Ive done lots of research but still deciding

Hey guys, I've probably been on this site for a good month now just reading discussions about the m17 and alienware, but the bottom line is that i do get a discount on them so that's what i"m sticking to. Its not a huge discount so money is still an issue for me, but i"m still trying to stay focused on performance. And what I've come up with is

Dual crossfire enabled hd 3870's (but i cant get the thing for another month so I'm wondering if i should wait for the possibility of the 4800 series???)

now most of the models that were shipped to reviewers had the p8400 but i want a little more power (do i need more power???) most of what i play is rts's but i want this thing to b able to play bioshock 2 when it comes out so i was thinking of getting the p8600, or the t9400 but ive heard that the two arnt that different in performance so idk on that.

i really want to go for the 1920x1200 but I'm not sure if its worth $200 if I'm watching what i spend. (is it worth it??) I've heard it is.

im a big fan of ram especially the ddr3 that it comes with but would three do it for a fps that's coming out in about one and a half years?? (the original's "recommended system requirements was 2gb, so I'm not sure) or should i get 4

and its like $75 to upgrade to 320gb at 7200 so that's what I'm looking at getting, possibly, if i have the $$$ I'll get the rad 0 500gb

ps. i had a laptop that broke two weeks after the original 1 year warranty was up so the 2/3 year is tempting.

suggestions, comments tips???

 

You mean 4800 series and yes imo it's worth to wait coz its only month away now.

The reason why, they shipped 8400 as a review units, being they wanted to show that they can manufacture a decent laptop with an accesible price.

With 8600 You will be able to max out bioshock and most rtss. Although bear in mind that ATI Mobility cards are extremly CPU dependent so the better proc the better your fps in games will be. I. e. With 9400 I average 30 fps in World in Conflict maxed out.

IMO Its worth it. Please read here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=357265

You can upgrade RAM and HDD Yourself from Newegg. According to MR Moo You will save aprox 350$. I took only one year warranty coz I was short on cash and, If I will be happy with my lappy later on, plan to upgrade.

But It's all up to You.

 

i would say go with the t9400. while the speed difference is negligible, the main issue is the cache size difference 0f 3 compared to 6.
go with the 19x12 screen. you have a large screen size and should put it to use. besides, as whizzo has said, you can always down size the rez vice the opposite with the larger screen.
get the 2G RAM with the unit and upgrade from newegg or some other outside source. it will save yo money in the long run.
you can also get the HDD from newegg if you deisre. you could get the one HDD and then install a second yourself and make it raid at that point.
as far as warranty...get the 1 yr, then add an additional year at the 11 month mark of ownership if you feel the need.

 

I'm in the same boat and I'm waiting. Plus it gives you a chance to see if anything else new pops up this month.

Rumor is the X9100 will be overclockable soon in the M17....gotta consider that.

This is a no-brainer for me. Always get the higher resolution.

I plan on getting the cheapest available and upgrading soon after. Although the $75 upgrade to the 320gb hdd is not too bad.

I've never own an Alienware but if it is like any other company I will be able to upgrade the warranty before the 1st year is up. I would go for 1 year with the intention of upgrading later if I am happy with the system. Good LucK!

 

RAM and hard drives are easy to upgrade yourself, so I'd save in those areas first. Newegg prices are much better than most places that let you configure them with a notebook. The processor is harder to upgrade, and will void your warranty if you do so. The screen you get is the screen you are stuck with unless you pick up a salvaged unit later. So in order of importance on spending for a notebook, I would say:

1. Screen. Get the highest resolution now.
2. Processor. The T9400 with the larger cache is a good upgrade.
3. Warranty. I have purchased an AW with one year and added the additional two years later. Thanks to that, I had a motherboard replaced which easily paid for the warranty extension.
4. Add RAM and drives from Newegg. The prices are better, and you can do these upgrades later yourself if you run out of money now.