M11x desktop replacement question

I am thinking abut getting an m11x r2 as a desktop replacement and a have a couple noob questions. I am going to be hooking it up to a 46 LCD, mainly used for internet and gaming. I will also be disconnecting the laptop quite abit, does the computer automatically detect the external HDMI display when you turn it on after each start up or do you have to manually switch it over to external display time you connect the computer?with my old notebook i usually left it hooked up to the tv and simply pressed the computer power button and the computer would automatically boot up using the external monitor, im hoping the m11x will do this.

Also I am mostly going to be playing supreme commander 1&2, everquest 1 and a little Wow. I havent decided which Im going to get the I5 or the I7, will the I5 be fast enough for supreme commander, mostly 4 to 6 player skirmish maps, or should i go with the I7.

Thanks for the help.

 

Pre Throttle Stop I would have said an i7 is a waste of money. With the advent of Throttle Stop, you can unleash the power of the i7 (well you can with the i5 as well). The WPrime times between a fully turbo-boosted oc'd i7 and a fully turbo-boosted oc'd i5 seems to be about 6-7 seconds on average, which is quite alot.

 

One thing you should be aware of - I would in no way consider the Alienware M11x as what is traditionally considered to be in the same class as other "desktop replacement" computers. That category of computers typically implies a computer that will not be moved around very much, and has a LOT of processing power. Something like the Alienware M17x would qualify in that category.

The reason that people like the Alienware M11x is because it is a small laptop that runs games very well for its size. It will get 30fps - 50fps in most games at medium or medium-high settings using its native resolution (1366x768). For a gaming computer, that performance isn't that great. For a 4.5lb 11.6" laptop, that performance is spectacular. The value of an M11x is its size and portability. If that is important to you, then get an M11x. If you'd rather have a very powerful gaming computer, then get a larger laptop or a desktop gaming PC.

Now that's out of the way:

1) Yes, your computer should automatically use a monitor/HDTV connected via HDMI. You should not need to keep hitting a button to activate that monitor every time - Windows 7 should detect that display, and automatically start using it.

2) Personally, I don't think the difference between Core i5 and Core i7 is worth the +$150. The only difference is increased clock speed. And there is going to be very little real-world performance difference in gaming or applications by a simple clock speed increase.

 

As a desktop replacement - yes
As a casual gaming replacement - yes
As a full on gaming rig - no

I use my M11x for all my computing except full on gaming. My M11x goes most places with me so it is the best compromise IMO.

I would also say yay! for Throttle Stop too.