*OFFICIAL* "All Powerful" M15x Owners Lounge, *Part 3*

always wondered that myself, but if i was to guess it would be war hammer.

 

I believe its Aion

 

^^^ thanks mystery solved.

 

So what kind of games do you all play? Just curious to see how they run on this.

I'm gonna attempt to get $86 off my build to make it an even $1600, then order. Just haven't been able to talk to a rep yet.

 

Bioshock, L4D, Burnout Revenge, COD MW2, DOA, Assassins Creed, Portal, TF2

 

LOL after spending 2 hrs over the phone 1.30mins spent on hold (from 3 different departments). I finally got my order cancelled and put in a new one... all because of the color change (from red to black). Estimated delivery date moved from 03-17 to 03-19 but the nice sales agent I was talking to sent a request to get my order expedited. Anyways Im happy now that I got it changed... after sometime of viewing every possible picture I can get over the web of the nebula red, it seems to be too flashy to me and I just love how elegant the black looks. Im a graphic artist / photographer btw and ill be bringing this beast with me everyday to work.

Im wondering what bag would you guys recommend me for this? I would prefer it to be backpack and would like it to be small as possible but could still fit the laptop + powerbrick + mouse + few cds and cables. Thanks!

 

I actually asked the same question in a different thread. From what I understand is that the Orion backpacks from Alienwares are good. It you're looking for something sleek, then belkin makes some really good slim backpacks esp for 17 inch lappies. Unfortunately the only ones available online are a combination of silver grey and pink... Just not my choice of color.. haha

 

I play,

Regnum
Supertuxkart
World of Goo
Savage2
Nexuiz
OpenArena
Wolfenstein enemy territory

-------------------

This laptop squeezes into my small Rosewill backpack made for a 15".

 

Are you running those all on Max? How are your fps and gameplay

 

Jstarnino can help you with that, he found a pretty small cool lookin' bag that fits his.

 

Ya, I run them all on 1080p. Mostly max. Savage2 gets some slowdown but I am not sure if it is server lag or not. In any case I run the texture filtering on bilinear not Tri.

Regnum I use Shader Model 2.0 not 3.0 or 4.0. Anisotropic filter 1x Antialiasing 1x. Texture quallity High, Terrain multitexturing Medium, Objects view distance Vary high, Water quality Medium, Shadows distance low, Shadows quality medium, Post processes color correct, Particle FX ON, Weather FX ON.

I get ??? 50+FPS in Regnum...

You know I don't really care to much so I have not found out what the highest settings it can handle. I just set it to 1080p and go.

-------------
My M15x fits in my backpack made for a 15"

 

lol ill pass on the pink though the silver gray would be acceptable. Is this the bag youre referring to? http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=399512#

Man the black/red is perfect but it seems to be not available anymore.

 

Yeah that was it exactly. And that color combination does look pretty sweet. I got the orion messenger bag from alienware myself. Pretty big but fits everything (Laptop, headset, mouse).

 

After searching through the forums about Jstarnino post on the backpack I notice its different from the one I showed. I posted the "SLIM backpack" compared to "SLING backpack" he posted. Here it is http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=375643#
Its available in the color I want! Ill be ordering this thanks for the help!

 

No problem at all, I think I might pick one of those up for myself when I don't need to lug around a mouse and a headset.

 

Cool thanks:



I guess this means I've got TRIM? And any thoughts on my read speed?

 

I wonder.... Dose that mean the SSD has TRIM?
You know Windows 7 just sends the TRIM command by Default to all drives whether they support TRIM or not. I don't think that, that tool saying Windows TRIM enabled means anything more then that.

I'll google you drive and see if it supports TRIM.

-------------------

About the benchmark.

Your Seq Write is 60% faster then the Intel G2
Your Seq Read a little sower then the Intel G2
Your 4k Write and Read are Slower then the Intel G2

But Intel has the best small read and write speeds for small amounts. Like 4k. The Intel G2 Read speeds are only second to the OCZ Vertex Turbo.

The OCZ Vertex beats all your speeds. BUT overall you have a vary fast drive. Faster then 2 Raper 10,000rpm drives in RAID 0 Striping + no latency and no risk of them braking.

