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I was immediately impressed with the appearance of the M18x, especially in the ‘Nebula Red' scheme. We analysed the surface for any flaws or marks and we are pleased to report a perfect finish. The starting weight of the machine is 5.41kg, ours was 5.65kg.
This is not the kind of laptop you would carry with you on a regular basis, due to the weight. It is 55mm thick at the rear and could easily eat the Macbook Air as a snack. The underside of the machine has a whole array of vents to ensure adequate airflow.
In the middle of the M18x is a metal plaque which highlights the name of the machine. The onboard audio uses Klipsch components, a well known company who produce a wide range of quality desktop speaker systems. The sound quality is very impressive, with even a reasonable level of bass response delivered. One of the best audio systems we have heard on a laptop, to date.
The M18x has an immensely impressive range of connectivity. Along the left side of the machine is a security lock, GB lan port, VGA connector, HDMI (1.4) out, mini Displayport, two USB 3.0 ports, SPDIF, microphone and two headphone connectors … so you and a friend can listen at the same time.
Along the right side is an HDMI in port. This means you can connect a device such as a Playstation 3 and use the M18x screen for display. Next to this is an eSATA/USB combo port as well as two USB 2.0 ports. Finally, there is a DVD RW or Bluray drive and a 7 in 1 media card reader.
As a quick recap here is a list of the ports on both sides:
(1x) Power/DC-in Jack
(1x) RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet IPv6
(2x) SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Ports
(2x) Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Port
(1x) eSATA 3Gb/s + USB 2.0 Combo port (with PowerShare Technology)
(1x) Mini-Display Port
(1x) HDMI 1.4 Audio and Video Output
(1x) HDMI 1.3 Audio and Video Input
(1x) VGA Port
(1x) 9-in-1 Media Card Reader
(2x) Audio Out 1/8″ Ports
(1x) Combo S/PDIF Optical output / Analog Headphone Line Out (7.1 digital audio output via S/PDIF)
(1x) Line In Microphone 1/8″ Port (retaskable for 5.1 analog audio output)
(1x) Security Lock port
That really is insane. the price makes my wallet cry however
🙁
That is an incredible computer, kind of a dream machien for most people. Also that CPU is amazing, its like a desktop chip in a mobile package.
The 2960 extreme edition is breaking new groud, especially for mobile systems. problem is the price, its a hell of a lot more than the closest CPU which is only moderately slower (until its overclocked anyway).
The red is much nicer than the boring black IMO. the bare bones system isn’t a bad price, do you get the same panel for the entry level priced model?
How did you update the driver? my m17x says it isnt a supported device on the Nvidia site? ill have to try again with that driver you used.
This is a great laptop system, I have the m17x and love it, but im sorry I didnt buy the 18 🙁 id love dual 560m
They cost so much money, but they make a statement. I dont think this machine could be carried about however it is far too big and heavy. almost 6kg? ouch!
The appearance is spectacular, the black one looks so dull. Its interesting to see they dont charge more for the red in this range, but the lower specification machines it costs £10 extra.
They should make some with specialised Alienware skins, like they allow for on the inspiron 17 inch range, but make them all alien based transfers for the lid.
I would not pay this much money just to get so little in return. But i’m not reach and i don’t need/like laptops, if i were all that i guess i’d take it. As stands i can make a desktop that outperforms that laptop with $1k.
Sure, I think we all could, but its missing the point. its a laptop, and it looks pretty nice to me, with a very impressive screen.