m17x questions; which bag. processor differences, battery life and bugs.

I've been looking into getting an Alienware for my 21st in June and whereas I seem to have fully configured how I would like my system to be, right now, I can't decide on the two fore mentioned subjects.

Firstly, what bag do you guys use to carry your m17 around in? Sure, Alienware offer 2 options, but they're rather pricey. Any feedback on what you guys are using would be great. I was considering this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-Inch-Messenger-Laptop-Bag/dp/B000XHRJAO/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top I just got a little scared my some guy saying he couldn't fit his 17inch Sony into it (though, I think he may actually have an 18inch laptop. =p)

Second question; the processor. I was going to choose the Intel® Core™2 Quad Q9000 2.00GHz (6MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB), but is it worth paying £439 extra for Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme X9100 3.06GHz (6MB Cache 1066MHz FSB)? Obviously, the price rises very steepily so I just wanted to check if it was worth paying that extra money or if I would hardly notice the difference. If you were curious of other specs, I was going to choose the 3870s in Crossfire, on a 64 bit system with 4gb of RAM. I mainly plan on playing WoW, watching movies, photoshopping and video editing whilst surfing.

Third question: how long are you guys getting out of battery life? Obviously gaming will suck a lot of power, but how long have you stretched it too? What about web browsing or watching media?

Just to finish, the m17 thread by Julian-nold doesn't list any other possible bugs, whilst the m15 thread does. Anyone care to share any they've had?

Any information would be very appreciated and yes, I have read the very helpful threads. They helped me to steer away from the m15. =p Thanks for reading and I look forward to any information you guys can share!

 

You must mean M17 questions (as you listed the 3870's as an option). M17 and M17x are 2 different systems.

1. I have a bag I bought from Walmart. It wasn't worth it to spend a large amount of money on something that I actually rarely use. I also wanted something that wasn't flashy and yelled out I was carrying a $2000+ laptop around.

2. I am curious how people view this one as well. For those applications/games that make use of the Quad core, it'll be faster. However, for those that don't the X9100 will be faster. In reality though, I doubt you'd be able to tell the difference between the Q9000 and X9100 running a program that doesn't use the Quad capability. For the average user, the difference in 2.0ghz and 3.06ghz isn't highly noticeable during use. Running benchmarks is obviously a different story. And for most of the "Photoshopping and video editing" people around here do, the same applies. Most people are doing light duty stuff, not putting together a PIXAR movie.

3. Don't know, mine stays plugged in most of the time.

 

Yes, I meant the m17. Very sorry for the confusion. =)

Hehe, no I won't be putting together any kind of very demanding movie, but I did want to future proof my system slightly too. I've had my last 2 computers for 5 years each, buying new systems is very much a rare occasion. Yeah, I won't be on the move much with the laptop. I'm just going to the States in July, so was curious of how much usage I could get on the plane/car trips.

Thanks for your info. =)

 

Also don't forget that the M17 is one of the most upgradeable laptops I've seen.


I went with the low processor actually. When the quad cores drop in price significantly and up the mhz, I'll buy one and end up coming out better than purchasing something "new" and high priced when there's better coming cheaper.

 

well i can get about 2 hours of battery life with power saver and power play on ... and surfing the internet .... but thats it.

its a great laptop and easy to overclock and upgrade

 

Just wondering if anyone has some tips on bags or info on bugs, really, now.

 

alienware odessy or orion is nice. the targus xl is nice to

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...E&N=2030260482 1296619363 1296519362&name=17"