*Prospective* News/Discussion: Alienware M18x R3

I would like to have a higher resolution IPS display option. I think the cost factor and availability of the display panels may be the hold up on this to some extent.

With as many people as we see cutting corners on lower-spec'd Alienware systems with cheaper CPU and GPU options and boasting of their economic virtuosity on the lower grade/less expensive parts, I cannot see those same people stepping up and paying a premium for the screen. And, if they do and cut corners on the CPU and GPU, that high resolution display is going to make some of them complain about low system performance. Dell and other OEMs would need to have enough people paying extra for that awesome kind of screen for it to be economically viable to produce and sell.

 

The answer is simple, IMHO. There's no hurdle. How many of us would pay extra for the laptop with "retina" (lol, what a lame name even for a gimmick tech) screen? You, me, a few others. Even on this forum the majority would consider it only if the price is right. Worldwide, 99% people live in oblivion. The vendors need the majority, they are targeting the mainstream, even with the AW products. The retina display was just another clever marketing move done by Apple to boost the sales. And it worked, even though it's a crippled tech and has too many compatibility/support issues and most people will only use it at lower res anyways.

Do you want an IPS screen for your M18xR3? - Yes. Will you still buy it with a regular panel? - Yes!
Same goes for RGB/Matte/high res.
Now, the high res, when fully supported by every OS, browser and game, will still be an overkill, IMHO. You'd be really killing your retinas at that res even on a 18.4" screen. I have used a retina macbook for a few days and it was terrible. I can't even handle my 15" lenovo at 1080p without stressing my eyes too much. It would be great to have the ability to switch to higher res on the fly for games and pictures but I don't see it as a must have feature at this point.
I'd much rather fight for an anti-glare + RGBLED screen option, to be honest.

 

I actually prefer the screen type that Alienware uses now, although a higher resolution and 120Hz would be nice. Glossy screens seem to be better when it comes to gaming/colors, and I like that. Although, I've been using a matte screen now for about a year, and I can see why people would prefer this over gloss - glare. Either is good for me, but for gaming, glossy wins IMO.

I hope they don't get rid of the M18x, and I highly doubt they will (at least not yet). It would be great to see the R3 out next spring. I think they should consider using the "fancy vents" in the front as some sort of intake, by adding an additional fan to the M18x - a tiny one to pull air in and through the system, out the back. Perhaps design it to only kick on during stressful gaming or when a certain temperature is reached. Improving the overall efficiency of the machine should be priority one though, the battery life is horrible.

 

Glad that's just an opinion..
Because most would rather have higher resolutions with Matte as an options...One can always dial back the resolution, but you can never ever up it.

 

I wonder when OLED screens will start appearing in laptops. That seems like the future of screens. LOADS of resolutions for manufacturers and consumers to choose from, super thin so laptop screens will be able to slip down, good colors etc...

The only problem right now is price, but that will go down.

 

The moment m18x comes out with a RETINA ips 3d 20" display,im getting one... Who woudnt?
Just hope I can afford it without selling my soul to the devil!

 

Like you, I work in IT and over the past 17 years started noticing certain tendencies. Those who work on their laptops 8-10 hours a day, would of course like higher res, but only if the screen size is increased proportionally. I'm yet to see a software developer doing his work on a 15" FHD screen 8-12hrs/day all year long, lol. Yes, we all want higher res, but on bigger, not same size screens.

As for who would and wouldn't buy a M18xr3 with a regular WLED - don't pretend. You own a WLED M18x right now. I once claimed to only buy a M18x with an anti-glare screen and kept my word by ripping the E2E glass apart. I also gave it my best shot to try and make a RGBLED Matte panel work in the M18x. I even tried fitting a IPS 17" RGBLED Matte panel there, lol. But I'll still buy a M18xr2 and do the same even though I want an IPS/Matte/RGB more than most of the users here. I'm craving for viewing angles, wide gamut and matte finish but I also understand that people like me aren't the majority at this point and can't have everything. I'd also pay 200$ extra for a 100W+ internal CPU cooling solution but it's not gonna happen any time soon.

