*OFFICIAL* Alienware M11x Owners Lounge - Part 2

@ hasalak = HOLY COW YOUR HANDS ARE BIG/ THAT MOUSE IS SMALL!!

EDIT: The bigger one is the mamba rite?

 

got yourself the X8 or the Orochi? made me feel like selling my VX Nano & MX518 for the Orochi. damn i am so broke...

@hakaslak:
damn those photos make me drool!

 

Pics fixed.

Yeah, the mouse is _really_ small. I wanted to post that so people didn't pay $70 for a tiny mouse that gives them cramps.

 

Hey, thanks!

I would say that GTA4 is a big one. It's infamous for being one of the worst Console Ports in history. It's so CPU dependant, and is useless on anything less than Quad-Core. I would be interested in seeing how M11X could take it.

Also would love to see;

World in Conflict Benchmark Tool
Company of Heroes benchmark tool
World of Warcraft
Global Agenda
TF2
Dragon Age
Mass Effect 2
Empire Total War
Battlefield Bad Company 2
Modern Warfare 2
Left 4 Dead 2
Battlefield Bad Company 2



With the Geforce 335m Disabled running on Integrated graphics I would like to see how good some of these games run:

-CSS and Half-Life 2, as well as other Source games(don't bother with TF2)
-CS 1.6
-Battlefield Heroes
- World of Warcraft
- Guild Wars
- Mount and Blade
- GTA San Andreas
- Braid
- Audiosurf

 

@wing = just ordered the x8 for rm315. Same price as orochi but it has rechargeables and easier to put it into wired mode.

@hasalak = small!!! I'll be paying my month's wages for something that can't fit into my palm.. A very expensive plastic gerbil..

 

One more, on something I think you guys all know the scale of

 

seriously, thank you for posting that. I was almost about to buy Orochi.. My hands are probably bigger than yours(my hand covers mamba entirely if I stretch my fingers)....

damn, thank you!


I really like my mamba though. If I am going to start WoW again, I thought about buying the Naga MMO mouse Razer made as it looks sexy, but in a way I think it might be overkill. A mouse just for one game?

 

the keyboard looks like that dirt could easily fall into the cracks?


it probably wouldnt be a good idea eating at this laptop?

 

my palm is kinda small and i find that the X8 might be too huge for me. Orochi looked small? was offered RM300 for the Orochi and Kabuto. tempting!

btw, X8 is like RM250 here in KL? **

 

I like my mac alot more because of that. Moshi clearguard FTW. I'm not even going to try to baby this m15x. I already have a spare keyboard in a box. If it gets too dirty I'll just swap it.

 

Sounds good - I have bookmarked your post and will add them. Thanks for the input. If there are any others, send via PM to me folks. They will be lost in this fast moving thread

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

For those of you who love drivers and picking them apart, Dell has posted a few - which are now showing on the M11x Driver Download main page. Of note, looks like your systems are being shipped with the 188.55 NV Display Driver. I've looked it over and they've bundled the Intel on-board graphics driver with it.

http://support.us.dell.com/support/...typeid=-1&dateid=-1&formatid=-1&fileid=371976

 

Thanks for the link Batboy!

I wonder if the right proceedure for those of us who plan on installing our own SSD or 7200 RPM platter and need to immediatly do a fresh install of windows 7, would be install the Dell Driver to make sure the intel IGP is correctly set up, then we'd be able to upgrade to the latest nvidia drivers afterwards (and the Intel IGP would already be installed)

 

@wing = T_T I waaant... Sigh. Nvm.. I'll be happy with my sidewinder... I'm not a very lucky guy T_T

 

Not sure Nick. It should be fine. For fresh installs and driver orders I normally would suggest using the driver order which AW posted for the M17x, however since the M11x has that intel integrated (even though its packaged with the NV GPU) - I don't know.

Dell's posted driver install order has not changed for years - it may not apply. While the basics can be logically reasoned, the CC and OSD components come into question.

Perhaps Nagshead can confirm the correct driver install order for the M11x. We'll also know more once the list is fully populated.

 

At the risk of giving wrong information here, I've always followed my own procedure and never had any problems with it.

I start with disabling UAC (the worst thing ever) then Chipset drivers -> Sound drivers -> networking stuff -> Graphics -> OSD/CC -> Everything else -> Windows update is usually how I roll

 

Now that I think about it more, its really puzzling. You would think there would be a different driver for those two. Well, regardless, your order should be fine. Look at it this way, if its not and causes issues - just start fresh again I wonder if you uninstall the NV driver if it will pull the Intel as well? I'll look at that driver later and see how its installing. Weird.

EDIT: Yep - the intel GFX Control Panel is packaged in this driver. The driver supports the following NV GPUs:

The "N11P-ES" is NVIDIA's 2xx series (I believe its the GT216).

