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[dark_chris]

I am stuck on choosing either laptop. Basically, I want one that is futureproof, last me through college, and at least handle itself playing games. Both are $2,000 (maybe lil more with the shipping and handling). I also refuse to go higher than $2,000.

Specs:
- Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7200 2.0GHz 4MB Cache 667MHz FSB
- Operating System (Office software not included): Genuine Windows® Vista Home Premium - Without Remote Control or TV Tuner
-Display: 17" WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD - Saucer Silver
-Motherboard: Alienware® Intel® 945PM + ICH7 Chipset
-Memory: 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz - 2 x 512MB
-System Drive: Single Drive Configuration - 160GB Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s 5,400 RPM w/ 8MB Cache
-Primary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 8x Dual Layer CD-RW/DVD±RW w/ Nero Software
-Video/Graphics Card: 256MB ATI Mobility™ Radeon® X1800
-Sound Card: Intel® 7.1 High-Definition Audio
-Wireless Network Card: Internal Intel® Wireless 4965 a/b/g/Draft-N Mini-Card
-Communications: Integrated 10/1000Mb Gigabit Ethernet & 56K V.92 Modem
-Power: Additional AC Adapter - Alienware® Area-51 m5790 120 Watt Auto-switch Adapter
-Power: Additional Battery - Alienware® Area-51 m5790 8-cell Lithium-Ion Battery
-Warranty: 2-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support w/ Onsite Service
-AlienRespawn: Alienware® Respawn Recovery Kit
-Alienware Extras: Alienware® Mousepad
-Alienware Extras: AlienInspection - Exclusive Integration and Inspection - $100 Value - FREE!
-Free Alienware® T-Shirt: Free Alienware® T-Shirt - Black

(If I decide on a laptop. I could easily just take off the 1GB ram and switch it with the 2GB)

OR

(Sorry, couldn't find a better pic. lol)

Inspiron E1705 - Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7200 (2.00GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 667 MHz FSB)
-Operating System - FREE Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium with 1GB of memory
-LCD Panel 17 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen UXGA Display with TrueLife™
-Memory - 1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz
-Video Card - 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 7900 GS
-Hard Drive - 160GB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
-Network Card Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
-Combo or DVD+RW Drive 8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
-Sound Options - Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy™HD Software Edition
-Wireless Networking Cards - Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N
-Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) I chose Security with Value, Plus,or Premium Warranty Bundle. (3 years for warranty including accidental)
-Primary Battery 80 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
-Hardware Warranty PC-Care Plus Bundle
-Power Adapter 90 Watt Spare AC Adapter
-Power Adapter APC Essential SurgeArrest 7-outlet Surge Protector
-Processor Branding Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor
-Labels - Windows Vista™ Premium

(Once again, the ram would be switched once i got it. Saves money)

Which laptop you think I should get GAF?

 

[Tarazet]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220043

I am posting from a three-year-old Asus S5N. They make absolutely the best laptops you can buy - reliable, efficient and much more powerful than their specs would have you believe because of their motherboard expertise.

 

[onegoodlogan]

NOT ALIENWARE.
I had one of their laptops, overheated so bad I damn near toasted my junk off.

DO NOT WANT.

 

[dark_chris]

NOT ALIENWARE.
I had one of their laptops, overheated so bad I damn near toasted my junk off.

DO NOT WANT.

Guess that counts 1 for Dell.

 

[clav]

Some tips to keep in mind:

1. Don't obtain security suites. You usually have issues connecting with a college network with one.

2. Buy small memory and buy 2 1GB sticks. Most of the time, that is a better deal. Go to SlickDeals or Fatwallet for deals.

3. Buy a smaller screen if possible. You don't want to lug around a 17 inch laptop around with all your books. It's just not worth it. Try for a 14". Even I think 15.4" are a bit too big. (I own an Inspiron 6000).

What is your major? I would recommend people a Mac if their major isn' science-related such as engineering or biology.

 

[Darobga]

Dell owns Alienware now..Dont they?

 

[dark_chris]

Some tips to keep in mind:

1. Don't obtain security suites. You usually have issues connecting with a college network with one.

2. Buy small memory and buy 2 1GB sticks. Most of the time, that is a better deal. Go to SlickDeals or Fatwallet for deals.

3. Buy a smaller screen if possible. You don't want to lug around a 17 inch laptop around with all your books. It's just not worth it. Try for a 14". Even I think 15.4" are a bit too big. (I own an Inspiron 6000).

