Dell Alienware M18x Mobile Manual
Dell Alienware M18x Manual
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Dell Alienware M18x manual content summary:
- Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 1
ALIENWARE® M18x MOBILE MANUAL - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 2
registered trademarks and Core™ is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries; Blu‑ray Disc™ is a trademark of the Blu‑ray Disc Association; Bluetooth® is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this manual to refer to - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 3
25 Alienware Command Center 26 Connecting External Displays 26 Using Removable Media and Cards 27 Using the Optical Drive 28 Using the Integrated Camera 28 Using the Wireless Control 28 Battery Pack 29 Power Management 29 Free Fall Sensor 30 Configuring the BIOS 31 CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 4
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 47 Basic Hints and Tips 48 Backup and General Maintenance 48 Software Diagnostic Tools 49 Answers to Common Problems 50 CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY 55 AlienRespawn 56 My Dell Downloads 58 CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS 59 APPENDIX 67 GENERAL AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 5
Dear Valued Alienware Customer, Welcome to the Alienware family. We are thrilled to include you among the growing number of savvy high-performance computer users. The Alienware technicians who have crafted your computer have made certain that your high-performance computer is properly optimized and - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 6
6 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 7
CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP 7 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 8
and Media Congratulations on the purchase of your Alienware M18x! Read all safety and setup instructions before connecting your new laptop. Begin by carefully opening the box and removing all components that were shipped to you. Before setting up your laptop or components, be sure to inspect all - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 9
: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to a power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage. CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP 9 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 10
you download and install the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer available at support.dell.com. NOTE: For more information on the operating system and features, see support.dell.com/MyNewDell. NOTE: It is recommended that you create a full system backup as soon as you set up Microsoft Windows. - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 11
an Intel Wi-Fi WLAN card and NVIDIA graphics card with Optimus technology or AMD Radeon graphics card at the time of purchase. If your computer supports the WirelessHD feature, the WiHD Application Controller icon will be available on the Windows desktop. NOTE: It is recommended to use WirelessHD - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 12
wireless is enabled on your computer. 2. Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs. 3. Click Start → Control Panel. 4. In the search box, type network, and then click Network and Sharing Center→ Connect to a network. 5. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup. 12 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 13
and Sharing Center→ Set up a new connection or Network→ Connect to the Internet. The Connect to the Internet window appears. NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, click Help me choose or contact your ISP. 4. Follow the instructions on the screen and use the setup information - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 14
14 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 15
CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 15 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 16
VGA connector - Connects your computer to a monitor or projector. 7 Audio-out/Headphone/S/PDIF connector - Connects to amplifiers, speakers, or TVs for digital audio output. Can also be used to connect to a pair of headphones, powered speakers, or sound system. NOTE: Use the S/PDIF adapter that - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 17
when only 10% of the total battery life remains. 6 HDMI-input connector - Connects to the HDMI-output connector on your video device such as a DVD player, camcorder, or gaming device. NOTE: The HDMI-input connector works only when the computer is on. CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 17 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 18
Back View Features 1 1 AC adapter connector - Connects to the AC adapter to power the computer and charge the battery. 18 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 19
Display Features 1 23 4 5 1 Left digital-array microphone - Combines with the right digital-array microphone to provide high quality sound and voice recording. 5 Display - Your display can vary based on selections you made when purchasing your computer. CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 19 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 20
, or shortcuts for your games using the TactX Macro Key Controls option available in the Alienware Command Center. For more information, see "Alienware Command Center" on page 26. 3 Backlit keyboard - Illuminates to provide visibility in low lit or dark environments. You can customize the colors and - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 21
of the keyboard. For the exact location, see "Computer Base and Keyboard Features" on page 20. Caps Lock Light The media control Using the Wireless Control" on page 28) Alienware Command Center (for more information, see "Alienware Command Center" on page 26) CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 22
of Microsoft Windows operating system. The power button is located in the center of the hinge cover. For the exact location, see "Computer Base and Keyboard Features" on page 20. The color of the AlienHead rim indicates the power status. The color indicating the power status can be changed using the - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 23
the illumination around the touch pad. When the touch pad function is switched off, the touch pad can still work temporarily for three to five seconds while the computer reboots into the Windows operating system, or resumes from standby or hibernate mode. CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP 23 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 24
24 CHAPTER 2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LAPTOP - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 25
CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP CHAPTER 3: USING YOUR LAPTOP 25 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 26
