vikingrinn

lol, make no mistake - recall persuading my brother into his first m17 a few years back (and now all family/friends are owners!~ ), and have been an alienware fan for years!~ more rather the point was/is to at least take usage into account when considering the right *alienware* to fit ones needs (especially if it will be their sole/primary system), despite the very nature/tendency of the typical enthusiast/alienware customer to want the very 'biggest/baddest/bestest' regardless (such as myself even), lol!~

after thinking *logically* through the initial *emotional* enthusiasm, i tend to agree. in reality the M17x R3 already pushes the envelope of portability & performance in a notebook. the M18x is an entirely different system altogether, aimed for an entirely different market segment who doesn't mind being tethered all that much, for the ultimate experience in desktop replacements. the consumer segment and model usage is in general much different, and should not be confused... in the end, i'm going to have to consider usage (again, for like the umpteenth time... maybe should more properly refer to it as 'justification' instead, and get some practice in for the girlfriend, lol!~ ) before resolving this decision - and even then it will probably be only a year or so later before reconsidering, lol!~

have resisted actually voting in this poll so far, as individual usage should prove the deciding factor. this gadget (and it's 17.3" sibling) does make for quite the 'shoulder angel' conflict, lol!~

a single 6970M would be nice, and would definitely be another big help here (understanding dual gpu is a no brainer for most among the market segment even contemplating this sort of system in the first place ) in making the decision between the two systems - ultimately will boil down to usage, and based on that...

(lol, on occasion... ) this. +1 still holding out changing anything with current (delayed) orders until finding out if the unit has access to igp or not. that could prove to be one of the primary lynchpins (here) for the unit aside from weight/dimensions, which may affect overall day to day portability. also, anyone catch (while it was up) if the system is configurable with single (i know, i know - no :facepalm: or :rolleye:, have reasons here ) gpu as well?

Alienware M18x +1 michael, tu - was just reading the same at the china page... @extra inch all the way around from the M17x R3 (below) and 2.5+ xtra pounds, hmmm... Height (rear): 1.77" - (45mm) Height (front): 1.75" - (44.5mm) Depth: 11.96" - (304mm) Width: 16.14" - (410mm) Start Weight - 9.39lbs (4.26kg)

it is with currently existing order delays, if we could get some finalized M18x launch specs (most esp. dimensions & weight to see what the difference actually is, as opposed to keep guestimating) to base some final decisions on...

...we need tony stark to share this tech - perhaps it'll be some future revision 'avenger'!~ lol

night and day, lol speaking of which - if only all this power could only be squeezed into the form factor/battery life of an ipad, rofl!!!~ j/k could. not. resist.

understood, definitely do ndeed respect that perspective for shure!~ simply working from more of a black and white based view (either it's something truly portable or would just go build a tethered desktop) when weighing all these pro/con factors for the system purchase decision - but that's just personal usage/need/preference here...

that would be nice, and perhaps the real question here if the system is ndeed to be launched this month. if so, the same motherboard in a different case (accomodating dual gpu's as opposed to single) is still a possibility. this would mean all of the portability of the M15x R2 sized M17x R3, with all the options (officially or not) of the M18x sans dual gpu's. hmmm...

the key usage for any notebook purchase here is something powerful yet portable, not either or... cake and eat it too!~ lol

...4 dimms on M17x R3 as well, right?

isn't it the same motherboard as the M17x R3, only with dual gpu's? that is unless they're shifting, and going to hold off until E3 and release with mobile Z68?

hmmm... my only concern is the M17x R3 dimensions seem to be just on the edge of reasonably balanced power/portability for everyone, and fits (maximum) most accessory (bags/cases/stands/etc.) items out there after doing some comparison measurements while out shopping today... how's the availability for things on the M17x R2 size, for comparisons sake? i guess it's (decision) going to all boil down to usage - the aluminum is nice touch ndeed, but soft touch isn't too shabby either. the only other major factor (here) is the dual gpu vs. single gpu, and if that's not really going to be used (here) all that much, everything else seems to be pushing the system past daily portability. it truly looks to be a desktop replacement vs. a notebook in that regards. idk, torn here...

+1 brian, thanks for posting the collection up! looks like they decided to make alien head on the lid solid white like the remainder of the new lineup?

decisions, decisions... any details on the dimensions or weight on this thing yet? ;P

might prove incorrect w/finish aspect: Dell - Help Me Choose: Alienware Colors still predict motherboard will be shared between the two systems, yet maybe an extra panel variation from that which is found in M17x R3? probably not too much longer to find out!

might prove incorrect, but based on previous rumors/speculations/patterns, predict the M18x will essentially be same system (ie: finish/panel/motherboard) as the M17x R3 only with dual gpu's and @inch larger screen (@size & weight of M17x R2). so your choice may be spot on for best balance of power/portability...

xcellent, as the release is seemingly imminent? current/updated official dell community profile for: Dell-Chris M screenshot:

nice, thanks for the link brian!

looking forward to it! (btw, carolina liar - nice touch!~ )

this. the M15x sized M17x R3 is likewise a powerful single gpu system. the M17x R2 sized M18x will likewise be an extremely powerful dual gpu system.

can't wait for the t|i R3 review, visual mods lookin' nice there guys!

the full interview can be read here.