M11x replacement?

I've had an R2 for awhile now, and with Windows 8 coming I figure it's time for an upgrade. But sense Dell doesn't seem to be bringing back anything like the M11x again, I'm left looking for alternatives. So far it looks like it's going to be the Sager, but I'm wondering if anyone has found another laptop worth looking at - something in the 11"-13" size with at least 2gb of vRAM and 3rd gen i7 processor? Not that I don't like the Sager, but after using Alienware for so long, the Sager just seems so...bland.

 

I doubt it. Just from looking at the specs of the W110er its already pushing the maximum thermal headroom, it's been known to hit 90c while sitting on a table while gaming and thats without an overclock. But I guess thats to be expected since you are using what is essentally an underclocked desktop GT 640. And I heartally agree, when I do get rid of my r1 and move on im gonna miss this bright, blinky, incredibly nerdy little machine. Also, just FYI, the amount of VRAM doesnt correspond to more performance, all it does these days is let you use the ultra high resolution texture pack in Skyrim. I dont see 2gb of VRAM being necessary for a couple of years.

 

If I were you I would wait till win8 comes out, alienware may be working on something new that wont come out till win8 shows its head.

My money is still on a alienware 12 duo (xps 12 duo)

 

Also, just wanted to point out that on the dell idea storm forums, the "m12x" is still listed as under review... and a dell rep posted in there today, so there is a chance of something.

 

Really? huh, I wonder what GPU they would power it with. I always thought that because the m14x is using the gddr5 GT 650m (Whitch i believe is an underclocked desktop 650, GK107) that dell would have avoided the gddr3 version because the performance isnt really that different.

 

OO, the new xps 10 tablet came out today too.. so, dell have 2 platforms that could be used here. Who knows, maybe they will be dropping a tablet on us in the coming weeks.

 

I wasn't aware that the Sager/Clevo ran so hot - thanks for pointing that out, deadboy90. It's not really an issue for me because I would generally use it hooked up to an external monitor, and when I'm on the move I don't really use it for anything intensive, just mostly work stuff. But I would be concerned about it overheating in general and causing more wear and possibly shutting down - I had a Dell at one point that was prone to heat shutdowns and it was really annoying.

As for this rumored m12x, I guess it might be worth waiting a little until we see what is coming, but I have a strong sense that Alienware is moving out of the small gaming machine business. The smaller side of the XPS line is pretty underpowered (for what XPS is supposed to mean) so I don't see a lot of hope there. As for the idea of an Alienware "duo" or tablet, I'm pretty sure that's something I wouldn't want. It would just be too many compromises in one device. I can't see it being a big hit with gamers either - sure it'd be good for RTS but in that case you'd probably want a bigger screen than 12".

Ah, I guess I'll wait a bit and see what comes out. Mid-November is supposed to be a better time to buy a laptop anyway, pricing-wise. But I've got to pull the trigger this year for tax purposes so if some mind-blowing little laptop doesn't come out before December, I'll probably go with the Sager.