Well they have arrived - a week a part.   One has a fault - so will need to be replaced - and there is now some questions over Dell honouring the commitments made by its staff.  Cant say much for the moment - just keep track of all your communications - you will need them should you be required to get third parties involved.
My old Alienware laptop (manufactured 2016) died.  Dell were unable to repair it as they didn't have the spares in stock. The tech guy was apologetic and gave me a good discount off a new machine. I was a bit annoyed because I was happy with my old Alienware -  and would have been happy to pay for the repair - expensive though it would have been. After a few false starts with the discount code and after confirming the lead time for the new Alienware X17 machine, (I was frustrated at how long it would take but well OK I had no real choice),  I placed the order, Dell accepted and confirmed the order on the 26th August 2021. Order Accepted by Dell - 26th Aug Shipping - 18th Sept Delivery -  30th Sept  I wait - nothing is updated on the 'order tracking' - it gets to the 18th Sept - I chase - I'm then informed that due to the ongoing parts shortage my machines shipping and delivery date has been delayed to :- Shipping 7th Oct Arrival 20th Oct I was rather annoyed as there had been no mention by the sales guy of any parts shortages or ongoing issues with Dells ability to meet their commitments. But apparently when I placed the order it was automatically delayed at that point due to the parts shortage (hence the long lead time).  I raised my concerns and was rather promptly given a standard apology and the promise of a rebate on the cost of my order.  At that point I decided to check and asked the sales team if there were any know delays, or parts issue with X17. I was a little surprised to be told 'no' - and that if I ordered an exact duplicate on the 21st Sept, I could expect shipping on the 7thOct.   So today is the 7th of Oct - there have been no updates to the order tracking. I raised a  Support Request 5 days ago :- 2nd Oct - Support Request: XXXXXXX  <- removed at request of Customer Care   I've asked for updates a number of times :- Mon, Oct 4, 2021, 11:25 am Tue, Oct 5, 2021, 8:31 am Wed, Oct 6, 2021, 11:56 am    And heard nothing. I really don't know what to do now - yes this is a gaming laptop - but I use it to develop (i.e. make a living) code for games.  I feel trapped by the initial discount they made as an apology for not being able to repair my old machine - I can't take that anywhere else. COULD SOMEONE FROM DELL PLEASE HELP !!!!!!!!!!!! If anyone is interested - I've documented the whole experience and have full transcripts of all communications with Dell representatives.  Yes I am aware that putting this up here may result in my order being cancelled and I am aware that all X17 models are currently ‘out of stock’, so ordering another is out of the question.    -Hopefully  Jim  
Having a terrible experience, 6 weeks waiting for Alienware X17