new001

How's it going, OCN? Anyway, soon, I want to be purchasing a laptop. I'll get $1000 for completing my Eagle Scout Project, and then another $700 from working this summer.

I've narrowed it down to three options:

Dell XPS 16 (upgrades= Intel P8600 CPU, 1080p RBLED Display) ~$1350

Alienware Area 51-m15x (upgrades= 1200p display, 4GB DDR2 RAM) ~$1350

Apple 13" MacBook Pro (upgrades= 4GB DDR3 RAM) ~$1300

Here are my arguments for each: the XPS has everything I want, except for a 1200p display; the Alienware has the display resolution and aesthetics, but it does not have an LED display or DDR3 RAM; the Apple is technologically inferior, but Apple has much better laptops (or so I've heard). I have always used Macs, but I do want to make the switch to PC, I think...

So, some other questions: will I notice the 16:9 (instead of 16:10) for gaming (and I plan on playing mostly MMORPG's, like EVE and The Old Republic, and RTS's, because I like console shooters more)? Are LED and DDR3 that important, because I would really prefer the Alienware. And, since this will take at least until my project is done, is it likely for Alienware to convert to DDR3 and LED on their lappys?

Thanks a bunch, guys! Sorry for the rambling setup. lol

kilrbe3

I dont suggest a Mac for gaming..

Alienware is overpriced still

Dell onboard gfx blow

What I do suggest, ASUS G50v or G51. They are the best of the best, unless you got spare cash, look at Sager

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oliverw92

highly doubt you will notice 16:9, i didn't when going from playing xbox 16:9 to 16:10 so going back won't be different. Don't get the alienware, they look cheesy and the hardware isn't great. The macbook is going to be the best build quality (aluminium one ofc.) and will be the most durable since it is made of solid aluminium. It also won't discolour or anything like that. If you are getting $1700, why is it down to those 3? you could go for a better macbook. I would personally get the 15 inch macbook pro for $1699: http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs.html 4gb ddr3 standard with the larger hdd standard and a bigger screen for only $100 more than the high end 13" one.

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getbigtony

why do people like to buy laptops as desktop replacements?
i say build a desktop and get a cheap dual core laptop for $400

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vaatem12

^^Co-sign // agree, +rep

oliverw92

What wrong with gaming on a mac? Dual boot 64bit xp/win7 when it comes out and you are away. the graphics chip isn't bad on it. 9600GM

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mdogg

dont go alienware, it's overpriced, and when I checked out their website they're still using old tech.
dont go apple, the price/performance ratio is obscene.
Go xps 16, my friend has one. It's fantastic. Well built, sorta portable, and just a great price.

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slytown

I can play COD4, but on normal settings. I couldn't be more happy selling my tower for a MBP, but if you plan on playing lots of games more than producing music (why I bought the MBP), I totally agree laptops are a rip-off. You can spend half the money and get a more stable gaming tower (better PSU, better cooling, faster mobo).

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oliverw92

i agree getting a tower would be MUCH better. i wouldn't do heavy gaming like crysis on a mac tbh. if you are looking for bang for buck go dell xps, if you looking for durability and looks + good performance and dont mind the price tag go apple.

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phospholipid

Lenovo thinkpads.

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