Why I Still Have Hope

No matter what bad things I hear happening with the m15x, I still find myself unable to look elsewhere. It's because of the m15x's sheer awesome that if I were to buy some other notebook I would just never be satisfied. I still have hope that AW will somehow turn around and start producing some quality products so that I can finally give in to the urge and buy in. No, I won't be buying an m15x as long as these problems persist, but unless something more attractive comes along, I won't be able to turn away from the prospect.

 

I share the same feeling as you... Now nothing would really satisfy me. But, in less than one month the M860TU will be there and maybe that will change quite a hand full of things. One can only hope... I'm sure things will change.

 

I love my m15x, even though my vid card is faulty. Nothing else on the market really excites me atm, including the M860TU (seems kinda of bland to me).

 

M860TU will be > M15x.

I dont think id be excited about another laptop either if i just spend about $2500

 

The thing about the m15x is it is anything but conventional. Alienware's stand out with their sleek designs and pretty lights. (I'm a real sucker for pretty lights) Sure there may be laptops that can overtake the m15x in performance, but none can take on the m15x in style. (I can't wait to see it in black)

 

I had doubts, then reminded myself that you're always going to hear 10x the bad as you will the good.

Then I got my laptop and have no hardware issues at all.

Well, the forgot my mouse, but **** happens >>;

 

there are plenty of laptops have better style than m15x. ie. macbook pro for one.

 

Remember, many people love their m15x's and have posted very positive experiences with them. Dont count the m15x out. It may have had problems but that doesnt mean that the m860tu wont. No matter what you put it in, an 8800 in a 15.4 inch can have heating problems.

Also, the m15x has things that the m860tu will never have. It looks much different and although some may like the m860tu, it is very bland and does not really stand out like the m15x. Also, battery life is 2 hours vs more than 7 and there is no integrated graphics or smartbay. Montevina is not such a huge jump from penryn and montevina will still use the same penryn processors. The main feature will be the possibilty of 8 gigs of memory but the memory is extremely expensive and will not create such a huge difference. The m860tu uses the same graphics card as the m15x and will be outdated in less than a year when the next board after montevina comes out. All in all, the m860tu is not going to blow the m15x out of the water. It could beat it out in some aspects but it will never be as portable battery wise and may have the same heat issues. Only time will tell.

 

Macbook pro lol. good luck gaming on that, or running 98% of programs out there. And have fun video editing and making music in garage band...

 

Kinda pointless to bring that up since it was aesthetic opinion coming into question, not utility.

 

^^what Tyrien said.

 

Honestly I can't stand the design of AW computers. I find myself constantly trying to hide the laptop from people in my grade and whatnot because I think it stands out a little too much and its kind of nerdy which I'm not really into that much. To each his own I guess but I would rather a voodoo styled PC which is sleek vs. a AW styled PC which is kind of geeky in my opinion (and yes I know I own one I'm not going to go through the story).

 

This is a good point becuz i think a lot of people are just assuming that the m860tu is gonna be flawless and beat the m15x hands down but the truth is that it may have just has many problems maybe even more than the m15x. we'll just have to wait and see, plus i personally don't think it looks half as good as the m15x.

 

Lol, I've actually never heard that association, though I suppose it isn't that hard of an association to make.
I'd still--since assumptions are really mostly inevitable--judge on the appearance of the person vs the laptop they're carrying, but that's just me I guess.

 

^ @ lolo: good points.

I believe the m860u only has a single fan installed for heat dissipation. I can't see how it will do a better job - or as good a job - as the m15x of handling heat. Maybe, but it might be wise to wait and see.

 

This is all about theories and opinions...

But the facts are, the M860TU is going to be better than the M15x. If it's 1%, 5%, 10%... who knows. It's going to be better.
If you want to learn something about the M860TU I would suggest not throwing away "I thinks" and go and read a bit about it on the Sager and Clevo forum. One thing you will notice is the dramatic difference of negative posts in AW's forum and Clevo's forum.

Nevertheless, whatever you prefer, neon lights or something sober, the coming of the M860TU will cause dramatic changes on the market where the M15x rules alone. It's simple logic... Hopefully the M860TU will push AW into introduce changes and, hopefully, these won't be only on case colours... that would be calling all their costumers ignorants.

There's always hope...

 

not to discredit you or anyhting but thats all opinion...

