XPS or Alienware?

I don't intend to start a war or anything, but I am looking at both the Alienware 17" R3 laptop, and the XPS 17" laptop. This is to replace an ASUS M70vm, which is getting a bit long in the tooth and does not have full Windows 7 supoprt (FYI: the M70vn and later models have Win7 support, the "m" version does not).

The XPS and Alienware don't see that far apart in terms of capabilities, and the XPS is cheaper when both are configured the same. The Alienware is larger and heavier.

In Canada, you can't get the high end ADM video card - the 460 is the fastestest. At least, not yet.....

This laptop will be primarily a backup to my my DJ laptop (Fujitsu Lifebook P770 - i7 CPU, 6Gb RAM, 1.26Tb disk), but will also be used for photo editing (Adobe) and video editing (Sony). The unit will be ordered with all the bells and whistles - max CPU, upgraded to max RAM either as part of the purchase or soon after, max hard drive space (likely no SSD, all spinning hard drives), BD support, running Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit.

Can someone educate me on the main differences between these two lines, in the context of someone trying to decide between the two lines for a purchase? I have done some searches here, and not found any similar discussions.

Thanks in advance!

 

First of all, you are wrong about few things:

1. M17XR3 is not heavier than the XPS (the new model is made of plastic and XPS has an aluminum body);

2. You can order an high end GPU in Canada as well, all you have to do is call the sales rep. and tell them about the GPU you require (ATi 6970m) and they will add it manually to your order.

3. I was a bit doubtful when I ordered the new Alienware m17x R3 because of the 'plastic' body compared to the m17x R2 which is very solid and heavy. But now I love it. It is much faster, quitter and lighter then the R2. Also, if you're doing basic things on it (web browsing, emails, music, movies), you can just switch to intel GPU 3000 and best of all, with screen at 50% brightness battery will keep you on for more than 4 hours.

Bottom line, you cannot compare ALIENWARE with XPS.

 

Why would you be starting a war? Both XPS and Alienware are from Dell, and they are meant to fill their own niche, not compete with eachother. XPS is geared towards an all-around entertainment laptop with capabilities to at least run the latest games on average settings.

The Alienwares are also meant for entertainment obviously, but focus more on offering better graphical performance for the gamers/enthusiasts who must have the latest technologies to run the latest games at the highest settings. The GPU offerings on the Alienware will pretty much dwarf the capabilities offered on the XPS, but will also cost slightly more. That is what sets the Alienwares apart from the XPS line-up.

If you don't really need a laptop that can push the limits of the latest and greatest games, then I'm sure an XPS would be more than enough. Though, if you want to be playing the newest games for years to come, the graphical prowess of the Alienware line-up will be much more future-proof.

Other differences:

- Price: A decent M17x R3 is priced around $1800USD, and a decent XPS is around $1000USD. This is assuming that you get similar discounts on either one, and that you order by phone.
- The M17x R3 also has a weight of about 9 pounds, while the XPS 17 is around 7-8 pounds. Basically the same.
- A bit better sound quality on the XPS 17 with built-in Waves MAXXAudio and 2.1 JBL speakers.
- HDMI-input on the M17x R3 which will allow you to plug in a gaming console like the PS3 or 360 and use the M17x R3 screen/speakers to play your console on.
- Better build quality on the M17x R3. Uses high-quality plastics and a soft-touch rubber material as opposed to the XPS 17's generic plastic.

Every other configurable option should be similar (CPU, RAM, wireless card, etc)

 

Main difference:

- gt555m (xps) vs gtx460m or 6970 (m17x)
- build quality (xps is mainstream plastic design, while m17x's have a much more robust and aesthetically pleasing design)

the video card choices on the m17x are superior to the Xps line, and that is a big deal if you plan on using the machine for gaming.

 

I had to deal with the same question and decided in favour of the alienware.
I dont like the system lifting battery pack.
Moreover the alienware uses in total better components, for e.g. ram modules..

 

The XPS does have a bit more metal in it - the palm rest and back of the display are covered in a thin layer of aluminum. Feels and looks nice, though it will not be any more durable because of it.

I will say, I think the XPS 15 is a better machine than the XPS 17 due to the gorgeous display you can get with it. It is otherwise almost entirely the same. I own the 15 and love it.

The sound is not just a bit better on the XPS, it is head and shoulders above.

But, if you plan on serious gaming, and you CAN get the 6970m by calling, it is a no-brainer.