My New Alienware Area-51 m17x specs

I know SSDs are getting banged here but after my own experiences, I think i should throw in some thoughts since I dont think the majority of people criticising them dont actually own one.

I am currently running the M-Tron 7000 PRO 64GB SSds in RAID 0 in my desktop I have to say, it is FAST. Loading of games is well fast and while many people might think waiting a few seconds is nothing, when you get used to this, anything else is just too painful, like levels load in 2-3 secs in Crysis, COD4, AOC etc. Sometimes in COD4 levels load in about 1.5-2 seconds and that is very nice, click and play.

Also another thing is the noise level. There is obviously ZERO noise of any kind and that is another pleasure that once you get used to, u can stand it without it.

NO heat is another one.

While im running a desktop which has plenty of cooling, in a laptop I think the noise and heat are extra considerations that make it nice, furthermore, there are no moving parts, which makes it infaliable in THAT respect although not necessarily invinsible as i heard some SSDs have other problems.

Having an SSD as the boot drive i think will be greatly beneficial for the thread opener and as long as he has the cash to do it, he should.

 

Yeah, I would agree with Kaiser. SSDs are a fair buy to some and definitely have advantages. That said, I think I would have waited just a liiittle bit longer as Samsung is planning a 256GB SSD in September.

 

I too just ordered my new Alienware notebook. it looks like you have the exact same specs as me:

[1] Area-51® m17x

Video/Graphics Card: Dual 512MB NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 8800M GTX – SLI Enabled

Display: 17" WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD with Clearview Technology – Black
Includes AlienFX® Illuminated Keyboard – Exclusive Design!

System Lighting: Alienware® AlienFX® System Lighting - Blue

Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme X9000 2.8GHz (6MB Cache 800MHz FSB)

Memory: 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz – 2 x 2048MB

Operating System (Office software not included): Windows Vista® Ultimate with Service Pack 1

Notebook Tuners and Remotes: Internal Digital/Analog (ATSC) MiniCard TV Tuner with Express Card Media Center Remote Control

System Drive: Extreme Performance (RAID 0) - 128GB (64GB x 2) Solid State Drive

Smart Bay: 500GB 5,400RPM (8MB Cache) Smart Bay

Optical Drives : 8x Dual Layer Burner (DVD±RW, CD-RW) w/ LightScribeTechnology - View Demo
Wireless: Internal Intel® Wireless 4965 a/b/g/Draft-N Mini-Card

Sound Card : Internal High-Definition Audio with surround sound

Warranty: 3-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support w/ Onsite Service

Microsoft Office Suites: Microsoft® Office 2007 Professional – Factory Installed!
Includes Small Business + Access!

Games: Crysis
Games: Assassin’s Creed
Games: Half Life 2: Orange Box
Featured Games: Battlefield 2142
Featured Games: World of Warcraft
Flash Memory: 32GB Patriot USB Flash Drive
Game Controllers: Saitek X52 Pro Flight Control System
Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 200-Watt THX®-Certified Speakers
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Mesh Cap
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Mousepad
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Mobile Binder
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Personalized Nameplate
Alienware Extras: Owner Identification Card
Alienware Extras: Area-51® m17x Protective Cloth Sleeve
Alienware Extras: Area-51® m17x Keyboard Diagram Overlay
Alienware Extras: Area-51® m17x Smooth Mylar Touchpad

Avatar:
Alien Cyborg
Window Style: Graphite Window Style

Mouse Pointers: Standard Mouse Pointers
Wallpaper:
Alienhead Glow

Wallpaper:
Alien Cyborg

Wallpaper:
Alien Schematic

Power Plan: High Performance

Automatic Updates: Automatic Updates On

Sidebar Gadgets: Calendar

Sidebar Gadgets: CPU Meter

RSS Feeds: Alienware News:
Get the latest Alienware news delivered directly to your desktop!
Time Zones: (GMT - 5.00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

