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

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by Kamin_Majere, Dec 8, 2009.

  1. lgsshedden

    lgsshedden Notebook Consultant

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    my point is they are not issues on all units as you claim: they exist but on isolated units not all and many people have stepped up to state this but you do not wish to acknowledge this

    if you don't like the M15 fine: get something else and go bother some other people
     
  2. Maxamilus

    Maxamilus Notebook Consultant

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    It never actually goes below 52. Kinda hovers around 52-55 deg. Is there any way to manually adjust fan settings?
     
  3. QuadAllegory

    QuadAllegory Notebook Deity

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    I just pulled the trigger on my first AW, was this a good deal?

    Base model with 4GB RAM - Total w/shipping & tax = $1,276.34
    ------------------
    I'm sending back my HP DV7 Quad I got for 1,010 w/500GB HDD, 4GB RAM, Blu-Ray Reader Combo, Inifity Display, Intel Wireless N & BlueTooth.
     
  4. QuadAllegory

    QuadAllegory Notebook Deity

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    Since this thread is new, can anyone inform me on the issues with this laptop? (other than the throttle & usb)

    Just would help me from weeding through tons of posts to find the general info. I already know some don't like the touchpad (not a deal to me).
     
  5. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    nothing else


    ... for the guy complaining about his WEI score just be quiet and play a game that score has no bearing to your laptop.

    I can set them all to 999 if you would like ?
     
  6. Smeggit

    Smeggit Notebook Evangelist

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    That score is fine assuming you have the 720 CPU and 1033 RAM, 6.8 is normal.
     
  7. NC1701-D

    NC1701-D Notebook Guru

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    I ordered a Dell XPS 1645 back in Oct and was delayed so I canceled and then I considered the HP Envy. After reading many posts on several threads, I think this is the best option. I like the upgrade options on the M15x even though it weighs more. The HP envy has line problems on the screen and has no option for a blu ray burner. The 1645 also has some throttling issues and I still don't like how it vents some heat on the screen. I only buy a laptop every four years or so and I think this laptop is the best of the bunch by far. I ordered mine yesterday and has a EDD of 14 Jan.
     
  8. Irb Digital

    Irb Digital Notebook Consultant

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    Well its official. I took delivery of my M15x today. Ordered on the 5th, delivered on the 16th. I went through AAFES and got a great deal on a 920XM, 4gb 1333, 500gb 7200rpm, 260M, 1080p, bluray etc... I'm overly impressed with the looks and the build quality of the system. I've ran into no problems so far after spending a few hours with it. My only complaint is AlienSense. I would look that to work a little better, it doesn't recognize me for s**t. So right now its disabled. The system is very quiet, the flex in the keyboard seems very minimal, and I haven't spotted any dead pixels. The packaging was impressive and some of the accessories in the box were nice surprises, especially the DP-HDMI cable. I haven't got around to wearing the hat yet, but I like it anyway. All in all, it was a great day, and Daddy is pretty happy to receive his Christmas gift earlier than expected. This rig has got pulled me back in to computers again, something I used to do quite a bit before I went into the military and got a "real" job for the first time. If anyone is on the fence about this, I really don't think you'll be disappointed, I just hope Dell is up to the task of keeping this powerful system updated and running correctly to maximize the life of it.
     
  9. Rycorlin

    Rycorlin Notebook Consultant

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    The face recognition just seems to take a little while to get use to your face. After spending all day on mine it seems to have adjusted well enough.
     
  10. Smeggit

    Smeggit Notebook Evangelist

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    AlienSense has worked really well for me. I'm a lazy person who shaves once every couple weeks and it's adapted to scruffy and clean looks quite quickly. It started working better when I realized I was typing my password and pressing enter while looking at the keyboard and not the screen so it wasn't getting a new image to learn from every time.
     
  11. QuadAllegory

    QuadAllegory Notebook Deity

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    How good is this laptop for everyday usage, normal office work, and movies? I'm not a gamer but scored a good price on the base model w/4GB RAM for $1,276 and thought, what the heck, it looks cool!

    Just wondering how usable this is for everything else besides gaming.
     
  12. Irb Digital

    Irb Digital Notebook Consultant

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    For office work, its a bit of overkill. For 1 it's huge. So, take its size and then consider its flashy appearence and it really becomes the anti-apple or anti-dell lapper that you see gracing the cubicles of all company bought laptops. If you don't plan to do much gaming, or CPU/GPU intensive software (video/photo editing), then I think you find another laptop that will leave you with extra dollars in your pocket, as well as some extra room in your carry bag and a healthier back or shoulder, depending on what style of carry-bag you have. This is clearly built for entertainment and the looks are there to make a statement!
     
