Desktop/Laptop Bang for your buck comparison

Gaming on a laptop is sweet. No doubts. You can game anywhere. Sweet.

Hehe, PC gaming has always been expensive, but man...the difference between Alienware's prices in laptops and desktops is amazing. I don't know about everyone else, but man...you pay over 5g for a laptop and around 2g for a desktop pc that does the exact same...except move around. I know it's great being mobile, but there comes a time when I have to ask myself is it reallyworth 3g to game somewhere else but my room. Don't take it wrong, its awsome. I game on a Dell inspiron, and its great being able to go to my buddies' houses and game or to a LAN party with ease. And I'm good on both sides of the arguement it is just a priorities assessment. If it is that important.
For some people, oh yeah. I don't know, though, for myself I have a plan. By the way, I'd love to hear arguments, or ideas, whatever comes up. I'm thinking about getting a sweet desktop for heavy gaming, and a not-so-tricked-out laptop from Alienware to do daily use and old gaming like Baulder's Gate, Fallouts, Thief, WoW, etc...

I would also like to run Autocad programs on it, 3d design programs and Photoshop. I'm going to school to be a video game designer, so that's essential.

I don't know, it's just a thought I figure might be worth exploring. Also, if this has already been brought, up...whoops. I'm new, go easy

 

Let look at it this way.

1 power strip and wireless connection Mouse keyboard if I want to use external.

vs

15 Plus wires for a Desktop

Yes the desktop wins hands down.

Let take this view. Lan partys. Laptop 10lb and easy setup plus extras like keyboard/Mouse setup. That depends on the person. Total 14lb and setup in 2 Mins That also booting up.

Vs

Desktop 15 Plus wires. Speakers Mouse keyboard oh let not forget the 50 lb case then 15lb Monitor. 5lb of wires. And let hope you did not forget anything. What is the setup time for a desktop? Was it like 30 Mins.

Yes Desktops at Lans are great for the Back.

 

That's not really what he was getting at so that sarcasm was completely unnecessary.

 

For me, I am from Malaysia but now studying in the US. I got a DELL XPS M1730. Even though it cost me US$5000 for the laptop, but I can carry it home with me to Malaysia, which I did about a month ago. Then, I carry it back to US for summer semester. Had I bought a desktop, how am I suppose to carry it home and back again and to other places. I could have shipped it as a cargo but would have cost me alot too. In addition, setting up a desktop is troublesome, but setting up a laptop to game is very convenient, at least no wires and cables all over.

 

hehe, good point, the wires are a pain. Believe me i dont plan on taking an alienware desktop to a lan party. It's like a fridge.

so basically the only up is that it's mobile. thats cool, mobility is definitly a plus, no argument. i dunno, it just doesnt seem like it's worth the 3g to me, though, you know?

are there any other pluses that i'm not aware of, though, other than 14 less cords and smallness?

 

Problem I had was If I wanted to watch tv (living room) while working on my Desktop in my bedroom I would have to Pick. Basicly Flip a coin watch tv or play on the computer with friends. With a laptop the coin landed on it side. So I can watch both tv or play games.

I have the M17X It Big. I plan on upgrading it. I already redid the Ram and added a secondary hard drive.

If there was a power outage You do not lose your work. Only internet connection fails.

Putting my laptop on the desk vs having a desktop I have more space. IF I need to I can plug into my computer Monitor or Newer type TVs or Porjectors and have One huge Monitor for games.

 

ckh, mmhm you are one of the type that mobibity is really convienent and worth the dough. I just don't move a lot and i stay in the US as it is. I'm leaning toward the side where if you are in a world where you move, its essential.


on another note, i know it's sweet to go somewhere and bust out with an alienware. that brand and style alone gets looks and compliments and makes others think you are hardcore. busting out with a dell just isn't the same

 

heh, i moved the tv and whatnot in the room for just that problem *insert squinty-eyed face here*

 

you don't have to spend 5k on a capable gaming laptop.
just define your top budget and people will recommend the best setup.
unless you cant look at a computer without that alien logo (there are stickers around )

 

quoted for truth

In fact, you could probably get a really beastly powerhouse of one (and rather portable to boot), for around or under 2k.

Alienware is like... Juicy Couture. For the less designer-savvy out there (read: guys), they're this company that makes ridiculously expensive jewelry & clothing for way more than their competitors.
The reason they sell so much every year? Because they're very very trendy and people who put a lot of stock into image vs quality eat that stuff up like candy.

 

Depends on what's important to you and/or your friends..

Some people really like to show off style, looks, lights - could be plus if it meant anything to you
Other people like to stay powered up for loong, in the sense that with the m15x and it's smartbay & BinaryGFX feature you can stay on for about 6 hours - commutes, air/sea trips & your dad's laptop just got owned (you get what I mean )
Funny point but - You get a backlit keyboard on the m15x, but only lit up ports and stuff on the desktops; surfing, gaming & chatting without bothering family or roomates at night ? Solved
Movies & a liiil gaming on the go - Plus Plus in my books

I am bringing up all possible ideas, they are not my own - thus do not make the mistake of deeming me shallow
Hmm.. If I think of more stuff to add I will !!

