*OFFICIAL* Alienware M11x Owners Lounge - Part 2

Well, to be honest, I didn't really know what you were referring to when you said screen open so that's why I replied with a smart response (i.e. abnormally small screen). I didn't know you were referring to the height of the base. We did take it further than it needed, and if I offended, I apologise for being a smart-a**.

 

And thus ends one drama. Cannot imagine what would spark the next though... We've gone through everything... Unless someone is going to start complaining the nameplate isn't grey enough...

 

What! I thought it was metallic red?!?!

But really, rpg-XPS sorry I took a swing at you earlier.

 

Dagnabbit its puke green! Hrmpf indeed.

 

The name plate isn't grey enough. I wish it was 2 shades darker with more metal flakes.

 

T_T. This is a conspiracy!

 

No worries man...and nuke if we didn't have all these different debates/topics (although most lean more towards the unnecessary side) the wait would be that much longer or would it be the other way around..more m11x talk=shorter wait or longer..hmm lets have a debate about whether we should debate!

 

I capitulate by default. Its Sunday.

 

In the UK they dont do engraving any more on these. They just sell them with generic tags.

I do hope mine gets here soon

 

I think only the US of A gets engravings. But we can always use the tag previewer, give the pic to an engraver to engrave. ROFL. If you're that desperate.

 

it's NOT a good deal, because eventually the drive is going to perform worse then a decent 7200RPM HDD on smaller file read/writes (i.e. what the 4k benchmark tests).

 

Another good reason for them not advertising it, is that ill bet there is a clause in the contract they have with intel not to push overclocking. Seeing as the SU7300/SU4100 are not extreme edition parts (The only ones that intel sells with the intention of overclocking) they most likely cant advertise they are making it available in the bios of the system. FWIW

 

Thanks for all the info Dark... but does that mean it's darker than the silver that comes on the m15/17x?

 

So just to confirm the cpu can been overclocked to 1.73Ghz instead of 1.6Ghz? Plus would it be possible to overclock the cpu with bios hacks in the future? Don't get me wrong i'm amazed that you can overclock it at all let alone more! Just wondering if we have something to look forward too!

 

Some people want to overclock it to 2ghz it could happen since it has that huge single fan.

 

It seems it's an FSB overclock from 200 to 266MHz. So with 6.5x multiplier it's 266MHz x 6.5 = 1729MHz. Someone else in this thread confirmed this, but it's buried in here somewhere.

It takes more than a fan to help with a significant overclock like that, if it's even possible through software.

 

It was deserved, don't worry about it. You can develop quite a sharp tongue over the internet, I must try to keep it under control!

 

Yes, it is Darker than the M15 or M17X.

 

An overclock of 2Ghz! Wow! I was just confused that hands on review showed a screen shot of it being overclocked to 1.6Ghz not 1.73Ghz, I'm think that Dell would not push more voltage through the cpu to comprise the heat build up, but yes just because there is a "big fan" does not mean that it will overclock that far, you would have to raise the voltage and that is a messy sudject in laptops.

 

A general question, I've never owned a laptop so I would like to know how long a notebook such as the M11x would last, lifespan wise (as in the parts not tech moving ahead)?

How about the M17x? Sometimes I think to myself that laptops don't last too long and need reassurance lol.

 

what's the expected 3dmark06 score?

acording to this site:

http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-330M.22437.0.html

the GT330M has a score above 6800 points... what about the M11x?

 

I have been ready to pull the trigger on this system since it was available for pre-order, but I have a question that maybe someone here can answer.

I work mostly in Japan and travel non-stop. I have a lot of transit time to work and play games (If only there were a gaming laptop with the portability I need! Enter the M11x) When I'm working i need an internet connection and currently accomplish that with a USB 3G modem from my Japanese carrier, Softbank. This is the modem:

http://www.jalabc.com/rental/index_date_jp1.html

The modem works with a 3G sim card
( http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SoftBank_3G_USIM_Card.jpg )

I can move the card to any device that can use 3G (phones, gps, etc) and use it with no problems. I'm trying to find out if I can put my sim card in the M11x's sim card reader and use the 3G, or if I need to add the Gobi antenna, or if neither will work (I have to stick with the modem).

I contacted dell via chat (I'm in Japan now so I didn't call) and the rep said "Don't worry you will be fine without the antenna." I really didn't feel reassured. It kind of felt like dealing with a used car salesman as he neither said it would or would not work.

