The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
 Next page →

    What needs to be changed on the M17x?

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by AirSinner, Jun 25, 2009.

  1. AirSinner

    AirSinner Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    183
    Messages:
    456
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    For all you m17x owners out there, I'm pretty sure you all of some suggestions on certain aspects of this computer that should be updated, removed or fixed. Me? I wish there was a LED display on the m17x personally. If you have any other suggestions then feel free to post.
     
    AirSinner, Jun 25, 2009
    #1
  2. whizzo

    whizzo Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    769
    Messages:
    5,851
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    206
    from what i've heard around here, the LED screen, the second HDD bay should be standard/stock, and perhaps the option to get a single GTX 280M.
     
    whizzo, Jun 25, 2009
    #2
  3. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    desktop overclockable processor.... that would make my day... especially an i7 or i5...
     
    bifnewman, Jun 25, 2009
    #3
  4. whizzo

    whizzo Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    769
    Messages:
    5,851
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    206
    get the clevo d900f then. the R&D necessary for putting a desktop CPU in a laptop makes the venture cost-prohibitive.
     
    whizzo, Jun 25, 2009
    #4
  5. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    yea the m17x is enough but thats the only thing i would want if they could give me more...
     
    bifnewman, Jun 25, 2009
    #5
  6. kilthro

    kilthro Floating in Space

    Reputations:
    222
    Messages:
    1,577
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Yes the RGB LED and the hard drive cradle would be awesome.. Outside of that, I believe it is a very solid unit. I think for the money that ppl spend on these units, the respawn disc should be included for no additional charge.
     
    kilthro, Jun 25, 2009
    #6
  7. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

    Reputations:
    3,973
    Messages:
    13,930
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    455
    I fully second the Whiz :D
     
    The_Moo™, Jun 25, 2009
    #7
  8. Inkjammer

    Inkjammer Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    205
    Messages:
    717
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    LED, single GTX 280m, hard drive dock provided standard (or AT LEAST with a lil' flyer stating how to get it).

    I'd also have liked an option for information how to upgrade the M17x. I purchased a single GTX 260m, and I like it, but I want to go SLI. Dell doesn't know how. Alienware doesn't know how. I want to upgrade, but thus far, three reps said the only way to do that would be to return the laptop and order a new one. Only "official" response on how to get that card thus far.

    Hell, one Alienware rep said I should just go third party for it. That answer seemed... odd.
     
    Inkjammer, Jun 25, 2009
    #8
  9. AirSinner

    AirSinner Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    183
    Messages:
    456
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I see a lot of people are saying they wish a single GPU. Why is that? Do you not find that SLI is working the way Its supposed to?
     
    AirSinner, Jun 25, 2009
    #9
  10. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,521
    Messages:
    4,392
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    I'd change:

    -the release date for ATI GPU options to yesterday.
    -the T9600 & T9800 CPU options to P9700 and T9900 options.
    -whatever needs changing so the CPUs get more power.
    -whatever needs changing so the 9400M disables itseld when discrete cards are active.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 25, 2009
    #10
  11. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

    Reputations:
    3,973
    Messages:
    13,930
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    455
    Just a option i wanted ;)

    @ inkjammer

    That Rep was the smartest one i have ever heard of :eek:
     
    The_Moo™, Jun 25, 2009
    #11
  12. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,521
    Messages:
    4,392
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    Cheaper to buy one GTX 280M now and another one when you can later than to buy one GTX 260M now and buy two GTX 280M later.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 25, 2009
    #12
  13. AirSinner

    AirSinner Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    183
    Messages:
    456
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Oh just an option. What about an ATI GPU. I read in a form ( Can't remember ) that, that was another option people wanted as well. The i7 would be a great upgrade I think.
     
    AirSinner, Jun 25, 2009
    #13
  14. whizzo

    whizzo Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    769
    Messages:
    5,851
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    206
    this i7 talk is ridiculous. the ATI cards however should appear in a month or two.
     
    whizzo, Jun 25, 2009
    #14
  15. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,521
    Messages:
    4,392
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    Desktop i7 would be a garbage option for a gaming rig. Mobile i whatever# is going to be a garbage option until the quads are die shrunk to 32-nm sometime after Q3 2010.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 25, 2009
    #15
  16. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

    Reputations:
    3,973
    Messages:
    13,930
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    455
    Crossfire is supported in this laptop and it will be receiving HD 4870's with DDR5
     
    The_Moo™, Jun 25, 2009
    #16
  17. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,521
    Messages:
    4,392
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    Im still hoping GDDR5 4850s for the absurdity of it....and to mock W90 owners.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 25, 2009
    #17
  18. AirSinner

    AirSinner Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    183
    Messages:
    456
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Me Personally I prefer the Quads over anything. A lot of games are being developed to utilize the quads.. I always preferred Nvidia over ATI much as I prefer Intel over AMD. However it seems that ATI has pushed out some nice cards in the last 6 months so I read.
     