  13. fluus

    fluus Notebook Consultant

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    hey, i thought, the red one is the fastest, thats why i bought it :D


    thanks for this answer guy´s, i´m also tired and a little bit sad of reading certain posts.
    i received a wonderful machine and i dont regret the price and i am totally satisfied
     
  14. lgsshedden

    lgsshedden Notebook Consultant

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    it is wonderfully cool and the price you've been quoted is great.
    I would recommend the machine even if you don not game as the screen is great, the looks are distinctive and the keyboard is excellent. The laptop is robust and very well made. Not fragile at all.
    Weight and size are an issue if you are flying and/or hyper mobile, but as a desktop replacement it is awesome.
     
  15. fraey

    fraey Notebook Enthusiast

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    After 2 weeks of tuning and tweaking my system runs perfectly (save for the iTunes sync issue).
    A happy hollander :D

    wei_69.jpg
     
  16. iMbaQ

    iMbaQ Notebook Evangelist

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    What would be the advantage of upgrading the 6 cell to the 9 cell battery?

    Also, the never ending argument, is it worth upgrading the 900p screen to 1080p?
     
  17. Wolfpup

    Wolfpup Notebook Prophet

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    Both just depend on you. For me, I never use my laptop on battery, so I'd get the smaller/cheaper battery. If you do need to use it without plugging it in, the larger one probably makes sense (although the battery life probably still won't be real great).

    For me, I *WANT* the lower resolution screen, and would actually pay more for it. The other resolution is way too high for that small of a screen IMO, but it's just personal preference.

    NO! That could not possibly be more backwards. PROGRAMS like iTunes do NOT recognize ANY chipsets. They do NOT talk directly to the hardware. The *OS* handles all of that. We are NOT running DOS on these systems, it's NT.

    This is either a hardware FLAW or software FLAW with *Intel*. Unusual, sure, but that's where the problem exists. *INTEL* has to solve it. While it *might* be possible for Apple and other companies affected to find work arounds, they shouldn't have to.

    NO! Again, DELL EXPLICITLY SAID THEY WILL NOT FIX THIS. Yes, it apparently can be fixed with a BIOS update, BUT WILL NOT BE. I hope that position can be changed, but as of right now, they WILL NOT FIX IT.

    It throttles on a lot more than synthetic benchmarks. Real world stuff NOW gets it to throttle, and it will only get worse as time goes on.

    Wrong, these are on ALL models. I have no idea where you're getting the idea that's not the case, but ALL models have this issue. It is a *design* flaw, not a *manufacturer* flaw.

    *DELL* has even explicitly talked about this.
     
  18. LockdownX

    LockdownX Notebook Consultant

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    I was told by my dell rep when i purchased my m15x i would get a free headset+mouse now they told me they never promised me such thing and my thing was even overcharged -.-
     
  19. Wattos

    Wattos Notebook Deity

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    Now that there was a "real" case where throttling appears, the issue MIGHT get fixed after all. We have to wait to hear from JohnBatDell to know with a higher probability.

    Also, I do not use iTunes and I have never understood why someone would want to use that software. Its way too complicated for just copying music to a mp3 player.

    Laslty, I looove the 1080p display. Its really good and gives you a lot of screen real estate to play with. I use it to program, so I take all the screen space I can get, for me its totally worth it. Also, you might have a minimally better blu ray viewing experience.
     
  20. iMbaQ

    iMbaQ Notebook Evangelist

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  21. dttran83

    dttran83 Notebook Deity

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    How you get your graphic card to be 6.9? What driver are you using for it?
     
  22. Wattos

    Wattos Notebook Deity

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    The deal seems to be good for the UK. The same costs £1,943.00 at dell.co.uk.

    Also, the build quality on this notebook is fantastic. Nothing like the old m15x
     
  23. dttran83

    dttran83 Notebook Deity

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    That seem right for your spec. Mine is
    7.2
    7.5
    6.8
    6.8
    7.7
    You can see my spec in my sig.
     
  24. LockdownX

    LockdownX Notebook Consultant

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    Ok cool, the 820 qm seems like it only boosted your score by .1
     
  25. Wattos

    Wattos Notebook Deity

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    hmm, how odd, my ram is only at 5.9 and I have 1333Mhz.

