*OFFICIAL* Alienware M11x Owners Lounge - Part 2

http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews.php?reviewid=924&pageid=6

"is a good build with very little extras, ensuring the system is bloat free."

 

Thanks mate! But does alien touch work with the m11x?

 

Same page:

"The final screen within Alienware’s Command Centre is Touch. In this section of the software we can configure options such as touchpad sensitivity and scroll setup."

 

I think I shouldn't have skipped the first few pages of the review to get to the game performance and benchmarks... Sorry and thanks for bearing with me. XP

 

Anyone notice that the M11x has been showing "in production", but people have had no problem cancelling orders? That is because they were not really "in production".

If you try to cancel an order and Dell says "no", then it probably really is in production and unless waiting on parts, will ship within a few days.

"actually". I hate spelling words wrong in titles and can not edit. Dumb de dumb dumb dummmmmb.

 

sooo... We're all kinda stuffed? Aw man...

 

Great point! This is apples and oranges, since different segments. The R480 is a "laptop" and is loaded as such. The M11x is designed to be a NEW PRODUCT SEGMENT and not a "laptop". This device is going to bridge netbooks and laptops and is why it has a power kind ULV cpu and a powerful gpu. Any other mix and it would not be what it is.

BTW, due to the cost curve of the i7 ULV right now, we would be looking at at least $150 more dollars on top of the current price. That would have place this device out of the segment they are shooting for. Not to mention a delay in supply, since the i7 ULV is apparently not a mass production level item yet.

 

Mass Effect 2 leverages the physics function of the GPU. You will find this to be the case for most games also designed to be on game consoles, since the consoles rely on the GPU a lot more than the cpu. This is why it apparently plays so well on the M11x.

Good for us that most games rely on the GPU now. Crysis would have been better for a lot of people if designed the same way, but Crysis is more CPU bound than games like Mass Effect 2 and the COD games.

 

Damn can't wait for bioshock 2 I was thinking of buying it on xbox 360 but now since I ordered this laptop I am thinking of getting it for steam plus steam has it for 35$ if you buy the 4 pack and comes with bioshock 1. So tempting lol.

 

The 335m needs room to breath- performance almost always comes at some price. In this case, about .29" more, compared to a typical 1" height for this form factor.

 

Monday and my status still hasn't moved from 'work in progress'. Bout to call Dell later and figure out wth is going on. =_=

 

Guys, chill out! lol It doesn't matter what the status says, the fact is that, if you ordered in the States, there is NO freaking way it's going to arrive at your doorstep before March. My suggestion? go read a good book, play a good game, or watch a movie. Anything is better than checking the status page every 30 minutes or so.

 

You're UK Right? Mine also says WIP. Don't fret.

 

Just tried to order an M11X through EPP had the most frustrating conversation. Conversation began with me asking if they would honor the $50 and or $100 coupon codes. Agent told me that they were never able to stack the coupons on top of EPP discount and it was either $50 or $100 discount. Told her I played with configurations and system took $100 discount. Was told I was wrong. Then said I wanted this system for a month since released at CES. Agent then went on to tell me I didn't know what I was talking about as system was not released then. Love the computer but seem like this wont be a go.

 

MY EPP agent can not even find any of the Alienware systems. But I found the EPP site and had no problem finding them. I don't think I am going to use the agent again.

 

WOW... Just.... WOW

 

I'll take 1/4" thickness with this GPU performance over an intel 4500MHD any day!

 

$100 coupon code expired so a no go there. It was originally allowed to stack but they changed it the night of Feb 3rd.

And it sounds like you just had a bad rep. I would try calling back and getting a new one. There are plenty of good reps willing to help you out with free overnight shipping or another $50 discount if you are nice enough and push hard enough.

 

Ima have to go ahead and disagree, if the game is AAA and has kickass graphics, it is gpu bound most likely. Take a look at your example, crysis, it is still to this day GPU bound NOT CPU bound. Lots of games are like this. The only games I seem to see that might have a hard time running are not very impressive visually. Is that not funny? The games with the best graphics will run better on m11x, yet these games with mediocre graphics at best, will have a tought time running.


http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/turbo-boost-overclocking,2512-7.html

Take a look at some of the data, crysis on i5 going from stock clock to 4ghz makes NO FPS difference. Meaning even games like crysis, are gpu bound.

 

Thank you for the advice. It was just the feeling of an agent telling you several times you are not telling th truth that the computer was not released at the CES so you could not have known about it. Then being told the $100 coupon never worked with EPP. I think the M11X is a great machine and will think hard for ordering. I was trying to get them to take the $100 code. Sometimes HP will honor an expired code by giving agents a similar one they can use at will.

 

Seriously, if you're pissed off, shut the phone off (i.e. don't feel bad about ignoring the agent) and try another agent. If another annoying agent comes on (or the same agent), wait some time and try again. If the same thing happens again, then it's up to you The laptop is nice, I just don't want conceited n00b agents turn you off and be your choice factor (am having that problem with choosing a car right now.. The car I like has bad agent..)

 

Yeah that was a bad rep if they were saying that. I would recommend making an order for the M11x through Dell's main site (not EPP), saving your cart to your account, and then calling EPP and having them apply the discount.

Check out DR650SE's ordering advice for ways to maybe get some extra cash off of your order.

