[kemet64]

Okay, I am looking for a "gaming laptop". I will be going to college and a laptop will be my main computer. I game a lot so I need it to play games.

I am currently looking at Alienware's Gaming laptops and the Dell Inspiron XPS.

I am trying to decide which one I should get. Alienware does have the upgradeable graphics...does dell have this.

Anyways, the price im working with is around 2000-2500.

[andy AA]

http://www.sagernotebook.com/pages/n...oductType=4780

and for some serious dollars

http://go-l.com/laptops/hollywood_go...ures/index.htm

andy

[ZabrakGurl]

I am the new owner of one of Dell's XPS laptops. It is far and away a much better designed system than the original Alienware laptops (which is what I previously had). The fact that Dell is able to custom manufacture their own case gives them the ability to make it however they want, rather than most boutique companies (such as Alienware and Voodoo) who essentially use off-the-shelf cases they do not manufacture and then custom paint them or whatever.

One of the best things about this Dell is that my keyboard does not get hot to the touch like my Alienware used to. It is also a LOT quieter than the Alienware was (which sounded like a jet plane due to its fans). The Dell has fans also, of course, but they're virtually silent.

The case is overall more durable, and the "quality" and finish of it is simply better overall. I also am a fan of the eraser-head pointing sticks instead of touch-pads. Dell has both. The video chip of the Dell -IS- upgradable, however it isn't an end-user simple operation the way Alienware is. Dell schedules an appointment and sends a tech to your house to do the upgrade when you request it.

Now granted... I am comparing my new Dell to the ORIGINAL Alienware case, not the new one with the custom lid with the eyes and such. I imagine that this new case is somewhat better, however I was simply SO disappointed with the Alienware machine in general they I decided they did not deserve my repeat business. They NEVER addressed my chronic problems with the laptop. Overheating being the primary issue. NEVER resolved despite multiple attempts. (The machine would overheat and thus automatically clock itself down, even when I supposedly disabled this "feature" in the bios).

Essentially the only way I was able to play anything 3D with that Alienware laptop was to have an external fan blowing air directly into the case vents. As you can imagine, this pretty much ruined any convenience of portability that was the intention of having a laptop in the first place.

Anyhow, buy what you like... but I am absolutely tickled pink with my Dell XPS and would never again give Alienware my money.

[kemet64]

Well this makes me more happy with the Dell system then, and less concerned about purchasing it now that I have feedback .

About graphics, all I want is the ablility to upgrade it. As long as when I want a new vid card, I do not need to buy a new laptop, then I am happy. The dell is also a cheaper system I have seen....so I am really considering the Dell now. Thanks


Basically, I am looking at price and performance. But it seems that Dell has both of those. Thanks for your input.


edit- Okay, Dell has many good deals going (free upgrades). I just made 2 laptops that were basically identical.
Price with dell: 2500
price with alienware: 3250

I believe that answers my question.

[quasr]

I recently purchased an Acer Aspire 1712SMi notebook and I can't say enough good about it. It comes stock with a nice large 17" high resolution screen, P4 3.0GHz w/HT technology, 1GB of RAM, 120 GB 7200 RPM harddrive, Nvidia Geforce FX GO 5700 video card, DVD burner, 802.11b/g WLAN, 10/100 LAN, and V.92 modem. I have been using it non-stop for the past three months playing the latest, greatest, fastest games with not a single glitch. As far as tech assistance, they are there by phone 24/7. Only downside is the weight. I purchased a quality backpack and have traveled with it comfortably. I compared the specs with the lastest Alienware notebooks and this one is far ahead of the one they advertise for nearly $3,200. I paid just over $1,900. and would buy another in an instant. Highly recommended!