Dell Alienware M17x Laptop/Notebook

I bought one M17x for myself and one for my girlfriend after 3 years of searching for the "right" desktop replacement laptop, and I wish that I had waited a little longer. There is a HUGE problem with these systems regarding the power supply. Dell decided that on this system that they would tie the AC adapter to the bios, making it a proprietary device, as I suppose that they were tired of Targus selling after market AC adapter and giving consumers a choice instead of buying their GROSSLY overpriced replacements. This wouldn't be quite so much a problem if it weren't for the fact that the laptop constantly forgets that the AC Adapter IS an authentic part. Dell first said to upgrade the bios, which failed on my girlfriend's PC and required a warranty replacement of the motherboard (and hard drive). Then they replaced our batteries, then they replaced our AC Adapters. I FINALLY got someone to tell the truth at Dell, the laptops were designed wrong from the start, and they honestly have NO IDEA how to fix the problem permanently.

If you buy one of these laptops, from time to time, you will see a message that says something to the effect of "OSD error ac adapter connected, but not charging". That's right it knows that it has an AC adapter but won't accept power to recharge the battery. To get your AC adapter to be recognized again, you will have to turn the machine off, pull the battery, hold the alien head power supply for 15 seconds, then put the battery back in, plug in the AC Adapter, THEN turn on your computer.

If you are looking for a really hot laptop that DOESN'T require you to pull the machine apart a couple of times a day, then look SERIOUSLY at the Clevo X8100. The screen resolution is slightly lower than than the M17x, but at least you wont' have to break it down constantly to use it.

I will say this about the M17x, in it's favor. The screen is BEAUTIFUL, in fact I prefer the 17 inch screen on my laptop to the 22 inch screen on my desktop. The 940xm and Radeon 5870 run EVERYTHING like a dream. I guess that what I am saying is that when it is working correctly, it is AWESOME, but when you spend $3000 (plus) for a laptop, it should work perfectly without exception.

This is a very capable machine.
The graphics are brilliant.
The keyboard is "fullsize"
Processing speeds are impressive even when rendering graphics
and CAD CAM.
This machine is supposed to be for high end gaming, but I have mostly used it for simple tasks. It performs great.
Do not be confused, this is really not a laptop per se. It is a mobile
computer. I move it from desk to countertop but I rarely use it on my lap.
Most of the time I have it plugged in. The battery only lasts a few hours, depending on what you are doing.

All in all a great machine for my uses I'm still not using it to it's full potential. And as with all computers you should consider what you will use it for, and how you will use it before you buy it.

Make a list of needs " Must Have "
Make a list of wishes " Like to Have "
Set out your maximum cost, taxes, title, shipping, dealer prep etc.
Fill your needs, attend to your wishes, and stay in budget.

Not a very good laptop, although flashy and impressive the performance was lack luster. You would thing with a quad core and SLI Nvidia 260m's it would scream, but my Gateway P7805 blows it away. I return it not only because its performance was bad, but that it would freeze up ever 1-3 hrs while playing world of warcraft.
Spend $1200 on a what I thought was a top of the line, and ended up with a P7805 for $500 that screams. and its only a dual core with a single 9800GTS. So now that Ive owned an alienware, I got it out of my system. Too bad it was a beautiful laptop. Display was nice and sharp, it had the wuxga display.
The wxga was horable.

Save your money there are better laptop out there for sure.

First off, I am reviewing this purchase second hand. I gave this laptop to my son for Christmas and he is the one who is using it. That being said....
He is thrilled with it. The screen is diamond sharp and crystal clear. The quad core i7 processor is lighting fast and the amount of hard drive is large. The only draw back, if you want to call it that is the size and the weight. But I gave it to him as a replacement for his steampunk desktop (circa 2001), and as a desktop replacement, this laptop is superb! Think of it as a portable desktop rather than a traveling laptop and you will have a good idea of it's portability. It is not something I would want to take on a business trip. Overall, I really like it because he really loves it!

This is a really great purchase for anyone whos into gaming or wants a amazing laptop.


Pros
1. sli video mode plays anything I throw at it.
2. Light up keyboard can be about 12 colors
3. Metal case is build like a tank with a sports car paint job (I have special red)
4. Great suppert from dell.
5. Edge to edge glass is great - looks sharp and easy to clean
6. very high quality - turns heads too!

Cons
1. I really weighs allot... its a tank
2. if out of sli mode (in power saving mode) performace drops, but who would put this beast in power saving mode anyway?
3. battery life not the best, hour+ maxx.



All in all the most amazing thing I ever owned laptop wise (and Ive owned allot inc macs)