As for retina, it's a nice screen but nothing special. And no, macbooks don't have the best screens out there. All their air's have mediocre panels only good in terms of res but suck at viewing angles and gamut. Only the PRO's hav had decent displays but never the best. IPS RGB LED panels are the best, IMHO.

 

What's wrong with 4.5 to 5 hours on IGFX? I think that's pretty excellent battery life on a high-powered beast like this. It would be unrealistic to expect similar battery life running a pair of 100W graphics cards, and when I run those (99% of the time) battery life doesn't matter because I am plugged into a wall socket.

 

I think its far more than just a few people that want AW to include matte/serious anti glare screen options. pretty much every review I have seen have said they would love an anti glare screen option of some sort. And everyone I know who has one, if they have one negative thing to say about their machine, its that the screen is just to damn shiny in well lit rooms/outside.

 

I don't love Mac's but I will give them their props. And their screens are far better than ours. Always have been and seems to always will be. Back when we only had 1280x1024 and Mac had 1680x1050P. Heck, we had 1024x768 and Mac still had a higher res. So come now...It's the same today. 1920x1080P and Mac 2880x1800.
I would at least want the option to buy a better screen and not have to tear one up to do it.

And I kind of understand why we didn't go to oled, because it's not quite up to par either. And this goes for Apple and the new iPhone and iPad.

But again, these are only some of my opinions and insight on this....

 

We all have impressions and theories, and sometimes they can be very accurate. Sometimes they are not as accurate as it seems based on our personal frame of reference. There is no right or wrong answer, and what one person values is no more or less important than what the next guy does.

The point I made earlier and that Brother Aikimox touched on really focuses on what the market will bear. Would I like a better screen with higher resolution? Yes, I certainly would. Do I want a matte screen? No, I do not. Am I willing to pay more for exactly what I want? Maybe... depends on the cost and how much money I have. Am I willing to sacrifice one of those two things (resolution versus matte) to at least get one of them? I don't know... maybe. It depends on which thing would need to be sacrificed. Am I satisfied with my edge-to-edge 1080p display? Definitely. Would I buy a lower spec'd system in order to get the kind of display I want for the same overall price? Nope. I'll choose higher systemwide performance with only good to average display quality over better display quality with lower performance 100% of the time.

So, you can see the dilemma Aikimox alluded to by answering my own questions, LOL. All big companies have marketing insight reflected by research as to what the masses (not necessarily a select group of power users) want and are willing to pay. I don't blame any OEM for not offering options if they are going to lose money by giving a small group of consumers with good financial resources what they want. That would be foolish of them to do so from a business perspective. They must maintain solvency, and in an anti-business economic environment like the one we live in right now, that's a taller order. One step forward and two steps backward financially is not a good business model. The bottom line is the bottom line.

 

I don't believe it is a small group who wishes for a non-reflective surface, and in fact if/when many who realize how lame the reflective screen is, will surely wish to not have it there at all.

In terms of additional costs entailed with offering different screen configurations (I mean this is a non-sequitur really) a simple, inexpensive engineering solution is readily apparent: attach either a uniform hyper-reflective piece of transparent plastic screen or , and here's the irony of this, a cheaper (less material) bezel during the step of the manufacturing process that mates said screen to LCD panel.

Then spend about 5 minutes of HTML programming to include the additional option on the sales/configuration site.

The reason Dell isn't vetting any of our suggestions is that they entail greater levels of complexity without commensurate returns on said investment. Dell, as with many if not most other IT companies at the moment, is struggling to maintain existing levels of complexity, i.e. product design, from a logistical and engineering perspective.

In sum, Alienware is going out of business, what without a sizeable middle-class in the American Empire to afford $4k+ for the latest in mobile gaming technology. This is a fact of reality that anyone with a modicum of forethought could've seen as the logical conclusion of the wealth consolidation that has taken place here for the past three decades: without a strong middle class with disposable income, you don't have an adequate consumer base.