[1] Logitech® G9 Gaming Mouse
[1] Sennheiser PC350 Headset
[1] Alienware® Odyssey XL Backpack
[1] World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Expansion

SubTotal: $8,368.98
Shipping: $246.96
Discount: $0.00
Tax: $516.96
Order Total: $9,132.90

I know it seems expensive and I know I could get some of the items cheaper somewhere else but I decided what the heck I'm just going to get it all in one place. I've been looking for some time a desktop replacement and because I go to LAN parties so much this would be so much better than caring all my other crap with me that this will one make my friends super jealous and two keep me from having to lug my heavy tower and monitor and all the other stuff that goes with it. I’m really excited about having finally found something in the notebook configuration and can hardly wait almost a month for it to get here. That was the only thing I saw about ordering this thing was the having to wait so long but I know once I get it it will have been worth the wait.

 

If only the OP knew what he was doing...much of the spec are unnecessarily expensive and he could have saved a lot of money (even if it's his parents) just by doing an aftermarket upgrade. Oh wells. I really hope the laptop won't get stolen.

 

I should start a "The *what would you do with $8600* thread" But until then, enjoy your laptop

 

read my previews posts please!

 

Finally someone has something positive to say about my SSD (I think one other person did too) I see some of you are concerned about my lack of memory, but can't I just add more later? And I'm sure I will have plenty for a long while.

 

Yeah, but I need it for when classes begin in August.

 

so are u keeping it?

 

just let him enjoy his fantastic moment!
he's just so rich to understand our comments.
the reason why his friend left right away after seeing his specs is "no comment!".

 

Man I thought $4100 was a allot for my lappy but then again. You could buy 20 budget lappys for that and give to the poor : ). Thats really like the price 8 or 9 basic laptops. This is why people think we are nuts buying such expensive laptops, but its our money and its what makes us happy so what the h*ll. Have a good time with it and don't let it out of your sight. That thinng should murder crysis.
-J.B.

 

No offense, but if you are comfortable enough to do this, then there's no reason you shouldn't be comfortable enough adding your own RAM rather than paying Alienware's bloated prices for it. Personally, I could never bring myself to pay that much for a laptop. That said, I hope you enjoy your laptop.

Oh, last comment. 32GB Flash Drive? Really? Unless you absolutely cannot stand walking around with 20 of your favorite movie-length videos on hand, this is probably far more flash drive storage than you will ever need. Then again, that component is probably the best priced on Alienware's site.

 

People should stop crying about People buying 5k + laptops. because those laptops are worth every dollar you pay for

 

Really? I doubt it. You can invest the rest of money to another right place instead of buying a little gap performance between 2500$ laptop and the 8000$ one.

 

I'd just buy a desktop if I want to game.

 

I have to agree with Harry88, although I know I'm far less experienced than most people on the forum. If thats what he wants, then thats what he should get.
I'm in a similar position, and I know that if i canceled my order for the m15x, I wouldn't see a pound of the money I save because its a present from my rents, so why not spend/waste money when its not yours, and you can?

 

If you don't have something useful to say, then don't say it. This person spent a lot of money on a laptop and I fully agree that we don't need people crying about it. People can spend money any way they want, so leave them to it.

No more comments about that stuff.

 

I would just like to say the reason I spent so much money on my new laptop is:
1. I just won a bunch of money in a lawsuit
2. I have always wanted a top of the line laptop. With the ability of playing the games I enjoy which require the specs that can only be bought and put together like a company like Alienware.
3. And knowing that I will get a laptop that will not only use the best products on the market but not have to be the person who has to put it all together but wonder if once I get it all together will it work.

