Gaming laptop for when I'm deployed...XPS or Alienware?

[Chazell29]

Hey everyone,

Havn't been around in a while, but just got a quick question for you all if you don't mind...I didn't really find a whole lot of information on this through search so yeah...

A bit beyond my question, but I enlisted in the Navy, and I want to get a gaming laptop for when I'm deployed and can't have a desktop. I'll play occasional games like Battlefield 2, Call of Duty 4, Battlefield 2142, FEAR and stuff like that.

I was looking at the Alienwares, because I've heard they are solid, durable computers. Some people have also referred me to the Dell XPS, and I can get more bang for the buck with an XPS...however I'm a little shakey on buying another Dell through bad experience...(yes I know alienware is also owned by Dell, but it puts me at ease having is be "Alienware" and not "dell" )

So I'm looking to spend no more than $1700 for this computer, which do you recommend? Or a different brand? One thing that has me bouncing back and forth is which video card is better, the 7950GTX (in the Alienwares) or the 8600M GT (in the Dell XPS)???

Thanks,
Chazell

[mikeL]

I don't do much gaming anymore, but ASUS has some really nice laptops, I would take over a Dell

[Masaki 7-11]

The 7950GTX is much faster than a 8600M GT but lacks DirectX 10 (something the 8600M GT has but struggles with).

[Chazell29]

Originally Posted by Masaki 7-11 The 7950GTX is much faster than a 8600M GT but lacks DirectX 10 (something the 8600M GT has but struggles with).

Yeah, after doing a little more researching, I found out that the 7950GTX will run about any game now on Direct X9 with extreme ease, however once all of the games become Direct X10, the computer will be unusable for gaming do to it not supporting Direct X10. (who knows how long that will be, and if the laptop would even be usuable for gaming...i.e if it was like 6 years from now)

[Katreat]

I would also recommending looking at the Asus G series laptops as an option. I have read so many good reviews on them and a freind has the smaller G1 (15 in screen) and it is a good gamer. Have not heard if he has tired something like Crysis on it, but the 8600M it came with is a very nice video card.

I know of two people with Alienware gaming laptops. Both are over a year old and they have had no end of problems with them. It could just be the model they are using, both I think are SLI and AMD. They have both had to return them to the shop for repair or replacement at least twice.

I know quite a few people with Dell laptops but they are not the gaming variety. They have had very few problems but again it might be the model, XPS units might have different issues.

Kat

[David M]

First of all, thanks for serving your country.

It's my opinion that overall Alienware is expensive for what you get. Its good stuff but overpriced.

This looks like a pretty good deal and its within your price range.
http://www.excaliberpc.com/Asus_G1S-...id-584042.html I would increase the memory to two gigs. There is a noticeable difference both with XP and Vista. Above two gigs?, don't bother. It is wasted money unless you have a 64 bit OS.

I don't think any existing laptop will be able to play the new games that exist six years from now so don't make that a consideration. Just ask yourself what games do you want to play that exist now. Crysis will probably be out of the question, but there are plenty of other excellent games like Call of Duty 4 which would be playable on that computer.

As far as DX9 versus DX10...I think DX10 is a little overhyped. There is not much difference at all...its mostly in the shading. In many cases, DX9 plays faster than DX10. The difference is not worth being concerned about.

As far as XP versus Vista. There really is no overall clear advantage to Vista yet. XP is more compatible with existing software and less buggy. You can order a laptop with XP, although they generally will charge you more for the older (and better) OS...go figure.

[catacon]

I agree a lot with what David said. Alienware does make good stuff, but it is not worth the price. I would go with a Dell or Asus. I would stay away from Vista on a laptop. Mine has it (I would have gone for XP, but this is my grandmas computer that is gave me) and it is super slow. It also eats batteries for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

[Chazell29]

Thanks everyone for the help...I will look more into those ASUS laptops, as I didn't know about them before. I think I may have been attracted to the Alienware one because of the case it has (so cool haha) and two because it has that 7950GTX in it, and I didn't think the 8600M could even compare to that. I'll look more into those ASUS those, I know ASUS makes quality stuff...thanks!

[Chazell29]

Originally Posted by David M First of all, thanks for serving your country. It's my opinion that overall Alienware is expensive for what you get. Its good stuff but overpriced. This looks like a pretty good deal and its within your price range. http://www.excaliberpc.com/Asus_G1S-...id-584042.html I would increase the memory to two gigs. There is a noticeable difference both with XP and Vista. Above two gigs?, don't bother. It is wasted money unless you have a 64 bit OS. I don't think any existing laptop will be able to play the new games that exist six years from now so don't make that a consideration. Just ask yourself what games do you want to play that exist now. Crysis will probably be out of the question, but there are plenty of other excellent games like Call of Duty 4 which would be playable on that computer. As far as DX9 versus DX10...I think DX10 is a little overhyped. There is not much difference at all...its mostly in the shading. In many cases, DX9 plays faster than DX10. The difference is not worth being concerned about. As far as XP versus Vista. There really is no overall clear advantage to Vista yet. XP is more compatible with existing software and less buggy. You can order a laptop with XP, although they generally will charge you more for the older (and better) OS...go figure.

How bout this one? $1700 would be my max, anything less expensive that'll give me good performance still would be batter. So if this one say for $1500 would still game pretty well, I'd rather spend less money, ya know?
http://www.excaliberpc.com/Asus_G1Sn...id-585286.html

Is the 9500M better than the 8600M for these laptops? I know it'd make sence for it'd to be, but just want to double check....I'm liking this one for $1499.99 i posted above.