Need advice on purchasing a new alienware laptop!!!

Hi guys,

I've recently decided to buy a new alienware laptop. However, I have no clue regarding the alienware products at this time and in the future release as well. I'm writing this to hope that many of experienced alienware users on here could help me out on choosing the best system for me.

The first thing i want to ask is, when is the upcoming release of alienware for the next generation of laptops?

Second, I would like to ask should I get one right now or should I wait for the next release?

If it is better to get an alienware laptop at this time then What is the best deal/set up that I can get from Alienware. My budget is around 2k-2k5 USD. And could be either 14x/15x or 17x

Appreciate all the help.

Thank you.

 

This is my setup for the 17x, please give me any advice to get the best deal:

System Color Alienware M17x, Soft Touch Stealth Black
Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit
Processor Intel® Core™ i7 2860QM 2.5GHz (3.6GHz with Turbo Boost, 8MB Cache)
Memory 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (2DIMMS)
A/C Adapter Alienware M17x 240W A/C Adapter
Display Panel 17.3-inch WideFHD 1920x1080 120Hz WLED w/ NVIDIA 3D Vision Bundle
Video Card 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 580M
Hard Drive 750GB 7,200RPM HDD

 

Get an ssd 256gb as ur main drive and a 500gb hhd if you can afford it
everything else is good as u can upgrade the memory yourself but I like the 6990m better XD

 

Sometimes its cheaper to install the ssd yourself if you really want one. Then you get to choose the exact model that you want. As to the 6990m it doesnt work with the 3d screen, and the 580m is a slightly faster card to the OP, Good build you have there, wish could afford one like that.

 

Thanks for the short and simple replies guys. yeah, I tried to max out the CPU and GPU to avoid later's upgrade. Besides, i think the RAM and Hard drive are easier to upgrade, so i leave it at basic. But I would probably consider the ssd.

Obviously I'm also one of those who concern about the differences between the 580m vs 6990m as well. But I guess, I would just stick to the 580m.

 

I'd drop the processor down one notch if I were you. For what you get, it's horrible value. Better sinking that money into after-market HDD/SSD/RAM upgrades.

 

i would wait till the pax east show, so you can see the new alienware's.... that and you could probably get a older 17 r3 $500 cheaper because its going to be outdated

 

Hi warez, when is the pax east show?

 

here you go

http://bit.ly/xbvYTg

 

Thanks warez.

Moreover, I'm confused about the aftermarket upgrade for RAM. Are they the same as the desktop RAMs??? Or is there any specific RAM for laptop such as alienware??

 

The RAM for laptops is called sodimm and much different from dsktp counterparts

And the AW supports 16+gb

Look for corsairs and kingstons (esp.the kvr1600's)

 

Great help. Thank you very much paradigm.

 

I have tried a few websites but can't find any 16gb 1600 sodimm RAM. Any1 cares to help?

Edit:

Also, I need some help regarding the after market ssd as well. If you could please give me some good suggestions for aftermarket ssd.

Thank you.

 

Newegg.com - Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Laptop Memory Model CT2KIT51264BC1067

8GB DDR3. If you want 16 (which you won't need at all for gaming) then just get two. Frequency doesn't matter, just whatever is cheap.

Newegg.com - Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

128GB SSD

Newegg.com - Crucial M4 CT256M4SSD2 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

256GB SSD

The Crucial M4 is the most reliable SSD on the market by a long shot at the moment, however if you want another brand, the Samsung 830 is also another option.

 

If you're still undecided on which system to buy, please review this thread first and then ask your questions in the same thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/585805-m17xr2-r3-m18x.html

If you know you want an M17x R2 or R3, please review the respective Owner's Lounge thread(s) and then post your unanswered questions in the Owner's Lounge for the system you are planning to purchase.

Closing this thread because it duplicates what we already have available for discussion.