Some quick advice

Hi guys just wanted to get a few opinions before i pull the trigger on this purchase and order What do you guys think about this config for the m15x, i will mostly be using it for gaming and work (software development).

The RAM i will upgrade myself. I was thinking about getting the X9000 but with only a 200MHz difference and not being able to over clock it, i didn't feel that i could justify the extra $400. Was i right to make this assumption or is there a noticeable difference to warrant the extra money. Any input would be appreciated


[1] Area-51® m15x

Display: 15.4" WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD (1200p)
System Lighting: Alienware® AlienFX® System Lighting - White
Video/Graphics Card: 512MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800M GTX
Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T9500 2.6GHz (6MB Cache 800MHz FSB)
Operating System (Office software not included): Windows Vista® Home Premium with Service Pack 1
Notebook Tuners and Remotes: Without Media Center Remote Control or TV Tuner
Memory: 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz – 2 x 512MB
System Drive: 320GB 5,400RPM (8MB Cache)
Optical Drives : 8x Dual Layer Burner (DVD±RW, CD-RW)
Wireless: Internal Intel® Wireless 4965 a/b/g/Draft-N Mini-Card
Sound Card : Internal High-Definition Audio with surround sound
Keyboard Options: AlienFX® Illuminated Keyboard – Exclusive Design
Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support w/ Onsite Service
AlienRespawn: AlienRespawn v2.0 Recovery DVD – Windows Vista® Edition
Productivity & Benchmark Software: 3DMark®06
The standard in 3D benchmarking
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Mesh Cap
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Mousepad
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Mobile Binder
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Personalized Nameplate
Alienware Extras: Owner Identification Card
Alienware Extras: Area-51® m15x Protective Cloth Sleeve
Alienware Extras: Area-51® m15x Keyboard Diagram Overlay
Alienware Extras: Area-51® m15x Smooth Mylar Touchpad
Avatar:
Alien Cyborg
Window Style: Graphite Window Style
Mouse Pointers: Standard Mouse Pointers
Wallpaper:
Alien Cyborg
Power Plan: Standard Power Plan
Automatic Updates: Automatic Updates On
Sidebar Gadgets: CPU Meter
Time Zones: (GMT - 5.00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

 

I'm not sure how you can justify the extra $$ for the 100Mhz difference between the T9500 and the T9300... 2.5 to 2.6ghz for $275?

I can really recommend the T9XXX series, because as a software developer, and the multitasking involved in that, the 6MB L2 Cache will come in very handy.

just a thought... also, the 320GB drive is significantly slower than the 200GB 7200RPM with the 16MB cache, so unless you need the space, spring for the (now) cheaper (and faster) drive... the performance gain is only in drive-specific things, like booting, loading, etc. not to say the 320 is SLOW... i have it and i'm satisfied, but still. the 200GB drive isn't much more, and will greatly improve disk-related operations.

thats about it. other than that, you seem to have it figured out

 

Double that T9300 choice. 275$ for 100 Mhz is the worse choice in history.
Otherwise, the system looks great.Just make sure your eyes are very good, WUXGA on a 15.4 inch will be very stressful for the eyes.

 

with the 120dpi setting in vista, it's not bad. but unless you're doing any major graphics work, or plan on watching HD videos (in full 1080p), it's better to go with the lower-resolution screen... there are incompatibilities with some programs and the higher DPI settings... text ends up larger than the column it's supposed to fit into.

 

Wow thx for the fast replies! Hrmm you guys do make a good point about the T9300. As for the screen size i've always preferred the larger resolutions as i'm already used to those. I also like the additional desktop space it leaves me to have multiple things up without constantly alt-tabbing between different programs.

 

well there you go syth. good setup! only one minor issue that you might consider changing (and saving yourself $275! )

beyond that, ENJOY!

 

Stick with the T9300 and happy gaming.

 

Once again thx for the quick replies I think I've settled on this config, just got to wait on my paycheck now.

