking of posting my M18X's complete wish list, even thought of starting a new thread on this, then, I saw Joker's post above...

So I'll simply add it here I guess...

Thus, here's my M18X's wish list:


1→ SB supporting Xtreme CPUs: I7-2920XM or higher;

2→ 4 memory slots supporting up to 32Gb of RAM;

3→ 3 Drive's bays with RAID 5 support (WISH list...);

4→ Dual GPU in SLI/XF 485M/6970M;

5→ 18.4' RGBLED/IPS120Hz 16X9 1920X1080 display;

6→ USB 3.0 all across the board (M17Xr3 has only two USB 3.0 ports);

7→ SATA 3.0 (including E-SATA);

8→ REAL Subwoofer;

9→ A BIOS that loads/boots WITHIN 6 SECONDS;

10→ Integrated graphic (Optimus or so) so can work for hours on battery;

11→ 300W PSU minimum with ZERO power issues ;

12→ Can we just finally get rid of the dowdy VGA port? (what a joke...);

13→ Ditto for the proprietary Dell's display port→ add a second HDMI instead;

14→ FireWire 1600 port;

15→ Slot loading optical drive;

16→ HDMI In&Out;

17→ Overclockable BIOS;

18→ Stealth mode capability like the R1;

19→ NOISE-ANNOYING FREE unit;

20→ NON-briddling/tussing/flanging/crippling-SSD Chipset !


That's about what I can think of for now; what about you ?


eYe