*Official* Alienware Launch Discussion Thread

Thanks, and do you know if it will have an extra HDD slot for me to put in an SSD or do I need to take out the 750gb HD?

 

I don't know anything about the 14s. You can try live chat on Alienware.com or someone will probably answer here shortly.

 

Here is what I just ordered:
Alienware 18--Windows 8--i7-4930MX 3.9ghz--dual 780m sli--16gb RAM--750gb hdd + 64gb msata--4 year full bumper to bumper
In the cart the order was $4,996, but I was able to get the rep to take off $332.00 and I got the 5% cash back card.
Still feeling the sticker shock...but man, can't wait for July 25th.
I originally had a M18x r2 ordered maxed out, but actually ended up paying less for this new one than the old...and I hated the idea of paying full price for old tech...just bothered the crap out of me

 

GREAT move getting the new one if it even bothered you a little to have the older model ordered..for that kinda cash, you gotta have the newest model.

 

That's a nice build. I would have skipped the 4 year, you can upgrade that before the first year is up. That might have been easier for ya...it's what I'm doing.

 

I asked about renewing the warranty later, and the rep gave me the quote for how much it would cost, and it was more than upgrading at time of the purchase. So since I was gonna do 4 years anyway, I just bought it outright and saved some money. Also, I asked about the 8-cell battery compared to the 12-cell in the r2. Supposedly, the lithium battery has been redesigned and delivers the same amount of power as the 12...supposedly. Quick question for you guys. I wasn't given the option for the 4.3 ghz processor, just the 3.9ghz. The rep said that the 4.3 wasn't available in the US, but that I could overclock it myself as it is exactly the same processor as the 4.3ghz. Anybody have any info on that?

 

I know I could probably find this info, but what is the battery life during basic use like web email youtube etc for the 18?

 

According to this review, its around 2.5 hours or so. But it depends on your settings and so forth.

 

I believe what the rep told you is correct. Since it requires someone to fire it up and make the changes they are probably not offering it to get them out the door quicker?

 

You could have gotten it for the same price. They're easy to haggle. They never told me it'd cost more so that will be my argument.

 

Just checking some of the benchmarks for both the Alienware 18 and the Alienware m18x r2 from Laptop Mag. It is a little concerning that the older version actually scored better in some tests than the new design. Of course, that could be explained by drivers and so forth...but it is a little worrisome. And the R2 got nearly 30 minutes more out of its battery, what the crap! Not that I'll really ever have my 18 unplugged for very long, but still, its nice to have the option. But again, a lot of the battery depends on settings, sooo...who knows.

yeah, on the US website, the 4.3ghz isn't even an option

 

Yes it is, on the last two models.

 

can anyone tell me how many fans are in the new m14x? one or two? can't find any info on them...

 

Check again, because as of right now its not being offered. Unless it was at one time, and they quit offering it.

So when I get the 18, I'll need someone to tell me how to overclock to 4.3ghz, cause I have never really done any overclocking before...always been scared I'd blow up my computer, lol

 

Now that you mention it, I should try to get a pricing on the 18 tomorrow when I get the call back. I'm going to be lugging this laptop around in college so I'm afraid to go bigger. Correct me if I'm wrong but the 780M is better than the Dual 765M SLI in the base 18 correct? I'm just worried about carrying it around everywhere with the 18 lol.

 

I think the prices are a little high. I'm going to wait a while before buying one.

 

Lol it's fine I hardly understand what any of this means. I could use some teaching. Soooo since everybody knows a little more about the 780m, would I be crazy to get the M17x with the 680m instead?

 

Great Day! I have been shadowing these forums for a few days. I negotiatied Alienware 18 for $4,000 subtotal plus 5% back. It took several attempts and many different contacts to budge much on the price.. I was ready to give up and I received a call back at 10:30 last night.
Alienware 18, Overclocked Intel i7 4900 MQ, 32GB RAM, Dual Nvidia gtx 780M, 750 GB SATA + 64GB mSATA SSD, Slot loading Dual layer Blu Ray, 3 year Service warranty, Windows 8, Alienware TacX mouse thrown in.

