M11x Pre-Order Configuration Questions... Ask HERE

[RavenManiac]

Thanks Yiddo. Okay, I just pulled the trigger on a refurbished M11x R3. Here's the configuration:

Item Description:
-- Alienware M11x R3 Laptop
-- Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish
-- AlienFX Color, Quasar Blue
-- Alienware AVATAR 4
-- 11.6 inch High Definition WLED Display (1366x768) with Integrated 1.3M Pixel Webcam
-- Processor: Intel Core i7 2637M Processor (1.7GHz w/Turbo Boost 2.8GHz, 4MB Cache)
-- 6 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz (2 DIMMs)
-- 750 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
-- NVIDIA GeForce GT540 graphics with 2.0GB Video Memory and Optimus
-- 64BIT Operating System
-- Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth Module
-- Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
-- 90W AC Adapter
-- 8 Cell Primary Battery
-- Killer Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO
-- 125V Power Cord
-- 1 Yr Ltd Warranty, In-Home Service after Remote Diagnosis

Are these specs okay or did I screw something up? I didn't have time to check back with you because Dell removes any refurbished purchases after 15 minutes. :-)

[Yiddo]

Very nice if you can afford it the I7 now it is the way to go. I was against it at first saying that the I5 was enough but now I think otherwise and maybe wish I could have pulled off a deal on it because the I7 owners can laugh in the face of those that said dont do it because if the R3 is the last model that is now the most powerful setup you can get.

The 6GB Ram is a sweet spot and it leaves the door open to upgrade to 8GB by removing the 2GB slot.

The Killer is a must have for any gamer on wireless and the 750GB will do nicely and can still be upgraded to an SSD if you need it to.

You will be very pleased with it I assure you of that Stealth black is much nicer than the RED IMO too

[RavenManiac]

Yiddo, I'm a little confused. One of the members on the M14x forum says I made a bad move and should have opted for the refurbished M14x R1, which has a more powerful CPU and GPU .

[Yiddo]

Yiddo, I'm a little confused. One of the members on the M14x forum says I made a bad move and should have opted for the refurbished M14x R1, which has a more powerful CPU and GPU .

When you actually compare them its not that major difference. When overclocked I am only 500 pts off the 555M GT 3DMark11 scores and the M11x comes with an Ultra Low Voltage CPU meaning it can last a lot longer when running on battery.

As mentioned on the other page the difference is quite obvious if you want a gaming laptop you can carry around with you in a draw string bag, which is small and portable and powerful enough for everything you throw at it you want an m11x so if your son intends to use it at Uni its a must have. The M14x is more powerful because it is a lot bigger and bulkier and is not portable you would need a carry bag for it and it will chew up the battery much faster. I always look at the M14x as in between a gaming netbook and a high end gaming laptop, it sings mid range all the way but it is still for use as a small desktop replacement, the M11x sits in a class of its own.

[RavenManiac]

Thanks for your help Yiddo. Unfortunately, I decided to cancel my order. Quite frankly, the screen size was always a concern and then when Thornox mentioned the reduced processing power that cast me into doubt city. I really wish Alienware had a better way of identifying the newness of their systems.

[Yiddo]

Shame I really think the M14x wont be portable enough and it is a lot bulkier than most think in comparison to the mini M11x. The screen resolution is barely different as well so the 3 extra inches is not as major as you think. Do take a look at my review here:

M11x R3 Review by Yiddo

Big is not always better and as I mentioned the I7 ULV is as powerful as a 720QM quad core processor but runs extremely efficient with very low power consumption which means 5-6 hours battery life. You will not get that on the M14x.

Good luck with your purchase whatever you choose

[RavenManiac]

Thanks Yiddo. I appreciate your help. Right now my son is big into Guild Wars 2, so I was concerned about his ability to play that on the M11x R3. Plus, his eyesight is not great either, so I was also concerned about the 11.6" screen. My other son has a 13" MacBook and while that works great for him, it's a little small for me. I prefer 15" screen myself, but I'm an old guy.

[Yiddo]

Guilds wars 2 is going to be intensive sadly the 555M GT may not produce the results you are hoping for, it will require a high end GPU for maximum settings so again the difference in performance may not be worthwhile. The 540M GT in the M11x running at 720P will probably be similiar to the 555M GT in the M14x running at 900P.

Alas I fear I cannot change your mind again people twist the minds of others by saying bigger is better I have the Clevo in my signature sitting upstairs in my draw unused and gathering dust for the sole reason that my M11x is so awesome the beast of the graphics card in it (6990M) cannot match the awesomeness of this little monster!

Enjoy the M14x.

[Reluctant Hero]

So I kept refreshing the Dell Outlet tidy and was able to snag a Refurbished R3.

Alienware M11x R3

- Intel® Core i7 2617M (2.6GHz/4MB cache)
- Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-Bit
- 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz
- Mobile Intel® QS67 Chipset
- 320GB SATA hard drive (7200RPM)
- Intel® Wireless-N WiFi Link 1000 a/g/n 1x2 (Standard)
- Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish

With taxes & free shipping it came to $974.00, I'm very happy. Would have like Bluetooth, but not an issue. The HDD isn't a big deal either as I forsee upgrading to an SSD down the road.

But the Intel 1000 wi-fi, how bad is it? Should I look into an upgrade? If so, which card?

Also, the R3 will be placing my two year old, out of warranty, R1 with the overclocked SU 7300, 4gb ram, 320 HDD, and GT 355m. The battery is totally shot. Three screws on the bottom late wouldn't screw back in after getting off an hour long call with dell support, they don't appear to stripped but just won't screw in their holes. Do you think I'd be able to ask for $300 for my R1 with those two issues on eBay?

[Jubei Kibagami]

Hey Yiddo, what is your opinion on the Sager NP6110? Would you buy one over M11x r3? As for me...I just don't know yet....