I can afford said technology because I refuse to pay rent (see blog in signature). But not for much longer, and I most certainly will not purchase another Alienware product if Dell doesn't actually listen to its loyal customer base.

 

Their screens are good in terms of res, the rest of the specs are similar or worse. Remember the 17" RGBLED? That was one of the best TN panels of all times and at the time was beating the MBPs in every category. Last year, M18x: 18.4" WLED 100%sRGB, and M17x: 120Hz screens were besting the mac's in almost every category, except for 120 extra vertical pixels. This year, retina is kinda rocking it, but I'd bother only when/if they bump the gamut and add the matte option. Gamut and brightness wise our 18.4" and the retina are about the same, and if the viewing angles are of no concern, the res is the only serious pro of the rMBP. BTW, you know why Apple doesn't offer a matter retina? Matte finish + high res = complete loss of crispness and image quality.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have the higher res option, but I know that it's currently highly unlikely. I was really thinking about getting a rmbp but it would force me to sacrifice the power, storage, features and upgradeability - without those I'd have no reason to have a notebook, lol.

As for my heatsink project that never got anywhere, - I had no real stimulus after selling the XM to pay the bills. I plan to resume the attempts later on this year after getting myself a R2+XM.

 

vulcan, some of that reflects an assumption that almost everyone holds the same opinion and sees things exactly as you do, and will take the same retaliatory action in response to not having your wishes granted.

I don't expect that anyone accept my opinions as gospel. We have no evidence or data that can be provided to support statements for or against whether a glossy display or matte display is better in the minds of the masses. I am in the camp that likes it that way, and I have no basis to assume whether I am in the larger or smaller camp. To say anything more would merely be anecdotal commentary. I tend to take the position that it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. Even though I prefer the glossy edge-to-edge display, I would not make a buying decision on that basis if a choice is not afforded to me. I would still choose the M18x either way. Our posts for or against it are not going to change any minds with computer hardware manufacturers. They're going to do what is best for the bottom line, and that's the smart thing to do from a business perspective.

 

Had a long reply for this but scrapped it.

So back on topic. When are they coming with a higher resolution screen is what i originally asked.

 

i'd like to try a matte screen if there was such an option offer by AW simply because i have never seen one before. no reflection could be nice watching movies and playing games with lots of dark scenes during day time. i would also love to have higher resolution, something like the 1200p but im currently using 1600 x 900 resolution on my m18x because everything is too small for me to see, imo its overkill to have 1080p with just 18.4inch screen, but i'd still want to have 1200p depending on how much it'd cost.

but out of all the screen option, 20 inch upgrade would be what i want most then comes to water cooling, just wanted to try it out lol

 

You'll pay tax from Dell.

Sent from my SGH-T999

 

Its actually FAR more more than just a niche group of power users that want less glare. If it was just that, tablet and smart phone makers (essentially catering to a market made up of tens of millions of non power users) would not be investing so much into screens with less glare.

 

Most of those people don't own an M18x, LOL. They take their crappy little disposable devices outside all the time, stuff them in their pant pockets, purses or toss them into the glove box of their cars. They are using comparatively super-cheap devices with little bitty screens.

So, are you placing yourself among that group of low-tech/high-wuss factor tablet users or the more elite group of technically superior gaming enthusiasts whose beasts bring death and destruction to anything that gets in the way?

On a more serious note, I think those people are not the ones that I want helping shape the future of technology. Not my future anyhow.

I really wish someone from Dell/Alienware would speak up on this subject and explain why they don't offer a choice. I love the glossy screen, but having the ability to choose a screen type the same as CPU and GPU choices would be good. It's still my gut feeling that an alternative screen for the M18x may not be readily available, at least not in massive quantities. Plus, if they are available in low quantities we would have those that want matte screens throwing temper tantrums when they run out like those that had to wait for 680M stock.

 

Personally I would love an m18x with as good a screen as my phone...