 

I know that the only thing you are always looking to do is to discredit me...
But putting that aside, saying things like "7 hours of battery" "M860TU doesn't have integrated graphics", etc... are not only opinions, as they are false opinions. Obviously I don't want to discredit you or anything like that...

Regarding my post... where are the opinions?

M860TU is going to be better than M15x.
M860TU is going to bring a competitor to the M15x market. What do the market laws say? Not very difficult answer.

So... where is "that's all opinion..."?

Bottom line... I have hope. I am going to receive a replacement M15x and I do hope (with all my strenghts) that it turns out to be perfect. I also hope that we will see less and less people having problems. I hope AW manages to make it right.

 

And this is why Alienware will always makes sales, no matter how crappy the laptop is.

 

Well maybe some other manufacturers will take a hint?


Anyway, I find the Macbook Pro to be too bland. It may have style, but it's more of a "Starbucks and pretend-to-be-sophisticated style". I am a big fan of "snob-appeal" but that doesn't mean I want to actually look like a snob.

 

My "facts" are based pcmw new edge which is the new 15.4 inch clevo. It states that it has 2 hours of battery life and does not have integrated graphics. THESE ARE FACTS.

i honestly dont understand how this isnt an opinion. There will be always be people who will think that the m15x is better and there will be people who think that the m860tu will be better. I honestly have nothing personal against you except the fact that you say it will be better with no facts to back it up and then say that this isnt opinion. Im not saying that it isnt going to be better, im just saying that we need to see it be released first and even then, defining "better" is more a matter of what is important to each individual person

 

the reason why the Sager is better ( unless the screw up like AW) is down to newer tech ( less mobo, ddr3 etc= less heath) this is a fact, weather or not it has a better build time will tell, but as milcs is pointing out, ppl tend to rate Sager a LOT better than AW.. so based on that as well, if they don't screw up.. then I'll put my money down for one as well

 

wraith, read the thread before posting, will you? oh and how are you gonna fit three RAM sticks into your m15x?

 

What I don't like about Sager/Clevo is that you have to buy online, credit card or whatnot, and I'm just not into that so much. I can buy AW from Dell Direct Stores here in Canada, very convenient.

 

at this stage, DDR3 isnt an advantage honestly..

 

with a hammer and some duct tape of course

With regards to the m860tu: of course it will be better on the tech side with more ram and better motherboard but at the same time, the differences wont be that noticeable when comparing it to the processors and graphics of the m15x. Both the m15x and the m860tu will be outdated quickly because thats just how tech changes in this world. Im simply pointing out that there are things that the m15x offers that the m860tu doesnt and these may be things that people value over a slight increase in tech that most users honestly wont even notice.

its speed will be barely noticable and ddr2 prices are the best they will ever get. 4 gigs for 87$ or 8 gig ddr3 for 1k?

 

I would take PCMW's word with a grain of salt, just 2 weeks ago their were 100% determined that the m860tu has 3 fans. also the later shipment will included the hybrid gpu mode.

 

When newer GPUs find their way into the mobile market, would we likely be seeing them in future m15x's etc? Or would notebook manufacturers release new products centred around the new technology?

 

That is true but regardless, we all know that sager is not known for the best battery life or quiteness in their laptops. The m860tu may be much quieter since it is a 15.4 inch, but it does not have a smartbay and therefor there is no way it can achieve the battery life of the m15x.

It is very unlikely that the m15x will see a newer graphics card because future graphics card will be built for the montevina mother board and wont be compatible with the older systems. AW will more likely release a nwer montevina based system or they will wait for the next upgrade after montevina which is a more clear upgrade whereas montevina offers only a limited amount of speed increase and heat decrease.

 

ETA of the future?

 

No idea, but rest assured that future graphics card will be built for the montevina platform.

 

Incorrect. both MXM Type IV modules are the same at the moment.

 

i stand corrected. All the more reason that the m860tu wont be strictly better than the m15x

 

@lineazy, be notice I wasn't trying to compare m15x and m860tu. What I tried to point out in last post is that 9800m gtx could be physically fit in m15x.

 

I was referring to cards that havent been released that will be in the future. The 9800 is not really much of an upgrade from the 8800 but if AW put it in the m15x it would probobly have even more heating issues.

 

Too much opinion here...blah. Tastes like politics.
Final Verdict? Hopefully?
To each his/her own.

