They actually switched to a windows precision pad for the r4. I confirmed this with a sales rep and through their driver support page. Pretty stoked about that upgrade. Once you've used a windows precision/mac touchpad it's really hard to go back to synaptics.
 
My mind is pretty made up about going Alienware. All the unboxings and reviews I've seen so far have been positive. 
 
On another note, I haven't heard anything from EVGA in 6 days. I will update this post when they eventually get back to me with a solution.

I'm surprised we haven't received an update about this. 

Supposedly I have a full refund on the way, but have not seen a check as of yet. Will let you guys know when I get it.

This will probably be my final update to this thread.
 
Yesterday I received a check from EVGA for the full purchase price I paid to PCRUSH.com (a third party vendor) for my SC-17. I am extremely grateful to EVGA and specifically Chris B. for helping with these issues, and getting me a refund even when I don't believe they were obligated to do so. While I won't ever purchase another laptop from EVGA, I will continue to purchase my desktop GPUs from them just like I have in the past.
 
I ended up getting a gtx1060 Razer Blade that I am extremely satisfied with. I haven't had a single issue, and I am completely in love with the glossy screen instead of the matte one on the SC-17 and most other gaming laptops. I know people say matte is better for gaming, but I really don't like the washed out colors, overall dimmer display, and fuzziness that comes with a matte overlay. The build quality on this Razer laptop is unmatched, and it feel like a product I will have for many years. I can't say that I felt the same about the MSI latop I tried or the SC-17.
 
I am glad that I have this whole debacle behind me, and that I have a new machine that suites my needs perfectly.
 
Once again, thanks Chris, and thank you to the EVGA support team--you guys are truly unmatched in this industry.