Solved! 2011 Laptop Specs to buy?

[unkindstudios]

Please note this is a spec question only. Please no fan-boy bashing or suggest another company's. I like Dell what can I say

Last week I ordered a new 17x Laptop with the specs below.. However the shipment has been delayed and noticed all the new models have come out and in stock. Both Alienware and XPS models comes the new 2nd Gen i7 ranging from the top of the line chip the 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i7-2820QM processor 2.30 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.40 GHz.

Below you will see the alienware I ordered last week and the new XPS3D.. Which is better? and why?


ALIENWARE-

Intel® Core™ i7 740QM Quad Core Processor, 1.73GHz (2.93GHz Turbo Mode, 6M Cache

8GB Dual Channel Memory (2x 4GB DDR3)

ATI Radeon™ HD 5870

500GB SATAII 7,200RPM

17 WideFHD 1920x1080 (1080p) WLED

Price: 2,092

--------------------------------------…

XPS 3D:

PROCESSOR2nd generation Intel® Core™ i7-2820QM processor 2.30 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.40 GHz

OPERATING SYSTEMGenuine Windows® Home Premium, 64-Bit,

HD DISPLAY17.3" FHD (1080p) 3D Display with 2.0MP HD Webcam & Facial Recognition

3D GLASSESNVIDIA 3D Vision glasses (1 pair)

MEMORY16GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 Memory

VIDEO CARDNVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M 3GB graphics with TV Tuner

HARD DRIVE500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive

SERVICE PLAN 1 Year Basic Service Plan

$2,094.99

 

[Maziar]

For gaming,the first one is much better because of having a faster GPU.

 

[unkindstudios]

Even know the XPS has the new Gen Mobo? and max out 16gb? I just went to Alienware's site and they are now shipping their 17 with the new gen motherboard now with a 460gtx. Compared to me last setup that is on it's way. I'm not sure if I should get the new one and send the one coming back. I do web design and hardcore video editing.

Any suggestions would be great!

 

[Maziar]

More RAM/better CPU make a difference in games but the impact is no where near the change that a powerful VGA makes so the AW is better for gaming.
An alternative to M17x would be Sager NP8170
http/www.xoticpc.com/sager-np8170-clevo-p170hm-p-2971.html

 

[warren024]

The Alienware has a much better GPU and will be better for gaming. Of course now the new Alienware 17x r3 is out with nvidia 3d vision set available or a 6970 radeon for the non-3d set up - and the new core i7 Sandy Bridge chips.
While it's a personal preference, I think the Alienware systems look alot better than the XPS systems - plus all the super cool lighting.

 

[unkindstudios]

@Maziar So the old setup AW above I ordered I should not return? Or The new AW that has the 2nd Gen i7-2820QM processor 2.30 GHz with a 460 GTX Graphics Card?

 

[warren024]

The new AW offers 3D like the dell XPS you have above - so if you want 3D gaming, then I would get the new one... if you don't care about 3D gaming, the AW you ordered is just fine.

 

[Maziar]

@Maziar So the old setup AW above I ordered I should not return? Or The new AW that has the 2nd Gen i7-2820QM processor 2.30 GHz with a 460 GTX Graphics Card?

If you're primary usage is gaming, then keep it.(5870M is faster than GTX 460M)

 

[unkindstudios]

Thanks guy's helping my out! pulling my hair out.. Warren I see the alienware site has the 6970 now in the 17. So now you can get that card with the 2820qm for $150 more then what I paid for the other AW I got..

Does it make sense now to swap it.? I have 20 days to return it. I don't game much I do heavy video editing, web design.. But I do like online gaming when free.

I just dont want to be stuck with a old chipset and have room to upgrade. Sorry for Im asking the samething again.. Just so confused.. If you think Im ok with what I have cool.. just have it open just in case.. Thanks again! you guys rock!

 

[Maziar]

For video editing yes.Going from 740QM to 2820QM will give you a huge boost in performance.(6970M is also faster than 5870M)

 

[warren024]

Yeah, Maziar is correct as usual - below is a link comparing the previous Alienware M17x R2 vs the new M17x R3 to include video encoding.

http/www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews/1108/pg19/alienware-m17x-r3-3d-vision-gaming-laptop-review-m17x-r3-vs-r1-and-r2.html

 

[unkindstudios]

Thank you both for your time and help! It's really nice to see other people taking time to help noobs like me Enjoy your day!

 

[unkindstudios]

Here is my update atm..

Got my laptop today with the old setup. Called del to return and they offered to take $200 off the price if I keep it.

At the end of the day I save $600 if I don't upgrade it to the 2820 and 6970..

I have the money to spend.. but we all have to pay bills at the end of the day. I just dont want to have an old laptop the first day I get it.

What would you guys do?

 

[Maziar]

It all depends on you, like I mentioned before going from 740QM to 2820QM will give you a huge boost in video editing performance.

 

[warren024]

Here is my update atm..

Got my laptop today with the old setup. Called del to return and they offered to take $200 off the price if I keep it.

At the end of the day I save $600 if I don't upgrade it to the 2820 and 6970..

I have the money to spend.. but we all have to pay bills at the end of the day. I just dont want to have an old laptop the first day I get it.

What would you guys do?

$600 is a pretty big savings. You also have to consider that if you order a new system with the new chips, you probably won't see it until sometime in April. I would test your current system out with the most demanding gaming and video editing tasks you plan to use it for in the future - if it holds up to an acceptable level of performance for you, then I would stick with the system you have now. If it's a bit too slow and an upgrade is worth the extra money, and you can wait for a new system, then I would return it.