Yes, the two best things I can say about the M14x R2 are "It's better than the old M14x" and "If you MUST have a 14-inch gaming notebook and can't accept a 15-inch notebook then the M14x R2 is probably the best choice currently on the market."
However, the value proposition starts to look worse when you consider things like not being able to install new NVIDIA drivers (at least without jumping through hoops), the strange battery life drop compared to the old M14x (which "might" also have to do with the drivers) and the fact that you can either buy a smaller notebook with similar performance or a larger notebook with better performance for the same money.
I loved my old Alienware M11x when it was new and I think Alienware would have CRUSHED the competition if they made a M11x R4 with the same processor and graphics as this M14x R2, along with an 11-inch MATTE screen with 1600x900 resolution.
On the other hand, I'd feel more positive about the M14X R2 if Alienware offered it with a Kepler-based GeForce GTX 660M instead of the just the GT 650M. I'd bet real money Dell's engineers could have found a way to make the thermals of the GTX 660M work inside this chassis. With a GTX class GPU (and full compatibility with NVIDIA's automatic driver updates) at this price point the M14x R2 would be a more compelling solution for mobile PC gaming.
Quote: In the past we playfully suggested that Dell's Alienware designers think all Alienware customers live in their parents' basements with the lights turned off (one of the few environments where the reflective screen isn't a problem). However, when you consider that the majority of companies offering custom gaming notebooks now offer optional matte screens it's unacceptable that Alienware still isn't offering an alternative to the reflective display.
Come on Dell. Just give your customers what they want!
To add to the original idea: now that Thunderbolt is out there, consider making a generic Thunderbolt docking station. It's much easier to setup and can accommodate a DVI screen + several peripherals.
Think about it: ANY computer with a Thunderbolt port would have a docking station. No need for a fancy docking port underneath.
I like this idea. Personally, I still prefer the M11x, as I explained in this related idea:
http://www.ideastorm.com/idea2ReadIdea?v=1338471703600&id=087700000008hPTAAY
(I'm cross-linking the two ideas because they are very similar, I hope you don't mind)
However, M12x is definitely better than nothing smaller than the M14x...
This is so true. Linux users want to install the distribution they want, when they want, with their choice of packages etc. It's fine that Dell is starting with Ubuntu only (you have to start somewhere), but it should be the standard Ubuntu image and not some Dell-specific image.
At best, include a CD with some Ubuntu drivers which need to be installed to make specific devices work (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc, which tend to be somewhat problematic in Linux).
I agree with SkittlesXD. I don't think this will hurt Dell's bottom line, for two reasons:
1) It's better to profit, even a little, from these upgrades, than not at all (users who are savvy enough to upgrade WILL upgrade, whether using parts from Dell or not).
2) Users who would otherwise buy a new laptop might now upgrade, but remember that this way there is one less laptop in the second-hand market. That means more business for Dell indirectly.
@DarkSkies, I'd like to put something up for discussion. How would Dell handle the warranty? If you buy a kit and install it yourself, is your warranty still valid? If not, it's a bad deal. If yes, how can Dell be sure that you know what you're doing and won't fry the new GPUs because you forgot to apply thermal paste?
This is a great idea. Dell is already a leader in customization at sale time. With this it could be pretty much the only brand to sell upgrade kits after sales.
If Alienware does this, alongside the better screens that everyone is asking for, they will cement their position as THE gaming brand for laptops.
Matte screens on all Alienware laptops
Thu Jul 26 13:09:02 GMT 2012 - Jul 26, 2012
Posted By: HerrKaputt
http://forum.notebookreview.com/notebook-news-reviews/679175-alienware-m14x-r2-review-better-than-original-discussion.html
Yes, the two best things I can say about the M14x R2 are "It's better than the old M14x" and "If you MUST have a 14-inch gaming notebook and can't accept a 15-inch notebook then the M14x R2 is probably the best choice currently on the market."