HTC rezound. Its got a higher pixel Density than an Iphone retinal display, and its got a low glare screen covering, which, in combination with its ability to be turned super bright, allow me to see the display even in direct sunlight...

an 18.4 version of that would make the current M18x screen look like a pile of dog poo.

I am not asking for that though, because its simply not possible at this time (not even the retina display MBP screen is close to being that nice). I would however like Dell to reevaluate their options and provide us with more diversity. We should be able to have our cake and eat it to when it comes to a system like the m18x.

I don't know why your defending dell so much when they are only giving us one option. Good hardware needs a good display or else its a waste/muted.

If you had a desktop with tri SLI 690's would you think it was fine to just have a CTR monitor because the insides of the desktop were awesome? I mean sure, an old CTR monitor would get the job done, but when there are far better and drool worthy monitors out there, who would you stick with it?
Same thing here with the boring old 1080p, ultra reflective, prone to weird crap screen on the m18x now.

 

i never own a laptop with matte screen but no reflection sounds real good to me and would like to try it, but then last night was using two different laptop and it hit me. both are glossy screen, alienware i guess because its newer or different kinds of screen but it is clearly brighter, color looks better than my 5/6 years old HDX which at the time HDX 20inch entertainment laptop was one of the best.

seeing this making me think matte would reduce brightness/gamma or color or w/e it'll not be as clearer or more beautiful than glossy display. anyone know difference between the two? just wondering if i could get a matte but increase brightness or color out of it to make it look closer to glossy.

 

i tend to like glossy displays better myself, the only downfall besides glare is strain on your eyes, which i've seen alot of hardcore gamers using anti-glare glasses and lenses in their glasses, which reduces eyestrain alot and improves visuals

 

I'll jump on the bandwagon soon as they design SLI cables to NOT GO OVER THE HEATSINK. A foam spacer does NOT protect it!

 

imo theres layers between heatsink and cfx/sli calbe

 

Wow this thread is all over the place. I would like the R3 to offer:
1. EVOLUTION of current form factor but better internal cooling (The m17x R2 was beautiful, this is a step above). Think iPhone. You can never mistake one but each revision evolves..like a Porsche.
2. Easier access to work on the machine (more like the m17x R2)
3. RGB screen or better
4. Top CPU and GPU options (obviously)

I am wondering when the next MXM revision will be. Having a fresh socket is important for future upgrade options. It's somewhat risky, only in my opinion, to buy a computer prior to the release of new video game consoles. If you look at the top of the line laptop in 2006 AFTER the xbox 360 came out, it was a Dell XPS with the 7900m GTX. Imagine playing console ports of Crysis 2 or even Modern Warefare 2 on that machine? Granted, notebooks have 2 GPU's and excellent driver support now, however it is probable that even the most beastly of notebooks are going to have a hard time playing console ports of systems that will likely arrive in 2013-2014. That's why I am going to try to hold onto what I have for as long as possible because I like to purchase systems after the new consoles get established. However, these new consoles may take a more conservative approach to the GPU and overall system architecture from a financial standpoint to try to make money on both the front end (hardware sales) and back end (gaming sales) this next go around. MS and Sony gaming I believe are bleeding red (especially Sony). Yet I digress...

If the R3 accomplishes those wishes I list above, I would likely purchase one. A poster earlier in the thread was hoping that the next GPU's jump in a similar fashion from the 580 to 680 and I have my doubts on that. I haven't kept up with any road maps, but most of that power was achieved from going from the 45nm process to the 28nm where it will stay for the next while. Expect more incremental power increases would be my best guess.

 

I'd love to see a logitech style OSD like the g15 and g19s, a small LCD placed in the area left of the alienware head power buttom, something you could monitor temps from internally from the compal EC and also port things to it like msi afterburner, rivatuner etc etc.

 

or something like a small screen touchpad thing done by razor gaming laptop. liked the idea, just want to try it out, but not nothing really to brag about. razor gaming laptops sucked hard in specs anyway, and WAY overpriced.