 

Or, maybe you can just the OSD prior to installing any gfx drivers. Making sure it's on the Intel IGP and install latest intel graphics drivers. Then, switch to nvidia and install the latest ones.

Unless the nvidia driver and intel IGP both need custom drivers to allow the seamless hybrid switching (god I hope not)

either way you know we'll find out

 

Those talking about the Mamba, if you want true portability though, the mamba is not the best for this. If you really want wireless, it has this big "dongle" you have to lug around. It's not true wireless like the Orochi using BT. And when I say big dongle, go check out pics or ask someone to post some, it's like the stand for it... and if you were going to go wired but want something like mamba, might as well get Deathadder.

 

Its the stand/wireless dongle/charger. Rofl but it looks wicked cool.

 

from the epp site the pre config m11x
Starting Price $1,188
Student Discount $119

119/1188=.1001=%10

why are you guys getting %7?

and do you get a discount by ordering over a phone? without haggling?

 

Dell EPP Members save 10% off select Alieware systems!

Limited Time Offer!
Offers subject to change, not combinable with all other offers, valid only for eligible Member Purchase Program end users and not for resellers or online auctions. Taxes, shipping, handling and other fees apply. Dell reserves the right to cancel orders arising from ineligibility, pricing or other errors. Limit of 5 systems per customer.

so again how are some people only getting %7
are they ripping you off when you get epp over the phone

or am I sadly mistaken? (i hope its this one)

 

Must be a new offer capt. But kudos for letting us know, you might just save some other people some more money

 

WOW!

3,174 replies and 152,092 page views for this single discussion thread!

That's a record for a single discussion thread in just ONE WEEK of activity!

I knew our readers would be excited about the M11x, but I had no idea people would be THIS excited.

 

I thought of getting a naga too but I realised it's overkill. It'd be a waste imo. Gonna try to see if the Orochi would work for me, seems friendly for small female hands lol! XD

 

I was just thinking about this Jerry, it's really fascinating how well Dell and Alienware have positioned themselves for this product. I've been pleasantly surprised, it actually seems they've been covering all the angles. This might be the killer product for them - generally speaking alienware or "gaming" computers are a niche market but they may have found a way to expand that market to include way more customers, and even increase awareness of alienware brand through the low entry price (and high volume) of this product.

Barring any strange M17x type issues plauging this device, of which there should not really be any, this thing is a huge hit. When it first came out I didn't think I'd get one, but thinking about what I actually do on my laptop on the go, I discovered it would be a perfect fit for my needs. I consider myself an enthusiast.

Plenty of people in this thread aren't enthusiasts, they just want a really cool product. Well done Dell (so far - now just ship it to me already!!!)

 

Hehehehe. I'm so proud to be part of this thread now. Now dell.... GIMME MAH AWESOME!!!

 

Yup, I personally would have never considered getting an m15x or m17x because they are overpriced and re branded Clevo's/Sager's and I wouldn't want to lug around a 6+ pound beast.

But with the m11x they were able to price it sub 1000$, appeal to the College crowd and release pre orders before the MBP refresh which positions them very well in the market. And the m11x is the only thing on the market like it, you can't buy a Clevo or Sager like the m11x.

 

That's not even counting Part 1 and Debut discussion is it? I knew the Debut, Part 1 and Part 2 threads were taking over my computer time, but damn. Who else has been around since day one after the CES announcment?

*edit* LOL I just looked up for my posts. I first got into this mess as post #150 in the Debut thread 1/7/10 sigh... but damn proud to have been around for this mess hahah

 

Um... I know I've been here since about halfway into the debut thread i think. Almost all my posts are exclusively on the m11x. The super high page count might have something to do with my refreshing habits... HM...

 

Quick question with all the bluetooth mouses being thrown around. My question is what would save more battery? Using the internal bluetooth with say, the razer bluetooth mouse or a laser mouse with the nano usb receiver [logitech vx nano in my case]

 

If GTA4 is cpu dependent more than gpu, perhaps people with the Asus 30VT's can chime in, since same cpu and clocked to 1.73ghz- The 210m in the Asus should not be much of a bottleneck in this case.

 

@impruv = The difference might not be all that big since the bluetooth reciever uses an internal usb slot so the power consumption should be the same.

 

@impruv
thanks for bringing up the logitech mouse, looks good. Any other good micro usb wireless mouses that I should keep an lookout for?

edit: what's the average battery life on these things anyways? I currently have a desktop wireless mouse, and the battery only lasts for a month.

 

One VERY important difference is that if you turn off wireless on your M11x then the Bluetooth shuts off as well. So if you're on a flight or you're in a situation where you want to extend battery life as much as possible you can't turn off wireless and keep a Bluetooth mouse running at the same time.

That's why I use USB mice with nano receivers or wired gaming mice while traveling. Bluetooth is fine if you're using a desktop or using a notebook as a desktop replacement and never plan to turn off the wireless.