    AirSinner, Jun 25, 2009
    #18
  19. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

    Reputations:
    1,870
    Messages:
    7,976
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    Uh, isn't 4850's w/ GDDR5 just 4870's? lol minus a few clocks....
     
    sleey0, Jun 25, 2009
    #19
  20. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,521
    Messages:
    4,392
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    Yup.

    10char
     
    Phinagle, Jun 25, 2009
    #20
  21. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

    Reputations:
    1,870
    Messages:
    7,976
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    ^

    Ok. In that case I want 4850's in CF w/GDDR5! :)
     
    sleey0, Jun 25, 2009
    #21
  22. AirSinner

    AirSinner Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    183
    Messages:
    456
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    So all in all is everyone pretty satisfied with their m17x and its ability at gaming?
     
    AirSinner, Jun 25, 2009
    #22
  23. Rob41

    Rob41 Team Pirate Control

    Reputations:
    896
    Messages:
    2,491
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    56
    I obviously like the X9100 and it would be my first choice of processors in this rig.

    It overclocks very well and suits most apps and games. IMO, using a quad to be "future proof" isn't nearly as valid as it sounds. If you use apps tor games hat can utilize 4 cores then a quad may be for you. If not, then don't expect 50 of your new favorite games to be released during the life cycle of this laptop. Build it for today.

    The only other change I'd like to see is an updated bios to allow voltage changes.

    They have done so many things right and made many useful improvements to this new rig and so far I've been impressed with most of what I've read.
     
    Rob41, Jun 25, 2009
    #23
  24. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    ill agree with that but nothing will change my mind in me wanting a quad... especially cuz i play gta 4...
     
    bifnewman, Jun 25, 2009
    #24
  25. Praze

    Praze Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    223
    Messages:
    294
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    If we're gonna hope for 4870's w/GDDR5, then I'd like to see a true GT200 Nvidia chip as well. This whole G92b thing is a good idea in terms of thermal footprint and performance to boot, but they should never have called it a GTX 200 series card. I bought my 8800 GT in November of 2007 and will be lucky to achieve the same frame rates with this GTX 260M. More of a beef with Nvidia than Alienware, of course, but that's what I'd change most of all ;)

    Other things I'd change...
    Hows about a 1680x1050 screen option?
    Make facial recognition optional (costs $25-50 on Dells, I don't need it).
    Optical Digital Audio Port (for situations when HDMI sound isn't used).
    Customizable lid/chassis designs? lol
     
    Praze, Jun 25, 2009
    #25
  26. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    they should have called the GTX 260M and GTX 280M the 9800M GTS+ and 9800M GTX+ respectively or something similar but not 200m
     
    bifnewman, Jun 25, 2009
    #26
  27. ViciousXUSMC

    ViciousXUSMC Master Viking NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    11,461
    Messages:
    16,824
    Likes Received:
    76
    Trophy Points:
    466
    But they want the money, normal joe out there will never know.
     
    ViciousXUSMC, Jun 25, 2009
    #27
  28. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    4,976
    Messages:
    12,675
    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    466
    How about a quad core running at 3Ghz natively? I would be OK with that but I guess that more of a request from Intel than Dell.
     
    Mandrake, Jun 25, 2009
    #28
  29. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,521
    Messages:
    4,392
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    Yeah I'd take one of those. Or a 17.3" 16:9 screen with 1920x1080.


    I would also take 40-nm Mobility HD4860 Crossfired over any other GPU option currently out. I'm seriously doubting whether we'll ever actually see any notebook out with those cards though. (includes the ASUS K series)
     
    Phinagle, Jun 25, 2009
    #29
  30. EviLCorsaiR

    EviLCorsaiR Asura

    Reputations:
    970
    Messages:
    2,674
    Likes Received:
    144
    Trophy Points:
    81
    Eeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwww 16:9.

    Anyways. Personally I think the M17x would benefit from that good old Smart Bay. It'd give users options for extra storage or battery.
     
