Is this m17x worth it

Hey, I have a situation and I was wondering if you guys could help. I ask you because I'm sure this place is full of Alienware owners or those that have researched on Alienware extensively so I consider you guys unofficial experts. So the situation is as follows:

I am in the market for a laptop and preferably a good once. I don't game much but would like to be able to play a few select titles in the future (Starcraft 2 anyone?) and I'm looking for one that I can use reasonable well for at least another 3-4 years. I looked at an HP HDX first and well when they stopped making it that kinda ended my thoughts on it. I do have a friend and he just bought an Alienware m17x, unfortunately he needs to leave the country for business for a few year and he's selling all his stuff. The specs are as follows

X9000 2.8mhz core 2 duo extreme
4gb DDR2 ram at 667mhz
1900x1200 17' screen with FX lighting and Ill. Keyboard
8700m SLI 512mb card x2
200gb single drive harddive
Blue-ray rom with Dbl Layer DVD
No TV tuner, (I guess I could get a external though)
And all the wireless wifi things, blue tooth, webcam etc.
He also said he can transfer the warranty, I think theres like 11 months some odd days left

He hasn't even opened the box yet, it's still sealed in his living room and he's offering to sell it to me for $2200. My budget was around 2500 and I really like how the system looks and all (Bone and Cross silver) So I was wondering a few things,

1) Is it worth it or should I wait a little longer (I was thinking at most 2-3 more months to see if anything new, better, and cheaper will come out)?
2) Can I get an internal TV tuner installed later and do you guys know how much that would cost and would it be difficult for me to install it myself?
3) I think he personalized with his name plate, do you think it's possible to just buy another one alienware send me a new one and I'll just screw that one on?

Thanks for any feedback/advice you guys can provide

 

I don't think you can transfer warranties.

..and yeah, I'm sure you can do that with the name plate.

 

1) The new centrino 2 has little to none improvements at all, so don't wait.
2) don't bother, see point 4
3) don't bother, see point 4
4) since the ownership and warranties are not transferable, AW won't even help or sell you any parts under any circumstances, except those in gear shop, which are open to public.

 

If I was going to buy something like that, I'd get it insured with State Farm (they have a personal articles insurance). At least you'd have some coverage there.

 

It looks like a decent setup, but the warranty is a big issue. If you're comfortable without having any coverage then go for it. If not, then stay away.

 

The m17x is a solid machine so your only worry should be the warranty/service.

 

I think your best bet is to contact james or Armando on NBR, ask them wht they would advise but, as Ennea has said it's a solid machine. The only part of that spec that's possibly not so good for you and gaming, is the 8700 Sli, you're better with the 8800GTX's as 1 of those is as powerful as the 2 8700's... Up to you they will play most games just not ones like Crysis or High-end graphics games.

Just my 2p...

OB

 

Ask your friend to update his contact information to your place with AW before he leaves, then just say you're him if you ever have to call them (God forbid).

 

Eh, now that he's posted on here Alienware know about it lol

It's a good if slightly sneeky plan but, not so good when James or Armando are monitoring the Alienware forum ha ha ha ha

OB

 

Thanks for all the input guys, I'll talk to him about the warranty and see what happens. Once again thanks!