Which alienware is right for me?

Hi,

Im looking to spend around 1500-1800 on a new gaming laptop. I was suggested the Alienware and was wondering how it might compare to some other models and if its the right laptop for me. Here is what Im looking for in order of importance.

overheating - would like for it not to have overheating issues
portability - originally I wanted a thin gaming laptop but recent research has swayed me away from that because of all the issues thin gaming laptops have with overheating and noise?
screen quality - Im looking for at least a 17" nice screen. (no wash out blurry as have been pointed out on some other laptops)
build quality
ready to go out of the box

games I will be playing:
call of duty hearthstone
path of exile
final fantasy14
diablo 3

thanks for your input.
Leo

 

This is just my opinion, but with Alienware you are often paying a premium for the name and some flashy lights.

If I may suggest, take a look at Sager and you'll likely find you can get the same configuration as Alienware with more options and possibly a couple of hundred dollars less.

Also take a look at XoticPC (a reseller) as they have quite a good selection and lots of configurable options.

You mention a 17" screen.. that's going to mean a heavy laptop with a low battery time, which detracts from the portability factor.

Many laptops with high level GPU/CPU components run fairly hot.. that's just how it is with a smaller form factor.

Sounds like you're after more of a desktop replacement rather than a mobile solution.. would that be correct?

One other thing.. with the 800 series soon to roll out, you may see prices drop on 700 series laptops soon after, so if you can hold off for a few weeks, do so.

Probably not the answer you wanted to hear huh... sorry.

 

Hi, this was a great answer thank you,

You are right, I am looking for more of a desktop replacement and will settle for a heavier laptop that I can take to lap parties.

I can wait a couple weeks, though not sure what 800 series means?

 

800 series refers to the NVidia graphics cards; the next series of laptop graphics cards due out very soon is the 800 series, and when a new series comes out, often you'll see some discounts on the existing series (ie: the 700 series is the top dog right now, the GTX-780M being pretty much the top of the heap).

Since you are looking for a desktop replacement, take a look at the Sager NP9390. It's at the top end of your price range right now, but this rig looks ideal for you. It has a i7-4700MQ quad core CPU which imho is a must if you're wanting a full desktop replacement rig, and an excellent GTX-780M graphics card (currently about the best you can get, other than going dual GTX-780m lol). It sports a 17.3" screen with 1920x1080 res and does have some nice subtle case effects (lights) without going over the top, and of course a full size backlit keyboard etc. and at 8.8lbs with battery, it's not too heavy at all for a large screen laptop.

Actually this could be perfect for you.

 

Thanks that looks great, Im excited to look more into it. Im also hearing a lot of good things about mythologic, do you have any opinions on that? Could I get the same value with them?

 

I got my Sager NP6110 from XoticPC and they were great to deal with (they are a reseller of various brands, but provide more customization options than usual), and I hear similarly good reports about Mythlogic. .. just go for whichever gives the best price on a similar rig is my suggestion