Specifications
While I am not a big fan of long listed specifications for a product, the listing below does help understand the potential configurations of the M11x r3. The one we have reviewed here is the baseline model with the addition of a Bluetooth 3.0 adapter. The baseline model retails for $999 if you don’t use any of the specials or coupon codes readily available online.
Processor
- Intel® CoreTM i5 2537M (1.4GHz/3MB cache)
- Intel® CoreTM i7 2617M (2.6GHz/4MB cache)
Operating System
- Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate 64-Bit
- Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64-Bit
- Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-Bit
Memory
- 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz
- 6GB DDR3 at 1333MHz
- 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz
- 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz
Chipset
- Mobile Intel® GS45 Chipset
Display
- 11.6 inch display (1366×768)
Audio and Speakers
- Internal High-Definition 5.1 Performance Audio with WavesMAXX Audio (Standard) Internal High-Definition 5.1 Performance Audio with SoundBlaster X-Fi Audio (Optional) Audio Powered by Klipsch® 7.1 Digtial Audio out using HDMI connection
Hard Drive
- Up to 750GB SATA hard drive (7200RPM)
- Up to 256GB Solid State Drive SATA hard drive
Camera
- 2.0 Megapixel HD Video and Picture Camera with dual digital microphones
Wireless
- Networking and Wi-Fi All Intel® Wi-Fi options include Intel® Wireless Display (Wi-Di) technology support. Integrated 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet NIC (Standard) Intel® Wireless-N WiFi Link 1000 a/g/n 1×2 (Standard) Intel® Advanced-N WiFi Link 6205 a/g/n 2×2 MIMO Technology (Optional) Intel® Ultimate N WiFi Link 6250 a/g/n 2×2 MIMO Technology with WiMax (Optional)
- Bluetooth Internal Bluetooth® 3.0 (Optional)
- Wireless WAN AT&T 3G Mobile Internet (Optional) Verizon 3G Mobile Internet (Optional)
Ports, Slots & Chassis
- System Dimensions Height: 32.7mm (1.29 inches) Depth: 233.3mm (9.19 inches) Width: 285.7mm (11.25 inches) Starting at Weight: 2.0 kg (4.4lbs)
- External Chassis Connections (1x) IEEE 1304a (4-pin) Firewire Port (1x) RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet (2x) SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Ports (1x) Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Port with PowerShare technology (1x) Display Port (1x) HDMI 1.4 Audio and Video Output (1x) 3-in-1 Media Card Reader (2x) Audio Out 1/8″ Ports (1x) Audio In / Microphone 1/8″ Port (retaskable for 5.1 audio) (1x) Security Lock port
- Battery Details High Capacity 8-cell Lithium Ion (63whr)
- Color Options Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish Nebula Red with Soft Touch Finish
- Keyboard Multi-color RGB, 82 key keyboard with AlienFX lighting controls
Analysis:
So what do all these specifications combined mean? Well for starters the 11 inch frame of the M11x is capable of housing up to the new Sandy Bridge i7 and comes default with the i5 which is no slouch either. Screen resolution is 1366 x 768 which is just fine for the screen size, any larger would lead to lots of squinting. Backlit keyboard means you can type while on a plane, in meetings, and anywhere else its dimply lit. Like say for instance while LAN Gaming. A 2.0 MP webcam is a slight upgrade from the 1.3 or even worse 0.3 MP cams found on other portable models and means you wont look like a collection of Lego blocks when chatting with someone online. HDMI, Display Port, 1394, PowerShare USB as well as USB 3.0 ports mean your connectivity options are covered for nearly any accessory you could want. To further your options Alienware has integrated a 3-in-1 Media Card Reader which to be honest should be a standard these days.
The M11x chassis comes with what Alienware has called a “Soft Touch Finish” which is a rubberized coating. This is a very nice feeling surface but it also has the tendency to be easily scratched. Alienware ships the M11x in a nice felt sleeve but as a consumer you should really consider purchasing a neoprene sleeve to protect a laptop this nice. Other extras include 5.1 Audio with integrated speakers that are actually usable and 4GB of DDR3 1333MHz ram on the base model with support for up to 16GB.
Lugging around the M11x is no big chore as it comes in relatively light at 4.4lbs (2.0kg). Pack this into a backpack along with the charger and you are just over 5lbs for both which is perfect for the traveler. However, you should note that it is noticeably heavier than the netbook lineup. The MSI Wind for example comes in at 2.6 lb (1.18 kg) for 6-cell. While this is almost double the weight of the netbook lineup, you must keep in mind that it is not a netbook. It is a netbook killer. This laptop is meant to have similar dimensions as a netbook, but pack more performance than many gaming laptops that are much larger.
Battery Life:
During normal (Non-gaming) use you can expect 5.5 to 6 hours of battery life. Under load the M11x R3 comes in just shy of 2.5 hours or less depending on the intensity of the program and gaming. Using wireless and browsing the internet I was able to attain 5 hours 22 minutes of uptime before the OS warned me the battery was critical and would shutdown.
Alien Fusion Power Plan Creator
As you can see by the screen shot above the M11x also includes software called Alien Fusion which is a power plan creator. This software is very useful for assisting you in determining how and when services and power is allocated to the M11x. Using this software I created a power plan in 2 minutes flat. The plan turned off and on services depending upon applications and battery/AC conditions. The plan resulted in the OS determining that with 97% of the battery remaining the system on time remaining was approximately 6 hours 34 minutes. In reality the plan results in the 5 hours 22 minutes I was able to attain.
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