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M17x Comment/Reviews?

post #1 of 16
6/5/08 at 6:44pm
Thread Starter 
Hey guys, as with alot of other people I'm looking to get a laptop for the first time for uni. Its definately going to be an alienware Just the choice now is whether to go m17x/15x. I dont mind about portability really...I've never owned a laptop so cannot really comment. What the thread is about is, if anyone actually owns a m17x how do they find portability and battery life? And is the Sli really worth it in comparison to the m15x.
Another question is does anyone know when the M17x will be out in the Uk?
I will probably trick the laptop out to the max without the 4gb of RAM, and instead 2Gb, or do you think 4gb is worth it? People say about upgrading urself, but tbh I would rather have alienware do it to avoid problems, and warranty issues.
Any views you have that I should know about with my decision would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again guys
Ollie
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post #2 of 16
6/5/08 at 8:56pm
the only thing it does when changing ram is that they wont fix the ram if its the issue... but that is why I keep my original ram with me.... its alot cheaper to buy 4 gigs like from newegg for less 100 bucks instead of 350 bucks from alienware...
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post #3 of 16
6/6/08 at 4:54am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the reply Frankus, I did not realise you could do that. I always thought if you opened up the computer all warranty was void. Thanks for the heads up dude
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post #4 of 16
6/6/08 at 5:21am
It really depends on what type of usage you require the lappy for? Dragging it classes and gaming, I would recommend the m15X because it has switchable intel graphics to switch between the powerful m8800 and the intel grafix, so the battery lasts MUCH longer. If you are going to use a lappy mainly as a desktop replacement and not move it around much, then go for the m17x, this only has dedicated graphics.

I dont have time now to give any more opinions but it really boils down to usage. They are both fantastic laptops!
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post #5 of 16
6/6/08 at 5:22am
You can add your own memory, optical drives and hard drives. You can usually save some money by ordering the minimum memory and HD from Alienware, then buying aftermarket memory and a secondary HD. You can set up RAID yourself if you want.

Only thing you can't upgrade without voiding the warranty is the cpu.

Having said that, my last Alienware I just let them build it to avoid the minor hassles of shopping and fiddling with the upgrades.
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post #6 of 16
6/6/08 at 5:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hammerhead View Post
You can add your own memory, optical drives and hard drives. You can usually save some money by ordering the minimum memory and HD from Alienware, then buying aftermarket memory and a secondary HD. You can set up RAID yourself if you want.

Only thing you can't upgrade without voiding the warranty is the cpu.

Having said that, my last Alienware I just let them build it to avoid the minor hassles of shopping and fiddling with the upgrades.

How easy is it to add a second hard drive and set up RAID on a laptop?? I have done RAID setups plenty of times on custom desktops. But I have never had any laptop like an alienware, nor ever customized any previous laptops that I have had. I'm planning on getting the M17x very soon.
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post #7 of 16
6/6/08 at 6:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheCarLessDrive View Post
How easy is it to add a second hard drive and set up RAID on a laptop?? I have done RAID setups plenty of times on custom desktops. But I have never had any laptop like an alienware, nor ever customized any previous laptops that I have had. I'm planning on getting the M17x very soon.
Laptops are really easy now to add hds. With my m9700, just took out one screw, the tray slides out, screw the drive to the tray, re-insert, and replace the screw. The interface on the drive connects directly to the motherboard, no cables or anything.

Here's Alienware's knowledge base article on adding a hd to the m9700/m9750.

They don't have the m15x or m17x in there yet, except for the smart bay drive for the m15x...

As for adding RAID, after you've added the second drive (same speed and size as the first is best), just enable RAID in the bios, then you'll have to re-install the operating system. If you have respawn on disc, you can just use that to apply factory settings to the new RAID array.

I understand the new respawn is also on the hard drive, so before deleting the drive make sure you've got it on disk, or you can just use the windows disc that comes with the system for a complete fresh install from scratch.
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post #8 of 16
6/6/08 at 6:21pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for all the input really helpful I didn't realise the M17X didnt have integrated and dedicated...so my mines made up the m15x, as I'll be in lectures...so need battery.
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post #9 of 16
6/6/08 at 6:24pm
oh wtf, You cant switch to onboard video with the M17x?? What about turning one of the Video cards off?? Cause Im gonna be in lectures as well. Even though I will only be typing most likely during this time.
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post #10 of 16
6/7/08 at 5:09pm
No onboard for the m17x I'm afraid, but you can "downclock" cpu and gpu's. Otherwise I would suggest getting an extra battery...

AW scores the m17x very low for mobility so it's not recommended for running on battery for long periods...However the m15x is the way to go for mobility...
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post #11 of 16
6/27/08 at 9:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlienRod View Post
No onboard for the m17x I'm afraid, but you can "downclock" cpu and gpu's. Otherwise I would suggest getting an extra battery...

AW scores the m17x very low for mobility so it's not recommended for running on battery for long periods...However the m15x is the way to go for mobility...
i like to correct something, on the M17X there's also switchable intel graphics

I called Alienware to confirm it because i ordered a M17X it's a very nice option
because my M9750 drain's the battery very fast....

very low for mobility because it's f...g big
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post #12 of 16
6/29/08 at 4:17pm
Thanks Vitotherm, but i'd really like more verification on this before anyone takes this as fact. According to alienware.com tech specs, the m17x does not include BinaryGFX (the integrated intel GPU). As further evidence, AW has recently opened the public drivers for the m17x. there is no driver download for the intel GPU. This is unlike the m15x which does…

Hopefully one of the AW reps that check this forum can clear this up
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post #13 of 16
6/29/08 at 4:26pm
TheCarLessDrive. I have the m15x but I can makes some logical assumptions with the m17x. If you’re going for battery life the first thing you’re going to need to do is disable SLI, so its only using one GPU. That should pretty much put it at the power consumption level of the m15x.
That said, the m15x GPU auto downclocks the second you remove it from battery. This, along with automatic CPU downclocking and nvidia powermizer on, gives me 1.5 hours of 3d gaming on battery (not bad concerting the settings I have enabled). While I have not given it a shot, I’d assume you’ll get close to 2 hours of battery life this way for things like lectures.
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post #14 of 16
7/17/08 at 10:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by marker01 View Post
Thanks Vitotherm, but i'd really like more verification on this before anyone takes this as fact. According to alienware.com tech specs, the m17x does not include BinaryGFX (the integrated intel GPU). As further evidence, AW has recently opened the public drivers for the m17x. there is no driver download for the intel GPU. This is unlike the m15x which does…

Hopefully one of the AW reps that check this forum can clear this up
you are right, BinaryGFX not included just down clocking CPU and GPU
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post #15 of 16
7/17/08 at 3:54pm
Thanks so much for clearing that up Vitotherm. I guess you got your m17x ?

PS: i can help you with the CPU downclocking (battery) and GPU downclocking (AC) if interested. Assuming it's going to be pretty close to the m15x (which i think is a safe assumption)
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post #16 of 16
7/17/08 at 6:28pm
Not yet, droppped back from phase 4 to phase 3
but i think that's normal (just before production)

PS: i can help you with the CPU downclocking (battery) and GPU downclocking (AC) if interested, Yes i am verry interested
thanks..
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