    Maybe its because they run in singe channel mode?

    My CPU is at 7.4 (920)
     
  26. LockdownX

    LockdownX Notebook Consultant

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    I'm loving the specs on this thing but the key/mouse pad is gigantic and makes typing gaming a pain, unless you put it somewhere low like on your lap, and the customer service is really crap, told me on the phone i was getting a free head/mouse combo and now they're saying it was never on the purchase, I'll try to ask them to listen to the previous phone convo's but i doubt they will.

    Anyone know if im still able to get the refund back, I'll save atleast 150 bux extra if i just re-order mine online -.-, or just order a different lappy
     
  27. dttran83

    dttran83 Notebook Deity

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    yea it 300 dollar upgrade for .1 different. :D
     
  28. ToeJamathon

    ToeJamathon Notebook Guru

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    No.

    Don't do it.

    Everything is too small at native 1080p res.
     
  29. Wolfpup

    Wolfpup Notebook Prophet

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    Yeah, that's what I think too, but I know it has a ton of fans.

    I just think it's important to remember that not EVERYONE likes a super high resolution, and you don't have to get it if you don't want. I'd literally pay more for the lower res one, so getting to pay less is just an awesome bonus :D
     
  30. iMbaQ

    iMbaQ Notebook Evangelist

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    The CPU/GPU are upgradeable of the M15x, what will be looking to be able to - in the near future - be able to buy and put in the machine?
     
  31. CitizenPanda

    CitizenPanda Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    If someone could read the future, they'd be too busy sipping Mojitos and counting their $billions to respond here.
     
  32. iMbaQ

    iMbaQ Notebook Evangelist

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    Is there anything currently that we can upgrade to (other than, upgrade say a 720 to an 920 or HDD/RAM)?
     
  33. LockdownX

    LockdownX Notebook Consultant

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    Wow i just got off the phone with the SAME cs dell rep claing that she's the manager of the previous rep that called me regarding my purchase and asked me the same questions regarding the promo i was suppost to get was not on the purchase so i couldn't get it and they would need to do some research about it and call me back later, I'm going to abuse this thing till january and get my full refund back instead *sigh i shoulda just gone with the bing.com promo instead*
     
  34. shadowarachh

    shadowarachh Notebook Evangelist

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    just in case anyone doesn't get this in the mail and wants to bump up the warranty.

    [​IMG]
     
  35. howard911s

    howard911s Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Anyone know how much just to buy 1 extra years of warranty?
     
  36. Strikeman

    Strikeman Newbie

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    Hey guys,
    I was just wondering if you all think the m15x is worth it. It was originally my first choice as it is both great looking and a incredibly powerful machine, but i read a lot of problems with the system, customer service, and build quality in general. I get to pick a new laptop for Christmas and the m15x seemed perfect for me as i would be able to do work (college stuff) and game (relax from the college stuff, my 360 is at home). Ive done so much research on laptops and its getting near that time when i have to pick, so guys if possible give me your honest take on the m15x in general, its quality, customer service, etc. Btw my other choices are the Toshibia Qosmio x 500 (now my number one choice) and the Macbook Pro.
     
  37. howard911s

    howard911s Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    NO TOSHIBA
    NO TOSHIBA
    NO TOSHIBA

    In last 2 years, I bought 4 toshiba (general purpose laptop) and returned all 4, 3 due to software conflict tho they are cheaply made, 1 for hardware failure. I had my M15x serviced for fan problem yesterday, easy change out, he is independent contract with dell, fujitsu, panasonic.. I asked if he service TOSHIBA, his reaction was "hell no"

    My friend bought toshiba qosmio gaming laptop this summer, the big red/black with 4 speaker shiny gaming laptop, broke in 2 weeks.

    M15x is the best!
     
  38. QuadAllegory

    QuadAllegory Notebook Deity

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    Has anyone installed a second HDD into the DVD/CD drive bay? I don't need a CD drive and would like the extra storage.
     