 

I don't have $4000 to be able to afford it all. The best I can do is $2100 and that is all. Heck if the 7970m is about the same as the 680 (in the M17x), I'll save my money and go for that if you guys think it's a good idea.

 

It might be very easy. On my CPU it has 3 levels of overclock selectable on a single option. Takes care of all the complicated stuff; multipliers, wait states, etc.

 

Laptopmag, The Verge, and this site published their reviews of last year's models later in the cycle than this year, so you can attribute the extra battery life to BIOS optimizations. I don't see why else slightly smaller batteries would yield an hour less of battery life. Not with the apparent power-savings of Haswell and Optimus. Wait a few months for new BIOS and see if the results change.

Note: If the new 18 has an 87wh battery like the 17, the dramatic decrease in battery life makes sense, but it still makes little sense for the 17.

 

Anyone have their order go past pre production yet?

 

I just checked, 4.3Ghz is an available option for me on the USA site.

Only those that have ordered base models. You can expect it to be in preproduction for a week or longer because they're extremely busy from all the orders.

 

Satan, That is really weird, because it doesn't offer me that option. Surely it isn't because you are on the east coast and I'm in Texas...surely...that would be retarded

 

Been in pre- production since last night. Estimated delivery is July 24th?!? Seem like a long time.

 

Edit: weird. They JUST took them off. They showed up a minute ago for me...

They must have realized OCing them all would be more work and would have backed up orders a lot.

 

Hey guys if I am going to haggle, would it be better to call in or use the online chat?

If I am on EST, what time would be the best to call in? Anytime during 9-5?

 

Whether they offer it or not as an ordering option has no bearing on the capacity of the CPU. While it is nice having a "factory overclock" option, you can easily overclock an Extreme CPU yourself to that speed or higher by simply changing a couple of settings. 4.3GHz is really not all that high for an Extreme CPU... that's kind of a moderate overclock (only 400MHz).

 

My comment wasn't even directed to you. However, I have owned the original m15x. Go back in my post history and see how vehemently upset I was with AW at the time. Broken hinges, having to flash the bios, monitor temps, etc. However, The m17x was rock solid. The R2 may have been the best computer I have owned. The m18x R1 and R2 were also a step forward and rock solid. Just looking at the layout of everything, I see absolutely no reason for this to be an issue. if it is, then I will send it back. No reason to whistle blow before they hit consumer testing. That's my opinion anyway.

 

Try both. Do not give up. It will probably take you several attempts. Let them know you are considering other manufacturers, Sager, MSI, etc. Do not be surprised if you receive a call back from one of the representative. You can probably negotiate 10%, maybe more.

 

Online chat will give you more time to think of what to say and haggle. They will most likely have a manager call you. You could always try both!

 

Is it possible to go with the 1499 option and select the 780m? If what I'm doing is right, I don't see how I have to select the 1999 option to even unlock the 780m option.

Also, I am a really bad talker, and as it seems there are some pro hagglers in here, I have to ask what your "key-phrases" are? When I try to haggle Dell reps always point me to some financing options and tell me that's the best they can do, or flat out buy something else.

 

Well, when the M18x R2 was released, we saw folks (US customers) in this Community negotiating as much as 20% so 10% should not be that difficult.

I believe they are still offering quotes by PM through Alienware Sales Reps in this thread as well: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/669327-alienware-sales-assistance-thread-redux-83.html

 

I talked to an Alienware rep and he couldn't give me an answer as to why they were not offering overclocked processors anymore. All he could tell me is that if you ordered an overclocked one then it will still be overclocked and that they are easy to overclock through the BIOS.

 

agreed. Im running on 4.5ghz with less than 77C under load, and my room temp is 30ish.. +/- 2

 

I know you had success with live chat but that is absolutely not the best way to get a deal. It's through PM or through telephone.


Fin.