see I work on computers for a living I'm a Systems Engineer and I'm tired of having to build my own systems and for once I wanted someone else to have to go through the headaches of having to build a system that I want. I realize that for laptops the end user doesn’t build them like a desktop but I'm simply just making the point that I won't have to worry if any of the equipment I get shipped to me if it will work or trouble shoot software issues. My point is for once I don't have to worry about anything but the bill and it will be nice to not have to lug all my heavy equipment to LAN parties anymore. On top of that the configuration of my new laptop is top of the line. I also found out that as of 2yrs ago invida and alienware have decided to use a standard in graphitic card interface for the next 2yrs so this means I will be able to upgrade my video card for the next 2yrs this is super sweet because I will be able to upgrade for the next 2yrs anyway. I'm definitely one of those gamers that has to have the latest in hardware so when things like being able to upgrade my ram processor and video card will be fine for me. I'm not so concerned with the HDDs since this will just be a gaming laptop and used for nothing else. However if I want to add my 400 DVD collection to my 500gig hdd then that’s what I will do since I already have all my movies copied to an 400gig external hdd that I use now. Anyway like I said before for once I don't have to worry about anything but the bill this time I'm vary happy.

 

@Mikeaw - I think you are confused on a lot of aspects.

1. You can buy a system with higher performance from xoticpc.com which has a 9.99 reseller rating which is amazing. You can get the same system for around $4000 which will perform better than the system you have configured. I'm not telling you to buy it, I'm just educating you with the other options.

2. There is a very slim chance you will be able to upgrade the graphics card in 2 years. MXM was SUPPOSED to be universal, but it does not actually work out that way. Think about it, if it was universal then I should have been able to upgrade my 8800GTX but I can't since it is MXM III-HE.

3. Alienware did not decide to use a standard in a graphics card interface for the next 2 years. In their new 17" they could switch to MXMIV (hypothetically) and just tell you that it is too bad that you couldn't upgrade.

4. You will not always be able to upgrade your processor and video card. For example, you won't even be able to upgrade to monteniva, which is going to be released right after the M17x comes out because of the motherboard pin differences.

I think that you have heard a lot of bull**** from other places that has confused you. I am just trying to help you out here so that you don't get really sad when you find out that you can't do a lot of the stuff that they said to you when you purchased the machine. If you want I can spec out a Clevo 901C for you (xoticpc.com) which should cost you a lot less and is already known to be reliable, unlike the M17x which could have a lot of the problems that the M15x is having.

@Chaz - This isn't about him spending the money, its about what he heard about the laptop. Please don't give me a infraction as I'm just trying to educate him that a lot of the things that he heard are incorrect.

 

"If you don't have something useful to say, then don't say it?? No more comments about that stuff? I thought this was a DISCUSSION BOARD. Now don't get me wrong Chaz, I have read a LOT of your posts and they are EXTREMELY helpful, informative and enjoyable, but you really should think about toning down the "Big Brother" moderating. With all due respect Chaz and I seriously do mean that, despite being a MOD and all, who are you to tell anyone on here that they can't voice their opinion or give advice...I have not read one comment that was disrespectful or vulgar in this thread....and I agree with you that people should spend money the way they want to...but it simply is an unequivocal fact that this guy could get very similar if not same performance for MUCH MUCH less money, if he was a bit more informed and actually cared enough about his mother's pocketbook to take the time to do some research....give us a break and let people give him some constructive advice....the wonderful thing about NBR is that it is a forum in which we can have open discussion even if not everyone agrees...the more viewpoints the better...this guy didnt seem to mind the comments - they at least made him stop and think about his purchase..perhaps he and his mother would appreciate some informed advice....and seriously....what do you expect the more informed members here to do? This guy undoubtedly purchased an EXCELLENT computer but could still get similar performance for MUCH less...imagine paying $200K for a $60K Corvette just because you didnt know any better...still a great car, but WAY overpriced...I would want someone to tell me! no offense but I had to get that off my chest...

 

All of the "rich kids", etc comments are likely to start a flame war, which is what we DON'T want on these boards as it is NOT discussion.

By all means, give constructive advice. And by all means, discuss the purchase. I never said you couldn't comment on the purchase, only not to insult him. It's not a hard rule to follow . . .