  39. lgsshedden

    lgsshedden Notebook Consultant

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    there are lots of regular posters here to attest to the fact this is a great laptop: excellent build quality, great screen, great keyboard, looks that kill and performance to suit everyone's needs. The touchpad is not to everyone's liking: if you primarily use a mouse its a moot point. A couple of people had pixel issues and they were fixed/replaced. One was not. Some people feel their keyboard has flex issues, many of us praise the build because it is robust. The only design issue that the laptop has is the question of throttling which is being gradually narrowed and better understood and, thus far, Dell has responded by asking for more details to correctly resolve the issue: some of us think they will, others are less trusting. Which leaves us with customer service. If you have had good experiences with Dell and Alienware's customer service and/or its tech support you are more likely to trust in the company resolving the throttling question. Some have experienced this, some have not. Some people react to problems differently than others. In North America, all Alienware's come standard with 1 yr. next business day, on-site tech support. Does Toshiba? Are most of the problems people have reported within that coverage time? Yes, clearly, the laptop is only 3 months old. Customer service gripes about deals and promotions is not the same as tech support.

    So, I am clearly one who likes his M15. Best laptop I have ever owned. Not to say there aren't other laptops out there that others might like better, but so much of that is personal preference and personal use. Lots of people love MacBooks. That's why choice exists.

    Rather than better, the question is, are M15 owners happy with their purchase and if they could do it again, would they still buy and M15, an M15 with different specs or something else: what?

    All the different car reviews keep telling me what great cars Toyotas are: doesn't matter to me, I still wouldn't be caught dead driving one! Yes they are technically very good, and lots of people buy them, but that still doesn't change my opinion of them. Dull, boring and not my personality.
    Sparkling, witty, engaging...modest.
     
  40. putochip0123

    putochip0123 Notebook Consultant

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    wondering what SSD that dell provide in the M15x? wanna purchase the SSD
     
  41. howard911s

    howard911s Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    I waited 10 years before buying one (no exaggeration here, I admired it for 10 full years, fulfilled all my life obligations like buying house, school and all those) before I purchased this M15x.

    I will gladly make my next laptop an Alienware again. Did mine have problem? yes, did Dell resolve it? in 2 days!! Alienware support provided me with a 15 minutes windows of my choice!!!! a tech was at my door ON TIME, resolved my issue in 10 mins after stepping in my door.
     
  42. 5150Joker

    5150Joker Tech|Inferno

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    It comes with a Samsung 256GB SSD. Wanna buy mine?
     
  43. Thumper_pup

    Thumper_pup Notebook Evangelist

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    i was wondering on the Alienware comand center
    what is the fusion section for i click on it and it donest do anyting nothing shows up
    also i disabled the touchpad i mean i removed the driver for the touch pad and then i just let windows instal it on its own
    so does that mean i wont have use of the touch section of the fx comand center for now on ?
     
  44. Smeggit

    Smeggit Notebook Evangelist

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    I think on previous systems Fusion was for power savings, it switched to onboard GPU and did CPU core power management. The M15x does not have an onboard GPU and the i7 does it's own power management so Fusion is not needed.
     
  45. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    it is also a collection of setting that windows already has. It basically put them all into one but makes it so hard to use its worthless .... :nah:


    Just my opinion :)
     
  46. putochip0123

    putochip0123 Notebook Consultant

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    wanna ask about core i7 820QM, does it really can reach 3.06Ghz? i saw some review it can reach 2.8Ghz something, can people show me how high can Core i7 820QM reach

    @5150Joker------> what is the transfer rate?
     
  47. Wattos

    Wattos Notebook Deity

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    That means, if you have an application which runs on 1(maybe 2 depending on the scheduling algorithm of the OS) thread(s) and is really demanding, it can clock up to 3.06. I dont know about the 820, but my 920 reaches the maximum values as reported by TMonitor
     
  48. putochip0123

    putochip0123 Notebook Consultant

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    i know, im using 720Qm now, but even i run a single CPU test if cant reach 2.8Ghz, i know that 920Xm can reach MAX, wondering 820QM can clock to 3.06
     
  49. Thumper_pup

    Thumper_pup Notebook Evangelist

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    Cool Thank you

    also i was wondering the section for touch for hte touchpad on the comand center is the reason that doenst do anyting anymore because i removed the driver for the touch pad and let windows instal it on its own ?
     
  50. Wolfpup

    Wolfpup Notebook Prophet

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    FYI, the m15x is a different system from the M15x (I didn't know the capitalization was different). The M15x is the new system you're presumably talking about, and does NOT have build quality issues or anything like that.

    Right now it has ONE issue, though it's a big one. It throttles the GPU if the CPU is being fully used. There's a thread on here I'd look at to see if/when Dell is going to fix it (haven't checked yet today to see if anything new has developed). It sounds like this may be something they can fix with a BIOS update.

    Other than that (and apparently some USB issues with all PM55 chipsets), everything about it seems pretty great.
     
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