Need help! Really torn between the M17x and the M18x

Hi everyone.

I am currently buying a new gaming laptop to replace my old asus. I have a budget of 2500 dollars (canadian) and torn between a m17x and m18x.


If somebody does not mind, can you customize the best spec for that price range? I am not familiar with what would be the best setup.

Thanks,
Nabstar

 

Looking at the m18x now and I can select the pre packed one valued at $4000 dollars and then it comes with a discount of $1,248

The package comes with dual 2 GDDR AMD Radeon HD 7970 but I can upgrade to the dual 2GB GDDR5 Nvidia GTX 675 for 50 dollars extra.


Which of these two video cards are better?

 

One 7970 is almost equal to two gtx 675's, so I would go with the 7970's. If you are the type of person that wants to run every game at max settings and you do not care about moving the laptop much go with the M18x. If I was buying one again and could afford the M18x that is the way I would go. I do love my M17x as well though.

 

Well you may have trouble finding an M18X for 2500 or less Canadian unless you can get a really good deal on one somewhere.

When it comes to the GPU do not go with the 675 if you value performance because as stated above 1 7970m is worth 2 675's performance wise. Don't let the cost lead you towards to Nvidia side when it is between those cards, AMD really has their head in the game when it comes to pricing.

Another trick to keeping cost down is to only go with the bare minimum when your choosing memory and hard drive options. The memory and SSD options are really overpriced and can be purchased and added very easily after you get the machine.

I have an M17x and love it, it handles everything I throw at it with ease and then some. I sometimes regret not going with the M18x but it was just more then I was ready to spend.

The M18X is probably a little more future proof due to the dual GPU options though.

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk 2

 

^Yep, it'll be safer to go with the M17x at that budget. Keep in mind that the 1080p screen upgrade is ESSENTIAL.

I know of a Canadian Dell rep who can give you up to a 20% discount, OP when you reach 5 forum posts shoot me a PM.

 

I'd go with the M18x, but do it with Dell Outlet. Found that the online Outlet doesn't show but a fraction of the systems they've got available.

After being frustrated by the selection online, I called up the Dell Outlet phone number and picked up the system you see in my signature for less than $2700 shipped. When I received it, it was in perfect condition. Not a scratch on the entire system and it's been operating flawlessly. It may be a bit over your budget, but if you find one without the SSD's or 32GB ram (which I've already removed), it'll bring the price down.

It's worth the call and then have it shipped to someone in the US if it helps bring down the cost even more....

 

Try and push for a m18x. Don't get the 675m's.
if you can get a set of 7970m's or 680m's then you've done a good job.
I'm pretty sure you could easily get a 7970m package that meets your budget.
If you can get a deal like Michael.konor above then you are very lucky person.

 

I'm sure you are interested in purchasing a new system but check out the marketplace here on nbr ... some amazing deals from trusted users .. I believe fairwheeldrive (don't quite rememver his complete name) .. has his m18x for sale ... look for similar deal s ... but in my opinion go with an m18x .... the option to upgrade to sli and the full aluminum body is awesome ....I have owned both and love the m18x ..... and in my opinion if you can carry a m17x ... you can carry a m18x too
Good luck .... else look at the outlet too ... it can be a hit or miss but dell will honor the commitment if it's a miss

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

 

Dell Outlet is always tossing sales out there. To get that price, I used their 30% off Outlet prices that ended a couple of weeks ago. And within 5 days of ending, they had **another** sale on any laptop or desktop priced over $1499 for 25%. Considering their low outlet prices to begin with and full warranties, I've been unable to beat the prices with the 10 different Dell's I bought through the outlet.

Dell Outlet with an M17xR4 Search (You can easily change your search with the menu on left side):
Dell Factory Outlet

Follow the Dell Outlet Twitter and sign up for e-mail or text notifications when sales post:
https://twitter.com/DellOutlet

 

Why not try the Alienwares US/Canada sales thread for assistance with getting a discounted machine - spec one up yourself and then see if one of the Dell/AW reps from that thread can give you a decent deal on it. Oh, and preference wise, dual gpu's are gonna offer more gaming power, obviously. Bit heavier/bigger than the 17x but I don't think that affects portability that much (unless the person buying is really weedy!! LOL).

