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    M14X Travel Tip - How to Prevent Screen Scratching

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by Voodooi, May 9, 2012.

  1. Voodooi

    Voodooi AFK for a while...

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    There's nothing more frustrating then opening your laptop lid after some travels and discovering a scratch on your screen due to applied pressure between your keyboard and screen. This isn't specific to the M14X - this can happen to any laptop, given the right pressure.

    This happened to me several years ago - my beloved MSI gaming machine had a big 1.5" scratch and I take care of my tech like a newborn child - very meticulous and caring.

    The solution ladies and gents is purchasing a Shaggy Mac. I've had the same cloth for 3 years. It doesn't wear out and it's still in pristine condition.

    I've been using the 17" version (which is from my previous 17" laptops) and I assume the 15.4" would be a perfect fit for the M14X since the 17" version is about 1.5" too long.

    Shaggy Mac:
    Laptop Screen Protector for PC

    *They ship internationally.
     
    Voodooi, May 9, 2012
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  2. M11xDude

    M11xDude Notebook Consultant

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    M11xDude, May 9, 2012
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  3. iPhantomhives

    iPhantomhives Click the image to change your avatar.

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    Hey Voodooi , so this screen protector can wipe off dust from the screen easily? Can it be folded?
     
    iPhantomhives, May 9, 2012
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  4. lapd1685

    lapd1685 Newbie

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    M14X Travel Tip - How to Prevent Screen Scratching...

    Don't sit on you fing laptop. I have never had this problem.
     
    lapd1685, May 9, 2012
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  5. Voodooi

    Voodooi AFK for a while...

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    Yep, it can wipe dust without any issues and it's totally foldable :)

    @lapd1685
    It happens and your chances of it happening increases with every commute.

    Backpack - Your laptop along with textbooks and the adapter for example.

    One little knick against a wall/table can apply unwanted pressure and squish your screen against the keyboard, resulting in a scratch.

    ---

    And whatever you do people, DO NOT USE TISSUE/TOILET PAPER/NAPKINS to clean your screen. It's derived from wood and will destroy your screen. :)
     
    Voodooi, May 9, 2012
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  6. VV1LLC

    VV1LLC Notebook Geek

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    I know this may sound crazy... But the little foam wrapping paper used for fragile packaging... ITS GREAT! Lol :D I had some left over from my Logitech Revue... I just measured and placed in between the screen and the keyboard. Its working fine for me. Along with the Alienware M17 Orion Backpack... Havent had any issues as of now.

    Btw: Voodo thanks for the tp cleaning thing! :D I can totally see that as a slogan... Keep the tp for your butt... Not your electronics... lol...
     
    VV1LLC, May 10, 2012
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  7. Voodooi

    Voodooi AFK for a while...

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    Haha! Couldn't agree with you more.
     
    Voodooi, May 10, 2012
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  8. zbean

    zbean Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have used the ShaggyMac on every laptop I have owned since 2005. Two thumbs up!
     
    zbean, May 10, 2012
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  9. Bruxel

    Bruxel Newbie

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    A good alternative to the shaggy mac is just using the cover that comes with the laptop instead of putting it over the whole computer, just slip the keyboard part and close the lid on it...I do this when i put the laptop in my backpack and works well.
     
    Bruxel, May 10, 2012
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  10. VV1LLC

    VV1LLC Notebook Geek

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    Lol... Didn't though about that... Your Right tho... :D
     
    VV1LLC, May 10, 2012
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  11. Voodooi

    Voodooi AFK for a while...

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    That works too :)
     
    Voodooi, May 10, 2012
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  12. iPhantomhives

    iPhantomhives Click the image to change your avatar.

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    I'm going to buy it , since my m14x arrived. Also anyone know how to prevent scratch on the speaker area , those plastic could get scratched easily.
     
    iPhantomhives, May 25, 2012
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  13. obc993

    obc993 Notebook Consultant

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    do not use anything sharp, if dust gets stuck try with compressed air, its metal and it has like a tiny coat of paint, it comes off pretty easy,i have learned that the hard way :c
     
    obc993, May 26, 2012
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  14. MrD1sturbed

    MrD1sturbed Notebook Evangelist

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    Razer Kubuto

    This is what I use, and it's a great mouse pad for mobile gaming too. Pairs perfectly with the M14x and the Razer Orochi.
     