 

I think the CPU is important for GTA4, but the most important thing is having 1 GB of Video Ram.

The difference of playing GTA4 on my M1730 vs my M17x was night and day, while the M1730 had a T9300 at 2.5ghz, and my M17x had a T9600 at 2.8ghz.

The M1730 had a 8800MGTX with 512mb of ram and I was unable to up a lot of the settings, and it ran like crap. The M17x had 1GB Ati's, and the difference was literally exponential, obviously there are other differences such as DDR3 vs DDR2, but I think the 1GB really helped, big time.

Good news is the M11x has 1 GB also.

 

You could just disable the WiFi module in the Network Settings - this is what I did on the M17x, although, I didnt verify if that also turns off bluetooth.

 

Now the admins want in on the thread too.. WOOTS! thanks for clearing that up jerry! Now... Where... is... my... awesome...

 

Perhaps that should be qualified to games that are designed to rely heavily on the GPU? I think people may be assuming too much assist from the gpu.

More games than not- do not fit this profile assumption. This is changing, but for every Mass Effect 2, there are at least three Crysis or GTA4 designed games that do not leverage the gpu.

Expectations should be 30fps gaming and not more fps than an i5 with a 330m configuration. Total resources do not add up and the form factor of the M11x would not be able to dissipate the heat properly.

My expectations are a super gaming "netbook", or an M15x Mini-Me.

 

This topic is overwhelming o.o where do I start? I just wanna know what the performance is for certain games lol.

 

What games would that be?

 

True, but most people (myself included) just use the wireless on/off switch on the side of the notebook (or the wireless on/off shortcut key on the keyboard in the case of the M11x).

If you are willing to always go into the device manager or network settings to disable Wi-Fi then you can keep Bluetooth running that way ... but it seems like a USB mouse is an easier/faster solution for travelers who frequently disable wireless.

Also, I think you are "technically" supposed to disable BOTH Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on flights (unless the airline supports in-flight wireless access) when the airplane is away from the gate.

 

I would say your best bet is to make a list of the games you want to know about and hold on until people start receiving production-level units of the M11x.

I know I'll be testing/playing a TON of games and other applications when I get my hands on one.

 

Ok so, keyboard press vs a couple clicks - potatoes potatos, either way its technically feasible to have one running without the other.

I agree with your point before though, after having spent tons of money on peripherals like Mice. Cordless can be a headache, and performance is subject to interference around you.. It's frustrating and expensive. I think Small + Corded is the way to go with this machine.

 

What I'm thinking if the battery life is very similar between external usb receiver and the internal bluetooth usb receiver than it would be beneficial for me to pick up a bluetooth mouse to save that extra usb port.
But, I really love my VX Nano/Revolution

 

@nickbarbs: I agree but for different reasons I used to have wireless mice but the dongles were always to big and broke with the slightest pressure placed on them. so I went for the nano reciever and a blutooth mouse. those worked well but I lost one and dropped the other now I have a $15 mini mouse with a 2' cord and it works perfect. havent lost it yet and I've flinched a few times as I dropped it only to have it harmlessly swing beneath my knees instead of smashing on the hardwood floors. if it breaks, it was $15 no big loss... I just hope I never have it jerk the usb port enough to damage the port

 

Excellent!
Can't wait for members to start getting in there laptops and see some real tests and benchmarks.
I'm pretty confident that it will handle almost every game well, the CPU was a concern for me at first but knowing that you can OC it is awesome.
Cmon people start getting your laptops!

 

Same reasons - this all falls under the category of, a wire is easier to deal with than 2 pieces, overall size / weight might be more, if one of two pieces breaks the whole thing goes, etc.

Wireless mice are FTL at the moment, in my humble opinion they're nicer for desktops or DTR's.

 

That's a fair argument, but as someone who has been using 12-inch and smaller notebooks and netbooks for a number of years I can say I've almost never needed more than three USB ports on the road ... including using one for a mouse receiver.

Granted, I do have a desktop at home and have TONS of USB devices plugged into that machine all the time, but my travel notebooks/netbooks almost never need more USB ports. I have a pocket-sized USB hub that I keep in my laptop bag for emergencies, but I've only "needed" to use the extra ports from the hub once in four years.

If you plan to use the M11x as your only PC then I can understand needing as many USB ports as you can get, but if the M11x is just your travel laptop then I suspect you won't be hurting if you leave a nano receiver plugged into one USB port.

 

I concur [with the nano receiver] because I have never taken it out of my netbook. I just plug and forget as they say. Never had a problem.

And when Logitech releases more peripherals that can use the unifying receiver it will be awesome.

 

I guess that is true. But with my current netbook I usually find myself filling all 3 ports [nano receiver + flash drive + ipod cable] but of course, that's just me. But I suppose 3 is enough. I guess I can save some money on the mouse then and... grab a SSD soon