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/669327-alienware-sales-assistance-thread-redux.html

 

If you're worried at all about portability/space go for the m17, the footprint of the m18 can/will definitely cause you a lot of headaches if you are in a college/small office setting. As for the weight, the ~20lbs that the m18x weighs is nothing to sneeze and should be something you consider..........regardless if your relative strength.

 

Yes, it's heavier than my old M17xR2 and especially that 330w power supply. However, for the performance in my M18x, I'd gladly carry even a few more pounds.

 

i'm asking cuz i have two and i'm considering M17x, the missing member of the trio.

M18x is simply too big and heavy to take to the office occasionally.

M14x, while 650M provides decent FPS for the games I play, i yearn for slightly a bigger screen.

hence the m17x... at least that's what i've been telling myself...

(and we all have OCD, right? )


anyways, i'm curious if any of you guys have all three models and if care to share with us why you ended up with all three...

cheers

 

M17x for me, a nice balance of power and size. I thought originally isnce 17.3 is pretty common in terms of screen size that the laptop would fit most 17.3 sleeves and bags etc. but I learned the laptop is still relatively big. Ahh well, I went from a MBA 11 inch to the M17x, and its been a nice jump the extra size is a good thing when your actually trying to do work on the laptop.

The m18x was an option, but it was slightly too big and expensive. the m14x just didnt have enough power to justify the price.

 

Initially I had an m11x r3 which I used for about 9 months. It was a great little machine with a phenomenal battery life, but I felt I needed a bigger screen and a more powerful cpu. I sold it and purchased an m14x r2. I really enjoyed this laptop too...it had a powerful cpu, gpu, and a decent battery life. The fan, however, was extremely loud during gaming sessions. I sold it and ordered an m17x r4 with a much more powerful gpu, screen resolution, and better battery life. I cancelled this order and purchased an m18x on cyber Monday (it was an awesome deal). The m18x is the one I'm currently using at the moment. Honestly, it's amazing in every way. However, it is considered a desktop replacement and I just couldn't find myself carrying it that often, so I purchased an m11x r1 for my portability needs. It really comes down to what you're looking for. Whichever laptop you choose - m14x, m17x, m18x, all have their advantages and disadvantages (performance at the expense of mobility). You should go with whichever fulfills your needs. I just got greedy with the m18x because I wanted the best, but the m14x was good enough for me.

 

I have an m14x R1, soon getting the R2 refurbished, won't be able to afford the R3 when it comes out... I was thinking about getting the new lenovo, for 1k you get 750m sli 1tb hd and overall incredible specs, but I decided to stay with alienware because it's an alienware. Great computer, I love the way it feels, it is very sturdy and feels solid and well built with the soft materials that doesn't make it feel as much like an industrialized hunk of metal... I thought about the larger models for a split second, but brought myself back to the smaller side of things because I'm a student and need something small and powerful. Just my thoughts... m14x for goin' places, 17x or 18x for going to lan parties and keeping it at your desk.

 

After carrying around the M17xR2 for nearly the last three years all over the world on leisure and business trips, I found that it wasn't a burden at all...as long as you have the right backpack. So, when I got the opportunity to pickup the M18 you see in my signature at a nearly dirt cheap price from Dell (compared to new), I jumped on it.

I had dual video cards in the M17, and wanted the same in my next Alienware. Fortunately, I got what I wanted and it'll last me several years also.

After getting it, comparing it against the M17xR2 I've still got sitting on the desk, it's really not that much of a difference to carry the M18. Only an inch or so larger on the sides, and fractionally thicker. It also only added ~3-4lbs. After firing this beast up, and being able to MAX out every single game I've tried on it (including Metro), I'm thoroughly glad I made this decision.

The only downside is that it wouldn't fit inside my Swissgear Ibex, but I did pick up the Everki Titan which fits it like a glove and has the extra storage I needed.