 

No offense, but I think a lot of the arguments used here are just plain stupid.
Someone here said DDR3 doesn't have that much of an advantage over DDR2 and that DDR3 is also more expensive than DDR2. Well guess what, DDR3 IS BETTER than DDR2, even though it may not be as big of a performance jump you may hope for. Not to mention you're already paying 500+ more on an alienware than what a sager would provide. Not to mention people here complaining about batterylife. But guess what? Are you seriously going to play some game for 5 hours straight without a power plug? Even so, you're going to take it to class with all the flashy lights? Interesting... I would never do something such as that even if it is known as a gaming laptop. Also, for those who are on the road. You know the extra three hours aren't going to make that much of a difference. If you are on the road playing on the laptop instead of talking to your friend, I really think you need to rethink about your life. I know I'm saying many rude comments here but just reading all the comments on the alienware board is just making me angry. A bunch of the people here are just in it for the alienware name and the "flashy" laptop. I hope you guys have fun with a laptop that's 100x more likely to get stolen than any other laptop

 

Please keep the comments reasonable in here, thanks.

 

They'll fix the lock problem. And I've taken many long trips alone, just usually they're on a plane or train and you have an outlet handy... But what if you want to watch a movie in the car, or 3 movies, you can't do that on the Sager. I think any laptop is almost equally likely to be stolen, IN FACT, an AW is probably less likely since so few people have one it would stand out so much, whereas some generic Dell could be snatched, formatted and case closed. It's like with cars, Honda Civics are probably the most stolen car in NA because they're so common and generic, how many Porches are stolen... a lot less. (And I don't mean there are less stolen because there are less available to steal.)

 

The M86TU and anything Mac are rubbish, pure and true. m15x rulez!! m15x 4ever!! m15x beatchoo up an steelz j00 lunch monie$.


That is my opinion, and it has just as much value as that of milcs and some of the others who have posted their opinion that the M86TU or Macbook Pro are better.

Honestly though, I think that you will wait for a long time (read: never) before this support forum is filled with nothing but glowing reviews for the m15x.

Two years ago I started reading the Volkswagen TDI forums, as I was considering purchasing the vehicle. You should check it out if you want to see people slamming a product and reporting the most astonishing and costly defects, and customer service so bad it makes Alienware look like Santa Claus. Thousands of posts, all very negative and emotionally charged.

I special ordered a Jetta TDI anyway, and I love it. It is an awesome car! I have over 36,000 miles on it with no mechanical trouble whatsoever and I virtually never go to the TDI forums to read anything.

The point is, take what you read on forums with a grain of salt. The majority of people who purchased this product are most likely gaming away and having a whale of a time, while those few who got defective machines come here and rightfully post their angry thoughts. I know I certainly will if my m15x breaks down.

 

I mean no disrespect here, but this is the most absurd comment I've ever in the last times. As I said, loving a brand is something that sounds really ridiculous to me. I never understood Mac lovers, PC lover and their "enemies". I never understood any brand lovers... it's like we are in the army. What are people fighting for? They don't know... but they fight. Anywayyyyyyyyy... Lets decide based on passions then, and not on reasoning.

Carrying on...
M860TU is going to be better than the M15x (technology wise)... FACT.
My opinion now... I actually prefer the M15x, so I don't really understand what you are saying plug_it. I hope the problems with the M15x will be fixed and I will be able to keep it. I prefer its looks and it fits all my needs. I don't need more... So yes, if all the problems are fixed, I PREFER the M15x. That's my personal taste... Now, is the M15x better than the M860TU? No, it's not. WIll it be better FOR ME? Probably yes, probably not...
Is that clear now?

 

plug it, I've read what you just said there before, and it makes perfect sense. But I'd still like to wait a bit and see if we get a bit more satisfaction. (Besides, I want it in black so I have time.)

 

I do agree on the "bias" on these forums plug, that I obviously give you.
But for your records... 3 people that were in the forum before they received their laptop, received it last week and less than one week and 3 defective GPUs.
Obviously there will be more people there that do not... but this shows you that is not such a big bias when we are talking about M15x's problems. They exist, they are real and not only people with problems come here and lurk the forum.

 

LOL @ milcs!

I read your post and still do not see how your opinion constitutes fact.

The M86TU is only better for a given individual if it satisfies the requirements of that individual more fully than does the m15x, the Macbook Pro, the Commodore 64, IBM PS/2 Model 80, or any of a billion other computers.