 

i still think any type of LCD panel even tiny would be amazing for the next revision and if not, i'm gonna try to figure out a way to mod one in myself.

 

Bring back the chrome exterior finish!

 

actually, i'd rather it keeps its exterior look the same for various reason. imo it looks good enough already, has the nice alienware feel to it. 2nd, easy for parts replacement, R1 R2 R3 can all use it.

if possible i would like to have a better keyboard. from two hp laptops ive owned i liked Hp laptop keyboard the best but i also dont wish for any changes simply due to parts issue, i could live with alienware ones its not bad.

but anyway, the 3 drive HDD bay caddy must stay till R3, thats a MUST or else i'll probably end up going back to R2 =(, msata too is a must!

 

Give us lunar silver back as an option!

 

As someone who just ordered the R2, I'm hoping I don't regret it next summer when the R3 comes out - from what I've read about the upcoming technology, it will be pretty awesome.

Anyway, I wish they had more options for the screen as Fox said. This is one of those things you would expect for such an expensive rig.

 

meh, there is always better tech around the corner, can't stay kept up with every upgrade unless you have money to burn and don't mind getting all new devices every 4-8 months.

The best idea is to max everything out possible at the present, that way it will still be viable and good, even after several upgrades have come and gone.

 

• Keep the same basic style and appearance
• Keep the anodized aluminum chassis*
• Keep the same MXM PCIe slot (no proprietary junk, please)
• Keep the edge-to-edge display with glossy lens
• Add an option for edge-to-edge display using anti-reflective glass**
• Add matte screen (no lens) option with LCD bezel for those that want it
• Add more color options (keep "space black" which isn't actually black and "nebula red") add true pitch black (like M17x R2), blue, green, yellow, silver, etc.
• Add a "no depot repair guarantee" as an extra warranty option**
• Provide a factory unlocked system BIOS to eliminate the need for mods

*Absolute requirement for continued product acceptance - a plastic chassis would be a deal-breaker **May be an upgrade offered for sale at additional cost - I would pay a reasonable premium for this

 

that's the whole point of techno progress - to make you regret the purchase, ditch it and upgrade to the new platform, lol.

But don't worry, you will always be able to upgrade the GPU's, RAM, Wifi, SSD's, etc. The only difference is the CPU bump which may not be that huge as they say. Also 4 sata 3 ports instead of 2 (not a biggie for most people).

 

I like this.

1. How about 3-piped HS standard for all CPUs, or at the very least 2-piped for the QMs, for we all know 1 pipe is not enough for the 3840QM. Or to stretch it even further maybe liquid cooling for the CPU?

2. Easier access for sure, I'd like to be able to repaste without having to risk breaking every other connector.

3. One problem I tend to have is with the speaker placement. Not sure if it happens with you guys but if I'm playing music and typing at the same time, my arms tend to block the sound coming out. It's especially muffled when I'm wearing something long-sleeved. I know the speaker grills and LEDs define the AW look and everything and it goes way back, but surely there has to be some solution?

 

True. I'm curious, could you replace the ribbon on the M18x R2 with three "SATA 3" ports? Or would it be a little more complex than that?

 

The chipsets on both only allow 2 sata3 ports. It is the chipset that is limiting the amount of sata3 ports.

 

Ah, I appreciate you clearing that up for me. I'm obviously not an expert in this area, especially with laptops. I thought it was something simple, ha ha.

 

Brother J - As you know I have an M18X being built at this very time. I don't believe there will ever be a perfect system for anyone because as soon as the B.B.D. comes out, we all want it or at least the same performance levels from what is then outdated kit. I am fully aware that as soon as the M19X comes out (or whatever it is) the R2 will be obsolete but, will still be a damn fine machine which gives the benefit of a desktop without all the cabling and separate screen.

As for the next versions: Water cooling built in (i believe there is a kit you can buy, AW have been doing this to desktops for quite some time, why not laptops), possible with an extra external radiator option for benching etc.? Multiple bezel options. Removable/swappable screen bezels for glossy, matte, etc. More colour options and pattern finishes in suitably AW style, like vinyl packs that you can add or swap later. Gives more customization options out of the box and afterwards... sort of like a tattoo for your laptop?