What is your major? I would recommend people a Mac if their major isn' science-related such as engineering or biology.

Well, I plan to go to a university to just do my general eds. If I go along with that, then my major would be photography (transferring colleges). If I don't go for just general eds, then it would be Computer Science (staying at the university).

 

[dark_chris]

Dell owns Alienware now..Dont they?

Yes, they do.

 

[NMan]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220104
Why not something like that. You get a good video card for games and you can actually carry it around.

 

[gprime]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220043

I am posting from a three-year-old Asus S5N. They make absolutely the best laptops you can buy - reliable, efficient and much more powerful than their specs would have you believe because of their motherboard expertise.

Woah. You are a fellow S5N owner? Do you actually use it for everyday use? I have mine for school but can't imagine working from a 12" screen every day

 

[Firestorm]

Guess that counts 1 for Dell.

Dell owns Alienware. Alienware is basically one of their brands. I went with a clearance Toshiba (the specs on the thing were basically double the value of what I got it for), but like sonarrat said, Asus does make the best laptops it seems.

Currently, Nvidia's video drivers are shit. So I guess go with the Alienware which has an ATI? Unless ATI's is shit too, I haven't checked up on it. I just know that my Go 7600 has horrible support from Nvidia.

 

[Tarazet]

Woah. You are a fellow S5N owner? Do you actually use it for everyday use? I have mine for school but can't imagine working from a 12" screen every day

I use it all the time, and my cheapo desktop collects dust in the closet. Sometimes I hook it up to my monitor just to get a higher refresh rate, and the external DVD drive is rattly, but otherwise I couldn't be happier with this thing.

 

[zoku88]

Before buying from one of them, you should probably check out Sager Notebooks and ibuypower.

Sager is known to be pretty good (and they're somewhat cheaper.)

 

[gprime]

I use it all the time, and my cheapo desktop collects dust in the closet. Sometimes I hook it up to my monitor just to get a higher refresh rate, and the external DVD drive is rattly, but otherwise I couldn't be happier with this thing.

Yeah it's definitely a nice machine Even at 3 years old I still get comments on it all the time.

 

[Tarazet]

Yeah it's definitely a nice machine Even at 3 years old I still get comments on it all the time.

Yeah, since mine is white people ask me why I bought a Mac.. I say I didn't, it's a PC.. :lol and then they're all interested.. they're always impressed by how light it is (3 pounds) and the fact that I can still get 2 1/2 hours out of it at that weight.

 

[S. L.]

just keep in mind that 17" is pretty much not portable in a painless way.
for something more college friendly i'd look at the 10"-14" range

 

[Juice]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a new computer.


Apple vs. Mac

What's it gonna be?!?!?!??!

 

[dark_chris]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a new computer.


Apple vs. Mac

What's it gonna be?!?!?!??!

Oh brother.. lol.

 

[davepoobond]

doesn't Dell own Alienware now?

 

[dark_chris]

Before buying from one of them, you should probably check out Sager Notebooks and ibuypower.

Sager is known to be pretty good (and they're somewhat cheaper.)

Man, the things you can make with the desktops are awesome on ibuypower. >.< Its crazy.

 

[deadbeef]

Man my brother in law has an Alienware laptop because he travels 5 days out of 7. That thing gets SO HOT. It's uncomfortable resting your hands on the keyboard while it's on a desk - I can't imagine sitting it on your lap on the couch. Screw that, get the Dell.

Also, you can't buy a futureproof machine. Sorry :/

 

[gprime]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a new computer.


Apple vs. Mac

What's it gonna be?!?!?!??!

doesn't Dell own Alienware now?

 

[WickedAngel]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a new computer.


Apple vs. Mac

What's it gonna be?!?!?!??!

:lol

Aside from that sarcasm, it really isn't a good idea to combine the two. Gaming "laptops" aren't really things that you want to carry around. The last thing you need to add to a backpack full of books is a laptop that weighs 8~10lbs (Believe me, it seems like a lot more because you're a lot more gentle with it than books and the like).

 

[Kadey]

For the Love of God, do not buy anything from Alienware. I am one of those unfortunate customers they manipulated to screwing over. I filed a complaint with Consumer Affairs because of it.

 

[dark_chris]

For the Love of God, do not buy anything from Alienware. I am one of those unfortunate customers they manipulated to screwing over. I filed a complaint with Consumer Affairs because of it.

