Questions about the m15x

Hello, this is my first post here. I'm planning to buy the Alienware m15x after this laptop I have gets old. But I have some questions about it.

As I have read by some threads here, this laptop has bad design and it gets problem after a lot of use. Is it true?

Also I have read that the GPU can overheat and the CPU can be underclocked. Is this a really serious problem, and how does it occur?

There are two options for the screen. 1440x900 with Clearview Technology and standard 1920x1200. This means the 1920x1200 screen won't have clear image, and is it possible to run 3DMark06 default on 1440x900 resolution? Some say it can, but it has been reported that on some laptops this is not possible. Has anyone tried it?

And about the performance, how does it run Source games and nVidia demos?

I would really appreciate it if my questions get answered.

 

design: the hinge crack issue seems to be alleviated.
overheating: i don't think we've had any cases of GPU overheating for a few months.
CPU underclocking: the problems with the X9000 have been fixed with the x36 BIOS.
screens: both screens are good, the "clearview" simply means the screen is glossy, while the WUXGA screen is matte. 3dmark will run on the WSXGA+ screen, but the resolution used will depend on the driver.
performance: A+ for everything (i run CS:S maxed out (16x QSAA etc, the works) at about 100-130fps).

 

Thank you for your reply!

So, the design and CPU underclocking issues are fixed?

For 3DMark06, the default resolution is 1280x1024. But will it fit on a 1440x900 screen? It does for some users, but some say it's not possible. Has anyone tested 3DMark06 on default settings on the 1440x900 screen?

 

of course 1280x1024 won't fit on a 1440x900 screen... the vertical resolutions don't work out. if you run the free version of 3dmark on an m15x with the 1440x900 screen, it'll automatically switch to 1280x800.

 

Looks like I'll have to buy the 1920x1200 version instead.

 

first time i have seen someone frown becuase of the inability to run 3dmark due to screen size....
pfffft....

 

you, sir, need to get your priorities right. honestly.

 

New complaints of the first two are still popping up here on NBR.

 

a cpl hinge issues have been brought ot light...but not as they used to...
and the heating issue regarding the GPU's has been off the m17 platform as of late, not the m15x...

 

Have we seen any reports yet regarding the new Skullcap lids and hinges having issues?

 

i think in the thick of the hinge issue, there was one report (that i remember) of a skullcap experiencing the same as the ripley....

 

I plan to buy Skullcap, should I get Ripley instead if it has problems?

 

My skullcap is slightly cracked at the bottom, and there is a gap where its peeling apart. Not good, I can;t be apart with the laptop atm though, so i'll have to put up with it.

The m15x overall is and was an A* buy. I would do it again without a shadow of doubt.

 

Thank you for the reply.

One more question: can I connect that laptop with my dekstop's screen to get some resolutions I want?

 

that shouldn't present much of a problem.

 

So you mean that an external monitor can be connected?

 

yes.......

 

OK then...

 

i thought my post made that fairly obvious, yes.

 

chaz: can you infract whizzo for thinking?

 

You would need an HDMI cable though, since the m15x doesn't have a VGA out port.

 

I thought you were replying to something else...

Anyway, all my current questions are now answered.

Edit:

It's in the configuration, right?

 

what's in the configuration?

 

you can order it as an additional item...
it is not included unless you order it....

 

I'm a little confused...

Should I get the HDMI to DVI-D Adapter or the HDMI Cable: Connect to any HDMI display in order to connect my desktop's display into the laptop?

 

it depends on the inputs your monitor has...

(last post for me in this thead....)

 

depends on what your monitor accepts as input

 

Thanks, I will look what my monitor needs, and I'll choose the right adapter.

 

You'll find more HDMI than DVI monitors.

 

My old desktop is nearly 7 years old, so I bet my monitor will be DVI -D. I'll take a look at it now.

 

then it might even be VGA.

 

I looked at the monitor and it doesn't say anywhere DVI-D or HDMI, I only found DC-IN, but I'm not sure this is the type of the screen.

 

you look at the connector types...they may not be labeled, but you should be able to tell one from another by looks.
search wiki for pics on dvi and hdmi connection/ports.

 

I know its probably a bit off topic but do you actually go to Mac? If so, awesome! Although I will miss the fact that I am apparently the only one here with an Alienware

 

My monitor is DVI-I, so I guess I can't connect it with the laptop...

 

yes you can. you get a converter cable hdmi to dvi.

 

Yes. I can get a converter from HDMI to DVI- D.

 

then you will need to get a DVI-D to DVI-I converter.....

 

But Alienware doesn't sell that and the screen is HDMI...

 

which screen is HDMI?

 

Alienware's.

 

right. are you absolutely sure your monitor only has a DVI-I connection, and nothing else?

 

Yes. I looked at the port.

Also does the fact that my monitor is analog help?

 

ok...her goes...make this as simple as i can.

get an HDMI-DVI-D cable. also get a DVI-D to DVI-I converter.
you can get these at newegg, amazon, at other locations easy enough.

if you have a VGA port, you may look into DVI-I to VGA converter or see if they have HDMI-VGA.

 

ryujin, that won't work. HDMI is digital, VGA is analog. you can't use a simple adapter to get the signal through. you need to use a converter box (which are bloody expensive).

 

Cannot the hdmi out be set to output analog? On certains graphic card its suppose to be possible (by the driver setting or by the bios). If so, a simple hdmi -> vga cable costing $10 on ebay should work.
If it dont then you could use this : http://www.consoleshop.com/product.php?productid=20586
(canadian dollars)

 

I'm really puzzled, what should I do now?

And no, I'm not going to pay so much to connect to my monitor for a few times.

 

which exact model of monitor do you have?

 

take two...

 

my bad...i knew that...i should have explained it better. it was end of day and i was tired...

thx for correcting me.