Just my 2p.

OB

 

M19x? A 19" laptop? Are you kidding me?

When is this supposed to come out? I just order the 18x, if it's being replaced next year...

 

They might have, screen technology is getting better and most small desktop monitors are now 19 - 20". Makes sense to use the same size/resolution for a laptop.

Anyone remember this little gem... ? Alienware Aurora mALX 19" She was a thing of beauty...

OB

 

I would think this is a hope at this point. I don't see them adding a 19" or 20" to the line up.

 

I don't think I would buy a 19" laptop, 18.4" is huge already...and has plenty of power. I assume with the 19" (if it were actualized), it would cost upwards of $7,000...that's absurd. I'd definitely buy a desktop at that point. Alienware is probably better off making an 18x R3 and perfecting its overall design (intake vents, perhaps 4 fans), and improving the screen.

The amount of resources it would take to introduce yet another flagship laptop would far outweigh the benefits of doing so. Sure, you have people who would spend that much money, but I would assume you would lose a lot of customers. The only way it would work if it was a special for a year, and they made a limited amount, accounting for the fact that at least 8/10 people wouldn't want a 19.3" laptop or whatever it's going to be.

---

@OB,

I've never actually seen that before. I'm new to the Alienware scene, since this past June actually.

 

I'm not actually saying they are going to build another 19" laptop/notebook. Just that it could be a natural progression based on the nominal resolution of monitors. There could be advances in resolution, bigger than 1920 x 1200 in the current form factor i.e. Apple's retina display. squash more pixels into the frame giving you better clarity.

I would guess that as the M18X's chassis is obviously very good and excellent at dealing with heat (or from what I've read it is), they will improve upon it. I won't be rushing out for the next version, until my M18X R2 is totally obsolete or can be given to a museum... I tend to use Pc's until they die, rather than replace them for the next faster model. I'd rather get 110% out of the current model...

OB

P.S. The Aurora mALX did look awesome with the paintwork on the lid...

 

I am pretty much the same as you, in regards to this. Honestly, I haven't ever seen or touched an M18x in person before, so I may not even like how big it is. I've always thought 15.6" and 17.3" laptops were big. I'm sure I'll like it, especially because of its capabilities, but thinking about a 19" is shockingly ridiculous, ha ha!

 

Don't worry it won't be that big, I had the m17x R1 and that was also 6Kg in weight, it was big but, in a nice way if that makes sense. The M18X looks much better...

Personally i can't wait and I'm guessing you feel exactly the same?

How many times a day do you refresh the Dell Status page, just in case...:smile:

OB

 

Ha ha, yeah... I'm freaking excited. I actually ordered from Xotic PC (they buy from Alienware, add the thermal compound and ship it to me). I removed the "4.2 GHz" version and saved myself $200 - I'll do that myself.

But yes, I am so excited. I've been buying parts for it (RAM, SSD's), as well as pre-ordering games, buying a headset, a gaming mouse, etc. READY TO GAME, BRO! I've never owned a gaming laptop before this, I was only playing Xbox. ETA is 3 weeks from the 8th, so it should ship by October 30th. You'll get yours before me.

 

Ha Ha Ha I did exactly the same, bought 16Gb Kingston HyperX, 2, 2Tb WD Passport USB 3.0 Hdd's one for iTunes and films, the other for backup's... The standard speed is 3Ghz to 3.9 with turbo, I'/m going to follow Brother Fox's video and tune her up to 4.5Ghz...

I can't wait...

OB

 

heh, its the same for current desktop too, a single chipset only has two sataIII port, until lynx comes around next year.

the above !! also add:
- better motherboard (donno which motherboard company produces the mobo for dell alienware, its good but could be better!)
- only need 1 HDMI port
- add a thunderbolt port

and for my dream pc/laptop, 19 or 20 inch would be nice, but thats probably out of the question lol