There is a problem with the M17x-R3 where the brightness controls (FN+F4/F5) stop responding. I see the OSD but the actual brightness does not change. If I go into the power management window, I can adjust the slider just fine. Also, if I use hybrid mode (Intel IGP), the brightness works for the Intel IGP just fine. Currently I am using the AMD 11.4 reference drivers but this also happened to me with Dell's stock shipping driver. This is the second time this has happened to me and the only solution I found was to restore the entire system's image.
For reference, my system configuration:
1. AMD 6970M graphics + Intel IGP
2. 2630 QM processor
3. 4 GB DDR 3
4. Standard dvd drive
5. Intel wifi 6300
Thanks.