You know Mr. Fox, you are absolutely correct. I just looked what I paid two years ago for my R1. I have never gone to 4k and am really struggling with the notion of spending that money on a a computer to get the ROI I typically get out of a machine (2 years). I am honestly thinking of canceling and sitting back on this for a bit. It's not like I am without a capable machine either....

 

yea lucky with you people in the states lol. here in Canada almost won't cancel order even if its a week before new one released, and will almost not allow any return after 30 days. also on Canada promotions rarely gets anything over 100$ off, let alone 5% off lol, the same goes with config, has to choose the last option for 4930mx.

like I was saying though, we Canadians either forced to find a good rep or stick with crappy choice and get almost no discounts. Dell if you are reading this, please do something about this.

 

They have to have a manger call you anyways so you end up taking over the phone.

 

Brother Fox, I replied to this and somehow it didn't post. If it does later (there is a lot of traffic here) then just delete. But I completely agree with you. I am thinking back over my last 3 purchases and none have come NEAR 4K. I am honestly taking a serious consideration at canceling my order and sitting back for awhile as 4k is a bit rich for me.

With that, the rep I am working with says I need to wait until I take hold of the system and then they refund about 30 days after? Seriously? So I basically am going to have to make payments to avoid late fees while this system takes a month to make, send back and then wait for 30 days to process? I really really really hope I am mistaken on this process. I remember being able to cancel an order anytime!

 

I had success with it.

 

Amen brotha...The M17xR2 is my fave of all time...I'm wondering how this new 18 screen compares to the RGB LED...Need to see a review that can give more detail on the PLS screen on the 18.

Anyone see one yet?

 

so the new anti-glare is matte? not just a piece of clear sheet? lol

 

I am about t order my M18x from Hong Kong... the configuration page says that the laptop comes with a 8 cell battery and TrueLife TN 400 Nit display... I have no idea what I am supposed to believe now. Also, they don't have the 4930MX

 

Hi everyone, am just wondering how everybody is getting x% off. All I have been able to get the past 2 days is 140 off and 5% ecard on AW 18 base with 765m SLI and 16 GB, and again with 770m SLI's. I have tried both chatting and calling. What is the secret?

 

Hey guys I'm new to this site. Wish I woulda known about it before I got my AW 17. Anyways I got the base AW 17 but I did upgrade the graphics card to the 780m which I'm very excited about. This is my first really nice gaming laptop. Well since I made my purchase I have been doing a lot of reading and I'm a little concerned that I should have gotten the upgraded display instead of the base 1600 x 900. I have read that my battery life will probably be better because of the display I got but I'm worried that there is gonna be a huge difference. Like I said I've never gamed on a really nice laptop but I have play Xbox and watched tv in 1080. So did I make a huge mistake or is everything gonna be ok?

 

Welcome aboard fellow Newbie, I don't think you can get the 780m on the Base 17 with the 1600x900. Unless I'm mistaken you can only get it with the 1080p screen. Highest you can go on the base with 1600x900 is the 770m.

 

You made a huge mistake. You're gonna want 1080 *especially* with that 780m, 1080 is a much much nicer picture. Call back and switch to 1080, it won't be a problem at all. Also, you can't game off the battery or else you'll take a massive performance hit. Always keep it plugged in.

 

This is my config. Do you think they may have made a mistake and that I am going to get the fhd screen?

 

There is xotic pc and computer upgrade king. I am just going to play the waiting game for a while, i miss the speaker grills so much. I definitely think for me looks matter as much as the performance. Thank you for all the info i will keep looking too and hit you up.

BTW i also called dell and asked if i could get the M17x chasis with the new hardware, and they said that the new chips are not backward compatible, so the only option is to the get 3rd gen hardware which is kind of a bummer

its full HD technically but i recommend the 1080p IPS display ? its a steal for 150$ extra !

 

No. Call back and get 1080 ASAP! You have the best mobile graphics on the planet and to get 1600x900 would be a waste. 780m is more than capable of running most games at 1080. I'd call them back NOW.

If you don't call them back right now then I'm gonna call the cops.