Sneak peek on the upcoming M17x and M14x

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-gaming-notebook-forum/718849-asus-g750-officially-announced-2.html#post9204765

 

No Optimus support, again. Yet another good option that's getting ignored.

 

1. Manual graphics switching (or switching between Optimus/Enduro and just the discrete GPU)
2. CPU and GPU overclocking (BIOS)
3. High-quality matte screen
4. Top-tier chassis
5. Good keyboard (even a Thinkpad knockoff)
6. Good sound (as far as laptops go)
7. Many customization options with reasonable prices
8. Great warranty

It will never happen.

 

lol!

i was like yes yes yes!! what laptop is this??? it will never happen -_-

 

If that G750 has manual graphics switching instead of hybrid, it might be worth looking into for those on a limited budget. Oh wait, it's an Asus. Nevermind... horrible support and too much proprietary crap. Looks a lot better than a Clevo, but it's still in third place based on brand.

 

the images all show a silver color way do u think nebula red and black space black will be options again?

 

There's nothing more proprietary in ASUS laptops than there is in Alienware laptops...

 

Yes there is... The GPU.

 

I am sure the 2013 lineup will have impressive specifications, but what is concerning me is the (apparent) lack of front grills. They have become the signature of Alienware and it would be a real shame to see them go. And also the side of the laptop looks like it could be half metal and half plastic (where the ports are).

 

You're telling me ASUS would go so far as to solder a 780M to the motherboard? I can understand a 660M or similar - given that there are umpteen Clevos that also offer the same - but I'd have to assume the 780 will be MXM.

 

They do some reverse Xtra large non proprietary GPU for absolutely no reason.

Want a new GPU ? Go buy a new rig = Asus

 

Unless I have misinterpreted what I have read in another forum, the Asus has quirks with vBIOS. Maybe I am getting it confused with another lesser brand. Maybe that was MSI, but I thought it was Asus. I don't pay a huge amount of attention to problems other brands have that don't affect me... don't care that much. If their only problem is poor service and support, that's better than having multiple problems.

 

Alright, they're non-replaceable. Even still though, that doesn't mean a whole lot.

Even with a replacement GPU, it's not like you can throw whatever you want in there. It needs to have the correct version of the MXM interface, and usually be supported in the BIOS (though not always) as well as have the correct mounting to accept the existing heatsink assembly, and even then, you're going to be paying through the nose for it. Would you not simply go for the new laptop that cam with the new GPU (given that they almost always go together) that offers (usually) better features, and more powerful components?

I'll concede that it's nice to have options, but it's not like a swappable GPU gains you a hell of a lot in this case.

 

It does actually for people that say bought a M17xR3 with a 460m and are now putting in GTX780m's

You should see how many people have upgraded their M15x/M17xR2/R3/M18xR1 to newer much more capable GPUs for a fraction of the cost of buying a whole new machine.

You do not need to buy the fastet GPU the day it is realeased but wait a few months and the deals start to crop up here and there.

I have done this myself on a few rigs and it really depends on what you initially paid for it but you can put together a monster of a machine for cheap if you know what you are doing and certainly for a far less then buying new.

When Sandy bridge came along also it really closed the gap on being CPU bottlenecked so Sandy is still more then capable in terms of CPU power for just about anything you throw at it.

 

^^^^^ exactly this.

If I had not have had the option of throwing in a couple of 680m's into my R1, I'd have been forced to splash on a whole new rig with 680m's - that would have been a HELL of a lot more expensive.

Having an Ivy over a Sandy doesn't really hold much interest to me at the cost to performance ratio, as I'd need the chip and an R2 board....though it will be interesting to see what Haswell brings...might have to get a new mobo LOL (probably won't fit in the R1 anyway with a design refresh)

 

Yeah, it matters a lot. That's misinformation that it doesn't matter. Perhaps it's lack of knowledge to the contrary. However, M17x R2, M17x R3/R4, M18x R1/R2 compatibility with MXM 3.0b is fantastic. 460M, 6970M, 6990M, 580M, 650M, 675M, 660M 7970M, 680M and now we see 780M are all compatible among these platforms. If the Asus has a non-replaceable GPU, it's a pile of crap that not in the same league as Alienware, Clevo and MSI with MXM 3.0b. It's a terribly mickey moused compromise if the GPU or CPU are integrated. It might be game-capable, but it can't be taken seriously as a high performance, high quality system with soldered-on processors of any kind.

 

Had a good laugh there. You are lucky to have hidden this comment in the Alienware forum, this is the only place where you had any chance to get away with it.

 

I've noticed in the pictures they changed the keyboard. Of course I don't know what it's like until I get a system, but I hope it's good.

 

I think is funny how all the alienware fans is bashing down on other brands than Alienware. Asus and MSI have been mentioned here in negative light many times now.

Maybe its time you guys open your eyes and see that every brand have its cons and pros, even Alienware..