However, the value proposition starts to look worse when you consider things like not being able to install new NVIDIA drivers (at least without jumping through hoops), the strange battery life drop compared to the old M14x (which "might" also have to do with the drivers) and the fact that you can either buy a smaller notebook with similar performance or a larger notebook with better performance for the same money.
I loved my old Alienware M11x when it was new and I think Alienware would have CRUSHED the competition if they made a M11x R4 with the same processor and graphics as this M14x R2, along with an 11-inch MATTE screen with 1600x900 resolution.
On the other hand, I'd feel more positive about the M14X R2 if Alienware offered it with a Kepler-based GeForce GTX 660M instead of the just the GT 650M. I'd bet real money Dell's engineers could have found a way to make the thermals of the GTX 660M work inside this chassis. With a GTX class GPU (and full compatibility with NVIDIA's automatic driver updates) at this price point the M14x R2 would be a more compelling solution for mobile PC gaming.
Matte screens on all Alienware laptops
Thu Jul 26 12:56:20 GMT 2012 - Jul 26, 2012
Posted By: HerrKaputt
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=6518&review=alienware+m14x+r2+gaming+notebook
Quote:
In the past we playfully suggested that Dell's Alienware designers think all Alienware customers live in their parents' basements with the lights turned off (one of the few environments where the reflective screen isn't a problem). However, when you consider that the majority of companies offering custom gaming notebooks now offer optional matte screens it's unacceptable that Alienware still isn't offering an alternative to the reflective display.
Come on Dell. Just give your customers what they want!
Docking Station For Alienware Laptops Similar To Business Laptops
Thu Jun 14 22:20:09 GMT 2012 - Jun 14, 2012
Posted By: HerrKaputt
Think about it: ANY computer with a Thunderbolt port would have a docking station. No need for a fancy docking port underneath.
Alienware M12x
Thu May 31 13:44:54 GMT 2012 - May 31, 2012
Posted By: HerrKaputt
http://www.ideastorm.com/idea2ReadIdea?v=1338471703600&id=087700000008hPTAAY
(I'm cross-linking the two ideas because they are very similar, I hope you don't mind)
However, M12x is definitely better than nothing smaller than the M14x...
Dell could offer "GPU upgrade kits" for M18xR1 (and perhaps other models, e.g. M17x)
Fri May 25 09:08:03 GMT 2012 - May 25, 2012
Posted By: HerrKaputt
Just don't make it more expensive than the Windows version
Tue May 08 08:38:57 GMT 2012 - May 8, 2012
Posted By: HerrKaputt
I 100% agree with this.
Make it work with a vanilla image
Tue May 08 08:36:30 GMT 2012 - May 8, 2012
Posted By: HerrKaputt
At best, include a CD with some Ubuntu drivers which need to be installed to make specific devices work (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc, which tend to be somewhat problematic in Linux).
Dell could offer "GPU upgrade kits" for M18xR1 (and perhaps other models, e.g. M17x)
Mon Apr 30 09:32:51 GMT 2012 - Apr 30, 2012
Posted By: HerrKaputt
1) It's better to profit, even a little, from these upgrades, than not at all (users who are savvy enough to upgrade WILL upgrade, whether using parts from Dell or not).
2) Users who would otherwise buy a new laptop might now upgrade, but remember that this way there is one less laptop in the second-hand market. That means more business for Dell indirectly.
Dell could offer "GPU upgrade kits" for M18xR1 (and perhaps other models, e.g. M17x)
Sun Apr 29 00:55:58 GMT 2012 - Apr 29, 2012
Posted By: HerrKaputt
Dell could offer "GPU upgrade kits" for M18xR1 (and perhaps other models, e.g. M17x)
Fri Apr 27 23:53:50 GMT 2012 - Apr 27, 2012
Posted By: HerrKaputt
If Alienware does this, alongside the better screens that everyone is asking for, they will cement their position as THE gaming brand for laptops.