Just purchased a Alienware m5550.

It's currently in Phase 8
Phase 8: (Production Phase 4 - Quality Control/Shipping Prep)
The system is undergoing the final stage of the Alienware 200-Point Quality Control Process. An Alienware Quality Inspector is in charge of inspecting your system from top to bottom for any obvious or latent defects. Our Inspectors are seasoned technicians/engineers and are very experienced in the art of perfection. Note: If the system does not pass any of our performance standards, the system may have to go back to an earlier production phase and it may slightly delay your order.

I just have a few quick questions, exactly what parts on the M5550 are upgradeable? And what's the big difference in wideUXGA and wideXGA. I heard UXGA is the better screen for hardcore computer enthusiasts etc... thanks again. Full review to come when I receive my M5550.

 

I believe the CPU can be upgraded, as can the Hard Drive, and the GPU (video card). But looks like you've maxed out the video card ... while there may be something better later, you should be fine for a while. And, I'm guessing your CPU will be just fine. Unless you are doing really intensive processing, the 1.66 is good value.


Not really sure on your question with respect to the display. Looks like you've ordered the WUXGA ... 1920x1200 is the best/highest resolution you can get on a 15.4 inch notebook. It shows text too small for me, but maybe you'll be okay with it. you can always scale it up for text. The 7600 is going to have some trouble pushing games at that res, but again ... you can scale it down.

I'm sure you're going to love your new m5550.

 

Congratulations on the notebook BJX, and welcome to the forums.

We have guidelines for a review here if you want to potentially make it a front-page article:
http://www.notebookreview.com/writeReview

In addition to what shazzoz said, you can also upgrade the RAM. Upgrading the video card is possible although there are complications - I wouldn't worry about it right now. There is nothing better to upgrade to.

With the WUXGA screeen, text/font will be very small and you will have a huge amount of screen real estate.

 

Thanks for the replys guys, I am looking to upgrade the Memory and Hard drive in the near future, is it real hard or simple? I Built PC's for practically my whole life, but never messed with notebook hardware, will my existing knowledge of PC's help me with upgrading the notebook?

I will defintely make a review, hopefully worthy of a front-page.

 

Upgrading the RAM and hard drives in notebooks is easier than it is in desktops, believe it or not (generally speaking) - check your users manual, there should be directions in there on how to access the RAM and hard drive bays on the bottom of the notebook. It's really quite simple.

 

It's been shipped! I cant wait. Should be coming on the 30th.