 

Indeed...I have to agree with you about the "rich kid" type comments...flame wars certainly do get annoying and dont add anything of value...touche Chaz...I concede..

 

I appreciate your comments though, and I took no offense. I should have phrased it differently so it would not have been taken out of context. Note to self . . .

 

Hey guys. Yeah, I'm not really a rich kid. As I said, it's a grad gift and I could have gotten a car which would have been a lot more. This whole thing was just about my questions at the beginning, which have been long answered. But I've mostly brushed off the insulting little things, and I'll say it for the final time: I could have gotten it cheaper, and I could have added my own RAm (though I don't know how as of now) but I got what I got and paid what I/my parents paid out of sheer conveniance. That's about it, and yes, I will be keeping it. Thanks for the constructive comments everyone.

 

Taekwonty11:

Congratulations on your new purchase bro! Relax, don't worry about what anyone says. Some of us know more than others about computers and I paid more than I should have for at least 3 of the first computers I ever owned. With time, you'll learn, it's not difficult.

I had the Dell 1730 for a while with Dual 8800GTX cards like yours but I only had a T7700 processor in there, although, it still ripped through every game even crysis. You will really enjoy your rig.

I have one important piece of advice for you bro, and please, please, please, do what I say: GET A LAPTOP LOCK AND MAKE SURE YOU GET LOJACK.

laptop locks can be purchased for roughly 40 bucks, a good retractable one. They connect to your computer and work quite like a bicycle lock - they wrap around a chair, a desk, whatever, it gets secured that way. So, for instance, you can be at the library studdying, you attach it to the desk and voila, you can go have something to eat/chill with friends.

ONE MORE THING. Get lowjack. Lowjack is a program that stays on your computer no matter what. Even if you re-install windows it will still be there. If your laptop is ever stolen, and frankly every kid on campus will drool over your lappie - expect it to be eyed, then as soon as the thief or whoever uses it to connect to the internet, the program tells a central office that monitors the laptop location where the laptop is and the authorities close in on the thief/person with the stolen laptop.

I didn't see your specs, but if you didn't get both of these, just make sure you do.

In terms of a nice looking lock - get the Kensington retractible lock. It retracts into a little unit which is pretty cool so you don't have a long cord dangling around.

Heed my advice bro...and happy gaming!

 

Thanks for the kind words! Yes, my parents insisted I get a lock, Alienware had one on their site, a Targus Key Lock Notebook Security Cable. And I will make sure LowJack is the first thing I download on my new system, I had never heard of it before, thanks much!

 

Call alienware first thing when you have time and ask them if they have lowjack they probably do. You can probably purchase it separately somewhere else but you should get it from Alienware directly.

Basically, for Lowjack, you pay for for a 1 or 2 or 3 year period. I suggest the 3 year period or more. And it comes pre-loaded on your system - no need to download it. THat's why it's best to get it through the computer manufacturer.

 

So was my comment shrugged off then ?

And yes, get LowJack. That way if a stupid kid in your college steals your notebook and logs online with it, they will get busted by the cops and effectively ****ed.

Addition: Nevermind my comment was at Mike, not you tilde. He seems to think a lot about the system which isn't true. I'll PM him the info I posted if he doesn't get a chance to read it.

 

I will certainly get the 3 year plan, it's only $100. But I will just want them to tell me the location, I would want to get it back myself!

 

Thank you for your feed back. I did go to their site and looked over what they offered and what I bought however the base price on the laptop I got from alienware and the configuration at Xoticpc are only a couple hundred off I should have put in that I ordered other items also. but I did look over what you had said and yes I could see where I might save a little money here or their however its nice to have money that I can spend the way I want and its all in the same place , the extra items I wanted but thanks for the advice. It’s going to be fun to see my LAN party buddies drool when they see what I am getting. I've just always wanted an alienware PC and now’s my chance I know to some that may seem ignorant but like one of you guys said it’s my money.
Seriously though I'm glad you guys are here to help guide me in my PC making desions thanks