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    *OFFICIAL* M15x Owners Lounge - Part 5 (see post #1 for links)

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by BatBoy, Feb 27, 2010.

  1. inap

    inap .........................

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    the clevo 460m has been confirmed to work on an M15x, i think 1 or 2 people tried it already.

    yeah i like the 460m it has alot of potential, but i just wished dell went with a higher end card.


    i had some trouble with my account so no M17x for me right now, so i'm back in limbo. :(
     
  2. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    Yeah, I just found out, widezu69 told me. I too wished Dell would offer a 470m or similar... hmm, let's see what the future brings.

    Sorry to hear that inap... but nice you're "back" :D
     
  3. inap

    inap .........................

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    yeah back for the time being, hehehe
    prolly gonna install the A09 bios and the latest ati drivers now, been lazy to do so.
     
  4. (((STEREO)))

    (((STEREO))) Notebook Consultant

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    ok so strictly speculation here... i have 3 years left Complete care... IF my laptop wer to die in a year... would Dell still have r2's you think? if they don't... i'm wondering if i'll get it replaced by an r3 or the upcoming 18x? i'd think it would be the 18x since it has dual card capabilities? What you guys think?

    ** Also, any news whether it will have a desktop cpu considering it enormous size (like the X7200?) or am i dreaming in color? :p lol
     
  5. inap

    inap .........................

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    prolly get an M18x as replacement, because they will have to gave you a new unit.

    by then ivy bridge should be released, oh la la
     
  6. (((STEREO)))

    (((STEREO))) Notebook Consultant

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    yea i think i'll just run this laptop to the grave... and only upgrade in 3 years LOL.... kinda getting tired of playin the Dell Customer Support game...lol (well thats what i say now haha)
     
  7. inap

    inap .........................

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    yeah its hard not wanting the latest stuff, especially chilling on the forum reading about it, hahaha
     
  8. Bitwize

    Bitwize Notebook Enthusiast

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    so got laptop in today :)

    going through the new owner stuff and was gonna update drivers but nvidia driver says graphics driver could not find compatible hardware any idears?
     
  9. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    Try the modded .inf files from laptopvideo2go to install the driver.
     
  10. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    I've just seen that the 6970m is now available for the M17x R3 in Europe... it costs about 410$ more than the 460m... really expensive imo, on the Eurocom site the card is listed for 420$. I wonder whether Eurocoms pricing is wrong or the card simply is much more expensive in Europe... probably the later.

    Nevertheless I'm really tempted to get one and put it in the M15x :D


    Edit: On the UK site the update costs even more... 550$ more than the 460m configuration... holy...!
     
  11. inap

    inap .........................

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    man they need to slap a 2920 up in there and i will be all over that. uk prices are way inflated, hopefully it will be much cheaper in the states.
     
  12. MattXPS

    MattXPS Notebook Geek

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    Accidentally posted this in benchmark thread, was meant to be here...

    Hey guys, would love to get your opinion on something. I am the happy owner of an SXPS 1647 as per my sig. I have had minor hinge issues which have been replaced 3 times and now they are offering to replace my laptop with an M15x.

    Here is my current system

    Base System -Studio XPS 1647 Base systerm (Direct) 1
    Processor Options -Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-540M (2.53Ghz, 4 Thread, tur 1
    bo boost up to 3.06 GHz, 3M cac
    -Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 Label 1
    Operating System -Genuine Windows(R) 7 Home Premium 64bit (English) 1
    -Microsoft Patch for WIN7 1
    -Windows(R) 7 Home Premium COA Label 1
    -Win 7 OS Label 1
    -Genuine Windows(R) 7 Home Premium 64bit (English) 1
    DVD Media
    Limited Time Offer 1 -Free Upgrade to Integrated CREATIVE Sound Blaster -
    X-Fi MB Audio Software Solutio
    Display -15.6 " E to E Full High Definition(1080p)Display 1
    with TrueLife(TM )-Alpine White
    -Alpine White info mod 1
    -Full High Definition info Mod 1
    Memory -4GB Dual-channel 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM (2 x 2GB) 1
    Hard Drives -640GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive 1
    Internal Optical Drive -Slot Load 8X DVD + /-RW Drive with double layer w 1
    rite capability
    -PowerDVD Software 1
    -Roxio Premium 10.3 Media Kit 1
    -Cyberlink PowerDVD Software media kit 1
    -Roxio Creator 10.3 1
    Video Card -ATI Mobility RADEON(R) HD 4670 - 1GB 1
    Audio Solution -Integrated CREATIVE Sound Blaster(R) X-Fi MB Audi 1
    o Software Solution
    -CREATIVE Sound Blaster(R) X-Fi MB Software Kit 1
    Wireless Network Card -Dell(TM) Wireless 1520 802.11n Mini-Card 1
    Bluetooth Module -Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth 1
    Batteries -6-Cell (56WHr) Li-Ion Primary Battery 1
    Carry Case -No Case
    -Shipment box 1
    Power Options -90W AC Adapter 1
    -Power Cord (ANZ) 1
    Keyboard -Dell(TM) Backlit Keyboard with Touchpad (English) 1
    Software -Microsoft(R) Works 9.0 (Does Not Include Microsof 1
    t(R) Office 2003/2007 Software)
    -OEM-Word Processor/Spreadsheet/Database/Calendar/ 1
    Powerpoint viewer/Email Tools
    Security Software -McAfee(TM) Security Center (Multi-Language) - 15 1
    Months Version
    -McAfee CD 1
    -For < P468M > McAfee(R) Security Center(TM) (15 M -
    onths)
    Others Software -DataSafe Local 2.0 Basic 1
    -Dell(TM) PC-Restore 1
    Dell Services: Hardware M -3-year XPS Premier Service with 3-year CompleteCo 1
    aintenance ver
    -3 Years Priority PC User 24x7 Support (Round-The- 1
    Clock Technical Assistance)
    -International Support For Laptops 1
    -3 Years Complete Cover Accidental Damage Protecti 1

