m11x r3 or m14x for College?

This fall, I'll be attending college, double-majoring in engineering and philosophy. And so, of course, I'm wondering what laptop to get. It needs to last me all four years, and needs to handle CAD and engineering software, in addition to a Starcraft match every once in a while. Portability and battery life are the primary issues in my decision, however. I will only have one computer (possibly accompanied by a smartphone), and my school is somewhat lacking in outlets (unlike Dartmouth, there aren't outlets under every desk >_<) and is predominantly filled with MacBooks. Computers also seem to be everywhere due to the infamous workload (essay-writing at all three meals in the dining hall, for instance) and necessity to multitask. So, in addition the main question posed by this thread's title, if anyone could answer the following for me, that would be great!:

What's the true battery life that can be expected out of an i5/i7 m11x r3? I saw everything from 4 hours to 7 hours with light web browsing...

Is the m11x's screen too small for the sole computer I will have in college, and as an engineer? I plan on studying abroad and the plane ride home twice a year is 5 hours one way, so portability is important... I just don't know if the 11.6" screen is justified haha.

How low can I reasonably expect to haggle the base prices down to if I order over the phone?


Whew. My apologies for the wall of text, but this is an important purchase for me haha. Thank you all in advance.

 

If you are getting it as your sole computer, I would have to say m14x.

I have a m11x r1 and i love its portability and battery life (although, with an r3 that will be different) but sometimes find myself wishing I had a bigger screen and an optical drive.

Having the extra grunt will also be more beneficial in engineering and CAD, despite the battery life. It's pretty unlucky if you can't reach an outlet in four or five hours, so I say you'd be fine.

This is all coming from a m11x perspective of course

 

Stating the obvious, but if you're really concerned about battery life, then you want the m11x. I get about 7 hours typing notes in lecture, about 6 hours browsing the web, and about 5 hours when watching videos instead of paying attention to the professor (I have the r1, but I think the r3 has similar battery life).

Honestly, though, if I had the choice back then when the m11xr1 was first released, I would have definitely picked the m14x. The reason I say this is because I've found that you really don't need more than ~4 hours of battery life for college anyways, plus the m14x has a much more powerful cpu (which turned out to be a big issue for me on my m11x). One last thing that you might want to keep in mind is that the m14x offers a higher resolution than the m11x, which really helps when multitasking.

 

I had the m11x for my sole computer on campus and hated it. Its a awesome machine but the screen is small. Its more netbook on steroids computer.

m11x can be purchased pretty cheaply in the marketplace here (there are a few around the 500 dollar range).

m14x will probably run 1200 with tax and shipping for a base system if you haggle over the phone.

 

I have the same problem, but just decided to go for M18x.

 

Here soon the m11x r1 will be 350-400 so why not get a m14x and save for a m11x for travel.

 

m14x is the right choice!

 

Engineering graduate and my two cents ...

M11x for portability and battery life.

Buy a large monitor for your dorm room for CAD and multitasking duties.
Buy the warranty for immediate replacement and tech support.
Buy a backup hard disk with Memeo or similar program and USE IT REGULARLY!

Another option instead of a large monitor is a TV/monitor and use the HDMI ports to communicate with your computer. I have a LG 27 inch that does this quite successfully. Resolution is fair but does the job.

Good luck with the engineering curriculum, it will be worth it when you graduate!

I get 6 to 7 hours of battery life out of mine which is the primary reason I selected the M11x.
Loaded it up with 8 gigs of RAM because of heavy usage of VMWare in my job and the performance is great. Also have the solid state hard disk because of rough usage in industrial environments.

 

M14x,

screen is too small in the M11x to be used as your only computer.
Specially in CAD where bigger screen (and higher res) = better

Edit- I also like @Currently's idea of buying a big screen with M11x, that makes alot of sense if you do go M11x

 

Go for the m14x. You will really be happier to have those extra 3inches.

 

Hmm, I compared the screens at Fry's (where they have no Alienware systems anymore T___T) and I noticed that I really didn't mind the 11.6" screen at all. And if battery life is improved, I'd rather use the price difference for an external monitor, as you all suggested, and a better one at that!

Nevertheless, I'm going to try to haggle. If I can get the m14x down to $1000-$1100 with the 900p screen, I think I may get that simply because the price difference will be closed then. XDD Thank you all.

 

If you really need battery life and you are very patient, then get a barebones laptop for the time being and get a laptop with Intel Ivy bridge next year. You're going to be an engineer so you should read up on this latest tech; here's a start:

Why Intel's 22nm technology really matters | ZDNet

Here's an educational clip: YouTube - Video Animation: Mark Bohr Gets Small: 22nm Explained

 

buy a m14x, for all of the reasons above + the screen on the m11x is the WORST screen you could possible get on a laptop now days...

I would be willing to bet that most $200 netbooks have a better screen...

 

Yeah like said above, get the M14x because the M11x is too small of a screen. I had one before and you cant game at all on it. Plus it wasnt very powerful. Tried gaming on an external monitor and its was pretty unplayable for me and most games on low.

I am also in the same boat with you, I only want to purchase the M14x if it is at the right price, because right now its a little too expensive for what it is for me. Let us know what you choose. I am trying to be an Electrical Engineer, should be fun!

 

There really is no choice. If this is going to be your sole machine you have to get the m14x. You need the processing power for your engineering programs and you will need the higher resolution.

Honestly I really think you need the m17x but you need portability so the m14x is a fair compromise.

you will be wishing u got the m14x if u get the m11x as a primary computer being an engineering student

 

you could get a near baseline m14x config on Dell's website (you could get i7 2720 if you're using lots of processor-intensive programs) and upgrade the RAM from newegg (Dell OEM is always expensive). Get at least 2-3 years warranty don't have to go all out 4 year advanced like me XD) to save a bit.

