NPNP8170 vs m17x (6970m - Switchable Graphics)

So I've been waiting for the Sager 17" series to update with the 6970m for quite some time now, and as soon as Malibal updated their graphics card line-up with the 6970 today, I placed an order for the NP8170 (P170HM) with the 6970m as the graphics card choice.

But after pondering over my purchase for the past couple hours, I realized I made a major oversight and forgot to note if the 6970m on the NP8170 had switchable graphics or not, which is a really important criteria for me. Because with my current laptop, I'm sick and tired of having to go find my A/C adapter after only 2 hours of net-surfing (not even gaming).

I read somewhere that for switchable graphics to work, the motherboard has to support it? But I'm not sure if the NP8170 mobo does. After looking into the 6970m some more, I realized the m17x r3 has this card, and it supports the switchable graphics, which allows 4-6 hours of battery life, which is really nice. Though with similar components, the m17x comes out to $250 more expensive.

So my question is: Does the 6970m support switchable graphics on the NP8170 at the moment? If not, will there be some sort of driver/patch that will be released in the future which will allow switchable graphics?

...or is my purchase doomed from the first day already? (fyi, if you haven't noticed, battery life is really important to me)

 

nope.. motherboard isn't wired for it. never will

 

Shucks... not the kind of news I wanted to hear, sadly :/

How many hours of battery life do you think the NP8170 will get with the 6970m + 2720qm? I'm hoping for at least 3.

 

People have been reporting that the battery life should be around 3 hours with moderate computer activity.

 

moderate being the key word here lol. probably going to want to dim the display and turn of wireless/bt any chance you get.. gpu will downclock itself when not on AC power

if battery is an issue, you may want to reconsider the R3. it's a bit flashy in the looks department, but it'll get the job done.. and IMHO since you said there was only a $250 price diff, you'll be able to haggle dell to a good 10+% off that. some reported upgrading to only the 460, then getting the sales people to up them to the 6970 for free. you should also easily be able to get a free bag, and free next business day shipping.

edit: that 10% off will come with determination, and possibly many phone calls to different sales reps lol.. make sure you talk to a rep thats based in the US if you do this. they have more room to discount. especially if you do it through epp

 

I had an M17X R3 for a short time, but returned it due to defects.

I only got around 3-4 hours on the IGP using a power saving plan.

 

huh.. interesting.. my cousin is currently pushing 5 hours with his.

 

The AAFES website is selling the M17x at a 20% discount if you or a close relative is in the military.

I have one on order with the 2720QM and 6970m, and 1080p screen (which is supposed to be loads better than the stock NP8170 one) for $1630. So, if you're military, that makes your choice much easier

 

Yeah it does! Almost makes me wish I liked the alienware laptops lol. My twin bro just swore into the marines yesterday.. We'll see what they come out with next year.. Maybe Dell will have a sweet tablet by then