    MrD1sturbed, May 26, 2012
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  15. busted51

    busted51 Notebook Enthusiast

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    An Idea.. Can I cut a plain white T shirt to size ? Ive have maybe 20 old ones just laying around.
     
    busted51, May 26, 2012
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  16. bluefalcon13

    bluefalcon13 Notebook Evangelist

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    This is literally the same setup I am running :)
     
    bluefalcon13, May 27, 2012
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  17. ImportJunky

    ImportJunky Notebook Consultant

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    I thought of doing this too. As I did it with my M11x R1, But if you place something that is too thick between the lid and keyboard when the lid is closed if pressure is applied you will start pulling outward on the hinges like a fulcrum point.

    So Idk. I might take a trip down to the fabric's store. One thing I thought of is the loop side of velcro, Get the Loop side with the adhesive backing and put strips of it down on the wrist pad
     
    ImportJunky, May 27, 2012
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  18. Zeju

    Zeju Notebook Consultant

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    Just bought one for myself, Panther style! Thank you guys :)
     
    Zeju, Jun 12, 2012
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  19. Airstryke22

    Airstryke22 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I just picked up one of these, myself. My M14x (Nebula Red) should be here this afternoon and I figured I shouldn't take any risks.

    Alloy FTW! :)
     
    Airstryke22, Jun 12, 2012
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  20. laz91

    laz91 Notebook Evangelist

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    So the 15.4" shaggymac fits well for the m14x? Can anyone confirm?
     
    laz91, Jun 13, 2012
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  21. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    Really good info Voodooi, it's never a bad idea to be preventive on this. Here is also an article on how to take care of your battery life.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Jun 13, 2012
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  22. Zeju

    Zeju Notebook Consultant

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    My laptop isn't here, but an idea of the dimensions I think the ShaggyMac is half an CM shorter then the laptop so that's not too bad, it should cover the keyboard and hopefully doesn't dangle over the sides.

    To give a rough example of size, I have my ShaggyMac sitting ontop of the NotePal U2, and it covers the NotePal perfect (I have it sitting ontop of the mesh and fans because I dont want dust to get in the fans while its sitting there waiting for my laptop).

    Literally perfect, its as wide as the U2 down to the millimeter. Naturally it's a bit smaller in terms of height because the U2 is designed to seat a full laptop and the ShaggyMac is meant to cover the keyboard.

    Anyway, yes I'd say 15.4" is a perfect fit.
     
    Zeju, Jun 23, 2012
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  23. xGeorgexBp

    xGeorgexBp Notebook Guru

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    I carry a microfiber cloth with me all the time now (keep my m14x lookin' clean), so I use that to put in between the keyboard and screen.
     
    xGeorgexBp, Jun 23, 2012
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  24. yhchoong

    yhchoong Notebook Consultant

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    If anyone is interested in the shaggymac dimensions, here's one I got custom cut from them when I had my r1.

    Width
    13 1/8 in
    Depth
    8 3/4 in

    It basically covers the entire keyboard and palmrest area leaving a slight border width of maybe 1/16 of an inch uncovered.

    I also would not advocate any of the razer mousepads to use as a screen protector cloth. By using it as a mousepad, it's naturally going to get dirty due to oils from your fingers, sweat from your palms, worn off plastic and teflon bits off the mouse feet and all other sorts of grime.

    You are not going to want to use it to clean the screen - the embedded dirt in it can actually scratch the very lcd it's supposed to protect.
     
    yhchoong, Jun 24, 2012
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  25. Airstryke22

    Airstryke22 Notebook Enthusiast

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    ShaggyMac has one for 14" widescreen laptops. I bought this version and it works perfectly on mine.

