Ordered my M11X today, any tips?

After two years, my M15x finay gave in.. Sadly after trying to fix it several times the video card just doesn't work anymore.

I could have bought a new video card in ebay but i decided i wanted a smaller laptop and the m11x seemed perfect for my needs. My laptop would be used 90% of the time as a HTPC connected to a 65 inch LCD but whenever i do travel i like to take it on the road with me.. This is what i used the m15x for but it was too bulky and heavy.

I know this laptop is old but i decided to order it anyway, with a i7 CPU and 4gb ram, 325gb HD.

I have owned 3 alienware machines in the past and they old broke down in one way or another but this time i purchased dells 3 year complete care warranty.

I am quite happy with my purchase but i would like to know if some of you out there have any tips for this machine? Does it overheat a lot? Does it eventually croak like most other Alienware machines? I there a hinge problem? Etc

Thanks!

 

It hasn't been out long enough to determine if it croaks. I'm sure it will but the matter of when is looming. There is a hinge problem but they will fix it in march.

 

I wish I would be as sure as the dude above me, in regards to Dell coming around to fix the hinge issue that is. They have yet to officially state that there IS indeed a problem with the hinges and believe me you don't want to know how it feels to see your nearly 2 grand investment crumble like a tin can (this coming from a dude who currently has his M11x at a repair depot..)
But, don't let me spoil it for you, I have owned my fair share of laptops and there has yet a laptop to be built that can emit such exuberance and coolness as the M11x.
Hope yours won't give you any troubles. Peace!

 

Dell Addresses Alienware M11x Hinge Hiccups - HotHardware

Good news for anyone with a hinge problem

 

How can you say Dell has not responded officially to this? lol.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...eased-update-hinge-issue-m11x-01-24-11-a.html

Sorry but the hinge problem with the 11x has been hashed out more times than I care to remember simply due to the inconsistent posts/opinions and how many times I have had to clean up off topic threads and inflammatory posting among members as a result.

If it was not an issue I dont see why Dell would release a statement on a fix.

Regardless, this is not the thread to ask about hinge issues and what Dell's response is. OP, see the thread I linked to. if you want to ask a question relating to the hinge issue, post it there.

OP, for your other questions:

Does it overheat a lot?
Like any other gaming notebook, you want to make sure you have good free airflow and you maintain your system.

Does it eventually croak like most other Alienware machines?
As for it croaking like 'other alienware machines' - well, I'm not sure how to answer this. All systems encounter issues at some point, regardless of who makes it.

 

This is an amazing machine that I think you will cherish. As Kevin stated, the hinge problem is the only REALLY bad part of this machine but they're going to remedy it by March (all fingers crossed). You would be surprised as to how well this machine handles heat. I personally own the R1 so I can't speak for the core i7 but I THINK it manages heat very well as well. Of course, you have to keep in mind that this was designed to be a portable laptop for on the go gaming or students. Don't expect top notch Alienware however and I do recommend ordering this with the promotion and the coupon code, lowering it down by around $250.

 

my tip: make sure everything works!

 

Thanks for the tips, the one thing that puts my mind at ease is that I bought it with the 3 year complete care waranty. Which covers accidents as well.. I hope that if my hinge breaks, I can have this fixed by them

 

No tips. Just stay happy until yours arrive.
There is no need for you to start worrying about things when you haven't seen it yet.
M11x users in this forum are ready to help you out IF you find problems with your laptop.

 

Im on my 5th hinge repair since October 24.I can literally count on two hands how many times Ive used this laptop..Im so dissapointed with it right now.Dell/Alienware has done what they said by sending tech after tech but it does no good when it happens this frequently.Its been less then a month and hinges are splitting on the back..I truly hope this hinge fix comes because this laptop is going to be my 2year olds new "portable" train table if not..

 

i am curious as to why dell has put a 5-6 day extension on the delivery day between jan 28 and feb 10?

 

Possible that it has to do with the new LCD assembly part.

 

One small yet very handy tip: it is better to use the cloth inlay between the keyboard and the screen which came with the package every time you close the lid. It is a very simple measure which completely protects the display from scratches and smudges, since the lid's rubber stoppers do not seem to be high enough.

My m11xR1 does not overheat at all, whatever I try to cause it. I think it would be reasonable to expect a very decent cooling with the R2 as well, regardless of the more powerful processor.

Yes, there is.

 

What gets me is that Dell charges a premium for Alienware laptops and they are prone to problems and people still buy them?

They are just customized Clevo laptops that you can build yourself from XoticaPC.com

I know the m11x and m15x looks good but they're lemons.

 

Be careful - I was already accused of "spreading anger and fear" and "whipping everyone into the same frenzy as mine" - and I said way less.

But then let us be fair - it is possible to get a new m11xR1 for 500-600 bucks now - which is far from premium, imho. This price is indeed quite low for what the m11x offers - even though it has certain... err... specific hinge-related troubles.

 

They don't really charge "premium". The M11X-R1-New, M15X-Refurb, M17X-R2-Refurb, M17X-R3-New are all great deals and compete fairly well against other laptops.

Remember, other laptops will have to mail it in if it breaks, potentially taking 4-5 weeks to fix. With AW, it's next-day tech fix. I don't know about you, but I HATE downtime

AW used to be fun to flame back in 2009-10, however their prices have dramatically changed, making them affordable more than ever.

 

The premium isn't really that much (unless you're talking about the M17X R2, but that has an RGB screen and anodized aluminum) you can always call and bargain a better deal. Don't forget the build quality of their laptops are better than any laptop I've owned, something people don't think about.

I've been an avid Sager/Clevo user and after all the problems with my W860CU, I don't think i will ever use another Sager product.

 

though they mention that it is for all computer ranges dell offer, even their dell express range.

 

I got my R2 i5 cheaper than it would cost for an xbox 360 and a decent small tv. Considering everything else it does ...like typing this, it's quite a good deal. If people however are paying close to $1000 then I might pass on one.

 

to be honest they do look really, really good... maybe before they werent so hot but when alienware changed to its new line in both desktops and laptops, the look is almost reason enough to buy one..... with a 3 year complete waranty of course.

 

bought it, died after 4 days.... haha... sent it back for a refund

 

Hmm, thank goodness for return policies

 

Mine should be here tomorrow ..Sleeps at front door just in case FedEx comes early .. JK.. BUT i do have Windoes Ultimate install on usb drive ready to go along with Alienware Environment backups .. though first ill jsut load some games and my usually utills and check out the Home Premium for a few hours at least .. then i supose ll crack the lid to investigate any preventative measures or maintanance of the part we are not allowed to speak of in this post.. will post findings in relavent thread..

Oh FYI .. my Estimated Date of Delivery date is about was the 3rd of March .. and Fedx says 24 th .. so Be Prepared.. winks. and keep fingers crossed