AW Laptop Owners: Config and Pros/Cons

I want to get some information for my own personal use or even for anyone else who might be (now or in the future) considering purchasing an Alienware Laptop (or any similar model for that matter) and doesn't exactly know where to draw the line in terms of configuration. I was hoping I might be able to get several Alienware Laptop owners to post the model and specs of their presently-owned machine as well as anything they like or dislike about the specific parts.

Is your processor a little slow? Did you not buy enough ram? Does your laptop heat up too quickly? Do you wish you upgraded the screen? Base all your answers on your computer usage, whether or not you play a lot of games, what type of games, if you do graphic design, anything like that. And don't forget to mention to what extent you use your computer.

I've researched quite a bit about the difference between the upgradeable options, but I still feel like I need some more information before I make my final decisions. Instead of asking questions, I thought this might help me, or anyone in my position, decide for myself how exactly to configure my laptop.

Thanks.
Jumpboyjr

 

its alot easier if you ask about each component ... the config in my signiture is perfect for gaming and doing any thing i need

 

I would definitely recommend buying some speakers as well because I think the built-in speakers in the M17 are terrible....maybe I was spoilt with sound in my previous lap-top but I find the built-in speakers really poor. The speakers that Alienware sell are good and not too pricey.
I did regret not buying a quad-core processor but Ive since learnt that you can upgrade the CPU, RAM and HDs over time so dont worry if you have to chose something of lesser spec due to price...it can all be added later without voiding warranty as long as you do it properly.
I chose the T9600 processor and am happy with it for now and the 1920X1200 LCD. I would not have chosen the other LCD with lower resolution because the thought of upgrading the screen at any point in the future frightens me, so I would say get the 1920x1200 as long as you can afford it.
Dont waste money on the preripherals;
I bought the TV-tuner and remote which Ive never used and the Alienware backpack although good quality is massive because its designed to carry 2 M17s....so its not very easy to carry. If you already have a laptop case then just use that. IMHO.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

ps, If you pay be credit card and are not from the US then may have to provide further proof of credit card ownership such as a photocopy of the card with a Bank statement.

 

I went with some fairly expensive options up front, as I didn't want to have to upgrade for a while. The pro: system is incredible; fast, responsive, and plays great. The cons: cost, of course.

Specifically, I like the speed and capabilities of the system - especially like the SSD's and the screen, and the performance the processor/GPU's provide. The system does run a little warmer than I expected (high 80's C on the main GPU under load), but after contacting AW on it, I was told this is still OK (and seems to match with a few other users here, at least in the range...)

On the TV tuner: I'm not sure what to say. On one hand, I haven't used mine yet either, but I guess I figured for the extra $70 or so, I'd like to have the potential in the future if I want it (and, compared to the rest of the laptop, it was a drop in the bucket, so I went ahead and picked it up.)

On the backpack: I got the Orion messenger bag (not the backpack), but I like the extra room, as I pack my M17 and my NZXT Cryocooler in there, and it fits fine. (I don't think I could do this with my old Targus bag, despite it being pretty big also!) So, yeah, it's big, but you may like the room - I do, at least!

(laptop specs are in sig; use is primarily gaming/entertainment, with occasional work.)

 

As stated above, a good number of the things, if you take your time and do research on are upgradable. Some of the easiest ones are the RAM and HDD's. You can also upgrade the CPU as well. Again, as long as you're careful, do your research, etc. Some of the things not so easily upgraded in my opinion would be the video cards because they might be tough to find, the screen due to expense.

My choices were:

1920x1200 Screen
Dual 3870 Video
Q9100 Quad CPU (I think they only offer the Q9000 now?)
4GB RAM (You could go with 2GB and buy a RAM upgrade pretty cheap elsewhere)
2x250GB 7200RPM HDD in Raid 0
Basic DVD Drive
Vista Ultimate 64bit

Some things I would recomend in my opinion.

If you go with only 2GB RAM, get a 64bit OS incase you decide to upgrade the RAM.

Larger HDD are pretty cheap and "cloning" the smaller ones to larger ones is pretty easy in my opinion. HOWEVER you can NOT clone from normal HD to SSD.

SSD is very nice but also very $$. It would be cheaper to find good performing ones from elsewhere and installing yourself.

Blu-Ray is nice, but for me wasn't worth it. I have an older Sony with it and I've used it once in the past 8 months.

I love my system! It runs great, games like a champ, and provides great entertainment all around.

 

How bad would the 1920 x 1200 resolution be on the 15" screen of an Area-51 m15x?

