alienware, yes or no?

[daarken]

im looking around for a new laptop that will also double as a new desktop since mine is about 4 years old. what do you guys think of alienware computers? do you think they are really worth it? since its going to double as a desktop replacement i want to be able to play half life 2 and other games. i was considering a powerbook, but i do not have any mac software and none of my games are for macs. so basically i want a high performance laptop for games and other apps like painter and photoshop. anyway, the laptop im considering is the area 51-m 5500. here are the specs:

pentium 4 3.2ghz with 2.5mb cache
1GB DDR PC-3200 at 400MHz - 2x512 SO-DIMMs
80 gigs

also, does anyone know if this is a good chipset?
SiS648FX + SiS963L AGP8X Chipset

thanks!

[CKWorth]

YES!! I got mine sometime in July 2003. It's been the best computer I've ever had and the best company I've dealt with for support. It's great with games and great with painting. If you get one, get the three-year support. Never hurts to be safe. I've only had two odd things happen, my dvd player stopped reading cd's and the fans stopped glowing, and they sent me replacements right away. The company has really been expanding and has excellent customer support. When the time comes years down the road to upgrade computers I'm definitely getting another one of these again.

[donkeyslayer]

i'll just speak from jason's testimonials and say that Boxx is the way to go www.boxxtechnologies.com . they are really good. and it seems (may still be going on now) that boxx will give you 10% off if you are a CAer. (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=26252&highlight=boxx)
i have a pieced together rig... but the Boxxs look pretty freaking tight.

[thebluepuppy]

no. for art get a mac. powerbook!!!! and a wacom. yreah. >:D

[stalecracker]

My Area 51M ROCKS and is one powerful little POA.

[Chingwa]

for art get a mac
Get a PC, then buy a wacom 8x6 with the money you'll save. You won't miss the mac :D

[MuffinMan]

Build your own and buy the parts online from newegg.com, then you will save even more...

[dns2k]

alien ware and boxx are both bad ass laptops... just dont do an over the counter laptop make sure its got a bad ass video card good screen resolution and a lot of ram.

-dns

[darth massacre]

I'm with muffinman...build your own. And wait for that 12X9 intuos 3 as a christmas gift (sorry muffinman...couldn't resist >:D )


SEiously build your own if you know how to.

[donkeyslayer]

im looking around for a new laptop
build it yourself
you can't piece yourself a laptop... doesn't work that way.

[GriNGo]

I would suggest to view what other companies have to offer, like Dell or Toshiba. They offer very good laptops at cheaper prices than Alienware or Boxx, and specs are the same. I'd rather consider one of those before an Alienware, in the end the only difference with Alienware is the stylish design that the latter has. So unless you want to show off and be the center of attention where you go, then I'd suggest you to get other more cheaper solutions. And Dell's or Toshiba's designs arent so bad either... just consider what kind of usage you'll be giving it.

greetings!
GriNGoLoCo

[KarbonCopy]

The way to go is to build your own Computer.

The only way to fly for me.

[MuffinMan]

well, when it comes to laptops...you really can't build a custom laptop, yet.
but i would prefer laptops from Dell or Macintosh. Ibooks are decent laptops, especially the g5 laptops... <3
dell has some awesome laptops, and great deals and warranties. in my opinion Dell is one of the best "pre-assembled computer" brands.

[artkitty]

Why exactly do you need a laptop? For graphics and gaming a desktop is still best. It'll live longer and it's much easier to upgrade.

Alienware is pricey but has good parts and excellent customer service.
Dell is more affordable but has some crap parts and customer service blows. Expect some of the integrated components to fail in 1-2 years, and expect Dell service center to format your HD 9_9

[Rkhon]

If you have the extra money...do it up. And remember, alot of people around here don't use systems for gaming, so be sure you get a system that fits your needs. One thing I know is, when you get those packages at your door...oh my damn.

[DragonGX]

Sager laptops are alien wares in not so cool cases, but alot cheaper... something to think about..

if you were going for a desktop, id say build your own (or if you dont want to) go to a local shop... but with laptops.. i dont know... i wouldnt get a laptop if i wanted to play games, cause theyre always going to be alot more expensive and alot more behind... theyre just barely making upgradeable video cards in them, and even then, its so limited...

I just if you have $3500 to burn, and nothing else important to get, go for it, but I could think of alot of other things to spend that on...

[daarken]

hey everyone, thanks for the replies.

someone asked why do i need a laptop? well for one its hard getting any work done at your own place, lots of distractions. plus my place gets a lot of sun even with the blinds closed, and causes a lot of glare, so it would be nice to easily move to a different area to get my work done. another reason is because sometimes i go places where i can not access a computer and it would be good to be able to get my work done there. i have been in several situations where i am stuck with no access to my desktop for extended periods of time and i really need to get work done on a computer. another reason is that you can take a laptop to meetings. there are many reasons why it would be advantageous to have a laptop.

a few people said get macs, but i dont really want a mac because 1: i dont have mac programs, and 2: all my games are already pc. so i dont want to go and get a mac laptop and not be able to use any of my programs or games on it.

but ill take everything into consideration. thanks for everyones help.

[MuffinMan]

dude since you mentioned something about gaming on a computer.
so far mac isn't a reliable computer for gaming, since the hardware is weird and you have limited upgradablility...

[Pontemonti]

I'm wondering why so many people mention Dell laptops...sure, they are probably cheaper than an Alienware, but if you want a cheap laptop I would recommend Acer. IMHO, Dells tend to be pretty expensive when you have finally configured them so you get everything you want/need.
Also, if you want better battery time, and a (probably) more silent computer...go Centrino. And get one with a relatively good graphics card and gaming will hopefully be ok. The Acer TravelMate 8000 series looks pretty badass...