    EviLCorsaiR, Jun 25, 2009
    #30
  31. whizzo

    whizzo Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    769
    Messages:
    5,851
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    206
    [​IMG]

    :)
     
    whizzo, Jun 25, 2009
    #31
  32. Serephucus

    Serephucus Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    205
    Messages:
    1,002
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    56
    I'd love a fingerprint reader, for complete security.
     
    Serephucus, Jun 25, 2009
    #32
  33. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,521
    Messages:
    4,392
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    How would you get the ODD in and out of that thin slot that's cut into the chassis?
     
    Phinagle, Jun 25, 2009
    #33
  34. whizzo

    whizzo Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    769
    Messages:
    5,851
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    206
    well, you could extend the smart bay around the whole ODD...
     
    whizzo, Jun 25, 2009
    #34
  35. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,521
    Messages:
    4,392
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    DPI about that of 1680x1050 with an extra 240 pixels of peripheral FoV makes it better for gaming.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 25, 2009
    #35
  36. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

    Reputations:
    1,870
    Messages:
    7,976
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    I personally prefer 16:9 over 16:10.....

    Not sure why there is so much bickering over it. lol
     
    sleey0, Jun 25, 2009
    #36
  37. Malignant

    Malignant Notebook Ninja

    Reputations:
    108
    Messages:
    1,069
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    56
    because 16:9 provides less real estate and you'll still get blackbars watching HD movies. It basically shrinks the screen taking away pixels while providing nothing in return.
     
    Malignant, Jun 25, 2009
    #37
  38. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,521
    Messages:
    4,392
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    What you mean cut a giant hole in the aluminum to remove the bay? ;þ
     
    Phinagle, Jun 25, 2009
    #38
  39. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

    Reputations:
    1,870
    Messages:
    7,976
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    I just like the wider look to the laptop/screen.
     
    sleey0, Jun 25, 2009
    #39
  40. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,521
    Messages:
    4,392
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    16:9 allows for more pixels in a smaller screen area while maintaining a readable DPI.
     
    Phinagle, Jun 25, 2009
    #40
  41. Rob41

    Rob41 Team Pirate Control

    Reputations:
    896
    Messages:
    2,491
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    56
    That would b very sweet! :D
     
    Rob41, Jun 25, 2009
    #41
  42. whizzo

    whizzo Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    769
    Messages:
    5,851
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    206
    well, theoretically, you could do it the way the m15x and m17x have the smart bay - if you put an aluminium cover on the SB and make it a tight fit, you'd barely notice.
     
    whizzo, Jun 25, 2009
    #42
  43. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    hell, what about eight core 4ghz??? anyone? lol...
     
    bifnewman, Jun 25, 2009
    #43
  44. BIGX333

    BIGX333 Brazillian Overclocker

    Reputations:
    274
    Messages:
    1,143
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    :rolleyes:

    A quad core @ 3.0 natively is technically possible :p
     
    BIGX333, Jun 25, 2009
    #44
  45. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    lol... yea. i would like to see that... maybe thats the magical QX9500... lol
     
    bifnewman, Jun 25, 2009
    #45
  46. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    127
    Messages:
    842
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I like you...

    ..Anywho my list is as follows (in order of importance)

    -RGB LED Screen
    -Crossfire 4870's
    -Thumbprint scanner :)D)
    -Liquid Cooling [would've been nice, not necessary]
    -Nehalem Architecture [I'd sacrifice a couple clocks for the tech/upgradability]
    -Touch screen option [With Windows 7 on the horizon, I think touchscreen option would've appealed to many. Sure its not a gamers concern to have touchscreen, but it is a nice luxury]
     
    Scytus, Jun 25, 2009
    #46
  47. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    127
    Messages:
    842
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    What is this magic QX9500 I've been reading about..?
     
    Scytus, Jun 25, 2009
    #47
  48. bifnewman

    bifnewman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    some think intel will release a QX9500 but most dont think it will happen...
     
    bifnewman, Jun 25, 2009
    #48
  49. Scytus

    Scytus Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    127
    Messages:
    842
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    ohh

    I personally doubt that, I'd imagine they're focusing on their Nehalem models
     
    Scytus, Jun 25, 2009
    #49
  50. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    4,976
    Messages:
    12,675
    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    466
    Once the memory limitations of FSB are gone with i5 I'm not sure why they can't start jamming out 3-4Ghz procs right away. I guess I don't understand core i5 yet.
     
    Mandrake, Jun 25, 2009
    #50
 Next page →