 

Ya, your Samsung SSD dose have a firmware that supports TRIM. You can get it at the link provided.

http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/products/flash/ssd/2008/business/business.html

It seems you need FW Version

VBM 19C1Q
or
VBM 1901Q

- NOT -
VBM 18C1Q
or
VBM 1801Q

-----------
If you have VBM19 D1Q.... It is up in the air if you have TRIM or not... Nothing says you do.. But .... anyway... This guy flashed from VBM19 D1Q to VBM19 C1Q.

http://forum.corsair.com/v3/showthread.php?p=433977

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you want to boot up a Linux Live CD... I'd get the ArchLinux Core Install CD.
http://www.archlinux.org/download/
You can then check to make sure TRIM is working.



Boot it up....
Plug in an Ethernet Cable ....
Run this command to get connected to the internet.....

Code:

dhcpcd eth0

Then run this to update the package database and install the new version of hdparm and wget.

Code:

pacman -Syu && pacman -S hdparm wget

Then download this tool to "Count all the Zero Blocks"

Code:

wget http://rapidshare.com/files/354645998/count-zeroes

Then Run this tool to "Count" the zeros

Code:

./count-zeroes if=/dev/sda

It will look like this....

Code:

sudo count-zeroes if=/dev/sda
Path: "/dev/sda"
File size: 80026361856B
Number of blocks: 156301488
Number of read blocks: 19537686
Number of write blocks: 152638

Blocks containing zeroes.
Block (512B): 94804652 (60.7%)
Read block (4KiB): 11427954 (58.5%)
Write block (512KiB): 88369 (57.9%)

Total block progress: 156301488
Total read block progress: 19537686
Total write block progress: 152638

Time: 297808.433592ms

Make note of the lines
Blocks ..... Bla
Read ..... Bla
Write .... Bla

Only look at the "Blocks" %
That % Should be the inverse of The Blocks Written.

++++++++++

To get the Blocks Written.....

Mount the parition....

Code:

mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/loop0

Then run this command to show the amount in use....

Code:

df -h

The Output will look something like this...

Code:

Filesystem            Size  Used Avail Use% Mounted on
/dev/sda2              74G   31G   39G  44% /
udev                   10M  260K  9.8M   3% /dev
shm                   2.0G     0  2.0G   0% /dev/shm
tmpfs                 3.0G  624K  3.0G   1% /tmp
tmpfs                 3.0G     0  3.0G   0% /var/tmp
/dev/mmcblk0p1        7.4G  5.7G  1.8G  77% /mnt/sd
/dev/sda1             202M   15M  177M   8% /boot

Look under the "Mounted on" collom. Look for /mnt/loop0
Then Look at the "Use%" collom next to it......

That % should be the inverse of the % that is Zeros.

Like this....
Blocks .... bla..... (60%)

And the df -h.....
/dev/sda1 .... bla..... 44% /mnt/loop0


The two %'s will equal More then 100% because some Real Data IS 0's. + some other factors.

 

You guys might want to check out the stuff from Oakley. Really nice rugged laptop bags and packs. Even the bags they offer that aren't specifically meant as laptop bags can work really well, and look pretty cool. I own two, one backpack, and one laptop bag (huge!) with parachute style rugged hardware clasps. Really cool. Here is a newer one from their site (looks a bit softer than the one I own):

 

Here are more (the above one was from their 'custom' section):

http://www.oakley.com/catalog/bags-backpacks/computer-bags

 

I have a Waterfield Designs sleeve and a Tom Bihn Brain Bag on the way. Both are awesome companies.

 

So it says on A03 bios thread that there's a working update on bios. Is this true?

Does the A03 fix the stuttering problem or any problems at all?

 

I use the slappa messenger bag. thing is awsome. fits everything i need it to, and looks good.

http://www.slappa.com/aura-black-laptop-shoulder-bag?sc=2&category=133

 

Only relevant thing I've heard is that they remapped the enter key for NFS games.

 

Yeah Im currently using the Oakley Computer Bag 2.0 with my old 1st gen m15x and I must say its very sturdy and you can put lots of stuff in it. Not to mention stylish as well.



Im sure the new M15x will fit in this thing w/o a problem but sometimes I dont need that much space / pockets etc. I want my next bag small as possible which can fit atleast my new upcoming M15x + powerbrick/cable + mouse which I will be using when im on the go...

Thanks for all the recommendations guys but Ive already ordered 1 which is the Belkin Slim Backpack.

 

Hey guys,

Just ordered my Alienware M15X yesterday and I can't wait to get it:

Alienware M15x - Cosmic Black
Intel Core i7 720QM
4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz
15.6-inch 1920x1080 (1080p) WLED
1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M
500GB SATAII 7,200RPM
Slot-Loading DVD
9-Cell Battery
Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit

I also got the 3 years of premium service with accidental damage that way I should be covered. Alienware TactX mouse and headset, Belkin Slim Backpack and Neoprene sleeve (both 17').

