Alienware M14x Review: The Best or Worst Portable Gaming Laptop? Discussion

[Ellatan]

Originally Posted by Gearsguy

Ellatan, I again know you find me annoying because I do not advertise Clevos/agree with you that the m14x is the worst laptop ever made and you continually argue with everything you don't agree on me with with each reply (such as you now comparing performance when we were talking about size), so if you wish to finally PM me about it like Ive been saying, then Id be fine with continuing our fantastic Christmas conversation.

Cheers.

When I wrote my first post, I didn't even realize it was you, since you changed your avatar. I'm just trying to be objective, don't take it personally.

I don't advertize Clevo over any other laptop. Usually I don't even mention Clevo in my suggestions, they have a very specific niche. Sometimes I actually discourage people from getting Clevo if you actually read my posts. When a person looks for cool LED lights/flashy design/backlit keyboard or GTX 560M with Optimus, I'd be the first in line to suggest an Alienware laptop to them.
M14x is great and all for people who can appreciate those things, it also has the best performance at 14 inch. What I was trying to point out is that it has width of a 14 inch laptop, but that's the only dimension that fits it. I don't know why you'd want to argue about it, that doesn't make it a bad laptop. Just like Apple laptops are also great for people who can value their style/OSX, even though they cost significantly more.

[Gearsguy]

Ah, I get it. Typical biased opinion. I dont even feel like writing a response to this. Neither me, nor any other sensible Alienware and yes, even Mac owner, need to be treated this way. If you wish to know all future posts are being blocked by you Ellatan, Im putting my footdown on getting publicly and privately harassed for owning a brand. I think the M14x and all Alienware computers have flaws, but I still enjoy them no matter what stuff you may pull off the internet. I know it performs great, I know its the size of a 14 inch laptop but thicker because Ive seen it in my own two eyes, and I outweigh the costs of a few hundred dollars more over a clevo to get good features like excellent build quality, sound, and yeah even those incredibly non-sager led lights and such. I hope that people who will honestly appreciate what the notebook has to offer will do so, and if it doesnt fit thats okay, but maybe get everyones opinion before jumping in the crowd.

Done with this thread, Im out.

[Convel]

Originally Posted by Gearsguy

Yeah but that's also following the same logic as "If youre going to pay $1200 for a 14 inch laptop, why not get a better 17 inch?" In which I say, because I dont need another desktop. Yeah eventually ODD will be dropped but Dell has to go to what consumers want as Alienware is such a large brand. If it hadn't come with one, people would just be complaining it doesnt have one/doesnt have blu ray (like they do)/it can't hold dual HDD's. Hopefully as the "cloud" gets bigger they'll advertise the need to not have one, but for now I think its staying (Note that I dont WANT the cloud, I just dont need a DVD Drive like you).

Anyways, yeah its thick, but eh. The overall dimensions (LxW) is in the 14 inch zone (actually smaller in length and same in width as my sisters Samsung QX410 or whatever, typical 14 inch notebook), so its mighty portable, while still having that kick like the m11x to play most games at the moment maxed out.

I should probably have clarified that I don't mind paying extra for it being small/portable. I share your sentiment as I have a powerful desktop as well. And hey, it's not like I've never even played with the thought of buying the M14x. I realise that consumers still want an ODD (unfortunately), but the end result is a laptop that is too thick for its specs IMO. I realise I'm probably asking for too much since I've really only seen one laptop fulfilling my criterias. The M14x is a good laptop, but focuses too much on reaching out to a broad audince for my taste.

Sent from my Optimus 2X using Tapatalk

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by Gearsguy

Ah, I get it. Typical biased opinion. I dont even feel like writing a response to this. Neither me, nor any other sensible Alienware and yes, even Mac owner, need to be treated this way. If you wish to know all future posts are being blocked by you Ellatan, Im putting my footdown on getting publicly and privately harassed for owning a brand. I think the M14x and all Alienware computers have flaws, but I still enjoy them no matter what stuff you may pull off the internet. I know it performs great, I know its the size of a 14 inch laptop but thicker because Ive seen it in my own two eyes, and I outweigh the costs of a few hundred dollars more over a clevo to get good features like excellent build quality, sound, and yeah even those incredibly non-sager led lights and such. I hope that people who will honestly appreciate what the notebook has to offer will do so, and if it doesnt fit thats okay, but maybe get everyones opinion before jumping in the crowd.

Done with this thread, Im out.

Sheesh, hello drama queen. Who's harassing you in this thread? I only see people discussing the machine you purchased.

If you like what you've bought, there's no need to be so defensive over it. Others having negative opinions about the M14x doesn't mean they're persecuting everyone who's purchased one.

Calm down a little bit is all I'm saying. This has been a civil discussion, thus far.

[HTWingNut]

Originally Posted by Convel

I should probably have clarified that I don't mind paying extra for it being small/portable. I share your sentiment as I have a powerful desktop as well. And hey, it's not like I've never even played with the thought of buying the M14x. I realise that consumers still want an ODD (unfortunately), but the end result is a laptop that is too thick for its specs IMO. I realise I'm probably asking for too much since I've really only seen one laptop fulfilling my criterias. The M14x is a good laptop, but focuses too much on reaching out to a broad audince for my taste.

Sent from my Optimus 2X using Tapatalk

Well, HP received a lot of backlash when they released the older Envy 15 without an optical drive, so they brought it back. Issue is why bring only a DVDRW and not a blu-ray. I mean if you're going to go through the effort to keep it in, at least offer the latest tech. My primary reason for an optical drive is for movies. If it was only for software installation, a USB one will serve me just fine.

[shriek11]

Are 256 gb SSDs in M14x SATA III capable by default? I just ordered an M14x from the dell outlet mall.

[DC87]

Originally Posted by shriek11

Are 256 gb SSDs in M14x SATA III capable by default? I just ordered an M14x from the dell outlet mall.

It appears quiet possible to make it run at SATAIII just use an BIOS version before A07. There's probably a 50% you will have boot issues although.

[TailGunner]

The main thing to keep the M14x utilizing the drive at SATA III speeds is to not install Intel Rapid Storage Technology drivers. I was able to get my Samsung 830 running via SATA III on it, but I had other glaring issues such as random lockups and could not get the machine out of hibernation/sleep.

That same SSD got dropped into a Macbook Pro and I've yet to have a single issue with it, so it's not the drive...

[tony5.0]

Anyone tried M14x to run online trading program? Cos I require real time data streaming and super fast upload issues.

[spencer.spinach]

Ok, I can understand most of the criticism of the m14x based on this review, but how can you give this laptop a 1.5/5 in upgradeability while the m11x got a 4.5/5? You can't even upgrade the processor on the m11x.