Alienware m11x vs. Sager np5160

My Sager NP2090 died recently and I wanted to get a new laptop. I bought the m11x on a whim as it was on sale for $700, but now I feel like I could get a better laptop at possibly a similar or slightly higher price. In particular, I was looking at the Sager NP5160. My main considerations currently are a decent, 3-6 hour battery life and a decent video card. I don't do all much intensive gaming on my PC anymore; I'm mostly just planning on playing older games like half-life 2, but I would like to be able to play Diablo 3 when it comes out and possibly Portal 2.

Do you guys think the m11x suits my needs, or should I cancel and preorder an NP5160? I'm kind of concerned about the battery life on the NP5160 as my 2090 had pretty terrible battery life. Also, does anyone have any idea when it will be released? I'd like a new computer soon. My replacement laptop is pretty awful.

 

I take it you grabbed the i5 R2 sale for 699$?

That would surely suit your needs for current and future games such as D3. The 7+hr battery life is also superb

It really depends what you want.

The NP5160 gives you:
Pros - Bigger screen by 4", better processor
Cons - 2+hrs less battery life, mail-in warranty versus AWs' next day

Note: Video cards are almost tied.

Opinion: I think the R2 is good enough, however if it's a larger screen you desire, then I would get the Sager. If the M11X screen is fine for your needs, I would stick with it since I do not see the upgrade so significant that it warrants 930$ for the Sager from the M11X-R2.

 

Thanks. I guess I'll stick with the m11x. I don't really need the larger screen as the laptop will be hooked up to a monitor for most of the time, and the battery life will be nice for trips.

 

The gpu on the Sager out performs the 335m by a considerable amount. The cpu is superior. The Li-ion battery is not user replaceable. Another thing you need to consider is the build quality as well as durability. The m11x, while seemingly built like a tank, unfortunately suffers from a chronic hinge issue that still isn't addressed despite the mass outcry from the community. Hinges give out after being repaired within merely months of even careful use. In addition, Dell representatives lied to me on numerous occasion when confronted with the optimus freezing issue as well as the hinge design problem. Yes, they did offer some kind of plan to replace hinges within this year despite any expiration for warranties, but ask yourself this: is it really worth $699 and your trouble to have a Dell technician come to your house once every couple weeks or months to tweak your hardware and other problems? I was originally determined on getting an m11x i7, but was quick to back out because I realized its many short comings.

Anyway, the np5160 will serve you longer, better and ultimately for less money if you consider how the cost of each laptop spreads out over each computer's expected life span. for instance, the cost to use a $1000 laptop that can last you 5 years is much less ($100 less a year!) than a poorly made $599 laptop that can last you 2 years. I don't believe that the Alienware m11x is overpriced at all by the way, but I just don't see it as a decent machine for the money you are dropping to get it to be very very frank.

 

I agree with the above assessment. i7-640um vs i7-2630QM, GT 335m vs GT 540m. Two different worlds entirely not to mention size. If you swing for a nice power sipping SSD like an Intel you can probably get a good 6 hours battery life out of the i7 M11x or possibly 4.5 or so from the 5160.

Although I'd like to make one correction. The Li-ion battery is user replaceable in the M11x. Just not a quick release. Have to remove the four (or five, don't recall) screws that hold on the cover and you can easily remove the battery.

 

Also, you might want to keep the notorious m11x hinge problem in mind.

I love my m11x - it is cool, portable, reasonably powerful, etc. But since my hinges went out of order - I barely use that laptop at all.

So, in this case, nearly anything might be considered better than an m11x.

 

Yeah M11x hinge problem. So far so good for me, no issues. And good thing is they will fix it outside of warranty too. I'm just hoping they come up with the actual fix soon.