 

The forgotten long-lost brother...M15x? I frequently travel from college/university back home on the train with my M15x in a laptop bag. Its pretty darn heavy but I never use it on battery so I just leave the battery behind!
Not interested in any of the new lineup unless they put dual gpus in the M17x R5 with 1200p screen. My M15x should beat a M14x in benchmarking....provided my motherboard doesn't explode

 

I have had m11x/m15x/m17x in different flavours over the yrs. m15x was the best balance between power and size but dell canned it and when my m15x kicked it, dell replaced it with m17xr4. I had m17xr2 for over 3yrs without a single issue (except hdd's dying which is normal under heavy usage) till it became a victim for power surge. Now looking at m18xr2 as a DTR.

M11x and then m15x used to go everywhere with me while m17xr2 stayed home, now I have given m11x to a friend and m15x got replaced, m17xr4 goes everywhere with me, I feel m17xr4 is about same as m15x while m17xr2 is much bigger and heavier. M17xr2 was basically my desktop which I am hoping m18x will be in coming future.

 

For considerably less than a top spec M18x you can get a fully watercooled mini-ITX 3770k/GTX Titan Bitfenix Prodigy! That would be my desktop replacement lol!

I'd like to see watercooling on M18x R3!

What happened to your M15x? Was it m/b related?

 

I have both the M18xR2 and the M14xR2. The M18 is primarily for desktop use and if I have to travel for long periods of time. It is most certainly a beast of a laptop and it is quite powerful. The M14 is for portable on the go gaming and when I don't need a full blown desktop for short trips. I tend to have training trips for business that are 2+ weeks, so the M18 will be perfect for that since I can bring my X360 or PS3 and plug it into the HDMI in. That is a huge convenience factor. I am thoroughly enjoying both and they are handling everything I've been throwing at them. I will be building a new desktop soon so the M18 will be staying in the "man cave". I never thought I'd spend as much as I have on a set of laptops, but it's been the best purchase thus far. AW/Dell have definitely kept me a customer for longer.

 

I have never found the size or weight of the M18x or the M17x R2 to be a problem with extensive travel. I have a really hard time relating to that complaint, and I'm an old guy with back problems, LOL. There is really not a huge difference between the size of the M17x R1/R2/R3/R4/M18x R1/R2, so downgrading to an M17x R3/R4 on the basis that it is "more portable" seems rather silly to me. It's mostly just a lot less powerful, a little less expensive, doesn't cool as well, and has a plastic chassis.

Performance aside, the small screen, small keyboard and low display resolution (720p and 900p) on the M14x are a serious struggle for me after being accustom to larger keyboards, 1200p and 1080p laptop displays. I absolutely despise the Lenovo I an required to use for work because of those very things. If one were to use that smaller type of machine exclusively, it would most likely become tolerable in due time. But, having to switch to those inferior specs on a frequent basis makes the smaller machines very irritating to use. I am speaking for nobody but myself here, but I'm probably not alone in this experience and it's always good to have more than one view as food for thought.

Some people can switch between small and large machines as easily as changing socks, but I am not one of those people. jjohnston is an example of a person that can adjust on the fly. If you can afford an alien menagerie, go for a 14 and an 18.

 

I travel extensively with the M18x and did so with the M17x R2 before that and it's really not a big deal. The people that say it is, with possibly a rare exception now and then, are mostly those who have never owned an M18x. I'm sure some of the folks that say it is "too big" have also never even seen or used one, and they are speaking based on a personal belief rather than personal experience. I am not speaking in direct reference to anything posted in this thread, only in general terms because I see those comments too frequently.

Unless finances are holding you back, the choice between having the best versus the second best should be a no brainer. If you're a casual gamer that wants something that performs fine without costing much, go with the M17x. If you want the ultimate performance and build quality, and you find that you often regret having made compromising decisions to save money, go straight for the M18x without batting an eye.

 

I had an m17x r4 but due to a technician breaking it and then dell replacing it with one that litterally wouldn't boot I fixed it up myself and sold it. i-7 16gb ddr 1600 7970m 128ssd 750 hdd.

I now have a M14x R2 that that i got an awesome deal on. Had the dreaded "no sound device detected" bug going on. Really didn't want to call dell because of how rude they have been to me in the past. I broke down and called, talked to a nice guy who sent me out a refurbed motherboard. A few hours later I'm up and running better than ever.