    Give it a go! :)
     
    Airstryke22, Jun 24, 2012
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  26. laz91

    laz91 Notebook Evangelist

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    I ordered the 15.4" a while ago so hopefully it fits will have to wait and see
     
    laz91, Jun 25, 2012
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  27. Envain

    Envain Newbie

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    I was wondering where those marks were coming from, before i installed my anti glare shield i was getting grid like marks on my screen now i realize it was from the keys(and maybe some hand grease). Haven't noticed it since i installed the screen protector but i Bought the shaggymac 14" thanks for this tip.
     
    Envain, Jun 29, 2012
    #27
  28. MakakiloMoke

    MakakiloMoke Notebook Enthusiast

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    MakakiloMoke, Jun 29, 2012
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  29. orphyn09

    orphyn09 Notebook Geek

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    Just a question about the Kabuto, I picked up a kind of generic brand that seemed identical except for the razer branding, but didn't give a measurement for height (not on their website or anything). My question is: Is the kabuto thin enough that the lid will completely close? With this one the hinge doesn't fully close, and, although I am not sure if it will cause any damage, I definitely would feel better if the lid would close completely.

    I would opt for the shaggy mac but if it is anything like the mouse mats that come with macs, they are good enough as a screen protector, but I wouldn't mind something that doesn't slide, though I know it's not easy at this form factor.
     
    orphyn09, Jul 3, 2012
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  30. iPhantomhives

    iPhantomhives Click the image to change your avatar.

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    I'd say shaggy mac is much better , its too weird using mouse pad as cleaner , kabuto attract dust really quick , if u use it to clean your screen...well its game over. I just took some photo for your reference.

    The kabuto is thin enough to fit in the lid , but not perfectly.

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1341373683.038777.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1341373697.529527.jpg
     
    iPhantomhives, Jul 3, 2012
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  31. orphyn09

    orphyn09 Notebook Geek

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    Thank you very much! Yeah it seems quite similar to mine, slightly thinner though by the looks of it. Since I already have one mouse mat I would either consider one for travel and one for cleaning (depending, have heard the surface on the kabuto is quite good/grippy, which is it's main selling point, along with Razer branding) or keep the one I have which is decentish and just get a real microfibre cloth for when I need it.

    And I guess the only other thing I should ask though, is if that distance similar to the picture above can be harmful to the hinge? It seems quite robust but I'm quite paranoid, simply because I love this machine too much. :3
     
    orphyn09, Jul 4, 2012
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  32. iPhantomhives

    iPhantomhives Click the image to change your avatar.

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    m14x also have 2 rubber support at left/right of the screen, I don't see any harm to the hinge if you put kabuto in the middle , since the kabuto is thin enough.
     
    iPhantomhives, Jul 4, 2012
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  33. ebondefender

    ebondefender Notebook Evangelist

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    I use one of my infant son's baby blankets. It's really thin and it works. Oh, and don't tell my wife lol
     
    ebondefender, Jul 5, 2012
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  34. rquinn19

    rquinn19 Notebook Consultant

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    Is this something that I really need to be concerned about? Has anyone scratched their laptop just be carrying it in a bag? I've never had this problem with any other laptop, should I worry with this one?
     
    rquinn19, Jul 28, 2012
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  35. Voodooi

    Voodooi AFK for a while...

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    I've read some posters who have had their M14X keyboard scratch the screen during travels (one guy who claimed the W key and surrounding area was the cause). It can happen with every laptop, but some are more prone to it than others due to the lack of rubber protectors surrounding the screen. I'd rate the rubber protectors surrounding the M14X screen as poor compared to other laptops I've owned, so I definitely recommend it. Spend 20$< to save 100$'s.
     
    Voodooi, Jul 28, 2012
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  36. laz91

    laz91 Notebook Evangelist

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    I figure for $15 or so getting a shaggy mac its not worth the risk. I think its also more likely to occur if you cram it into a bag with books etc and use a tight case (of which i do both :s)
     
    laz91, Jul 28, 2012
    #36