I just hope it won't come with any defects now and I won't be plagued by throttling

I managed to secure an awesome deal through the EPP store and had probably the best sales rep I have ever encountered in my life, she couldn't have been more helpful and was really accommodating.
I got the 10% EPP discount on everything, then £10 off each of my accessories, then another 10% off each of my accessories on top of that. Then she put the order through to financing and got it approved for an extra £30 off the final price. I was really impressed, I have contacted her a couple of times since the order and she truely is the most helpful (and understandable ) rep I have talked to.
Final price even with all the accessories and shipping: £1660

I was just wondering guys, I only ordered yesterday and by the end of the night it went to "Work in Progress". It has been there all day now with no change, I have an estimated delivery date of 2010-03-26. She said she would try and expedite it for me but that is what is coming up. I was wondering if that estimation plus the lagging in work in progress means that there is a shortage of some of my parts? I have checked the automated phone line for both individual and business orders and they both say the same as the site, work in progress.
I didn't order anything special, everything I wanted was actually on the UK store.

What are your previous experiences with this stage and the delivery date?
Does anyone know of any current shortages?
It's just that the whole reason that I bought this laptop was for work because my old one died and well I kind of need it ASAP. Just over a month will be a problem I'm going to have to rent a laptop.

Anyway I just thought I'd share my experience as of yet and say "hi" to all the fellow and prospective M15X owners out there.

Joseph

 

Is your machine on a domain by chance?

 

hi joseph
i'm in uk too i got mine in november it took 12 days from ordering to deliivery for me . only difference in mine to yours is i got bd-rw and 6gb memory but i must say its the best laptop i've ever had i was a bit worried at first about spending £2237 on a laptop but after having this for 3 months i'm glad i did i just love everything about it i hope you get as much satisfaction out of yours when you get it

 

Thanks ever so much, that's great to hear

That's a great delivery time, I hope mine is faster than the one month plus that is estimated otherwise I'll be having to rent a laptop like I said

Really looking forward to it, I'm worried the gtx 260 or something might hold my order up. I believe they're short of them.

Joseph

 

most orders are shipped within 2 weeks, the estimated date is just to cover their butts just in case anything should run out of stock or shipping problems.

 

Hi,

I had a similar spec (not such a good price though!), mine came about 7 working days before the EDD and Im in the UK as well.

Have fun waiting!

A

 

Sounds like a mixed bag of delivery times but they all seem to be before the estimated delivery time that's reassuring.

I'll worry about it a little less when it goes into production because at least then it should be fairly straight forward and it will be up to dell to stick to the delivery time rather than the suppliers.

Joseph

 

tf2-tf2-tf2 - yeah i got 3 copies
l4d2
mw2
mass effect 2
css
half life 2
soon to get bad company 2


also i found this sweet laptop bag at pacsafe

http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=83

 

talk about fast connection

 

224-6812 1 BASE,NBK,ANW,BLK,M15X
317-2396 1 Intel Core i7 720QM 1.6GHz (2.8 GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
317-2406 1 3GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz - 1 x 2048MB + 1 x 1024MB
320-0934 1 15.6-inch WideHD+ 1600x900 (900p) WLED
320-0938 1 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M
341-9752 1 250GB SATAII 7,200RPM
330-6174 1 Personalized Nameplate
330-6106 1 Personalized Nameplate Trigger
313-8796 1 AlienFX Color, Plasma Purple
421-1590 1 Alienware Command Center Software
421-1400 1 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
420-9691 1 DataSafe Local BackUp 2.0 Basic
420-6436 1 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
421-1585 1 Alien Schematic
410-1883 1 ADOBE READER 9.0 MULTI- LANGUAGE
313-8565 1 Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
421-1304 1 CyberLink PowerDVD 8.0 Software
421-1305 1 Nero 9 Media Burning Software
313-8944 1 5.1 Channel Audio
430-3774 1 Dell Wireless 1520 802.11n Half Mini Card
330-6348 1 Automatic Updates: On
410-0203 1 McAfee VirusScan Plus - 30-Day Subscription
312-0205 1 Primary - 6-cell (56Watt) Lithium-Ion Battery
988-7347 1 No Warranty beyond 1 year
905-3017 1 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus At-Home Service, Initial Year
990-8029 1 1 Year Limited Warranty and Next Business Day,Desktop
906-0700 1 In-Home Service after Remote Diagnosis , Initial Year
421-1721 1 Soft Contracts,Banktec Care,Alienware
994-3730 1 Warranty Support,Initial Year
994-3700 1 CompleteCare Accidental DamageProtection, Inspiron Desktop, 1 Year
421-1719 1 Soft Contracts,Consumer Complete Care,Alienware
420-8651 1 LoJack Theft Recovery Softwarefor Laptops, 1 Year
467-7771 1 Thanks for choosing Dell!
991-1139 1 Bund. LoJack Theft Recovery - 1 Year DHS
430-0684 1 Internal Bluetooth 2.1 Mini-Card - 2.1 Enhanced Data Rate
421-1595 1 Alien Schematic
421-1359 1 World of Warcraft Preinstall Edition
421-1360 1 Steam and Portal Factory Installed
330-5090 1 Thank You for Purchasing AlienWare
461-2676 1 Special Offer - $75 off
* AW:
Subtotal: $1,515.70
Shipping and Handling: $0.00
Sales Tax: $90.95
Total: $1,606.65



