My review of the m15x -

So I have been lurking here and ordered (and received) an M15X about a week ago. Figured I would do a review so people could get an idea of my thoughts on the machine. First to preface this. I am an IT Director for a company and we have been a Dell shop for years. I have seen Dell's good and bad and will use them as a point of reference on quality.

First the good. The order, build and shipping process did not take nearly as long as estimated on the website. It was roughly half the time estimated and from order verification to arrival was about 2 weeks.

The packaging for the machine is ok, but nothing like I was expecting honestly. Dell has very mundane packaging except on the XPS and even there it is only so-so. I expected Alienware to really wow you with the quality of the box and such, and it was ok but nothing that special.

The machine looks good - the lights are very impressive and the nicest thing about the machine in my opinion. They are well executed and controlled and really do have a dramatic impact.

The Bad:

When you get closer to the machine and really start looking at it the plastic seems cheap. Really, really cheap in places. On my machine there are paint defects throughout the plastic portion and the shiny finish has a somewhat cheesy look to it. The machine is actually quite large for a 15.4" laptop and will not fit into my Wenger Maxxum bag (which holds other 15.4's without problem). It is mostly that it is a very thick computer, thicker than my Dell XPS Gen2 17".

The optical drive has no external button allow the drive to open forcing you to hit a function key combo to open the drive. I think this is just silly and poor ergonomics. The touch sensitive buttons next to power are a nice though but they don't work very well. Adjusting the volume is fairly useless with the touch device as it is extremely jumpy and has little to no precision.

The keyboard looks great with the backlight but the function on mine is bad at best. It frequently does not register multiple fast keystrokes, like typing www at the beginning of a web address. It also feels a bit off to me but that is more a typing preference issue than a quality issue.

Back to the plastic. Mine squeaks in multiple places where the plastic does not fit together properly. The screen also wobbles and squeaks right out of the box.

The touchpad design is also asinine. The fact that it is flush with the palm rest means you are constantly accidentally using the touch pad while typing. Also the fact that the button is not split between left and right clicks makes absolutely no sense. Also the depth of pressure required to actuate a click is substantially more than it should be.

The good -

Performance is good. I have the t9300 processor and the 8800gtx. The 8800gtx is very impressive and turns out top notch frame rates and quality in games. Day to day usage is acceptable as well although the palm rest does get quite warm even just websurfing since the HD is directly under it.


Overall I cannot say this is a $3000.00 laptop. It just doesn't have the quality feel that it should for that kind of money. I applaud the effort to stuff an 8800gtx into a 15.4" chassis but they really needed to focus much more on the quality of the actual machine. I do not trust it to last for any significant amount of time and because of that I will be returning mine and taking the restocking fee hit. I truly hate to do that but I cannot stomach to lay out the type of money involved for a machine that has this many quality issues right out of the box.

Sorry if this review offends anyone, it is just my honest opinion.

 

Thanks.... I think I am going to cancel my order. There is WAY too many negative reviews, not only on this forum, but others. It's a shame! I was really excited to get this laptop and even sold my brand new (replacement) M1730 for it.....

 

/nod I have to thank this forum for the honest opinions. It has shown me the light towards waiting for the new Clevo. =)

 

Chadr I feel your pain, but you do know you haev a 30 day return policy. Explain to AW what you don't liek about it and just return it. No restocking fee if you let them know within 30 days.

And thanks for an honest review.

 

I have also changed my mind on this and will wait for other laptops capable of what the m15x does, which shouldnt be very long atall. So frustrated about this but better safe than sorry..

 

WOW...thanks for sharing...sounds like a pretty solid review from someone who knows computers......dang, what have I done ....

 

Thanks for your review and I fully agree with you! First the looks are awesome, but they do not stand a closer look considering the amount of money the thing costs... And then there are components like the webcam and the speakers that are just cheap and seem to be just there to get an extra point on the features list :/
On one side there is this pure power inside but on the other poor quality outside and all around it, squeaking everywhere, I do not know how long it might last when I carry it to college every day? At the moment I'm not shure what to do with my m15x, send it right back for a refund or try a repair? If you want, read about the problems I have in my thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=242665

 

If some one don't mind the 17" they should get a Sager 5793 or 9262 IMHO.