software and is a continuously upgradable control panel. As Alienware releases new programs, they download directly into the Command Center allowing you to build a library of system management, optimization, and customization tools. You can access Alienware Command Center by pressing on the media - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 27
. 2. Turn off the display and disconnect it from the power supply. 3. Connect one end of the display cable to the VGA, mini-DisplayPort, or HDMI connector on your Alienware laptop. 4. Connect the other end of the cable to the same connector on your display. 5. If necessary, connect one end of the - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 28
laptop may have one of the following drive types. These logos are used Windows operating system. In addition, you can also use Windows Movie Maker to create, edit, and share videos. Using on or switch off the wireless radios (Bluetooth and WLAN) using the wireless control . Gently pressing this - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 29
ion) battery pack. Battery life varies depending on your laptop configuration, model, applications installed, power management settings, and features used. As with all batteries, the maximum capacity of this battery decreases with time and usage. The battery-meter lights on the battery pack indicate - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 30
screen translates to higher power usage. • Use the Go Dark option in the Alienware Command Center. You can also create application profiles for any application on your computer. This may be required for newly released games in the Select a program to customize: list and make the desired changes. - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 31
again. System Setup Screens The BIOS Setup Utility window displays current or changeable configuration information for your laptop. Information is divided into five menus: Main, Advanced, Security, Boot, and Exit. Key functions appear at the bottom of the BIOS Setup Utility window and lists keys and - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 32
, see the Service Manual at support.dell.com/manuals. Main Menu System Time (hh:mm:ss) System Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Alienware Service Tag BIOS Version EC Version ME Version CPU Displays the system time. Displays the system date. Displays the model number of your computer. Displays the service tag of - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 33
may improve performance, but will greatly reduce battery life. Allows you to enable or disable the Intel Virtualization technology. Allows you to enable or disable the USB emulation feature. This feature defines how the BIOS, in the absence of a USB-aware operating system, handles USB devices - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 34
when you use AC adapters that are not supported by your computer. • Disabled: BIOS will not detect unsupported AC adapters and will not display any message to screen. • Enabled : BIOS will detect unsupported AC adapters and display an error to screen. Allows you to enable or disable battery charging - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 35
window over which TDP value should be maintained. A value of 0 programs this value to the fused limit. Allows you to enable or disable the Short Duration Power Limit. Turbo Mode Power Limit 2 value in Watts. A value of 0 programs this value to 1.25 x TDP. Wireless Menu Bluetooth USING YOUR LAPTOP 35 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 36
Service Tag Displays the service tag of the computer when the service tag is present. Set Supervisor Password Set User Password Computrace Displays a field to input the service tag manually when the service values from CMOS for all Setup items. Boot Menu Use the up or down arrow keys to change the - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 37
CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 37 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 38
have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" and "Before Working Inside Your Computer" in this section. • You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer. • A component can be replaced or-if purchased separately-installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 39
system board, you must remove the battery from the battery bay before you service the laptop. 6. Remove the battery from the battery bay (see "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 40). 7. Press the power button to ground the system board. CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 39 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 40
shut down before changing the battery pack. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the laptop, use only the battery designed for this particular Alienware laptop. Do not use batteries designed for other Alienware or Dell laptops. To remove the battery pack: 1. Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 41
door at the bottom of your computer. To upgrade memory module(s) in connectors DIMM C and DIMM D, see the Service Manual at support.dell.com/manuals. 1. Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 38. 2. Remove the battery (see "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 40). 3. Remove the four - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 42
2 1 screws (4) 2 compartment door 5. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the memory-module connector's spring locks until the memory module pops up. 6. Remove the memory module. 42 CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS 1 2 1 memory module 2 spring locks (2) 3 tab - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 43
Drive(s) Your laptop is equipped with two hard drives. Removing the Hard Drive(s) 1. Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 38. 2. Remove the battery pack (see "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 40). 3. Remove the four screws that secure the compartment door to the computer base - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 44
assembly. 7. Using the pull tab, lift the hard-drive assembly out of the computer base. 4 3 8. Disconnect the interposer from the hard drives. 1 1 2 1 hard-drive assembly 2 captive screws (4) 3 connector latch 4 hard-drive cable 44 CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 45
secondary hard drive (HDD1) and slide the hard drive out of the hard-drive bracket. 3 2 1 1 screws (8) 2 primary hard drive (HDD0) 3 secondary hard drive (HDD1) To replace the hard drive(s), perform the removal steps in reverse order. CHAPTER - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 46
46 CHAPTER 4: INSTALLING ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 47
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 47 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 48