Whats your story? lol

 

[dark_chris]

Before buying from one of them, you should probably check out Sager Notebooks and ibuypower.

Sager is known to be pretty good (and they're somewhat cheaper.)

Is there any other site like ibuypower?

 

[Kadey]

Whats your story? lol

I bought a PC from them awhile ago and it died. Well I had to learn basic Indian just to understand what the hell the customer service rep was talking about. Thing is, they ask really dumb questions like, "do you have your power on?, is it plugged into the outlet?". Seriously dumb questions which I know is understandable because they are normal people who are just reading off of a book.

Anyway, I know a few things about computers and the problem was either the motherboard or PSU. I had to get two exchanges with the PSU and one for the motherboard. In order to do that, they take your CC# for security purposes but will charge you for the item if the replacement part does not get to them at a certain time. Well, to screw you over, in order to replace the part, you would need an Alienware tech to come to your house and do it. You void your warranty if any one else does it which is what happened in my case. I had a professional IT guy at work do it who owns these techs when it comes to these things, actually do it.
Well for one, they charged my card for the items because I didnt get it to them in time but how could I if I was supposed to wait for the tech guy to replace it? It's a lose-lose situation for consumers. I mean, I honestly never had this bad of a service with a company before and I dealt with many. My problem wasn't over because they sent me crappy parts as well and because I voided my warranty, they no longer care what happens thereafter. What a way to treat your customers. I hope the whole company goes down. Apparently if you go to their forums, you will see many people with similiar problems and they do have a history of being like this so it's not an isolated incident on my part.

 

[dark_chris]

I bought a PC from them awhile ago and it died. Well I had to learn basic Indian just to understand what the hell the customer service rep was talking about. Thing is, they ask really dumb questions like, "do you have your power on?, is it plugged into the outlet?". Seriously dumb questions which I know is understandable because they are normal people who are just reading off of a book.

Anyway, I know a few things about computers and the problem was either the motherboard or PSU. I had to get two exchanges with the PSU and one for the motherboard. In order to do that, they take your CC# for security purposes but will charge you for the item if the replacement part does not get to them at a certain time. Well, to screw you over, in order to replace the part, you would need an Alienware tech to come to your house and do it. You void your warranty if any one else does it which is what happened in my case. I had a professional IT guy at work do it who owns these techs when it comes to these things, actually do it.
Well for one, they charged my card for the items because I didnt get it to them in time but how could I if I was supposed to wait for the tech guy to replace it? It's a lose-lose situation for consumers. I mean, I honestly never had this bad of a service with a company before and I dealt with many. My problem wasn't over because they sent me crappy parts as well and because I voided my warranty, they no longer care what happens thereafter. What a way to treat your customers. I hope the whole company goes down. Apparently if you go to their forums, you will see many people with similiar problems and they do have a history of being like this so it's not an isolated incident on my part.

Wow. Holy Crap. Well, I guess that convinces me to not get it. Thanks for saving me the trouble.

Like I was saying, is there any other sites like ibuypower.com?
Now that I saw that site, I know there are other options than this site.

 

[Shogmaster]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a new computer.


Apple vs. Mac

What's it gonna be?!?!?!??!

Hey guys! What are we talking about in this thread?

 

[TAJ]

I was just going to post a topic, lol.
I'm looking for a laptop with dedicated vram and a half-way decent graphics chip, and I'd rather not spend more than $1,300.

 

[keeblerdrow]

Get the Dell. Then add 1GB of RAM to it. If you're running Vista, especially on a laptop, you want 2GB of RAM. The Alienware... not so much. And this is coming from someone who has just spent the last 2 months intensively researching laptops. (I just decided to build my own desktop instead.)

 

[dark_chris]

Get the Dell. Then add 1GB of RAM to it. If you're running Vista, especially on a laptop, you want 2GB of RAM. The Alienware... not so much. And this is coming from someone who has just spent the last 2 months intensively researching laptops. (I just decided to build my own desktop instead.)

Yea, I may get the Dell, pending on the options GAF may give.

I rather like to choose my components like what each major brand and ibuypower do.

I have a 2GB ram stick here in handy for the laptop I choose.

 

[MassiveAttack]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220043

I am posting from a three-year-old Asus S5N. They make absolutely the best laptops you can buy - reliable, efficient and much more powerful than their specs would have you believe because of their motherboard expertise.

This man speaks the truth. ASUS designs and builds the best laptops in the world.

For a 17", get the ASUS W2 or G2. You cannot go wrong with either of these.

