Alienware M11x R2: A Legend Reborn
by Jarred Walton on July 9, 2010 4:05 AM ESTBattery Life Takes a Hit
In many cases the R2 refresh of the M11x has proved beneficial. So far we haven't had any areas where the R2 is clearly inferior to the original, though Linux devotees may take exception to that statement. Battery life on the other hand isn't a clear win. Arrandale CPUs have generally compared favorably to Core 2 Duo processors, but it's always been tight on battery life and many times we've seen results that suggest a properly optimized (for power) Core 2 system can outlast a similar Core 2010 system when unplugged. We can't say definitively whether that's the case, but we can say that the CULV M11x offers better battery life.
In every test scenario, the R2 falls short of the standard set by the M11x. The original lasts 12% longer in Internet testing, 20% longer at idle, and 24% longer in x264 playback. This is using the Power Saver profile on both laptops, with the display at 100nits (60% brightness, or three steps down from max), and CPU performance allowed to range between 0% and 100%. Perhaps further tweaking of the power settings would improve the result of the M11x R2, but the same is likely true of the original. We did kill off all extra tasks/services for the battery life tests as well, so if you enable the AlienFX lighting, Bluetooth, and the other processes and install an Internet security suite, you can count on battery life dropping even further. The above results are essentially a best-case scenario, but at more than seven hours of mobility the R2 should satisfy all but the most hardcore mobility enthusiasts.
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beginner99 - Saturday, July 10, 2010 - link
this.There is also a 13.3 timelineX with the 5650 radeon. no optical drive tough. I don't need one anyway for what?
I think it's also the same weight as the alienware but bigger screen. imho much better bang for the buck.
Roland00 - Saturday, July 10, 2010 - link
Do you have the model for that timelineX? I can't seem to find it on acer's website (that doesn't mean it doesn't exist though). Personally I rather have a 13 inch and I have seen the AS3820T-5246 in person and I am impressed with what I seen so far (the joys of selling computers).bakareshi - Thursday, July 15, 2010 - link
ppft... optical drive. Still holding on? I don't hold it against Alienware for being at the front of the paradigm change. Optical drives no longer add value, they just consume real estate and sway customers to buy who haven't realized DVDs are no longer a necessity.Akv - Friday, July 9, 2010 - link
The concept of "gaming laptop" still sounds like an oxymoron to me.I game with a large tower with large fans, and a large 27" screen.
I would be more interested in a review about new laptops that don't heat and don't make noise.
Shmutt - Saturday, July 10, 2010 - link
I understand that the review is done on the best possible config for the M11x R2 and thus has the core-i7 CPU.However, on Dell's website, it is stated that the option with the core-i7 does not have an integrated gfx. I have confirmed this in a live-chat with a Dell sales rep. I'm guessing that Optimus will do nothing in this case?
So it was the main reason why I went with the core-i5 option. Supposedly, it will have a better batt life as discrete GPU will be powered down if not needed. I hope Anandtech can get its hands on a core-i3/i5 specced M11x R2 and see if this claim is correct.
JarredWalton - Saturday, July 10, 2010 - link
Whoever you spoke with is clueless. LOL. The i7-640UM (and the i7-620M) are both dual-core Arrandale chips with Intel HD Graphics; they're just clocked higher than the i5 variants. So Optimus is fully functional. It's only the quad-core i7 chips that don't have integrated graphics.Shmutt - Saturday, July 10, 2010 - link
Oh ok! Damn! Thanks for clarifying that.fire_storm - Saturday, July 10, 2010 - link
HiI am planning to buy an m17x in a week or so, is there any upgrades worthwhile in the near future?
should I hold on this until its out if any?
Thanks!
beelzebub253 - Sunday, July 11, 2010 - link
Can anyone confirm what the max resolution the m11x R2 will output to external display (using DisplayPort). The website doesn't seem to specify. In particular, can it display 2560x1600 such as on the Dell 3008WFP?Jarred? Anyone?
Death666Angel - Wednesday, July 14, 2010 - link
The Displayport will be able to hit the 30" resolution. HDMI not.