 

OHH NOESS!!!! I have bought an m15x

Thanks for being very honest in your review, but it hasn't changed my mind at all about me getting an m15x.

Good luck with your next lappy.

 

Yup... Just found (and bought) a M1730 w/sli 8800's on the dell outlet for the same price as I paid for the m15x (~$2200)

WOOT!

EDIT: Holy CRAP! There were 4 pages of outlet 1730's and now I checked again and there are NONE!!

 

NICE find sleey0.

 

Those things must FLY out of the outlet! It's funny because I just sold my 1730 that had sli 8700's. I didn't like the performance at all, otherwise it was a solid laptop (pics don't do it justice - it is a much nicer laptop in person).

 

Nice honest review. I'm still happy with mine and I've had it since mid FEB. Of course every has their own opinions.

 

Well... I think this is it for me! I was really close to push the order button, but I'm really not going to dive into a dry pool. Thanks to all the honest reviews, to people sharing their experiences and showing us the truth behind the curtains.
Cheers,
M

 

I have had mine as long as tacomenace and I am very happy with mine too. Just thought I would add my thoughts here.

 

ugh, there seems to be so many negative reviews of the laptop... makes me scared to buy one but i want it so bad. I dont think i would mind any problems except the screen wobbling and the construction being poor. If im paying 3000 for a laptop which i am willing to do, i want it to last. Seems like these have too many problems. On the other hand there are lots of people who are extremely happy. I guess my biggest question is if it will last a couple years like i want it to do. Guess ill wait for the new clevo instea of getting this. I wish there was a way i could see one in real life but there is no one i know who owns one and they arent at stores.

 

which area are you in?

 

central new jersey

 

I am in Central PA.

I had somewhat thought I would get a lot of negative feedback for posting my thoughts on the machine, but I am glad to see people looking with an open mind and not being fanboys.

The concept and some of the features of the laptop are truly brilliant. The LED lighting, vid card, etc are all wonderful in their ideas, it is simply the execution that I feel is lacking. Having seen the Dell XPS m1330 and m1530 I look at the Alienware and wonder where they went wrong. The Dell's are so well put together and executed in the details and those are the areas where the Alienware falls short.

Seems to me that Dell needs to combine their efforts and get the guys who designed the m1330 and m1530 to go back to the board and improve those with the 8800gtx card in them and some nifty lighting on it.

I appreciate the info on the 30 day return policy. I had thought there was a restocking fee with that return policy but it would be wonderful if that is not the case.

 

I don't think there's anyone here who's under the illusion that this laptop hasn't been crippled by both some big issues and smaller issues. It really is unfortunate, and while those issues don't bother many of us (including me) there's a large group who do feel ripped off (and rightfully so in most cases).

 

well they fixed the downclocking issues and i wouldnt mind software issues that could be fixed in the future but if i buy the m15x and the case falls aparts and cracks and the screen is really wobbly then the investment doesnt mean much. If im paying 3k for a laptop i want it to last. Everything inside is upgradable and fixable but the case is a different story. The laptop looks great to and i love the battery life and the lights...i think it was incredibly innovative...but all that means nothing to me if the laptop is going to fall apart around the cool technology.

Well guess i wont get the m15x, guess ill wait for the Clevo M860TU. Sorry AW, i was really looking forward to a cool laptop.

has anyone not had problems with the case...aka found the screen not wobbly or thought the construction was good?

 

The screen is undoubtedly wobbly if you try to lift it only from one corner (it is a MUST to open/close it from the middle) but beyond that I wouldn't say there are many problems. Build quality probably isn't quite what you'd expect from a top-line laptop, but I wouldn't see why it couldn't hold up for the same 7 years my old laptop did (and pretty well scratch-free at that, given how spotless it's been the past 2.5 months)

 

Hehe did you technically "buy" it ?

 

wow harsh. although i agree with most of what you say. i think in no way does it make this laptop "bad".

 

Could've went with the m9750..but you know...

