New M14X vs. Refurb M15X

While I wait here hoping for a nice, big fat M14X coupon deal.

I decided to look around at the outlet store to see what M15X deals they got there. Mainly looking at those that have Core i7's and 8GB RAM.

They seem to be around the $1200-1400 range for those configurations that I like.

SOOO .. while I know the refurbished ones will most likely be cheaper and all that, still would it be better performance wise and even halfway long term wise (2 or so years out) to get a refurbished M15X or should I go ahead and get a new M14X (newer generation components, a bit more portable)?

Portability is somewhat of a factor. But I am more concerned with playing things at native settings -- feel the higher I go up in screen size, harder it will be to play at native resolution.

Just kicking around some thoughts and stuff.

Thanks for your advice,

Joe

 

Hello rjcjr3,

If your budget is limited, then you can buy refurbished Laptop provided that it is in a good condition.

If you want laptop that can be carried easily you can buy a smaller one, 13 inch laptop or smaller will probably do good for you, but might be a little expensive, anyway is your choice.

 

If portability is a major concern I would stick with the m14x. If not or you dont mind carrying around the extra lb's the m15x will work and supply more power. The m14x is easily more portable than the m15x and gets a few more hours of battery life.

Also check the marketplace here if you go the m15x route. Mine will be for sale here again later next week.

 

If you do not care about portability and battery life then the m15x is probably the better buy.

 

Hmm. Interesting. Well, portability would be nice (as I was originally looking at the M11X .. which is what lead me here to these forums), but also gaming power would be great too. Especially since I would like it to play games like Witcher 2, DA2, latest Elder Scrolls game down the line.

Battery life doesn't mean a lot since when I game it will be using the cord. I have a Dell 17inch and it's ok portability wise..but would like something a bit more easier to pack and carry.

Ideally I'd like something the size of my 13" MacBook pro. But they don't have a M13X yet.

Joe

 

The m15x is not close to a 13in system. Its built like a tank though. It all comes down to how much power you want and how portable. The higher end cards in the m15x are more powerful from what I have read.

I used my m15x in classes and had no issue. Its large and attracts attention but can be portable if need be.

 

in terms of physical dimensions the macbook pro 13" has a pretty much identical footprint to the m14x.
It is however twice as thick and twice as heavy.
Just come from a macbook pro and laid one on top of another for comparison.

The m15x as far as I know is far larger

 

The m15x is practicly the same size of a regular 17 inch notebook, and the m14x is more of a 15.0 inch. But again is more comparable to like the HP Envy 14, just thicker and heavier.

In terms of graphics, an m15x with a 460M would be close to the m14x, mainly because of overclocking, but if you found one with/upgraded to a better card like the 6970M, itll just blow the m14x away.

So really all you can do is just kind of taking that information and figure it out yourself. It's all your opinion. If you wanted my opinion, I would take the m14x mainly because it packs more power than my G72 is a much smaller chasis, and with the NVIDIA switching it can be a normal 6 hour battery notebook one minute, then plug it in and you having a gaming beast (for the size).


EDOT: I find these pictures extremely useful, as Im going to be ordering soon and still a bit undecided about the m15x as well. Battery life is mainly whats pulling me towards the m14x atm.

Pics: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m14x/578252-m14x-m15x-3.html

 

Thank you THANK YOU everyone for all your info. Given me some stuff to think about and research between the two laptops.

And I know that there are some laptops with some better features for the $$. But darnitall I have always wanted to own an Alienware laptop. Seems now is as good a time as any to be looking for one since I am most definitely in the market for a new lappy.

Anyway, really do appreciate you all taking the time to post and give me advice on this upcoming purchase.

Joe

 

I was able to... convince Dell to let me return my M15x (loved it dearly but wanted the power of a Sandy Bridge CPU), and I'm loving this M14x. the extra CPU horsepower is much appreciated, and while the M14x does have a weaker GPU, overclocked it's really not bad. I always felt like my M15x was being held back by the 1.73Ghz 720QM it had inside of it, to be honest.

I called Dell and was able to haggle my way into an M14x with 6GB of RAM and a 2 year at-home warranty for $1159 with free NBD shipping, so it's worth a phone call.

 

Also, no matter if you go with the M15x or M14x, you'll love it. Build quality on both is top-notch. The M15x has this gorgeous anodized aluminum covering the vast majority of the exterior, which feels amazing, and the M14x has this smooth, soft plastic exterior, both are really nice. Really, really solid feeling systems. And I'm in the same boat... I've wanted an Alienware for probably ten years, so it feels pretty darn good to finally say I own one!