Everything workes great! I play bf3 sc2 gl2 and I enjoy playing them on my m14x much more than the m17x.
I think I like my m14x more because of how much lighter it is than the m17x. I really havn't noticed the screen size difference much.
should be noted that I oc'ed my m14x and have score close to a stock 670m so there is a major performance boost over a stock 650m

In the end its all about what fits you best. it seems like you would be best off with the m17x ( more power and future upgradability)

 

M17X because it's very powerfull and I can carry it rather easy to places.
@ home it's my desktop and when I am to a other place it's my laptop .

I will never buy a desktop as long laptops can keep up, and they will keep up/getting better, downsizing it is these days.

 

I have an m17x, because 18-inches is the precise point at which I cannot justify buying a laptop over a desktop.

 

Yes but I cannot take the mini-itx with me and game while sitting at the airport. Moreover that itx rig will be counted towards my luggage, while laptop bag is not counted, I can even stuff some more crap in my Orion bag and they don't charge me for it.

Also off topic but being Indian, m17x/m18x is good enough to burn my jealous self righteous stupid cousins, who want to get better than everything I get, whether they need it or not. Seeing there faces when they look at the price and pretty blue lights, well it's priceless

 

I have two M17x's one is an R2 and the other is an R3, Originally I hoping that my R2 would be able to fly away like a spaceship. After realizing that it was made of metal and perhaps too heavy I then decided to get a second one that was lighter so not the m18x in hopes that it will one day light up and fly away.

I'll keep you posted. If this doesn't work out I'll be getting the m14x, so I'll definately let you know.

 

M14x R2. Laptop is light enough to be portable and at home I connect it to a 27" monitor. The GPU is plenty strong to support nearly anything you want today. I think the 14inch is perfect for carrying with you as well as running at home with external monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Why buy a computer with dual GPUs or hardware that will outlive the time of your possession. What I'm saying is in today's technology world it is very typical to purchase a new computer every 3-5 years. So if your hardware can function powerful enough for that time, why buy more power now?

Save spending the extra money now for upgrades you don't really need, put it in the stock market, and use it to buy a brand new computer in 3 years.

 

Because for some games, 'more power', ie dual GPU's is needed to hit the holy grail 60fps and having some overhead on an already expensive piece of kit is a smart play in my books.
Dual GPU's sounds overkill in a laptop, but I assure its more of a requirement if you want to max Crysis 3, Skyrim (enb modded), Witcher, Farcry 3, Serious Sam 3, the list goes on. That's even before trying to run SuperHD res's.
There is a genuine need for this kind of power in the gaming and work community, otherwise such a setup wouldn't be in production

 

I've personally owned every alienware models on market and I'd say the best one thus far is the good old m15x.
If you want to use your laptop as a desktop replacement then both m17x and m18x offer solid choice, but you should know one of these laptops with ac adapter and peripherals weight almost 20 pounds.
And while m14x offers better portability, it isn't open for customization as other alienware laptops are.

 

Why not try refurbished models? They are pretty much like new and are being sold for considerably less price. Go big and grab that m18x!

 

Agree with the above. Dell Outlet and an M18x is the way to go! Aluminum chassis, size, performance, 4+ hours of battery life on integrated with such a big laptop is top notch!

 

That's the way I went. Got a maxed out system for $2700 that was in factory new condition when it got it, along with being OS'd with Windows 7 Ultimate.

 

I agree... it's unbeatable. I think some folks arbitrarily conclude that getting the M17x versus the M18x is the way to go based on an assumption that it will deliver substantially better battery life, but that's a myth. I started a business trip on Sunday and was able to watch two full length movies sitting in First Class with battery to spare. Running on the IGFX, AlienFX turned off, using my Bluetooth headset I got over 5 hours, and my battery is a year old. Have a look...

 

The size and weight of the M18x really are not a big deal to me at all. My M18x goes everywhere I do, and I travel extensively for business. The incredible increase in performance eclipses any degree of inconvenience as far as I am concerned.

 

Totally agree with MR. Fox. The M18x is the best laptop ever made!