 

first, please don't kick me out of the lounge cause i haven't preordered yet. ...i'm just waiting for the ship date to be less then a month again.

Any news on how well this can play gta IV? seems like it might have a rough go at it because, from what i've heard, read, and seen, that's a really cpu-intense game...

 

Hi,

Me and a colleque of mine ordered the first 2 m11x of the benelux region and will get send on february the 27. But what i'm wondered about is cant's seem to find a carrying case that applyies for the size even alienware don't have a sleeve or bag that fits the m11x or they are to small or to big and dont wanna carry a huge bag with me. U guys have any ideas.

 

good point here... I didn't notice the huge difference in clocks between the 2... that certainly could mean something.

 

Here is a list I made of some sleeves, messenger bags, and backpacks that should fit the M11x well. Let me know of any other good bags and I'll update it.

 

Only games that require a ton of AI calculations or physics/particle calculations are very CPU dependent... so games like RTS's and occasional shooters like Crysis

Most games (especially shooters) are far more shader/texture intense, aka GPU intense

 

Use 3dmark Vantage. Its more "Crysis" like, so the CPU isn't as important as it is in 06. 3dmark06 is still used to benchmark, but I think Vantage is a better representative of current gaming.

 

what's so bad about the lack of docking station? I've never had an external monitor but it's one I'm thinking of getting with the m11x.
There's a point, at least for me. I have no motivation bringing my laptop to work if it's too big. I don't want all my net traffic to go through my office's private network which is screened. If I can I would bring my laptop and do browsing stuff in it, but it's 17" and I'm tired and I only use it once in a while.
But then, when I get home, I want to play. Desktop's not an option cos I'm just that mobile..

 

what about Blizzard Starcraft 2 and DIablo 3?? and games like Dirt?

 

Same boat here. I'm between my house, my girlfriend's house, school, and work so if I get a desktop, I'd never be able to use it. I need a laptop that I can take to all of these places and still be able to play games when I feel like it or hook it up to whatever TV is available.

Anyone know if the 335M allows TV-output via VGA? I'd like to get a VGA to RCA cable.

Edit: found the answer. NVIDIA does not support TV out through VGA. I wonder how I can connect my M11x to a TV with only RCA or S-Video...

 

Dirt should be much more GPU intense. And when is the last time someone hasn't been able to play a Blizzard game with recent hardware?

 

rts's are usually cpu intensive, but blizzard makes their games to be played on almost all PC's, so M11X should rock both of those games. Easily. Most likely at the highest settings.

 

i wouldnt be so sure, theres a long way off until those games are released, the m11x might already be lagging behind to play them maxed out

 

There are quite a few games that leverage physics functions that are on the GPU. Any newer game that is also on consoles will be this way- easier on development and the consoles rely heavily on their GPU's.

GPU's are not just about textures and geometry any more- at least not the mid to high range gpu's.

 

Thx for fast response also found 2 more cappable bags for the m11x

http://www.crumpler.nl/?product=Mood_Smuggler&page=details&product_id=MSM-001&size=&ignore_color=1

or


http://www.golla.com/#/en/bags/laptopBags/tarif11/black

 

Blizzard has already confirmed that DX10 will not be needed to run those games... if it runs on DX9c, then I think its safe to say it will run just fine on the m11x

 

Yes indeed!

 

Guys there are already some of you have this thing? God, can't wait until it will be able to purchase in Russia

Anyone tested it with 3dmark 06 with overclocked cpu? Wanna see full stat

 

So it looks like if you want to hook your M11x up to a TV that only supports RCA/S-Video, you're... screwed. Oh well. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's kind of sad.

 

I found a few additional ones to ceolwulf's list...If you're looking for small I think my favorite was the speck tuckpack. I ended up ordering a Crumpler Considerable Embarrassment though (since I needed something to fit my school books in), from ebags.com (except I got a discountinued color for $60 vs regular price at $95) with free shipping. I'll probably end up ordering a smaller bag from speck later, for when I'm not carrying school related items.

It's the first time I've used ebags but they seem to have a lot of sales and a ton of bags with some nice search filters (including laptop size). Also check retailmenot.com for additional coupon codes...that's how I got the free shipping.

 

nah, its not the end of the world, just pick up an adapter for $20-$40

 

Unfortunately one of the most playable game, even today, TF2 is CPU dependent, so it really going to be interesting for me how is it going to perform with the m11x.

 

Not completely screwed, you can get a converter box from Monoprice for a reasonable price.

 

Impossible you say? what about the millions of people who happily game on PSP, Nintendo DS, Apple Iphone and Ipod Touch? Needless to say 11.6 inches of LCD screen goodness sound rather easy.

 

Phew! I was under the impression that a converter box would be upwards of $60. Is Monoprice a pretty good site?

 

Remember that those games may not be developed anymore. They might be just in QA/debugging phases.

 

Why didn't I think about this.. And PSP/DS has some high quality graphic games too.. (okay not crysis-grade, but still, if you buy a 11" laptop, do you really plan to play crysis all day on it? You should know what you're spending cash on before buying it)

 

This thread would be quieter, or full of problem reports if we do :s

 

Oh, absolutely. I buy all my cables from them - they produce high-quality cable for excellent prices. In fact, I just this morning ordered a DisplayPort to DVI cable for my M11x.