Anyway, this has gotten long enough. Can anyone offer me advice on this? Will the sim reader alone utilize the card? Do I need the Gobi antenna? Will neither work? Thanks. I am getting the system whether I can use the sim card in it or not, I just really need to know if I need to spend the extra $$ for the antenna.

 

I've had my MacBook for three years now and it's still going pretty strong. I just had to buy another HDD because my original 120GB threatened to die. Currently using that one as a portable external to transfer files.

It all depends on the manufacturer, though. I haven't had enough experience with Dell to be able to tell you if the brand generally lasts long, but I'd assume that you'll want to buy a new laptop before this one will die (maybe like a year and a half or two years before you want to get the new Core i460,000).

 

You had an '07 Macbook with a dying HDD too? Mine just crapped out, and the genius bar gave me a free 160gb to replace it.

 

if you take good care of your laptops unlike the average consumer, then it will last you a long time.

It's supposed to run cool so aside from any manufacturing defects that would likely show themselves within the first year anyway there's nothing that would severely limit its life.

The reason I bet that you hear a lot of people complaining that their laptop died after a year is that they didnt take care of it. The majority of the laptops I've seen look scratched and yucky over time so you can kinda tell they werent taken care of. Go to ebay and you'll see what I mean, a lot of laptops for sale on there if the seller is honest have the weirdest looking dents and other marks on them that basicallhy look like the owner tried to pry it open with a screwdriver.

I understand that there can be outliers, so please if anyone here had this happen and they took good care of it please don't assume I mean EVERYONE takes bad care of their laptops! It's be good to hear how others laptops broke though.

 

The Gobi antenna should be installed even if you do not order the Gobi.

 

I'm in the same boat as you. Dell hasn't been able to give me a clear answer as to if I need Gobi in order to use this feature. It wasn't until I saw the inside of the M11x on a review site that I knew the Gobi is necessary in order to use the SIM card's internet plan (there is no WWAN card/antenna installed if you do not install Gobi and you need a WWAN card to use 3G internet).

Another poster, kevin25a, said he fooled around with an HP Mini and you could take your cell phone SIM out (as long as it wasn't an iPhone SIM) and plug it into the SIM slot and it would work. So it looks like you need to order your M11x with Gobi if you want to be able to stick your SIM card in and use it for a 3G internet connection.

Edit: this is the photo I'm referencing. There doesn't seem to be another antenna (unless it's hiding under something...) other than the WiFi one.

 

I personally wouldn't spend any money on the antenna. No matter what a rep tells you, you aren't guaranteed to have it work, and you wont be able to return it if it doesn't. You really don't want to be roped into a $60 a month internet contract that you will have headache after headache trying to get out of.

If you like to gamble though, then go for it. I think it's probably just iphones and maybe other assorted smartphones that have sim-swapping problems. This isnt limited to gobi antennas, I have a thinkpad with some adapter built in, doesnt work with an iphone sim.

 

WHAAA??? if true.....mind=blown! although maybe you just mean the antenna and not the device itself.

 

It died last year and I just bought a 320GB one to replace it. I resurrected it like an evil zombie drive and it's been pretty fine ever since. I never thought to take it to the Genius bar because they rarely offer any additional help and the place is always packed. I'm glad you got something out of it, though.

 

I asked this exact question Friday and was told by the lead design Engineer that it will have the antenna installed even if you do not get Gobi. This way you can add Gobi at a later date if need be?

I will double check on Monday to be sure.

 

I guess I have control issues. I was here not too long ago, back when the m17 came out, that didn't work, no money then. Then the M17x came out and I really wanted it but I could not bring myself to spend that kind of money for something that might have parts that are not easy to replace or find. So I built my own rig, picked out all the parts myself, and watercooled it, probably the best thing I've ever seen or done.

But now, this little wonder comes out and I'm gonna finally buy something I didn't build. I'm just afraid of it dying later on. As you can see I don't like replacing stuff. Hopefully ebay will have parts later on, I see it littered with M17x-r1 parts already.

 

hey bakareshii, if you are considering ordering the gobi separately, lemme know what you're planning on buying it for and I'll see if my thinkpad one is compatible and i'll see if I can give you a deal on it. (plus no tax and such hehe)

I have zero use for it.