1] Area-51® m15x

Display: 15.4" WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD (1200p)
System Lighting: Alienware® AlienFX® System Lighting - White
Video/Graphics Card: 512MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800M GTX
Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz (6MB Cache 800MHz FSB)
Operating System (Office software not included): Windows Vista® Ultimate with Service Pack 1
Notebook Tuners and Remotes: Without Media Center Remote Control or TV Tuner
Memory: 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz – 2 x 512MB
System Drive: 250GB 7,200RPM (8MB Cache) w/ Free Fall Protection
Optical Drives : 8x Dual Layer Burner (DVD±RW, CD-RW)
Wireless: Internal Intel® Wireless 4965 a/b/g/Draft-N Mini-Card
Sound Card : Internal High-Definition Audio with surround sound
Keyboard Options: AlienFX® Illuminated Keyboard – Exclusive Design
Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support w/ Onsite Service
AlienRespawn: AlienRespawn v2.0 Recovery DVD – Windows Vista® Edition
Productivity & Benchmark Software: 3DMark®06
The standard in 3D benchmarking
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Mesh Cap
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Mousepad
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Mobile Binder
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Personalized Nameplate
Alienware Extras: Owner Identification Card
Alienware Extras: Area-51® m15x Protective Cloth Sleeve
Alienware Extras: Area-51® m15x Keyboard Diagram Overlay
Alienware Extras: Area-51® m15x Smooth Mylar Touchpad
Avatar:
Alien Cyborg
Window Style: Graphite Window Style
Mouse Pointers: Standard Mouse Pointers
Wallpaper:
Alien Cyborg
Power Plan: Standard Power Plan
Automatic Updates: Automatic Updates On
Sidebar Gadgets: Calendar
Sidebar Gadgets: CPU Meter
RSS Feeds: Alienware News:
Get the latest Alienware news delivered directly to your desktop!
Time Zones: (GMT - 5.00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

 

Well, as with all expensive stuff, I really recommend at least 2 years worth of warranty...

 

I strongly recommend 2 Gb of RAM minimum with Vista.

 

I plan on upgrading the RAM myself with this http://www.infonec.com/site/main.php?module=detail&id=353628

 

NO NO. Get the least possible from AW, and upgrade it yourself to 4gb from newegg for about 80$ .
Just make sure it`s 200 pins.

 

@Syth - I vote for the 320GB hard drive, but that's my preference. Personally I don't think you will see the difference. I would even go as far as too... (hold on let me look something up and I'll edit this post)

EDIT: Go for a 500GB hard drive. That will be quicker than the 250GB and you will get double the space. Now don't make me go through the platter density and everything because I know someone is going to ask that question. You can either buy the 500GB from them OR buy a 500GB separately and turn the 160GB that comes with your system into an external using an enclosure.

 

@Stone - Actually while you were looking you something i was actually looking up platter density stats and was actually thinking about the 500gb hdd but was afraid to bring it up because i don't want to bug everyone (more then i already am), but looks like you confirmed what i found

 

Discounting the price (it's your money; spend it how you please as long as you're content and can afford to do so), somebody mentioned the 1920x1200 resolution - I think you should re-think that screen option. Other than that, it all looks good to me.

 

at the end of the first year, you get the option of extending the warranty (within the last month i believe) to a 2year (or maybe 3?).

it lowers the cost up-front and you get the same coverage.

 

ahh! Only 1GB of RAM? You need at least 2 if not more.

 

by upgrading yourself, you save like 200 bucks, if not more.

 

Yeah very true, good setup so far, I'm ordering the same with the same high res screen (I'm a graphics artist).
BTW to everyone complaining about his shortage of ram, he said in his first post that hes adding more himself.

Good luck on your machine, only thing I can think of is that you may want to wait for the black/skullcap colour/design to come out.

 

I would take the Penryn 9300 and invest the saved money in a longer warranty