outside of their original cases - for example, in a CD wallet. • Run maintenance programs as often as you can. You may schedule these programs to run at times when you are not using your computer. You can use those provided with your operating system, or buy more powerful, dedicated programs to do - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 49
secure. • If any computer components were added or removed before the problem began, check to see if you performed the installation or removal procedures properly. • If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact error message prior to calling Alienware Technical Support to aid in - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 50
by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 6 seconds to turn off, your computer, and then restart it. NOTE: The chkdsk program may run when you restart the computer. Follow the instructions on the screen. 50 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 51
run successfully, the error condition is related to a software problem. 1. Click Start → Control Panel→ Programs→ Programs and Features→ Use an older program with this version of Windows. 2. In the welcome screen, click Next. 3. Follow the instructions on the screen. CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 51 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 52
to return to room temperature before turning it on. Run Check Disk 1. Click Start → Computer. 2. Right-click Local Disk C:. 3. Click Properties→ Tools→ Check Now. If the User Account Control window appears, click Continue. 4. Follow the instructions on the screen. 52 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 53
"Upgrading or Replacing Memory" on page 41). • Computers using a dual-channel memory configuration require that memory modules be installed in pairs. If you require assistance, contact Alienware Technical Support (for more information, see "Contacting Alienware" on page 70). Display Problems Power - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 54
54 CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 55
CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY 55 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 56
to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop; then, shut down your computer and try again. 5. Select Repair Your Computer. 6. Select AlienRespawn and Emergency Backup from the System Recovery Options menu and follow the instructions on the screen. NOTE: The restoration process may take an - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 57
the instructions on the screen. Dell DataSafe Online Backup (Optional) NOTE: Dell DataSafe Online is supported only on Windows operating systems. NOTE: A broadband connection is recommended for fast upload or download speeds. Dell DataSafe Online is an automated backup and recovery service that - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 58
or create your own backup media. To register and use My Dell Downloads: 1. Go to DownloadStore.dell.com/media. 2. Follow the instructions on the screen to register and download the software. 3. Reinstall the software or create a backup media for future use. 58 CHAPTER 6: SYSTEM RECOVERY - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 59
CHAPTER 7: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS 59 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 60
of your laptop varies depending on the configuration ordered and the manufacturing variability. Computer Information Processor L2 cache L3 cache Bus clock System chipset SDRAM bus width Processor address bus width Processor data width BIOS SPI Flash Memory Graphics bus • Intel Core i7 Extreme - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 61
Memory type Memory configurations possible Ports and Connectors Network adapter USB eSATA/USB combo HDMI input and output Mini-DisplayPort VGA four internally accessible DDR3 using one half Mini-Card slot • Bluetooth; Wireless Display (optional); WirelessHD (optional) Intel HD Graphics 3000 • NVIDIA - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 62
Integrated Discrete External display support 512 MB dedicated video memory (for total system memory greater than 4 GB) • 1.5 GB GDDR5 for NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M • 2.0 GB GDDR5 for AMD Radeon HD 6970M HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, VGA, WiDi (optional), and WirelessHD (optional) Audio Type 2.1 channel - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 63
96 mm (16.10 inches) 469.22 mm (18.47 inches) 60 Hz 0° (closed) to 135° 0.2550 mm brightness can be controlled through keyboard shortcuts • 82 (Korea, U.S., and Canada) • 83 (Europe) • 86 (Japan) RGB; colors can be changed by invoking the AlienFX application in the Alienware Command Center. For more - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 64
Touch Pad X/Y position resolution (graphics table mode) Size Height Width 240 cpi 56.00 mm (2.20 inches) sensor-active area 99.5 mm (3.92 inches) rectangle Camera Camera resolution Video resolution Diagonal viewing angle 3.0 megapixel 2048 x 1536 60° Battery 12-cell "smart" lithium ion (96 Whr) - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 65
W 330 W Output power 240 W 330 W 158 °F) 3-pin, 7.4 mm plug 3-pin - C13 (150 W) 3-pin - C13 (240 W) Computer Environment Temperature range Operating 0 °C to 35 °C (32 °F to 95 °F) Storage -40 °C to 95% (non-condensing) Maximum vibration (Using a random vibration spectrum that simulates user - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 66
66 CHAPTER 7: SPECIFICATIONS - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 67
APPENDIX A APPENDIX APPENDIX 67 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 68
and operating instructions. • Never use this product near water or a heat source. • Only set-up the computer on a stable work surface. • Only operate the computer using the power source type indicated on the rating label. • Never block or cover any openings or fans in the computer case. These are - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 69
Should Contact Alienware • The battery, power cable or connector is damaged. • Your computer has had liquid spilled into it. • Your computer was dropped or the case was damaged. • Normal operation of the computer does not occur when the operating instructions are followed. Replacement Components or - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 70
for sales, technical support, or customer service issues: 1. Visit dell.com/contactdell. 2. Select your country or region. 3. Select the appropriate service or support link based on your need. 4. Choose the method of contacting Dell that is convenient for you. Websites You can learn about Alienware - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 71
Electricity Consumption Output Voltage Output Intensity 3.50 A/4.40 A 19.50 VDC 12.30 A/16.92 A For details, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see dell.com/regulatory_compliance. APPENDIX 71 - Dell Alienware M18x | Mobile Manual - Page 72
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MOBILE MANUAL