11-19-2011, 02:31 PM | #1 |
Knight of the Rose
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Looking at laptops...
Actually, I'm looking to replace my desktop. It's an old HP Pavilion from about 5 years ago. Still holding on for now, but I want something new. (I'll be saving for some time before I actually invest in one, but it doesn't hurt to get some ideas)
Right now, I'm eyeing one of the alienwares computers. Wanted something a little flashy this time around. Primary usage will be gaming and web-surfing with some light media usage (streaming hulu, listening to mp3's). Pretty much average home use. I divided on the alienware M14x or M17x. Seeing as how I can customize before ordering it really boils down to screen size vs. portability. Also, should I go with a solid state drive or stick with the the typical platter type drive? I've heard that while SSD, is more stable, and faster, repeated adding and deleting of data can cause them to wear out faster. Many thanks for any feedback. I'll post the initial specs I'm thinking about when I have them. Also if there is a good reason for me to NOT get alienware (cost aside) I'm open to hearing it, as well as suggested alternatives.
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"When you start with a presupposition, it's hard to arrive at any other conclusion." "We are never to judge a philosophy by its abuse." - Augustine "If you're wondering if God has a sense of humor, consider the platypus." http://www.greaterthings.cbglades.com |
11-19-2011, 02:46 PM | #2 |
Mephistopheles
Join Date: March 21, 2004
Location: Cape Canaveral, FL
Age: 69
Posts: 1,443
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Re: Looking at laptops...
I wouldn't get a laptop because the only things easily upgradable are the RAM and the HDD. Whatever video you get you're stuck with for the life of the lappy. IOW, future games will quickly outstrip the video power of the lappy.
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11-19-2011, 03:24 PM | #3 |
Ironworks Moderator
Join Date: February 28, 2001
Location: Boston/Sydney
Posts: 11,771
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Re: Looking at laptops...
My laptop broke down 2 weeks ago and I got a new one which I am very happy with so far. It's an ASUS G53SX-XN1 that I got from Newegg for bit over $1000. Loving it, it plays pretty much all the latest games at high resolutions and is a beast at multitasking.
Link to it is here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834230099 Specs are: Intel Core i7-2630QM 2.00GHz NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M 2GB GDDR5 8GB DDR3 500GB HD 1920 x 1080 15.6" LCD screen with LED backlight I thought of getting alienware, but for the same specs I would have had to pay a lot more. |
11-19-2011, 03:26 PM | #4 |
Knight of the Rose
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Re: Looking at laptops...
So noted. Still, I want to go with a laptop this time.
So far, I'm looking at: Alienware M14x Processor: Intel Core i7 2670QM 2.2GHz OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Wireless: Intel Advanced-N Wifi Link 6250 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO Tech with WiMax Memory: 6GB DDR3 @ 1600MHz Vid Card: 3.0 GB DDR3 Nvidia Geforce GT 555M using Nvidia Optimus Tech HDD: 500GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s Display: 14' HD (900p/1600x900) with WLED backligh Optical Drive: 8x SuperMulti DVD R/RW slot load optical drive Audio: Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio Software enabled With Steam pre-installed All that plus some other peripherals(gaming mouse, carrying case, MS Office home, McAfee, etc.) comes out to about $1729.97, ordered from dells website. Could be financed for as little as $52/month. I presume that's with an adequate credit score and appropriate down-payment. Having a lack of credit record, I imagine the financing option would be a little different (maybe non-existant). Memnoch, Interesting to see that you got almost the same thing I threw together. And for a fraction of the price.... It pays to shop around. But I really like the look of the alienware.... So, it's looks vs. savings.
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"When you start with a presupposition, it's hard to arrive at any other conclusion." "We are never to judge a philosophy by its abuse." - Augustine "If you're wondering if God has a sense of humor, consider the platypus." http://www.greaterthings.cbglades.com Last edited by Firestormalpha; 11-19-2011 at 03:35 PM. |
11-19-2011, 03:39 PM | #5 |
Ironworks Moderator
Join Date: February 28, 2001
Location: Boston/Sydney
Posts: 11,771
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Re: Looking at laptops...
Yes, I looked at the exact same thing you are looking at. I figured I would save the extra money which would pay for my WoW subscription and future SWTOR subscription and purchase of Skyrim lol.
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11-19-2011, 07:08 PM | #6 |
Xanathar Thieves Guild
Join Date: January 8, 2001
Location: Charlotte,NC
Age: 60
Posts: 4,570
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Re: Looking at laptops...
If you're looking at Alienware custom you might want to check out
http://www.digitalstormonline.com/ They are rated higher than Alienware. I bought a desktop from them in June. Also let me know when you order so I can get the referal Great computer, great support. They let me know on ordering about a known problem on a component I selected and suggested a better and cheaper (by maybe $20) alternative which they did not have to do for my ignorant self. You get updates when they start building your comp from start to finish. A spiffy binder/notebook includes all your software loaded, including a Windows 7 disc. And you should see the packaging. I think it could fall out of the UPS truck at 65 mph with no harm.
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11-19-2011, 10:02 PM | #7 |
Ironworks Moderator
Join Date: October 26, 2003
Location: Sydney, Australia
Age: 43
Posts: 4,415
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Re: Looking at laptops...
I was in the same position and went with the Asus. The new Asus design looks good, keeps cool and still looks flashy with the backlit keyboard. You will also save a fair bit of money as well.
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11-20-2011, 11:01 PM | #8 |
Ironworks Moderator
Join Date: March 1, 2001
Location: Midlands, South Carolina
Age: 48
Posts: 14,759
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Re: Looking at laptops...
I'm new to laptops, having recently bought one strickly for work use, but if I were going to use mine for gaming, I would get a laptop cooling pad. I've been reading about them on newegg, but don't really have a reason to get one at this point. Still, I've noticed the fans intake air from the bottom of my Sony and send it out the left side. Sitting the laptop on my lap, or even on the couch...that probably isn't good for it because the air can't really get into the laptop like that. If I don't get a cooler, I need to at least get a pad of some kind to give it a hard surface so there is a bit of space to bring in air.
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11-21-2011, 12:58 AM | #9 |
40th Level Warrior
Join Date: October 29, 2001
Location: Western Wilds of Michigan
Posts: 11,752
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Re: Looking at laptops...
Define your need for "portability". You flying, driving all over the place with it, porting it to/from school/whatever, or something else?
"Portable" leads to small and lightweight. As a seasoned road warrior, I can tell you that every pound and ounce (or kilo if you prefer) matter. Bigger screen size, bigger machine, higher weight. And also shorter battery life to power that beast. I've pretty much given up on desktops now. Still have one in use, but laptops will do the trick until they're old enough to retire... I've had more problems with desktops. As for what you're looking for, what matters more? Looks or money? I'd get the biggest machine I could (in memory and disk, CPU speed if you're going to do heavy-duty high-graphical gaming). Check the max memory on the machine... that's about the only thing you can realistically upgrade on a laptop. If it's alienware, so be it.
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11-21-2011, 01:20 AM | #10 | |
Ironworks Moderator
Join Date: February 28, 2001
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Re: Looking at laptops...
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