 

I would be very cautious to apply the term "bad" to the laptop. From a function standpoint it is easily the fastest laptop I have used. I have not had crashing issues or anything of that nature (although it is extremely picky about the video drivers - anything other than AW drivers and it downclocks instantly).

I would say my feeling is mostly, disappointed. I had very high hopes for the machine but the lack of overall feeling of quality is just something I cannot tolerate (especially in light of the fact that I use the laptop everyday between my office, my house and any other companies I am working at, so it gets moved a lot and has to be able to take abuse).

I am in no way telling people not to buy this machine, I am just hoping to let people know that this is not nirvana and there are some issues (IMO) with the laptop.

On an interesting side note, I just ordered 2 m1530's from Dell a few days ago and was joking with my corporate rep (we have a dedicated sales team for our company) about how they needed to update the XPS with more power, etc. and he asked about us being under NDA - I said we weren't so he just alluded to the fact that the line was stagnant because they had "big things" in the pipeline for about two months out.

Take that all with a grain of salt, but I cannot believe that Dell would sit idle and let the m1530 age and not update it with the newest graphics technology.

 

It makes perfect sense to see that the m1530 not be left behind. That's just how technology is with computers. I wouldn't be surprised to see a refreshed version of the m1530 with the montevina platform. Now as for it, getting, an 8800 or 9800 that's hard to say. IMO, If Dell wanted to do that then they would've done so already with the 8700 card, at least.

So, it's always good to wait. The longer you wait, the better tech there is. That's just how it is.

 

there is so much mixed thought on this laptop... im luck and will be able to go and play with one in a store before i pay for one...

honestly the keyboard response issue is the main thing i'm worried about.. sounds completely retarded.... such a bad time 2 look into laptops im sure a refresh of the macbookpro is close if it gets some form of 9800 ill kill my self for getting a cheap plastic m15x

 

"Chadr I feel your pain, but you do know you haev a 30 day return policy. Explain to AW what you don't liek about it and just return it. No restocking fee if you let them know within 30 days."

I thought you had to had to have a defective system, and also be covered by local laws.

As in, if defective they have right to fix it 2/3 times before being obliged to give full refund (as in don't pay restocking fee)

And that if its defective and you decide that you just what to end the ordeal (not send it in to be fixed first) that you had to pay the 15%.

Or if you just decided you don't like it you also have to pay the 15%.

I think the no restocking fee thing only applies where your country's law prohibit it. Like here in Ireland theres a goods/supply act where if you buy an item that is defective or doesn't perform as they say its supposed to then YOU can decide to either get a full refund / replacement / repair then and there.

Though this depends on where you live and hence whether you get screwed or not.

15% of a 5000 euro system is 1100 dollars!!!
That's a lot of money.

 

i'm sticking with my order. i'll see if i like it or not when i have it. i guess i could always return it if it's not to my liking.

 

Me too whizzo, me too...

 

Thanks for the review. Well, with this laptop, you need some luck (I'm talking about overheating in some machines and other stuff like nero problems) and understand what you are going to get. Personaly my came without any problems (this far) and yea, it's big, heavy, and plastic, but since I need it for a desktop replacement + college every day, I'll keep it. I can live up with some minuses. (Oh and I never heard your keyboard problem, just tried to type as fast as I could and still it caught every stroke)

 

Im the same as you then impressive. Im getting it for college life. Im a gamer myself, so this laptop works out perfectly. With its huge battery life \9with the smartbay ofcourse) i can go around to my lectures without ever needing to use a power supply. then when i go to my dorm, its ready to be vamped up to full settings and used as a game station thats more powerfull than my current PC. Plus the lighting is just too cool!

 

im the same as impressive too. i needed a new desktop and i also needed a laptop for college. the m15x seemed like the perfect machine for my needs.

I do agree with your review on the build quality. If the case was made out of metal and it added 3 pounds to the laptop i wouldnt mind. I would know that this laptop would not creak and it would definitley last longer. i bet the laptop would look cooler if it was polished metal instead of glossy plastic. It can be like a mirror and have lights shining out of it. the lights would just get enhanced even more

 

Many of the review's points are valid (some cheapy materials and such), but I still think the positives far outweigh the negatives.

