ordered a m17x, need some advice

hi guys, I'm new to this site (i came here originally for the m17x cpu video thingy, which was very useful). I ordered my m17x earlier today (4 ghz 1333 ram, 2x 280s, cheapest processor (going to use thanksgiving money to get an oem qx9300 and put that in), 2x500gb hdds) and it's still within the window where i can cancel.
I ordered it with the 1440x900 screen because it's the only way I could get the estimated ship date before the 2nd (when my year abroad program starts), but really am conflicted as to that. I would really prefer the 1920x1200 screen, but if the alienware's ship dates are accurate, it would ship too late.
Do people think that if I reorder with the 1920x1200 screen it would probably ship on time (the estimated date is the 4th with that configuration) and what do people think I should do?

Sorry for rambling.

 

I wouldn't say Alienwares (or Dells more to the point) ship dates are accurate.

But if it says the 4th and you need to leave by the 2nd, then nothing you could fasttrack would be reliable enough to chance it.

Where are you located? Can you go to Bestbuy or Microcenter and look at the screens to see if you are happy with the 1400x900.

 

I know what the screen would look like (my current one is 1920x1200, but my old one was 1440x900) and I know that it's not that huge of a difference but still pretty considerable.
And I'm like 15 minutes by car from a bestbuy and like 20 from a microcenter, so not really difficult.

 

i think u should get the screen, i requested a processor change and they changed it for free IF they didnt send it out yet

 

They are estimated, so even the order you currently made - may not come on time?

 

Well, the estimated time they currently give me is the 30th, so I have a 2 day margin as is.

 

His problem is if he gets the higher res screen he won't recieve the laptop before he goes overseas.

Holister,
I think you will have to stick with the 1440x900 if delivery is going to be that much of a issue.

Whats the delivery date on your order with the 1440x900?
Because as iMbaQ says if it's only a week before you go or even two I'd be a bit nervous.

Ok question answered and no way would I be relying on the laptop turning up on time.
I think you may need to get a store bought unit if you really want one before you leave.

 

Well, the customer service rep who helped me get the time down till before the 2nd said that it usually comes an average of 2-3 days before the date they state, they just essentially give themselves a large margin to cover their asses.
And if strictly necessary I can ship it to the UK (just would have to insure it and all that whatnot which I'd rather not do).

 

Well mine came 3 weeks after the original delivery date.

The service rep just wants a sale, he might have some idea if there might be a shortage on a part ect but I wouldn't bank on it.
One missing bit will blow your order out and then whats Plan B?

I guess you can get someone to forward to you overseas.

 

Evidently, they have an internal record of which parts would increase the build times, so I essentially chose only parts which wouldn't (ergo the ty screen).
Plan B is getting my parents to ship it to me or waiting till thanksgiving to pick it up.

 

random tangent - imbaQ, j/c did you play warcraft 2 or warcraft 3? because i strongly remember someone named imbaq in one of those two games.

 

Not that you should listen to me as I would hate to be the reason your M17x showed up after you left but I received mine 10 days prior to the EDD. I my screen is in my sig. So high res screen would maybe be 4 days difference. You would really be pushing your limits there.

 

Yeah, I know. It's an important upgrade but it's really pushing my luck getting it...

 

how do you request a change?