Should I get an M15x?

I got some kinda discount where I get 10% of alienware, and I am in the process of getting the dell preferred thingy for the additional discount. I have questions regarding this purchase.

He're what I've got so far in the config.

720qm i7
4gigs of the 1333 ram (the more expensive 4 gig option)
260m
256 SSD

All this for around 2000$ before tax/shipping. Any comments on this? Should I sacrifice the SSD for the m17x without SSD?

What I would like to know is as follows:
1. How do I get the blu-ray option
2. Why doesn't the M15x use the RGBLed screen? It appears to have plenty of room for it! Is this a possible future model?
3. Do I wait for CES to pass before buying?
4. Since this costs just as much as a Studio XPS 16 (depending on the cpu), what would the X15x provide over the xps in terms of build quality? Is RGBLed that much of an improvement over the 1080 alienware 15.4 screen?
5. Is there a possibility I could get even more of a discount somehow? I know I am stretching it, but is there any way I could drop the price a few more bux to maximize the value?


I would have pounced on the M15x already if it wasn't for the fact that the 16 screen isn't available and there might be lower prices in jan due to ces.

So basically I have the following options:
Maxd out xps studio 16
Basically maxed out m15x
Decent m17x w/o SSD

 

that is a good configuration get it if you can get all those discounts

 

They all basically cost about the same (100$ price difference max) with all the discounts factored in.

 

100 is for 1000 10% but if you get a $2000 dollars machine you get $200 off

 

Each one has a different dicount on it.

M17x = 10%
Specs:
Cpu: t9600
HDD: raid 0 320 instead of 256 ssd
GPU: 4870
Memory: 4gig 1333
$2159

m15x=10%
Specs: See First post
$2065

sxps16=30%?
$2000 or something (very close to other 2 prices)

The prices are so close, I just don't know which one!

 

dont forget the m17x has dpc latency(for now)

 

What does that mean?

 

It's getting worked on by Dell engineering. A new Bios will soon be out... Don't know when, it 's in the works.

 

Okay, so in the long run which option sounds the best for the money?

Would the m15x with SSD be better than a m17x without? I would figure the M17x would be the best option, but should I wait for a refresh?

 

The M17x is a more powerful machine, if you get the 280s. You can get an SSD for it later down the road.

 

By the way, I'm getting either of these over a 15'' macbook pro with a 2.66 proc. Can't believe those cost 2000$

 

If you can get the M17x with two GPUs, whichever two they are, it will destroy the M15x in gaming terms. If you DO go for the M17x, don't bother with a single GPU because it's not worth it with a single GPU.

The Macbook Pro is so expensive partly because of the aluminium unibody, partly because of the LED screen, and partly because of the highly developed battery, not to mention how light and portable it is.

 

On the M17x you can upgrade the ram, gpu, cpu, HD later on.

 

I agree, an m17x would give you the better experience all around, For me when I used my m15x I thought I would need it for the portability but it is very heavy and thick for a 15 in laptop, so not getting the m17x for size reasons had me with series buyers remorse. Till I built my desktop and got back my old laptop from my mom

 

If you aren't planning on running SLI/Crossfire, get the M15x. Otherwise, get the M17x.
But if you aren't in a hurry and can wait, I'd wait for the next generation M17x with new video cards and possibly Core i7 CPU.

 

If gaming is your concern get the m17x

sli 260's
whatever else really just make sire you get dual gpu's.