If money were no object and you're willing to lug around a considerable load (would help if you've got a laptop backpack) then go for m17x or even m18x. Otherwise get a portable system and if you need anything more powerful, use a workstation in the computer labs!

 

I was debating between the m14x and the m17x and went with the 17. If this is going to be you're main rig you want it as big as you can stand. I can't imagine doing CAD work on such a small res. display. I agree with Charismaztex, the m17x is really what you should be looking at. I think you would be much happier with a 17" 1080p screen. You're school should have a power source in your classes if you're required to run computers? That would eliminate the battery life worry.

 

The biggest thing for college students is size and weight imo. The 17x is fairly heavy (I could carry it all the time, but I don't want to). It is also BIG(think college desks/tables and footprint size). I know I am often cramped for space with a 15" laptop (not even a big gaming one) let alone a 17" Alienware.

The m14x has plenty of power and the screen is pretty good. If he really wants he could get an external monitor for use in his dorm if he really wants a bigger screen.

I really think the m14x is the sweet spot for college students (as far as gaming laptops go). The only other Alienware option I would consider would be the m11x with an external monitor for use in the dorm.

 

I have been using a 15.6" laptop for classes and have plenty of room for a 17", and it does not bother me to carry one around that is that size. Many of my classes require me to have my laptop out along with the lab computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse, all of which are on the desk in addition the the laptop. (Not to mention 4 other people are also at these tables.) I understand some people prefer to carry something smaller around but engineering work is not meant to be done on an 11" or 14" screen with such a low resolution.

@OP Go m14x at the very minimum. I don't know if you have ever worked with CAD or similar programs, but screen real-estate is top priority and will change your whole experience.

 

M14x really has no place in terms of portability or using it as a desktop replacement.

If you are going to use it as a desktop replacement, the M14x it is not big enough and yet heavier than normal 15 inch laptops. If you are going to use it as a portable on the go machine, it is too heavy (6.5lbs) and uses a lot of space dimension wide (for use with airplane tray, table, lap).

2 Recommendations:

1.) Get a full size m17x r3 for your desktop replacement needs and grab a $400-450 APU 11.6-12inch netbook (ThinkPad x120e/Dm1z). Never grab any of those single/dual cored atom netbooks because they are anemic.

OR

2.) Get the new M11x R3 for your power/battery life/portability on the go needs and grab an 18.5" or 20" external monitor for bigger screen and desktop usage. (Don't buy a 1080p monitor since the gt 540m will struggle if you play demanding games, 1600x900 is the perfect balance so that is recommended).

 

Of course, not every college classroom is the same. But from my experience, I have had difficulty fitting my 15.6" laptop on my desk along with a notepad to write on. Some classes are fine, but others I have to elect not to use my computer as it is just too much of a hassle.

It is of course partially a matter of personal preference on both the screen real estate and physical size.
I am also an engineering major, and have no problems using CAD on a 1600x900 14" screen, but others require more screen space. Everybody is built differently, so there is no one size fits all. I am fine carrying a 17 inch laptop, but I prefer not to since I ride my bmx bike to classes and enjoy doing some flatland tricks along the way (this should probably be my last concern, but hey, I enjoy life lol).

I would suggest that the OP would be fine with the m14x with the 1600x900 screen, but may prefer the m17x, depending on his college classroom environment and body build.

 

I'm definitely going to the gym this summer, so weight is no problem as long as it's under 7-8lbs. Then it's just a hassle. XDD

I'm attending a liberal arts college, so I'm getting a quality education at the expense of nicer facilities, so outlets are a bit rare. Battery life is convenient due to the outdoor focus as well haha.

Money is a serious problem. Family issues are forcing us tonpay extraordinary amounts, so the m17x is definitely a no. The m14x is already pushing it!


I think I'll get the m14x for performance and lastability. I'll get a quote for both the m14x and m11x, and if the price disparity is large enough, I may go with the latter and an external monitor.



Thanks again everyone! I mean, either way I'll have an awesome lappy, right?

 

Make sure you tell Dell that you're on a real tight budget, because they'll keep popping up the 'dell preferred plan' or whatever; where you can pay for it in 12 months with interest. If you're using the laptop for school, are you planning on using the laptops during class? I don't think an external monitor would work. Lol. m14x with 900p would be the most useful, but with money problems, it's just another problem. You could always do that thing they have if you have some amount of income coming to you by the month.
The weight. . don't worry about it, it's just like another book! I've carried my m15x and a couple other books around the campus at my uni ( and its crazy big) without any problems. I'm also a really skinny person =(.

 

It's not about the weight of the laptop and being in shape. It is the convenience of carrying something light for comfort and having more space because of smaller dimensions.

For example, if you can carry a 200lb woman vs a 120lb bikini model both easily, would you rather carry the 120lb for more comfort because it is lighter? Like I said it ain't about being out of shape or being heavy, but comfort is better.

 

Hmm, well, I believe that I won't need to bring my lappy to class all the time, unless it's an engineering course. In that case, I may have to, but generally, I'm a paper and pencil kind of guy.

I plan on pursuing internships and studying abroad, however, so portability is a plus there. If it's just convenience... I'm getting a quote on both the m14x and m11x. It'll be a matter of money from here. :/

 

Either way man, you'll be happy, Alienware is just so cool

 

Either of them are fine for college.

If you're going to spend the majority of your day on campus, however, the M11X with a monitor in your dorm/student apartment is a better choice since the battery will last 2.5hrs longer compared to the M14X.

5hrs vs 7.5hrs

 

Did you get a quote for the prices yet?