 

Why? Clevo, ASUS, and MSI fans have the rest of the Internet as space to scream that Alienware is overpriced and offers nothing over the competition. It's common even on this forum, which is the most civil computer forum I have ever seen.

This post is partially a joke in case readers cannot tell.

 

You won`t find any Alienware bashing on the MSI subforum.
Maybe I`m barking up the wrong tree here, but I find it strange that everyone here seems to think that the current models is nothing wrong with since you want to keep the current models as they are, and the new models means all doom to Alienware.

Is there really nothing you guys find negative with the current Alienware models?
Build quality?
Keyboard?
Screen?

 

All of the above could be improved, in my book.

Build quality: Aluminium
Keyboard: Island-style (personal preference)
Screen: Matte, IPS.

 

I think that a lot of Alienware folk, including myself, are simply concerned about "change" being for the better, and not for the worse. Same could be said about Win 7 vs. Win 8 - lots of hype and nothing shy of a complete backlash from early adopters. I think personally that each manufacturer has good and bad points, and if I've come across as bad-mouthing owners of other brands, I apologise. My views are my views and perhaps I should bite my tongue sometimes in respect of other members. We all have our own preferences,not just in tastes in computing, but in everything in life. What one man finds attractive in a woman does not mean the next man thinks the same. (big boobs, aside LOL).

As long as we all respect that we are all individuals who may hold different values, the thing we have in common is love of computing and performance machines. If we can all agree on that, I'm sure we can all get along happily without ANY camp getting distressed or upset by comments made, either for or against their brand of preference.

 

In general I don't agree with the overly enthusiastic AW owners saying that their laptop is superior to all other brands. What I agree with though, is that Alienware is kind of in it's own category, mostly because of the significantly higher price, but for that price people get the best customer support and warranty out of these brands, they get great build quality and many small things that improve the overall experience a bit (switchcable iGPU, more BIOS options, etc). This, for many people - me included - doesn't justify the price difference though. Also if you take a look at, say, MSI's new lineup, pretty significant improvements are being made in the lacking areas (like build quality, design, specs), or ASUS starting to use high-end GPUs again (which their great cooling could have taken before anyway).
So while I understand the people loving their AW, I think calling other products lesser just to make themselves feel better (and anger the rest of the community) is not a great move. (That said, I can't wait to see how the new M17x looks though .)

 

It's exciting times for all, wether or not you are an MSI, Clevo or AW owner/potential buyer. Whilst we all buy or own one or the other brand through personal preferences, we should not fall out amongst each other when discussing them. My personal views on MSI being "whatever" vs. MSI owners views on AW being "whatever" is rather a moot point because I'm just not interested in buying an MSI machine for reasons specific to my own desires/needs/wants, just as much as MSI owners don't want to entertain AW machines for their own desires/needs/wants either.

Good job we are all different, eh?

 

I've said it before, but mark my words: Dell is going to be cutting as many corners possible in this generation. They know they have serious brand loyalty and will be trying to increase profit margins as much as possible on what is one of their only remaining cash cows.

 

I like other brands as well as aw, but when it comes to support, other brands are left in dust.

A gaming/high performance system will have much higher rate of parts failure and this is where support matter. I don't know about other countries but in Australia, you have to sent asus/msi back to base for it to be fixed and the whole process can take upto a month, with aw something happens, most of the time tech comes next day and fixes it in front of me. Yes aw has quirks but like its said before everyone has some quirks. My friend needed gpu replaced on his g series last year, took 6weeks for asus to get it done.

But in the end of the day, no other company will offer a replacement system after few repair attempts, I have been offered full refund or new replacement (most of the times, more expensive) systems by dell.

Bottom line, when I am paying top dollar for a laptop, that I know will have few parts die (gaming systems, more heat, prolonged heavy usage), I want the best warranty support and the chance to get it extended.

 

Are you sure that Dell`s plan isn`t to gain more customers with a design thats less "special" and is more appealing to the general public? If they lose a few loyalist but gain many other, that is a heck better for a financial troubled company right?
I totally undertand that its dishearting for true Alienware fans to see the design become less radical, but lets just wait and see how the final product will be.

I`m sure IPS, magnesium and 780M might persuade some of you old folks with yer old ways. You know, lure you in

 

Whether or not it's true, who benefits when you repeat it? People will buy Alienwares and regret doing so (or not). Dell is not Apple.

 

in the picture of the m17x(red lighting) it looks like the side with the usb ports has alien fx or do u think thats just advertising? also the usb ports appear to black plastic how do u feel about plastic/magnesium mix?
\


and will there be color options?

idk this design looks more flashy than before so your saying it will appeal more or less because of this?

 

I really hope it's not just advertising; in my opinion alienfx on the sides would make the laptop look so much cooler. And if you don't like them, you can always set them to black!

I hope they keep color options on the laptop itself, but they might not due to lack of demand. I don't seem to see many signatures mention red, they all seem to be space black... (As is mine)

 

Why not judge the build quality, performance, upgrade-ability once it has been analysed rather than coming up with a judgement now and biasing yourself against the facts?