    They have offered me an m15x

    1 S510915NZ-Alienware M15x 0.00 0.00
    Alienware M15x Cosmic Black Base (Direct) 1
    Intel® Core? i7-740QM Processor (1.73GHz, 4Core/8Threads, turbo boost up to 2.93Ghz, 6M
    cache)
    1
    15.6 " Full HD (1080p) WLED (1920 x 1080) Display with TrueLife(TM ) 1
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 Label 1
    Chassis Info Mod (Black) 1
    Alienware Generic Nameplate 1
    System Drivers 1
    Audio Info 1
    System Resource Media 1
    DisplayPort to HDMI 1
    System Documentation (English) 1
    8GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM(2x4GB) 1
    640GB 7200RPM Hard Drive 1
    8X DVD + /-RW Drive with DVD + R double layer write capability 1
    150W Primary AC Adapter 1
    Power Cord (ANZ) 1
    6-cell Primary Battery 1
    Shipment Box 1
    1GB GDDR5 ATI Mobility Radeon? HD 5850 1
    Intel(R) WiFi Link 5300 (802.11a/g/n) Half Mini-card 1
    Dell(TM) Wireless 370 Bluetooth Internal (2.1) mini-card 1
    AlienFX(R) Illuminated Keyboard(English) 1
    Microsoft Patch for WIN7 1
    Genuine Windows(R) 7 Home Premium 64bit (English) 1
    Windows(R) 7 Home Premium COA Label(ANW) 1
    Genuine Windows(R) 7 Home Premium 64bit DVD Media (ANW) 1
    Microsoft(R) office 2010 OEM Installation 1
    Microsoft(R) Office Home and Student 2010 (English) 1
    Avatar - Alienhead 3D 1
    AlienFX AQUA 1
    Automatic Updates On 1
    STEAM Gaming Portal Software 1
    Dell Webcam Central Software 1
    Dell Webcam Central Media Kit 1
    Nero Software 1
    EVE Online game (Trial) 1
    AlienGUIse Theme Manager with Breed Theme 1
    Directship Info Mod 1
    Alienware Command Center Software 1
    WinRE software 1
    DataSafe Local Basic 1
    TV Tuner Software 1
    Adobe Reader 9.0 1
    McAfee(R) Security Center - 15 Months Version 1
    McAfee(R) Security Center Media Kit 1
    24x7 Telephone Technical Support Hotline: 0800-335-540 1
    # Yr 1 Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis 1
    # Year 1 Standard POW 1
    For Info Only: Dell's Terms and Conditions apply 1
    International Support For Laptops 1
    3 Years Priority PC User 24x7 Support (Round-The-Clock Technical Assistance) 1
    # Include Yr 2 To 3 Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis 1
    # Includes Year 2 To 3 Parts Exchange Service 1
    3-year Premier Service with 3-year CompleteCover 1
    3 Years Complete Cover Accidental Damage Protection 1
    For Info

    I just find the M15x to be bulky and almost childish. I know it is a nice upgrade in terms of specs but the SXPS is very stylish and the Alienware aesthetics (crazy LEDs etc) do not appeal to me.

    Has anyone here come from the SXPS and if so how do you find the Alienware?

    Secondly I have heard the touchpad is horrible, is this true?

    And lastly anything else I should know about this laptop to help make my decision?

    Really appreciate your guys time over here in the Alienware section! Maybe I will be one of you soon... maybe not...

    Thanks!
     
  13. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    The Alienware system stated above is superior to your current system in every point, take it. That's my advice.

