HAHAHA!!! Didn't expect to c my name on the top 10 "most wanted" list. LOL!

Btw, I've found something interesting about 5.1 sound on Alienware systems when outputing to external 5.1 speakers. Apparently the jacks must be connected to the port at the same time before performing sound test. If sound test is done before plugging all in, no matter how u test, it will not output the other channels eventhough all r plugged in. U have to unplug and plug everything back in again before performing sound test and selecting the proper sound config.

At first, I thought my laptop got some issue but after fiddling around for a while, then I realized this. I don't understand why it has this kind of behavior. Has anyone experienced this before?

Hi and welcome to future-owner.

If u compare the older models with the newer ones, then I can assure u that the newer ones are definitely better.

If u compare with 14 inch alone, the newer one has GTX 765M opposed to GT650M and also the newer one has a 1080p IPS display opposed to 900p display on the older one. This alone already states that the newer one is better.

Build quality wise, IMO, newer ones has a bit sturdier build than the older one. The only con for the newer one is the newer one is thicker than the older one in terms of size.

Have u tried using the windows stock driver? That might work cos not all of the components' drivers are updated by the manufacturer yet. Saw from Alienware forums that early next year around Jan only then Alienware will release all drivers which has Windows 8.1 compatibility.

That's called lazy la...

horns HOLY CRAP!!! New specs!!! This one has a review online on YouTube. But then, glossy screen only.... I want matte 120hz screen!!!

Well, speaking about GTX780M, last time I ordered mine, I have to wait for 1 month or so for them to replenish their stock.

Damn, that new spec is really sucking money... I'd rather spend a bit more for AW 18. Only downside is the warranty but then, how the hell would anyone carry an 18" running around? People already calling me insane when I carry my 17".

LOL!!! Well, I didn't say the price is not ok for AW 17". Just feels that AW 18 is much better due to SLI. Yeah, I know that the AW 18 has a 60hz screen but it has SLI. SLI > 120hz anytime for me.

I'm playing on a 2560x1080 resolution and I didn't see any problems with it. Performance still as good as 1920x1080.

Obviously we'll say Alienware 17 hands down in an Alienware thread right?

But then, IMO, Alienware 17 > Razer Blade Pro. Specs win hands down.

EmperorScorpion For HDD upgrade, I suggest that u look into WD Black 2. That should be ur solution for having one drive bay.

horns And yes, I'm no fanboy also but then for price-performance ratio, Alienware 17 is the better choice.

Anyone here experiencing sluggish performance during playing games on the Alienware 17's matte display? I believed that the refresh rate on this is uber slow. Performing worse than my 29" monitor.

Solution, change to 3D screen. Problem, the price is IMBA. Any "lobang" for good price for 3D panel? Thanks.

Yeah, actually I was wondering whether u have a better price for 120Hz 3D panel + IR emitter + specs as well? I contacted Dell about this and the price is quite unexpected. Dunno how good of a price u can give?

EDIT: Got my answer already. Will call and decide later.

This post has been edited by Aura: Dec 30 2013, 12:21 AM

Actually better get a warranty extension bundled together with a newly bought laptop. From there got discount. After that, there's none, doesn't matter whether u extend it now or not.

AlienRespawn can be used to restore ur laptop to factory state, which means a full backup of your system based on factory settings. Very handy for those people who doesn't want to start from scratch.

There's a recovery disc included together with the laptop other than manuals and the above mentioned.

But to all Windows 8 Alienware users, u only can use AlienRespawn for another drive as long as it has a bigger or equivalent sized capacity. Lower capacity drives will fail during the process. For example, if ur laptop comes with 750GB HDD and u want to use AlienRespawn for a 120GB/256GB/512GB SSD, the respawn process will fail. The software will inform u that ur drive must be 750GB or more in order to proceed. The only way to move over to lower sized SSD is to use cloning software which breaks ur AlienRespawn.

For Windows 7 users, it might still be possible. I was unable to try this because my system arrived with Windows 8. According to forums, it works but need someone to test it out.

The other alternative is to call Dell to send u a copy of the AlienRespawn image based on ur requirements but this might incur some costs. Not sure about the price.

Wanted to upgrade to Windows 8.1 but has Killer updated their drivers for that or not? The only common complain I heard from AW owners is only that.

Yeah, Killer Ethernet. Last time I heard, need to use stock windows drivers for that.

Ic ic.... How about the Alienware programs like CC? Any problems with Windows 8.1?

Yeah, I've checked the site that they've added Windows 8.1 drivers already. I might be able to update to Windows 8.1 without any problems (I hope).

This post has been edited by Aura: Jan 23 2014, 10:05 AM

The obvious answer is no. It won't be sufficient at all. What u probably need is a laptop which has GTX 770M or 780M just to get it running at that level of detail and resolution. That's only ensuring that it can run. Smooth or not, that's another question. The best is getting a SLI capable desktop which will be able to run a lot of games smoothly. That way, u don't need to worry much. If u don't have that budget, then u can go for high end single GPU desktop PC. That works as well. Mobile gaming is still a bit underpower IMO.

Ic ic.... Well, I'm just waiting for that moment when they release Windows 8.1 drivers then I'll upgrade to Windows 8.1. I think now it's the time to do so.

Finished updating to Windows 8.1. No unexpected events fortunately. Everything is smooth. Now to try out some games.

I think I have good news for users who cannot restore factory settings for AlienRespawn in Windows 8.

After Windows 8.1 update, AlienRespawn recommends you to update. If you update on Windows 8, AlienRespawn will break and will have error since your original drive's capacity is bigger when it's updating PE environment but in Windows 8.1, AlienRespawn treats this current environment as new environment, therefore, it can be updated successfully. After the Windows 8.1 update, AlienRespawn also recommends you to recreate your recovery media, which is factory image. My hunch is if I do so, I would have a lower capacity factory image which will be useful later which has Windows 8.1 in it.

I'll need to do more testing on this but that's my initial impression after updating my system to Windows 8.1. If this works as stated, then this is awesome.

EDIT: After assessing the situation, I'm short of a few disk drives. If anyone who is willing to help me in this testing, please let me know so that I can borrow some drives and I'm willing to do it on the spot during that period.

This post has been edited by Aura: Jan 24 2014, 12:13 PM

horns Yes, it is the first option. It's called "Desktop mode battery change".

This post has been edited by Aura: Jan 24 2014, 11:52 AM