"Technologically Better" is a matter of opinion. Suppose someone doesn't trust a new chipset, and wants the old version? Maybe they are running some app which won't run on the new chipset. Suppose someone needs the RF shielding of Product A vs. Product B? I think my new Volkswagen Jetta is technologically better than a Ford Model T, but some people don't like computerized, technological vehicles, and have a penchant for stone-age engineering. They might say the Model T is technologically better due to the advances it brought to the automotive industry.

Whatever... that's their opinion, just as your opinion belongs to you.

 

Ok... Someone tested the montevina platform. It will have an increase (even if small) in performance. So, this is not my opinion... The new platform will be an upgrade of the existing one, providing all the features of the old, plus new ones and plus improvements. How does this constitute an opinion?

More comparing laptops to cars it's completely inadequate. Most of the laptop components are fabricated by exactly the same manufacturers. Intel Chipset, ATI or NVIDIA GPUs, Intel CPUs, whatever HDDs, Whatever RAM... then you have some small details that make the difference but do not really have any impact on a product being good or bad (like lights, for example).

What I'm trying to say is... I also do not believe that the M860TU will kill the M15x, I would still prefer keeping my M15x to the M860TU... but it will be better (as the new platform as been proved to be better than the old one...). Marginally better even... but better. Now, as I said... I would still prefer the M15x.

I just think that people should look at the M860TU as a very good thing coming in the way of Gaming 15.4' laptops. Whatever your prefences might be, the M15x will now have a very serious competitor. What will the M15x (and the M860TU) gain with competition? Quality...

 

Yes, I know your opionion is that the M86TU is better, but that is still just an opinion.

If you don't like vehicle comparisons, here's a computer one:

The old IBM PS/2 series of microchannel architecture 386 processor computers are still used in applications of radio astronomy to this day, because the microchannel machines are so much more electrically quiet than modern computers.

In that respect, the IBM PS/2 series are technically better than any new computers on the market. It should therefore be the opinion of a radio astronomer that the PS/2 is the superior machine.

Run out to Jodrell Bank and ask them!

Which computer is "better" is all a matter of opinion. Many people share your opinion, but not all people.

 

I'm sure no one will buy these laptops for talking with space... I think whoever buys the M15x and the M860TU will buy them for the exact same reasons. But maybe the M15x will be better for astronomers... who knows!? All these lights must be handy for something...

You are right... it's all a matter of opinion then.

 

this computer is better:

 

Hi everyone,
I couldn't help but read through all the comments, concerns, speculations, theories, and opinions on this thread. There were even a few spots that made me a laugh. The fact of the matter is that it's a personal preference and matter of opinion. People will buy what they are most comfortable with, and everyone will have their reasons for doing it , valid or not. This comes down to things as large as specs, or smaller preferences like appearance. You can argue to death about which is the better of the two, but it will all come down to how each satisfies individual customers.
Let's take a look at a fairly classic example. There are millions of Ipods around the world. They are very pricey, the sound quality isn't the best, and they break fairly often. People have the opportunity to choose from literaly thousands of brands of music devices. The vast majority produce better sound quality, a better price tag, and have better endurance than the Ipod. So why does the Ipod continue to sell??? It's very simple. It's all a matter of individual preference and choice. Some choose the ipod because it trendy or in style. Some choose the Ipod because it looks sleek and shiney. Some just simply choose it because that's what everyone else has. And finally, some choose it because Apple's name is on it.
So, with that said, this could easily be an infinite discussion that will never fully resolve. It's better to just let it rest and let everyone's choices fall where they may. The moral of this story is that preference, choice, and opinion will be different for everyone.

Gabe

 

What about xp vs vista? When vista came out people said that vista was "technically" better than xp. Now there are many many people who still to this day think that xp is better then vista even though from a technical standpoint it is an upgrade. There is no reason to think that just because the m860tu is going to have a new chipset it will be all together better.

Both computers will chomp through games. In fact, the differences between the two will be almost unnoticeable since they have the same graphics card which is the most important factor. Overall it will come down to preference. If someone likes the lights and flashy-ness of the m15x they might go with it over the m860tu. If they dont want a flashy laptop as many poeple done, then the m860tu will be more attractive. No matter what company a laptop is from , there are always problems when shipped thousands of laptops. This is a support site, so many people here come here with problems. Therefore no conclusions can be made from the experiences on this site with any statistical significance as to how many m15x's actually have problems right now.