 

A very valid point - to remain open-minded until after the fact. Speculation is speculation, let's let the machines speak for themselves when they get the chance to do so. Innocent until proven guilty springs to mind lol.

 

I hope the alien head on the cover becomes customizable again, in reference to the color and lighting effects.

 

Given Dells current financial position it would not surprise me if Dell try to alter the design to a more cheaply manufactured method. This might bring costs down to appeal to those who currently own MSI or ASUS and strengthen the brand. That does not mean the company will wish to compromise on quality after all they will be very aware that they have an almost cult following and would not wish to alienate current customers completely.

However if a redesign and cheaper manufacturing process lowers overall costs by 10%. Yet increased commercial uptake by 15% due to a lower price point or new less niche design. This would of course make much more financial sense.

Dell probably has specific goals:
Retain AW brand image of high quality gaming systems.
Do not alienate current fan base.
Attract new customers with new design inspiration iPad, Macbook Pro, iPhone 5, Razer Blade (looks like MBP, Apple have currently some of the fastest moving products around and appealing to that atheistic really does help sales)
Include Alien FX as its a core selling feature of AW.
high end components, as mark up can be made on these lines.
Find new cheaper manufacturing methods. Ie Plastic construction or Alloy, How constructed. How does aesthetic design related to construction costs and ease of manufacture. (Think Unibody is massively expensive to make).

Any company knows that the company that wins is the one who can make the most sales yet control its overheads the best. Its a tight rope every time something has to be changed, but to not change is to fail, why else would they redesign car's?

I know this review has a lot of Apple in it but I do own a lot of Apple and currently they just do, well, everything better, except gaming, so its worth looking at them (Please note this is my opinion)

Anyway just my 2p.

PS. This was written on a Retina Macbook Pro....

 

I think I've just found my next laptop. Hopefully she's not too far off - I assume there will be an announcement at E3, with sales starting about a week or so later.

 

I don`t know. It seems to me that the decision to ditch the current keyboard and use more of a MSI/Clevo keyboard is a move toward getting more acceptance from the public.
As for the design, who knows. Gaming notebooks is generally very flashy anyway. It looks perhaps slightly more flashy than Clevo machines, but I would say Asus and MSI are just as radical.

 

I'm finding some of the comments about Alienware's existing keyboard being too flashy or gaudy or tacky etc etc to be quite amusing. Whilst competitor keyboards *may* look more like a traditional keyboard when any lighting is OFF, the fact that they *might* appear less "tacky" is kind of made redundant when you look at something like this:

MSI GT70 Dragon Edition Gaming Laptop

And that's not me having a pop at MSI, it's just pointing out that fact that I think other manufacturers do "tacky" with plenty more gusto than Alienware. - no point in having a "professional" looking keyboard if that is the end result....

 

You`re right, the MSI Dragon Edition takes flashy to a whole new level

But really, be honest, which keyboard would you prefer. I know people have different opinions about this, but if you could pick. Which one would you use?
You agree that the MSI keyboard looks much cleaner right?

 

The MSI keys look better, but its touch-sensitive panel, speaker grills, cramped layout, and stickers negate that effect.

 

To be honest, I still prefer the look of the AW keyboard - the lighting "flows" better, rather than having "blocks" of varied colours. The MSI keys look more traditional in style, like you would find on a non-gaming notebook, so from that point of view, when the lighting is off, they look more acceptable in a business scenario. The fact that the AW keyboard is obviously that the Alienware-style aesthetics of it are not found on any other notebook - something which again adds a degree of uniqueness to it. I think that these traits are what makes Alienware, Alienware. Not conforming to traditional looks.

The new "prospective" KB may be a move to attract more "mainstream" buyers, I just hope it's not a nightmare.

 

All I know is whether your a AW,MSI,CLEVO or ASUS fan it's good to have a lot of choices,very exciting time with a new upcoming gen of CPU's and GPU's to take performance to another level. I'm keeping all my options open.

 

All i want is,

LID should look pro,

ergonomic keyboard

good sound

780m

3d

good support in india

am i asking too much?

 

Well on the hardware side, I don't think so.

 

when i grow up, i'm gonna make a laptop with a desktop gpu and cpu , with a design and concept like razer blade and it will have lighting and will look really cool .

i already got the plans and sketches for it. how it will look, the insides, the power management , everything!!! all i need is the money to make it

Then i will proudly call it the 1st GAMING LAPTOP muhahaha!

 

Or the first fire hazard.

 

putting something like the desktop 680 in a sub one inch thick laptop....

you are going to burn down your house kid. I would recommend getting a job at dell/asus/razer in their product design departments so you can experiment in a controlled environment.

 

I think you could do it, it would just take a ULV core i7 and the power brick would be about the same size ^-^.

 

Boom. You just nailed it.

 

They may very well approach things like intel appoaches power/performance and include features that go for X number more sales.