    And please just post the hardware specs, absolutely no need to know what software is included and what accessoires... it makes it almost impossible to find and compare the important stuff.
     
  14. Steveyruss

    Steveyruss Notebook Consultant

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    If you don't like the system because of the lights then turn them off, if you turned down a trade like that you would be crazy, the alienware is much more powerful and more valuable. Like I said on the other thread remember the 5850m is the DDR5 version not DDR3. You still have a lot of room to upgrade the CPU in there as well.
     
  15. MattXPS

    MattXPS Notebook Geek

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    Well now it is down to the M15x or getting a refund and sinking that into a Sandy Bridge laptop like the coming xps or hp envy. Will keep you guys posted as to what I do. Thanks for all your help :)
     
  16. Steveyruss

    Steveyruss Notebook Consultant

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    Sandy is good for battery life, but it depends what you need it for, it would come down to what graphics card options are there available to me.
     
  17. LxGST

    LxGST Notebook Consultant

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    I was under the impression the M15x motherboard wasn't compatible with the Sandy Bridge Processors?
     
  18. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    He was referring to the M17x R3.
     
  19. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

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    He's talking about an R3.
     
  20. inap

    inap .........................

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    yeah alienware is not for everyone, you either love of hate to death. i suggest asking for a refund instead of a replacement system, that way you can research which is best for you.
     
  21. Matt Woller

    Matt Woller Notebook Evangelist

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    After trying to get an M17x R3, I called and spoke to a guy in the Philippines who was able to get me an M15x for $1549 with free shipping that had a 720QM (1.73Ghz) Core i7, 6GB RAM, GeForce 460m, 1080p screen etc
     
  22. elquetefocka

    elquetefocka Notebook Evangelist

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    hi guys, ill get replaced my keyboard and want to know if there is a silicone skin to prevent damages for the keyboard. Thanks.
     
  23. inap

    inap .........................

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    My M15x is officially on its way back to dell. so i got no lappy at the moment :(
    hopefully the sanday problem gets fixed soon, gonna be hard without any gaming setup for the next few weeks.
     
  24. (((STEREO)))

    (((STEREO))) Notebook Consultant

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    no r2 either?
     
  25. inap

    inap .........................

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    nope dell screwed up a few things. now i don't have anything.
     
  26. (((STEREO)))

    (((STEREO))) Notebook Consultant

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    but you got a full refund?
     
  27. inap

    inap .........................

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    yes!!!! :) still have to wait for them to receive the unit first, then my refund will be cleared.

    so how is your r2 doing?
     
  28. (((STEREO)))

    (((STEREO))) Notebook Consultant

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    hahah thats awesome... you got to use a M15x for a year n a half n then got refunded the full amount! insanity! lol

    my r2 is great... love it... still didn't jump on a 920/940 yet tho lol...
     
  29. inap

    inap .........................

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    yeah i can't believe myself. but really bad timing, now i have to wait for sb fix, hopefully it doesn't take forever.

    get an xm already, i really don't see it dropping much in pricing.

    man now i have an extra M17 r2 battery and case, hahhahaah
     
  30. Steveyruss

    Steveyruss Notebook Consultant

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    On Ebay I saw some 920xms for £270ish, that isn't bad at all, not nearly as bad as I expected with some of the horror stories. I expected £350. I see 940xms for about £450 which just isn't worthwhile. I think the exchange rate is good for uk buys at the moment though. I'll definitely pick one up over the next month or two and I agree inap the 1st gen i7s are not competing directly with sandy. You can still pay an arm and a leg for extreme core duos and they came out quite a while ago. Sorry to hear that you got rid of your m15x hope it served you well, I'm definitely not ready to give mine up after coming from vaio and mac books this m15x is my favourite.
     
  31. inap

    inap .........................

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    thanks stevey, i love the M15x but really need a second hdd slot and a full keyboard, other then that the M15x has serve me very well and i will still recommend it to anyone.
     
  32. Thierry19

    Thierry19 Coffee enthusiast

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    Are you still waiting for your R3 inap?!
     
  33. inap

    inap .........................

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    yeah was thinking about the r3. but have to wait for sb fix. arrghhh. have to wait a few more weeks a guess.
     
  34. (((STEREO)))

    (((STEREO))) Notebook Consultant

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    stick it out and get the 18x!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
  35. JWest

    JWest Master of Notebookery

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    Sorry to hear you're leaving the M15x family, but I'm sure a new R3 would definitely kick butt ;) I'm trying to make my M15x last- I'm gonna eventually upgrade to a 460M (unless something better comes out), and hopefully one day get a 940XM. And of course 8GB of ram and a better HDD are easy ones to do down the road. This puppy should last me another two years easily.
     
  36. inap

    inap .........................