 

I REALLY wouldnt worry about any parts breaking. I mean, think of it as a general laptop. That videocard is actually much much much better cooled than any laptop I've owned, and the processor is low-tdp, low heat. You're actually doing yourself a good service by getting both a dell (they are very very relaxed about users opening up the unit) and the m11x in general which is not built to be as sleek/thin as possible, but rather to be small but as thick as needed for reliability.

 

Okay thanks. I didn't want to risk cracking open the screen to install an antenna so I just ordered Gobi. Please ask if you need Gobi in order to use the SIM card internet functionality, too, if possible. I think that's the biggest question with us right now.

 

Thing to remember here is some folks are hoping they can hack the bios to achieve higher overclocks. This laptop based on the review on HH, is a Phoenix Securebios. That bios is encrypted and is a major pain to gain access too. In fact Ive not been able to find a reference to the fact that it ever has been previously. So I wouldn't hold my breath on additional overclocking.

 

Judging from this order.

1 430-3773 No Internal WWAN Antenna Installed

Looks like it is not installed and they may have misunderstood my question? I did not open the area to confirm but I will do this Monday.

For now to be safe if you think you will use Gobi in the future, I would go ahead and purchase it now.

 

Thanks for the offer. I'm really just hoping to be able to ditch the modem (see original post for link). It isn't horrible, but a bit bulky sticking out of the side in a crowded train, or lounge (if you've ever been to Japan you know what I mean by crowded).

It looks like my best bet is to not bother with the Gobi at all. I'll check back here for a few days for any new info on this before I order.

 

I guess you're right. Just needed some reassurance. thanks

 

Yeah if you can wait, that would be best. It looks like, however, the functionality promised (i.e. you can take your SIM out of your phone, stick it in your M11x, and use its data plan for internet) is there. We just have to figure out if you need to spend $130 in order to get it.

 

I can't wait until i get mine, overclocking the cpu will feed the GPU with so much more power! 1.3Ghz is to slow for the 335m i would love to see Bio Shock 2 on high settings on this thing.

 

What about people using T-mobile and have a data plan through them

 

Apparently Gobi can be configured for other services. I know it works with Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T... but I can't find anything about T-Mobile. Let me do some research here...

Edit: okay according to this terribly designed website:

Looks like those with T-Mobile are in luck. The Gobi you choose in the M11x config can be changed so don't worry if you order the AT&T one and you have T-Mobile.

 

oh i did not order one but ill look into it.
Is the gobi a MUST for 3g connectivity?

 

That's what we're trying to find out; Darkhan is going to ask about it on Monday. Until then we can only sit here and stew in our own speculation. :O

 

The Gobi card you order is the actual Cellular Modem you need to connect to the cellular network (Think of it as the built in Cell phone in the laptop). Its the same radio as you would get if you bought a USB version from ATT or Verizon.

The ONLY things here that are not fully known is if you can use your existing phone sim (GSM only ATT/Tmobile) to use the card, or if you will need to purchase a seperate data plan (all carriers are 59.99 a month for 5gb data in the US), and if you DON'T buy the gobi will the internal antenna wires be pre-installed. Darkhan is checking on Monday to see if those wires are there or not.

If you are using Verizon you will HAVE to buy a plan. Tmobile/ATT if your Phone sim doesn't work you just have to activate the Gobi radio on their network and pay for a plan.

SO- If you want 3G data on the M11x you have 4 options:

1. Purchase the Gobi for integrated radio, and find out if you need to buy a separate data plan or not when you get it.

2. Don't get the Gobi card and buy a USB version or Mifi from the carrier of your choice with Contract.

3. Order the Gobi later and install the antenna wires yourself at that time (Assumes they arent installed as the invoice states).

4. Tether your existing phone to the M11x (If Supported) and use your phones internet connection with it.

It really IS that simple, no magic.

 

Dark, wanted to thank you for the awesome communication you're providing. Between the XPS reps on the throttle threads and you in this one it would seem as if Dell/AW is going to start communicating more with it's customers.

If that's the case you'll very quickly surpass other companies in satisfaction, so keep up the good work!

 

I blame IGN for the confusion.

 

But then again the WWAN module is not an option for us here in Asia Pac so I'd assume no antennae for us? But then again I already have a USB 3G module from Vodafone AU anyway so Lol.

 

does anyone know if the m11x can run crysis on high settings???