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    Couple Questions on m14x vs the others

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by ratmyr, May 4, 2011.

  1. ratmyr

    ratmyr Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey Everyone.

    Current Aurora owner and a fan of Alienware. Due to serious back issue, I have abandoned my desktop (for the time being) due to laying down a lot on the couch or in bed. So as such, been scouting around for a notebook for possible portable gaming. Read quite a few of the posts here, but actually looking for input from those who have dealt with the new m11x and the m14x (possibly even the m17x - not sure). For the most part, I plan on going with stock settings, but I do want to get the additional insurance for the added protection (which I normally ignore on desktops as I can replace items easier). Questions I have are:

    - Fan noise. I read the lengthy discussion on the m14x fan issue. For the most part, it appears (from the discussion and videos) that the fans are quite loud when being used for intense reasons - gaming, benchmarks, etc. Compared to the other models, which seem to be (for the most part) the quietest? Since I am using this in the living room with family, don't want to bother them - even if I have ear phones on.

    - WirelessHD. I like this option, and it appears to be available for the m14x/m17x models. My initial thought is to go with the wirelessHD internal adaptor and then get the external pieces at a later date (from other sources). I read a thread that talked about other solutions which I believe were mode USB based, but can't find it now. So question - does anyone have the link to the thread that talked about the alternative? This is mostly for the m11x if I decide to go that route, or possibly the m14x/m17x if it seems better than the offered options.

    As stated above - I am leaning between the m11x/m14x because though I don't travel much, I won't be using this on a stationary desk setup. And for screen size - I can always attach an additional display or use the wirelesshd. :)

    Thoughts?

    Appreciate any help. Thanks!

    And last point - I have thought about moving the desktop to behind the couch or so and just have the monitor where I would have the notebook. I haven't ruled this out completely, but if and when I do travel, this will obviously be a no go. :)

    Charles.
     
  2. Serephucus

    Serephucus Notebook Deity

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    Have a Google around for the Ergotron LX desk mount. It's an arm with a desk clamp on one end, and a VESA mount on the other. I use one with my desktop, and out of everything - monitor, GPU, CPU, whatever - it's the best €200 I've ever spent. Might help with your back problems. :)
     
  3. Valentin N

    Valentin N Notebook Evangelist

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    hey and warm welcome.

    I am sorry to hear your problems. :(

    could you tell us where you live so that members know what online shop are suited for you.

    could you tell us what you're willing to pay.

    I personally would go for a laptop that is configurable. Sager/clevo are good. I have only seen positive comments about them. SLI might be a problem but other than that it's all good.

    I hope you'll get better

    Regards,
    Valentin N
     
  4. Valentin N

    Valentin N Notebook Evangelist

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    here is a Sager NP8130 for 1290$ and it has everything that a gamer needs and as a big plus you have a matt screen.

    Regards,
    Valentin N
     
  5. ratmyr

    ratmyr Notebook Enthusiast

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    I live in Arizona. Sorry about that.

    I used to frequent clevo based systems quite a lot and owned three or four Hypersonic notebooks. In fact, still have one - the CX7 which I think was a 5720 or close to that. But nowadays, just not worth much other than the cool custom paint job I had on it.

    That said - will definitely look into that Ergotron arm you talked about Serephucus. I had actually spoken with a few friends on crafting something that I could attach a screen/notebook to that slides behind the couch. But more of a idea than anything else.

    Thanks for the responses and the welcome!
    Charles.
     
  6. Valentin N

    Valentin N Notebook Evangelist

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    tigerdirect.com might be a good place for you check out :)

    Regards,
    Valentin N
     
  7. Serephucus

    Serephucus Notebook Deity

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    I should mention that you can also buy attachments to fit to the arm, such as notebook trays. :)

    That would mean you'd have the arm clamped to the desk, and could swing the notebook around wherever you wanted it.

    The only reason that I'm stressing this is that, unless you'd have other uses for a laptop that would make the $1,500 or so worth it, you're probably better off spending $200 and finding a comfortable way to use what you already have.

    Having said all that... Alienwares do indeed rock...
     
  8. ratmyr

    ratmyr Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah - I agree on the Alienware comment. As stated above, my current desktop is an Aurora I picked up last year and really enjoy it. I have toyed with getting another one, but since the onset of back issues getting worse, looking for a more mobile solution. Thus the discussion started here. I would have other uses, as moving the laptop from the living room to the bedroom and back, as well as taking on trips is much more convenient than moving a desktop around. But I do see options to using the arm as well - so your information you provided is greatly appreciated.

    So thus the reason I was asking questions concerning the different models of the notebooks. I hate that my gaming has gone from a raiding Warcraft player to tending my Farmville plots. :( Current notebook - I can't complain, as it is almost six years old. It has provided me many years of enjoyment. But I miss playing games with my son, and thus need to find a solution to get back on my feet again.

    And Valentin N - appreciate the info you have provided too. If I don't find what I am looking for with the Alienware notebook, I know where to look. And I have PCTorque (a Sager reseller) bookmarked at home from my old days of clevo shopping. But for now - I am staying focused on my Alienware options.

    Just trying to find the best option and then I will start searching for better deals. I am an EPP customer with Dell, as well as an DPA holder. Just stinks that since all the models are so new, that this means nothing to the discounts currently. :(

    Thanks everyone!
    Charles.
     
  9. Valentin N

    Valentin N Notebook Evangelist

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    I hope I could help you a bit :)

    Take care Charles

    Regards,
    Valentin N