Now.... Dell don't release any more coupons!.. I don't want to cancel again.

ETA 3/23..... That date is so far away!!


What exactly is LoJack? How do I go about using that thing

 

lojack is a tracking device, if your laptop gets stolen, dell can track it and get it back for you.

 

Hey guys just a quick question as you seem to have good delivery times, how long did you stay in the "Work in Progress" phase (Pre Production)?

Cheers,
Joe

 

Is that what you get for doing the "third" level of warranty support? Like second gets you complete care, third gets you...?

There for a while they had an option to get U.S. tech support, which is cool. I'd pay for that just to give U.S. people jobs, if nothing else. Not sure if that's still included with the third tier or not.

 

its really hard to tell from the website, cause it really made in china and then shipped to dell and then to us. also the website almost never updates if you really want to track your order step by step then do what this link says to do:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=457512&highlight=order+status

 

Yeah I've been doing the British equivalent of that, so far they all say the same, pre production. I'm guessing some parts are lacking because normally it takes max 3 and a half to four hours (they contact the suppliers every 2 hours to tell them of current orders and the parts they need and they have 90 minutes to deliver them). I've been in the stage all day. I guess I could just be right at the back of some queue.

Edit: I just remembered I'm dealing with Dell so I should forget about all logic and hope for the best

Cheers,
Joseph

 

No. Why's that?

 

what problem are you having caduceusnz?

 

Have you confirmed that this one will accommodate the new M15x? On the specifications tab on Belkin website, the dimensions are listed as

Notebook Compartment: 17" x 11.5" x 2"

While the Alienware M15x's dimensions are

Dimensions: (W)14.8" (D)12.2" (H)1.92"

The depth of the M15x is slightly more than the Belkin slimbag.

 

i'm pretty sure that slim bag will not fit the M15x. most 17" bag would still not fit it. its one big sob.

 

Yes that worried me, one rep I talked to warned me not to get a 15' bag cause the M15x is larger than most notebooks so I went for that exact same bag in 17' and got the sleeve as well. I'd be interested to find out if I could have gotten away with the 15'.

Joseph

 

I looked into this, the M15X is H: 48.7 mm W: 377.93 mm D: 308.51 mm
The Belkin 17' slim backpack is 35 mm x 405 mm x 315 mm

Damn it looks like even the 17' is too fat for the M15X. I ordered this backpack it doesn't look like it will fit my machine now

Edit: I have the 9cell battery too so it's going to be way too fat I wonder what Dell's return policy is?
Any chance it might squeeze in?

Joseph

 

Get the orion backpack 8D
Major winsauce
besides, Dell are pretty cool with returns, so just give 'em a call they should fix it!

 

I got the orion messenger bag today...extremely sleek and nice! Picked it up new off amazon for 60.

orion messenger+M15x=win.

And it has very subtle alien branding, so don't worry about looking all "aliened" out.

 

Yeah I would have gotten that but they don't sell it in the UK god knows why.

Edit: I found an alienware backpack from what looked like a uk retailer for £50 but it was based in the US so it came to nearly £100 with import tax. I guess I'll check out the various bag search posts on the forum

Thanks for the advice guys,
Joe

 

The M15x doesn't have a hdmi port correct?


If not would anyone be willing to help me find the cheapest compatible adapter so that I'd be able to hook it to me tv? I'm not exactly sure of what I'mlooking for.

I'd prefer to order off of newegg as I have a good coupon. Thanks for any help.