Deciding between p150hm and 170hm!!!

As the title suggests, I'm having a hard time deciding between the two models.

I've owned a 17 inch alienware before, and almost feel like it was too big. I've owned a m11x also, and hated the rubberized finish, seemed like it was easy to rub off.

I like that the performance is static between the 2 models, and it seems like theres room for upgrades later. Is the p150hm really going to be able to handle gpu upgrades later on?

Now I talk about the 17 possibly being too big, but I'm really not all that mobile. I'd like to bring my laptop places, but it just seems that I really don't, the most moving I do is around the house. I also drive a motorcycle as my main form of transportation, so if I do want to take my laptop, a 15 inch would save me around 2 pounds on my back.

I'm tend to baby my laptops also, so I was planning on putting random stickers on it to maybe fool myself into thinking its used(don't ask). Would I be able to put stickers on the rubberized finish, I'm thinking not.

Anyways, any construction feedback would be appreciated.

 

GPU upgrades are definitely possible assuming the MXM standard currently in use isn't changed. If it is- it just means you're limited to upgrading only what is currently available (the 580m/6990m being the top).

Stickers should go fine on the rubberized finish as well if that's a concern

 

My biggest reasoning for going with the 17 vs the 15 is the extra HD bay. Wanted to have the optical drive and 2 HD bays (one for ssd for boot and other hdd for storage) installed. I too don't move it that often and while the thought of having a extremely mobile 15 in appealed to me, the 17 won out because really, it's only 2 more pounds and unless I'm carrying it around all day I'm not going to notice. I got myself a nice 17in laptop backpack and I'm good.

 

I still have my alienware backpack from my m17x, so carrying it around isn't too big of a problem. As for the extra hdd bay, I do use up quite a bit of space.

My only concern is I got to the point where I felt my m17 was too big, and I ended up selling it and going with an asus ep121. Then I came to the conclusion that it didn't have enough power, so I'm thinking I'd be happiest with something in the middle.

 

In view of the above, I think you would really like the form factor of the P150HM-8150. So many here on the forum are on the go and taking it around everywhere.
_

 

The 15 inch is surprisingly small and light, compared to the power it houses.

Coming from a very thin and light MSI 17", it's not the weight that is really bothersome, but the footprint.

The smaller footprint feels right.

 

I went ahead and ordered the 15 inch today. The main difference for me wasn't the hard drive bays, though that was a consideration, but the screen size and the screen upgrades. The upgrade for the higher gamut glossy screens cost about 150 dollars less on the np8150. That and I've had an 8-9 pound laptop before. Those things shouldn't be called laptops imo but lap weights. Massive things.

About the optical drive, considering the advent of steam and netflix, I scarcely, like many, use an optical drive anymore. I ordered one with it, but will soon buy another hard drive (perhaps an ssd) to switch it out. If you ever need it, you can buy a pretty cheap external. Of course, that all depends on how much you personally use them.

 

I think I'll go with the 15 inch, I feel the size will be better for me. My m11x was too small, and my m17x was too big, so logically I should try a 15 inch. I've played league of legends on my gfs 15 inch hp and it seems nice.

 

I have a 15" Asus and I feel that it is too small, although I'm looking at the new 18.4" Sager so clearly we have different opinions.

 

I'm just glad that we have two excellent choices! Both are amazing machines and extremely powerful and great values!

 

I had been debating the same thing, and stopped in at a Best Buy today to compare 15 to 17 inch laptops, going with a 15 inch. Size is better and like the lighter weight.

The ASUS G76 Gaming laptop was a heavy beast btw.

 

Yes that is the benefit of having a Best Buy around. Lot's of demos to tryout. Some members unfortunately are not near one.

What is even better is if you have a Fry's in your area. Even more to try there.
_

 

I would highly recommend going into a local retailer and comparing, totally solidified my decision.