Which used computer would you buy?

I am trying to decide between purchasing the following two Alienware laptops:
(1) M14x Black - specs:
8GB Dual Channel DDR3 RAM at 1600MHz
Intel i7 2630QM CPU at 2.9GHz in Turbo Mode
1.5GB DDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GT 555m Graphics Card
1600x900 High Definition Screen
750GB 7200RPM SATA 3GB/s Hard Drive
High Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio
Features:
HD Camera with dual digital microphones
Ethernet Port
2 SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Ports
A Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Port
Mini-Display Port
HDMI Audio and Video Output
VGA Port
9-in-1 Media Card Reader
2 Audio Out Ports
Audio in (Microphone) Port
Security Lock port
Microsoft Windows 7 Operating System
Includes a Screen protector, Alienware Cloth laptop sleeve, CoolerMaster Notepal cooling pad
or
(2) M17x R3 Red - specs:
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system
4GB DDR3 memory
Multiformat Blu-Ray RW Drive with double-layer support
2nd Gen i7-2620QM processor
Features a 6MB cache and 2.0GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz.
17.3" WLED high-definition widescreen display
With 1600 x 900 resolution showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.
500GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
AMD RADEON HD 6870M Series 2GB GDDR5
Built-in 3.2MP webcam
9-in-1 media reader
Built-in Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000 wireless networking
Bluetooth interface
Integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet network card
Weighs 9.4 lbs. and measures just 1.75" -- 1.8" thin
Soft-touch finish

The M17x R3 costs $1,275 and is covered by warranty until December and the M14x costs $1,225 and is covered by warranty until September.

I do own an Aurora R3 desktop, so I don't necessarily need the desktop replacement, however I am an accountant and having the bigger screen and ten-key pad is a real plus for my onsight consulting. I also play Diablo3, WoW, TOR, and other graphic intensive video games so that has me leaning towards the M17x. What do you all think, should I be concerned with the 4GB of Ram on the M17x, is it expensive to upgrade to 8GB? I would really like some advise on this.

Thanks!

 

For me I would go for the M17x even though it is $50 more expensive but hey the performance on the M17x 2x better and would be even better than that when you upgrade since the upgradability of the M17x is unlimited unlike the M14x, you cannot upgrade the GPU and the GT555M is not a great card for high end gaming, but for the M17x you can always pop in a compatible GTX card anytime you can afford one. In comparison, the GT555M is unmatched compare to the HD6870M. For the CPU, the turbo boost mode, in most users, they will be have it disable to reduce heat and it is in term of gaming is not necessary to have it.

 

I have to agree CGSDR. If you don't mind the little extra size and if the key pad is a plus, I would diffidently go with the M17x. RAM doesn't cost that much either.

 

ill also take the 17 for its better performance and upgradable feature.
As for the memory, of course its not to say expensive and you can upgrade it whenever you want, not a hard decision right? But 4G is enough if just talking about game applications. Actually Im using my desktop which has only 2G memory and I have BF3 running on it just fine.

 

Another vote for the 17x. More power/performance in terms of gpu, better options to upgrade components in the future, few months more warranty, ram easy/cheap to upgrade if you want to and it also seems to fit what you are looking for moreso as it has a larger screen and the number pad which I assume will make life ALOT easier with you being an accountant.

 

M17X R3 all day.

 

The only reason to go with M14x is if you care about portability, which you didn't mention. Therefore, M17x is the way to go (I say as an M14x and M11x owner who LOVES both). Upgrading the RAM will only cost about $80 on Newegg.

 

For portability, I'd go with the M14x. For upgradeability and performance, I'd go with the M17x. I have both and the size difference is substantial.

 

M17x of course, easy enough

 

Owning both a M14x and M17x, I'd say go with the 17.