 

As far as battery life if I leave my sli running instill get 2 - 2:30 hours on my m18

 

My problem with the m18x is that I can't justify spending so much and carrying even more weight than the m17x for a laptop without an excellent screen and keyboard. (The Alienware screens and keyboards are above-average but not "premium.") I imagine that others see things differently. For the sticker price that Alienware charges, we should at least see high-end TN screens and keyboards with better-defined key caps and less flex. Alienware has quite a few advantages: only consumer-grade laptops with muxed switchable graphics, only consumer-grade laptops with good warranties, some of the sturdiest chassis besides Elitebooks and Dell Precisions... It seems to me like wasted potential. The laptops outshine their competition, but they could be better.

 

If you need or like performance more and can afford it, I'd advise getting an M18X unless you're on a budget, much like cars - what you pay for is what you get, unfortunately the price jump between the two is quite a bit.

People tend to be ignorant though and don't realise that despite the high price tag, a majority of it is justifiable.

The M18X has dual gpus (which will essentially make it twice as fast) a metal chassis, bigger screen, more inputs, more HDDs space etc. Where as the M17X does not.

However, the M17X has it's own benefits - such as a 3D screen, weighs less, cheaper price, and would much more suit a casual user / gamer.
Ultimately - only you can make a decision.

Either way, good luck, and congratulations with choosing Alienware, they really are a good brand.

 

Depends on if you build it yourself, or use the Dell Outlet particular to where you live.

 

The M18x R1/R2 chassis quality and performance is miles ahead of the M17x R3/R4 and most M18x owner's feel that more than justifies the additional cost. Premium keyboards and displays would be nice, but some would not want to pay extra for that. (Some certainly would, but not everyone. I'm actually very happy with both of those components and would not want to pay more.) Having more configuration options for customers to choose from increases overhead and operating costs, complicates service part inventory maintenance, etc.

 

I think I would have a M18X if they sold them here in the netherlands, we have only the m14x and m17x

 

hahaha, why would you like that?

Makes me feel sad

Sjoerd

 

I have been checking the Dell Outlet the past couple days - looks like they ran out of m18x's after the sale XD.

 

OK, now I am worried... senshin is talking to himself.

 

I've found that if you want to find out what they *really* have, you need to call directly. Also, you need to call this number and talk to Martin V. using the extension:

Martin Pineda Valladares
1-866-492-6721 (x4251311)

I bought 3 laptops, including my M18xR2, in the last month from this guy and he found me the computers I wanted, and at the price I wanted.

Also, keep a watch on Dell Outliet Twitter for their latest sales and coupon codes - https://twitter.com/DellOutlet

Right now they've got 30% off any Alienware Laptop:

Save 30% on any laptop or desktop with coupon code below through May 4:
Coupon code: WW9TKQ?335GM17

Call, have Martin check the inventory for what you want, and enjoy. I did.

 

The anwer is obvious.

The M17x is the machine for you.
Reason being is that it is arguably the jack of all trades laptop amongst the Alienware line.
Im a big guy and at the moment feel that the 17 inch laptop size is the maximum Im willing to accomodate due to how often I travel, but more importantly the method of travel.

I usually take up both seats on a bus by myself and all the crap I bring.
Fitting an even more cumbersome laptop leaves much to be desired in terms of convenience.
The jump from the M14x to the M17x is again, arguably more justified than the jump from the M17x to M18x.
I view the M17x as essential if you're a gamer whereas the M18x is for enthusiasts.

Then theres the price. For one M18x you can buy 2 M17x.
Which means you can enjoy yet a further revision of the line later down the road.

 

I switched from Acer Travelmate 7750g, decent and good (for Acer standart) laptop. Move to M17x R3-see sig. I like intel HD graphics for web, movies atc, also like low power consumption. My system eats about 16w idle without lcd screen on IGP HD 3000, with 6970M 30w. And also like switching graphics without restart. True, my laptop is always on the desk ;-) But i like laptops, this small, powerfull computers. Percentage use- laptop- 90% , desktop pc- 10% only for games. Using Ssd drive and silent mode with Throttlestop is Aw very silent laptop even if load cpu ( my prefer clock [email protected] @6xcore load for distribute computing and still 44w -without lcd screen) . I also ordered M18x beast, so i'm curious for attributes.

 

Obviously he has had the chance to smell a new m18x and is high on the drug which is new alien baby's smell. And only was he can get off the high is to get one for himself.