Edit: I agree with AtolSammek's more functional arguments
- Though I can stream movies from my desktop to my TV
- And got 100% backup for my apartment

 

Or people will think you've spent way too much on the brandname, it all depends on who you're around

 

I would of gotten a desktop if i wasn't going to college and needed a laptop. Ill more than likely get a good desktop when I get out of college with a cheap laptop, because I don't how my M15x is going to hold out

 

One thing Miho I learn over time was how to get deals. Let take a look at alienware M17X

Let look

$275 I got one for $145 same make model
$350 Ram 4gb I payed $85

In a month I will be working on cpu and Gpus.

 

Same, I'm buying a gaming laptop because I need a laptop for college, but as soon as I'm established in a job, I'm saving to build my own desktop or having someone help me with mine.

After familiarizing myself with the market and understanding how high of a markup most companies put on desktops (Alienware is a really good example), it's way more economical to DIY a desktop.

 

If your not use to building computers and such. A good book is Upgrading and repairing PCs. The other one is Upgrading and repairing Laptops. The Writer Scott Mueller is great at answering questions.

 

Besides mobility, size, and cable, here is another way to look at laptop gaming. When technology advances, gadgets gets smaller, and the smaller the more advance. People needs to advance. So, we use laptops instead of older generation electronics, the desktop. Sounds good to me, LOL.

And yet another perspective. People nowadays are at average richer than the previous generation. So, we spend more, even just for the sake of spending.

 

Those aren't very pragmatic arguments though, if they can be called arguments.


edit:
also, @atolsameek: I don't feel like waiting to save for an upgrade *shrug* simple as that, I guess. I'd like it to play what I want it to play as soon as I get it.

 

if you're looking strictly at the cost/performance ratio, it's desktop hands down.

 

hoooooo yeah. alienware is way over priced but.. you know..it is just what you want, depending on who you are. i mean, to some people the logo of the alien is worth the extra buck. like oakly sunglasses. there are way better computers out there, its just the status quo of owning an alienware. and y eah, i know 5g is probably a little exagerated, but i know that i tricked out a m15x as high as i could and it was around there. and then i tricked out an alienware area-57 desktop to the same price and the difference was staggering.

and yeah, ki've been kind of keeping the subject to alienware considering the area of posting, really. but i have to admit...alienware does look pretty sleek.

 

The only reason I am waiting is due to waiting for a Refund on another computer system. Then it CPU and then dual GPUS. It going to be better then the 8800s.

 

yeah. you get people together who know a lot about computeres and taht may be a minus. but you go into just micky-dees with it and it would be a different story

 

yeah. i'm struggling with that too. i need a laptop, so i figure a cheaper one will do just for papers, etc. and a fat desktop for gaming. but theft is always a problem so i figure not a 10g one yet, heh....later though...

 

Best trick on laptops is add a password to bios and hard drives and keep the thing close to you. Talk to tech support to alienware and tell them your views. Do not buy a laptop that can be stolen fast.

Acer work good and Thinkpad work good with locks.

 

a password on bios/hdd doesnt help a bit on getting your laptop safe.
it does help keeping your data safe (to some extent).

 

I heard this before. It like hearing a car alarm Most people go boy another annoying car alarm then say woopie and walk on there marry way or someone with wirecutters to a laptop Lock or Bike lock.

But if people see you have a passwords protections it is One More protection agenst thives.

The best idea is get some insurance on the laptop like from Dell and stay near your laptop all the time. That could still make trouble It's your life or your Laptop.

 

right... so put a sticker on your back i have a laptop with a password, that might deter many potential thieves.

what your post actually says is that you suspect anyone who see you using a laptop as a potential thief, i would rather give up my laptop than having this state of mind.

btw if you have something super eye catching dont be surprised it is eye catching.

peace y'all

 

you're certified insane. put a sticker on a m15x?

 

lmao

you guys are aliens

 

There you have a point, why do people buy Alienware ?
let face it, a lot of horror story's on the M15X but still it sells very well..
and why ? sleek sales/marketing, sleek looks, and sleek technolgy

it's not about people can see you with your AW (for me it isn't..)
no lan party's...no school.. my work where about 99% never seen a Alienware
but sleek that's the right word
and if you got the money for it, go for it

As for AtolSammeek stop complaining about it's expensive and how to save money (if you are so great in savings why did you buy a Alienware)
Sager is much cheaper!! bang for the buck...
but even you can't resist sleek marketing/sales tricks.

Originally Posted by Miho View Post
quoted for truth

In fact, you could probably get a really beastly powerhouse of one (and rather portable to boot), for around or under 2k.

Alienware is like... Juicy Couture. For the less designer-savvy out there (read: guys), they're this company that makes ridiculously expensive jewelry & clothing for way more than their competitors.
The reason they sell so much every year? Because they're very very trendy and people who put a lot of stock into image vs quality eat that stuff up like candy

nothing then the truth....