 

[commish]

17 inches = too big.

If you weren't going to game, I'd suggest Thinkpad.

Since you are, I suggest ASUS.

 

[dark_chris]

I settled on the Dell.

 

[Vandiger]

I'd seriously look into ASUS, they do make very good "gaming" laptops.

 

[acidviper]

I am stuck on choosing either laptop. Basically, I want one that is futureproof

Its already obselete. Why didn't you wait for the next gen of processors. Apparently its a big jump. And why the hell would you need a gaming laptop in college? Are you really going to be playing games in lecture hall.

 

[Fatalah]

I just bought the Gateway NX570XL. Very solid machine. Paid only 1300 for it.

 

[scorcho]

Its already obselete. Why didn't you wait for the next gen of processors. Apparently its a big jump. And why the hell would you need a gaming laptop in college? Are you really going to be playing games in lecture hall.

if it's a desktop replacement for him that's a good reason.

 

[sonikokaruto]

I settled on the Dell.

damn you noooo! get a mac!!

 

[dark_chris]

Well. I chose the Dell.

 

[Fragamemnon]

Super pretty machine, congratulations.

Do you still have to format new Dells to get rid off all the preinstalled shitware or can that stuff be easily removed now?

 

[Tarazet]

This thread failed.

 

[Smiles and Cries]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a new computer.


Apple vs. Mac

What's it gonna be?!?!?!??!

:lol

 

[Lyte Edge]

Good job on the Dell. I don't know about the model you chose, but I have an Alienware and it overheats almost every day, usually at the worst of times. :\ I gave up using it for gaming since most games from 2005 and up run too choppy (using an ATI 9600 mobile gfx card) and then there's that overheating issue. Also Alienware stopped all support for this model and stopped selling their graphics card upgrades (the selling point behind this thing!) before I had a chance to do anything. On the positive side, I will say that this PC is built like a TANK and has gone to a lot of places, different countries, etc. with no damage whatsoever.

So I'm going back into the arms of Apple, I think. The PC experiment ends with this one. I'll probably have to wait and deal with this thing for another year, though, I think. I suppose if I stopped buying games for a while I could save up,but **** that.

 

[Tommie Hu$tle]

I need to stay in more I read that as stuck on lapdance choice - Dell vs. Alienware


I was like what kind of stipper names are those. Is the strip club next to Google HQ or something?

 

[dark_chris]

Super pretty machine, congratulations.

Do you still have to format new Dells to get rid off all the preinstalled shitware or can that stuff be easily removed now?

Its all easily removable now. You just uninstall them and you wipe a good chunk of waste from here. Its not all that inconvenient. I been carrying it around in my bag to get a good feel of it. I got used to it already.

I think its a wise choice to go with this.

This laptop was actually a graduation gift from my mom and dad.

 

[dark_chris]

Good job on the Dell. I don't know about the model you chose, but I have an Alienware and it overheats almost every day, usually at the worst of times. :\ I gave up using it for gaming since most games from 2005 and up run too choppy (using an ATI 9600 mobile gfx card) and then there's that overheating issue. Also Alienware stopped all support for this model and stopped selling their graphics card upgrades (the selling point behind this thing!) before I had a chance to do anything. On the positive side, I will say that this PC is built like a TANK and has gone to a lot of places, different countries, etc. with no damage whatsoever.

So I'm going back into the arms of Apple, I think. The PC experiment ends with this one. I'll probably have to wait and deal with this thing for another year, though, I think. I suppose if I stopped buying games for a while I could save up,but **** that.

This machine doesn't really heat up much at all. I don't make it work hard yet but it just seems fine. As long as it obviously gets to vent air from under.

 

[HotItalianSausage]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220043

I am posting from a three-year-old Asus S5N. They make absolutely the best laptops you can buy - reliable, efficient and much more powerful than their specs would have you believe because of their motherboard expertise.

+1 for Asus.


Just bought the G2 a month ago...Love it! Amazing power, reliable and cool. Same specs as those other two, except 2 GB of ram and a few good extras. (Nice backpack and gaming mouse)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220125

 

[womp]

I have an E1705, same specs but with 2 gigs of RAM...Got it a month ago. Great system so far although I am having probs with the DVD drive. I am so glad I went with 17 inches too...Its almost too hard to go back to 15.4.

Anyway...Has NVidia gotten their act together yet with proper Vista drivers for this 7900 GS I have or what? I'm still using these custom jobbers.