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    M18x would be great if it dosen't break the bank, heheheh

    i'll always be an M15x owner at heart.
     
  37. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    ... I'm really wondering how long it will take them to solve this SB issue. This involves quite a lot of work!

    Hehe, but when you get an r3 you can have the 6970m :D This card will rock...!!!


    Edit: Just seen your post...yeah, M18x sounds fantastic so far... but it will be pricey, even in the states.
     
  38. inap

    inap .........................

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    either way gonna stay in the aw family for sure. just hope this sb problems gets fix soon. kinda sucks not having a laptop atm.
     
  39. Thierry19

    Thierry19 Coffee enthusiast

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    treat yourself with a M11x for 599$ :p
     
  40. john2000

    john2000 Notebook Guru

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    Guys I have a question, I have been offered a cheap 256gb Samsung USATA 1.8 inch solid state drive. I hear Samsung is of lesser quality compared to others out there? Is that true? Also I think this is an older drive although unopened it might be from as early as 2007 will compatibility be 100% fine with the newest M15X?
     
  41. widezu69

    widezu69 Goodbye Alienware

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    I 1.8 inch drive won't fit properly into our computer. The m15x is designed for 2.5 inch drives. You would think that it would be ok but the drive is mounted on a bracket to be securely fastened, without this, it would be easily knocked out of place because it would only be the connector holding it in.
     
  42. john2000

    john2000 Notebook Guru

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    That sucks, I was suspicous of it not fitting, especially at the price. all the 256gb drives I'm seeing are $600 or more.
     
  43. john2000

    john2000 Notebook Guru

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    And which would you choose first as an upgrade, ssd drive or 920xm? decisions decisions.
     
  44. inap

    inap .........................

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    new intels ssd should be dropping very soon with higher capacity and a more affordable price.

    ssd vs 920 is a tough one and really depends on your uses.
     
  45. inap

    inap .........................

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    hey guys i got one extra rubber thingy on the touchpad to keep the screen from touching. so if anyone lost one, here is your chance to get one for free!!!

    first one to pm me gets it, sorry US only unless you are special, hehehehe

    edit: sorry on hold for someone who i know lost it, if i get no response then i will repost.
     
  46. Thierry19

    Thierry19 Coffee enthusiast

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    Am I special enough?
     
  47. inap

    inap .........................

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    special as in special olympics then yes, heheheh

    its yours if you want it bro.
     
  48. JWest

    JWest Master of Notebookery

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    Hey guys, very basic question- I want to upgrade my RAM to 8GB, but I want to make sure I'm investing my money wisely. Anyone have any suggestions for the best RAM kits to buy? I know what type to get (DDR3 1333Mhz, right?), but I don't know a whole lot about detailed things like latency n' whatnot.

    Basically I'm just looking for the best RAM I can shove into this thing, any suggestions?
     
  49. (((STEREO)))

    (((STEREO))) Notebook Consultant

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    best ram? i'd say the cheapest 1333mhz ram stick you can find!!!!!

    Trust me... the difference between the top notch ram and cheap regular ram ... is that one is overpriced and might give you a couple points higher in benching (not even anything significant or worth it) and is completely UNNOTICEABLE in real-life usage... might even be hard to see the difference in benching (well maybe ram specific benches might show it better... but who cares?)

    So yea... at 1333mhz... they're all fast... so go for the cheapest ones you can find i'd say :) just my 2 cents... and i'm sure everyone here would agree :)
     
  50. iUberGeek

    iUberGeek Notebook Consultant

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    Guys, what do you think of this memory upgrade (link below)? I'm looking to upgrade my M15x's RAM from 6GB to 8GB, now that I see that memory prices have dramatically fallen.

    Based on HWInfo32, my laptop contains 1 4GB Samsung DDR3-1333 module (can't remember the timings or voltages currently, not on my laptop now), and 1 DDR3-1333 2GB Hynix/Hyundai module. Both modules have identical timings and voltages, I believe (have to check).

    The website (which has shockingly good-looking ratings on ResellerReview, with legitimate-looking reviews and customer service participation) claims that the chip is manufactured by Super Talent, but contains a "Samsung Chip." This sounds quite dubious...but it may well be true.

    So, what do you all think? Are there any better options?

    W1333SB4GS Super Talent DDR3-1333 SODIMM 4GB Samsung Chip Notebook Memory - DDR3 SODIMM 200 Pin - SuperBiiz.com

    EDIT:

    Immediately found a much better source:

    http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=944A989AA5CA7304

    Does anyone know if the timings are matched with the OEM Samsung memory? My only experience with Crucial's "Memory Upgrade Finder" tool is when completely replacing our desktop PC's 2GB of DDR2-800 with 8GB of DDR2-800, and it worked flawlessly. How does Crucial memory work with OEM memory?
     
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