But oke, on topic: Like Whizzo told before Desktop hands down

 

I dunno, when i brought up theft, i kind of meant the desktop getting stolen. People break in and whatnot. I think i could keep an eye on a laptop, but when i'm in classes or out wiht friends or whatever, your appartment/house/dorm is kind of wide open, depending on where you live. i wouldnt want a 10g computer sitting behind a flimsy lock and noone watching, personally

so i figure waiting till someone gets out of school and gets a house and a life would be a better bet for getting an expensive computer, desktop or laptop.


yeah, sager has much better prices and a few quirks that you dont get with alienware, but there still isnt that same ring to it. its just not an alienware...

depending, that could be important to some folks, just the name brand. bragging rights, i suppose

 

One thing Vitotherm I got store credit after almost 2 years of issues of one M5550 laptop. So I pick low end M17X. Due to watching the issues of the M15X. Then learn the cost of upgrading would be Cheaper then the high end Clevo.

Fact is I already have a Clevo Laptop. A Pro-star 8794 P4 3.4 EE with L3 cache 2 80gb hard drives. But Watching the Clevo and Pro star the Looks of the laptop had not change for 5 years untel last year.

Which I already had a M5550 with CPU running at 110c due to defected Motherboard and the laptop would go into sleep mode but if I exited my internet would not restart. They fix the Motherboard Then they tried a few WLan cards 2 ABG cards and 3 One from my Acer laptop same make and then a Wlan ABN Then a Motherboard. Same issue. So that how I got Store credit.

So Vitotherm There went your idea of sleek marketing/sales tricks.

So reviewing on the notebookreview I seen so many issues on the M15X I pick the Low end of M17X and Low cost upgrades.

 

the m15x isnt even that overpriced if you avoid the overpriced areas. I got mine for 2400 and that was including tax and shipping. I put the memory in myself later. The computer runs crysis on high settings and plays cod4 on batteries, so it suits all my gaming needs. Compared to macbooks and sony vios, 2400 is not much more than the sony vios upper end comps and is less than the macbook pro with the fastest processer. The m15x is pretty much worth it cuz it really crunches through games and its not that much more than other notebooks that would be capable of playing games and in some cases is less expensive. you just have to avoid overpriced stuff like blue-ray, and memory

 

tricks? haha - you either buy it or you don't...period. no tricks, as the vast majority of people in todays market are very aware of the reality of consumer vs. business. if not - you are either in preschool or live in an ice cave in the arctic.

look at the positives of a larger corporation vice a smaller one to handle future upgrades, support, ability to get lower market prices due to buying power, and the list goes on....

on topic though: i am in the market again for a laptop. AW has been tops with me for a time due to the name and CS, etc as mentioned above. i have looked and will wait for the clevo reviews since many people here have mentioned it, but the sleek design and modern look of AW gets my vote over the clevo. as far as a difference - you will always sacrifice for portability regardless of frag box or laptop. i will be traveling a lot in the near future and a laptop is just a benefit for me now vice a desktop. and honest - nothing a laptop can not do that a desktop can as well.

i vote laptop....

 

One thing about the M15X and M17X you can get smart bay battery and run a few hours longer.

 

m17x doesnt have the smartbay battery feature. it only has the dvd/blu ray and the hard drive

 

yeah but you can probably still put in a smartbay battery... i don't think AW would design a new Smartbay for the m17x so you _can't_ use a second battery.

 

Who complimented AW CS?
It's my belief that the general atmosphere of this section of the forums is pretty disgusted with AW CS (with perhaps the exception of AW-James and some others).

 

if you look in the specs and features of the m17x under smart bay there is no smart bay battery listed. in the m15x spec and features there is. the smart bay battery does not use the same port as the hard drive and dvd drive. the m17x smartbay most likely does not have the battery port in the smart bay.

i like AW's Roswell service. it is one of the best customer service i have ever spoken to. they really know what they are doing and are really polite and patient.

 

Don't get me wrong.... you did the right thing in that case... that easy

but i think 50% has a AW just for the looks
and there's a group that know what's under the hood and and i think most of them are on NBR

i think you can agree with me on that...

 

I have talk to Alienware and they are working on setting up the M17x with a smart bay battery.

Ya Vitotherm But I think it more like 75% Looks. I think I would rather had the M5550 that work then the M17X with lights. I love having the size of the m5550 and the two tone top. Where it was easy to grab and left no fingerprints.

 

i was also refering to the other benefits assoiciated with a large company as in my post.
but i have to say that while people are having issues and vent here, we do not know in what fashion they are expressing thier issues to CS.
honest - if i was a CS and someone started getting rude, obnoxious, insulting, and/or demanding, i think i would be hesitant to assist them as well.
no one - not even a AW rep (or any rep from any company to be honest) deserves to be treated as such. they are just doing the task assigned them.
not saying nor impying that anyone here is guilty of this, but one can not say for certain. one can say they acted accordingly while posting here, but this is but a forum, not a recorded history of actual events.
people have become accustomed to the ME ME ME in this day and age they forget there are others as well.
several items in these forums i will agree have gone to far for a product they paid for and expected certain results, i will give you that.
but i bet 1000 to 1 that if people just took a breath, relaxed and got the point across in a professional manner as to the issue(s) and possible resolutions, they would be more pleased with results AW can provide.

on topic: i still vote laptop