2 things this lappy gives that no other can currently match: a) 8800 in a 15.4" lappy. b) ZERO battery life penalty despite high power gaming (integrated graphics, smartbay).

This is a REALLY big deal (at least to me). You can't watch a movie on a flight with any gaming sager or xps b/c of battery life and size. You can with the m15x (actually can watch 2 w/ smartbay). When you get to the hotel, you can't play games maxed out on a 1530. Again, you can w/ the AW.

Granted, there are a ton of problems w/ downclocking, cracking cases, touch controls, etc. So i believe it's still a gamble to get one. BUT if everything is working fine (like mine), its a great experience.

BTW, I believe the keyboard issue can be fixed by modifying some of the settings in control panel.

 

well what can I say...I got my m15x about a weak ago and I was very happy at the beginning , but it does really feels like they use very cheap materials on it. I an touch every corner on my m15x and her a squeak, specially on the screen. It feels like the plastic is not stuck to the screen, which is think is very bad. Another issue I'm having is that the touch controls are extremely useles!! but useless would be complimenting it. Overall performance is good, but i do have some problems. First FRAPS only register 60 fps while playing counter strike source, which is not a very demanding game. Second theres quite a few lag dirung basic web surfing. I'm planning on keeping my m15x, but I have to say I'm quite dissapointed

 

You need to turn off V-sync in your games settings or Nvidia panel if you want to get more than 60fps in your games. V-sync keeps the frames locked to the refresh rate of the LCD which is 60fps.

 

plus fraps sucks up resources like hell (didn't someone mention it halves frame rates)?

 

It halves it since in the FRAPS program there is an option to set the number of FPS you want when recording. It's not because of resource hogging...
Try it, play a game with FRAPS running and set it to record at 30 FPS. Once you hit the record key, then the frames with drop to the FPS that you set it to.

 

oh ok so that means that all games I play will be limited to 60 fps?

 

until you change the appropriate setting, yes.

 

Yup. that's right Just go into your settings on the Nvidia CP and turn V-sync off.

 

Nice idea exiled.. Sounds unique, a stainless steel finish or black gun metal matte finish.
I can see finger prints being a bit of a problem on the finish for those people who have OBCD. But I would love to see a Black gun metal finish on the a future notebook.

 

thanks for the help whizzo and dhoang417

 

An update to all of this that might provide some interesting information for people. I called AW to do the return on this fully expecting to have to eat the 15% restocking fee, and that is exactly what they told me would be the case. That is until I mentioned it was on a Titanium Account at which point I was told the restocking fee was waived and I would only be responsible for the return shipping costs.

I have returned the machine at this point but have not heard back from AW or received any status updates (been about a week now).

I just got an XPS m1530 in at work for someone and I have to say that is one seriously impressive machine. It is all the things the AW should be except it lacks the power of the AW. The palmrest is brushed aluminum and it has a solid feel without being heavy. The fit and finish are top notch - to be honest I am shocked at how good the m1530 is vs. the AW.

I would love to see AW step up to the plate and build a machine with that power of the m15x and the fit and finish of the Dell, or I would love to see Dell update the m1530 to an m1550 and toss in the 8800m gts and keep the weight right at 6 lbs. That would be a dream machine (even more so if it could be ordered with a matte finish screen).

 

wasnt there a speciall device that came out a while ago that alowed you to externally plug in a graphics card into a laptop? it whent on sale a while ago, but i cant remember its name.

Does anyone know of this?

with this device, a guy with an integrated graphics, was able to plug in a nvidia 8800 gtx and play as if it were a part of the system.

 

That's crazy talk, unless you have internal mobo wires coming out of the lappy, which is somewhat crazy. You can't plug a GFX card into something as simple as a USB input.

 

It was some Asus device if im not mistaken

 

i dont know, but it worked, whatever way it connected. The performance was a bit lower than what it might be in a desctop, and it need ists own pawer source, but it worked.

 

here's the link
http://gomeler.com/2007/01/07/asus-launches-external-graphics-card-for-laptop/