 

Does anybody agree with me on the M17s sound?? is it poor or is it decent for a notebook?
My only other PC previously was a HP Pavillion(good spec for year) with Altec Lansing speakers and it sounded quality.....I wouldnt have liked to have unboxed my M17 that day without those nice Creative speakers to unwrap as well.
Yeah looking back the guys have made good points; its nice that the laptop cases/backpacks are big and as Ive just ordered myCryo Xl cooling fan I may appreciate that more! and the point that jeffreyac made as well about the TV-tuner is true...at least you know its there if ever you did need it. And I feel better knowing that not only are my parts Alienware certified but have been fitted properly by them.
Its all about money though and its definitely worth waiting a little longer if necessary to get the right system and not rushing towards poor decisions.

good luck anyhow, remember that the topic of conversations on this forum today is this new "thing" that Alienware and Dell are working on and anouncing soon!! you never know; it could be a more affordable lap-top than the M17 with a equally high spec so bear this in mind.

Good luck!

 

the speakers are decent there not great but the are half a inch big so i dont expect much

 

yeah fair point, most lap-top speakers are of similar size though and some sound OK.
like I said though; Im glad I bought some seperate speakers!

 

I have to admit - most of my gaming is done with headphones if sound is required, or muted if I have to in order to prevent disturbing the wife or surrounding coworkers ... uh... I mean, not that I would ever game with my laptop at work or anything.... So, the moral of the story is that I can't accurately answer about the speakers, I don't use them often enough.

 

the resolution would be great but if ur blindish then dont get it

 

OK, my turn. I am not a hardcore gamer. I play occasionally/rarely. So my point of view is a little different. Here goes.

I give my M17 beatings man. Not physically, but do require it to do lots of stuff. I needed a strong computer, with (and this was a big selling point for me) upgrading potential as I needed it. The M17x looks awesome, but the M17 had the latest hardware so I picked it up.

And I am happy I did. The look is very nice. Now, I actually prefer the minimalistic lights compared to the M17x. The M17x is a little too flashy for me. I work with this puppy and people see it. But I wouldn't wan't people to see it as a toy.

In any case, (let's get to the point) even though I do not have the high-end components, my computer falls around the middle.

I require it to *drums*:

Run extensive AutoCAD 2009
Realtime, lifelike renderings of buildings on the fly
Extensive mathematical calculations (Using Mathematica 7)

And most of the time all of this has to be multi-tasked. My processor can take it no problem. The cards eat through the renderings, zoom in, out, spin them, apply lighting effects... it all happens in a couple of minutes at most, no kidding.

Other stuff I typically do while doing any or all of the above include:

Tons of excel
Remote control another Computer to work on (not fair here since the computer uses its own resources I guess)
Browsers
Music
Occasional Photoshop

That's it. And of course, whenever I have time, I game. No problem.

Don't get anything less than a 2.6 (2.53 is no longer available) and you should be fine. Oh yeah, upgrade the screen. I didn't but there is a great tutorial by Rob around here somewhere that I found very helpful.

TV turner is a waste IMO.

There you have it.

(This long post should count as two...)

 

Get a SSD, thats all I will say. Many times when windows appears laggy it has to do with the hard drive, not the processor. I have a SSD in mine, and its VERY snappy.

Course, if you game thats different. I only use mine for light gaming, the big rig on the desk at home is for that.

 

My suggestion is to configure based on need. DO NOT buy based on 'theoretical' usage, ie) "im totally going to get into photoshop", or "i think i'll start traveling more", or "i hear lan parties are fun, maybe i'll get plugged into the scene."

I wanted gaming prowess (I play fps shooters) w/ portability, vs price. Based on these criteria this is what i did:

-m15x: w/ graphics switching (integrated/dedicated) and smartbay battery, can game powerfully anywhere, but can also run 5 to 6 hrs on battery as a 'utility' computer.

-8800m GTX gfx: bought at the beginning cycle of the 'gfx card cycle'... still kicks major well over a year later.

-2.2 ghz dual core: went lower in the processor spectrum knowing that cpu doesn't affect games all that much. Still plenty of power for video-conversions, dvd ripping, etc. If you are into major CPU-intensive work (photo/graphic manipulation, mathematical models, etc) then get a better processor (or better yet, get a desktop).

-1 gig ram: get as little as you can and just buy from Newegg. THE MOST cost effective strategy I took. I now have 4 gigs. Also, RAM speed makes very little real-life difference.

-160 gig 7200 speed hdd: your preference. i do not think 7200 vs 5400 speed makes a huge difference.

-1440x900 glossy screen: was much cheaper than the 1920x1200 option at the time. for a 15.4 inch size monitor, the lower res is perfect and imo makes more sense for the $. If going w/ a 17 incher, the higher resolution may be better.

- 32-bit vista: did not have an option at the time, but x64 is the one thing I WISH I COULD HAVE. driver support is great now, and there is no real reason to NOT get x64.

Knowing your needs is very important in selecting the right computer and configuring. The M17 is clearly aw's most powerful machine at the time, but the 17 inch form factor does not make for great portability (nevermind dismal battery life). Lets put it this way... you won't be taking it to class all day sans the tissue-box sized power chord. But if it is being used as a desktop replacement and the occasional road warrior, then its a GREAT bet.

Obviously there are very compelling machines on the Clevo side of the pond. Or you can just wait for the new AW announcement =)