Need an opinion on 17 r2 vs 18.

Since I have had so much time on my hands waiting for my R2 to ship I have been looking at the features / functionality of the 18" and have been asking myself why not just get an 18" instead of the new R2.


I will be using this for business and play. Gaming, 3d modeling / rendering and programming. I will be using this for the next 2.5 - 3 years and then will buy a new one, this becomes a backup or just in case type machine. I value the upgrade ability of the 18" but realistically I will not be dumping a bunch of money into it, when @ home I use my desktop 85% of the time. Maybe if the 9xx series comes down in price it may be a down the road upgrade for the laptop but not immediate. The Laptop is an extension of my day to day not primary day to day machine unless traveling. It will be used so that I can do my day to day while I am away from home (30% - 40%% travel). I am so sick of dragging my desktop with me when I am away for extended periods of time. The adapter on the r2 is nice and I can see a benefit for those that don't have a desktop, but I will never use one.


A few questions for those who have seen or used both machines.

• Viability 3 years down the road on stock 880m's?
• The problems with the 880m that are existing are they insurmountable have they been, for the most part, addressed?
• I've had no experience with SLI laptops, are they worth the extra pain?
• Or are they really a pain or not hardly noticeable for day to day use?
• Any reason to expect the 18" to not be a reliable and dependable laptop?
• 18" display vs 17 r2? I like the glossy high res type monitors. Not crazy about the matte displays. Is the true life on the 18" a glossy display?
• What were the other display options?
• When looking at the 18" alienware are there any things you should get as a must have? For instance the 49xxMX series CPU? or any other options?
• Anyone had issues with Dell Refurbished units? I am sure there are horror stories and exception but generally problem free?
• Any other concerns I should have?
• Should I look to find one of the 780M Machines instead or stick with the 880m?

I've already called in and got a price for a 3 year extended warranty (next business day on site and accidental coverage). I am ok with that cost as long as the machine can provide 3 years of dependable service.


Just want some opinions on this. I have gotten myself into a bit of analysis paralysis reviewing both and was hoping to get some honest opinions.

 

Made my mind up this evening and went with the 18". Canceling my 17 r2 tomorrow. Ended up with an 18" 4910mq, 32 gb ram, 2 x 880m's, Samsung 850 pro (512 gb), 1 tb 5400, slot load blu ray and ended up being $250 less than my dell order after adding the 3 yr extended / in home service and accidental damage. And the bests part, I know it will be here Friday!

I think I am more excited about this one than what I was when I expected my 17 r2 this week.

 

An Alienware 18 will blow the 17 R2 any time of the day! Good decision you made. The 17 R2 has a soldered CPU (so no upgrade in the future), single GPU, (SLI will smoke it every time), more RAM slots (4 vs 2)

really, there is no comparison to be made here, the 18 is a a beast. The 17 R2 is a small chicken that Alienware wants to force feed us

 

I'm afraid I will have to agree with Ferris23 on this one.
The Alienware 18 is a beast.
I would have gone and bought that one, if I didn't find a really accessible AW17 R1.
The only way the Echo models interest me is the fact that you can use the Graphics Amplifier.

I hope the 18 fulfills your needs.

 

Definitely good choice, i would have done the same, if i needed some 17/18 inches laptop i'd go with the 18 plus you can customize it way more.

 

Unless the amp fits your needs particularly the 18 lets you take it all with you. Good choice