Is this deal worth it? (Desktop Replacement / Gaming Laptop)

[n3xu5]

I have an opportunity to take this deal but do not know if it is worth it or not. I need advice from the members here who have been involved with mobile desktop replacements and have a better understanding on the tech behind the gaming systems.

The Cost: $1800

The deal:

less than 4 months old - Alienware M17x
Specifications:
Color: Black Lid, Black Base, Black Keyboard
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Processor: Intel® Core(tm) 2 Quad Processor Q9000
Processor Speed: 2.0GHz
Level 2 Cache: 6MB Level 2 Cache
Front Side Bus: 1066MHz Frontside Bus
RAM Installed / Max RAM Supported: 4GB DDR3 SDRAM
Hard Drive: 500GB Hard Drive
Multimedia Drive: Blu-ray/CD/DVD Combo Drive
Display Type: 17" Widescreen UXGA Display
Internal Max Resolution: 1920 x 1200
Video Card: Dual NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 260M
Video Memory: 1024MB
Sound Card: High Definition Audio Chipset
Sound Output Mode: 5.1 Channel Surround Sound
Network Features: 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
Wireless Network Features: Internal Wireless a/g/draft-n with MIMO (2x2) Technology); Bluetooth® 2.1 + EDR
Memory Card Reader: 8-in-1 Media Card Reader
Ports and Connectors: (4) Hi-speed USB 2.0 Ports; (1) eSATA/USB 2.0 Combo (2-in-1 port) with PowerShare; (1) IEEE 1394a (4-pin) Port; DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA - Video Output; Front Speakers Audio Out Connector / Headphone Jack; Center Speaker and Subwoofer Audio Out Connector / Headphone Jack; Rear Surround Audio Out Connector; Audio In / Microphone Jack
Expansion Slots: (1) ExpressCard Slot
Built-In Devices: (2) Front Speakers, 2.0MP Webcam
Input Device: AlienFX(tm) Illuminated Keyboard - Exclusive Design
Included Battery: 9 Cell Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
Dimensions: (WxDxH) 15.98" x 12.65" x 2.02"-2.11"
Weight: 11.68 lbs
Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty

included:
original box and all the original manuals
Microsoft Sidewinder Mouse X8 (wireless razor gaming mouse)
Zalman notebook cooler NC2000
Creative gaming headset (no model known)
Game: Crysis Maximum Edition
Game: FEAR 2

I've never been a laptop owner, I use a IBM Thinkpad R51e for a work laptop and it is slower than a snail. I'm seriously thinking about breaking down my custom waterbox E8500 // 4870x2 and selling components and going mobile with a mobile desktop replacement. Is this a decent deal or am I just wasting my time with it?

[ExodusC]

I'm no expert on the matter, but one thing I immediately spotted is that this build costs $1800 and is only equipped with a Core 2 Quad at 2GHz.

That alone would keep me away. I would think you can get something with a Core i5 or Core i7 in it for this price.

Hell, you can get the HP Envy 15 for $1300, and the base model has a Core i5 430M at 2.23GHz (turbo to 2.53) and a 5830 1GB. An upgrade to the Core i7 720QM, which is a quad core at 1.6Ghz (turbo to 2.8GHz) will cost $400. Even then that still only puts you at $1700.

I'd say this is not a very good deal. That's just my opinion.

[zanzabar]

thats going to be slow with the 2ghz cpu and the 260m are just g92 so having 2 of them that are clocked that low would not be ideal as they dont scale well, especially with a 2ghz cpu. so u really want a dual core or better an i5/i7 with turbo and a 5870m

i saw origin a while ago in the liquid cooling section their gaming laptops look nice
http://www.originpc.com/shop/pc/conf...?idproduct=359

or an asus g, they are cheaper but not as cool
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-695-_-Product

also with the newer intel parts u have to look at the turbo states as that 720m will clock up to 2.8ghz
http://ark.intel.com/ProductCollecti...familyId=43402 <- i7
http://ark.intel.com/ProductCollecti...familyId=43483 <- i5


and if u really want a blu ray player u can just buy one and put it in affter, laptop blu ray drives are $120-150 depending on if its pata or sata

[masxerofkartis]

You can build a much better i7 based desktop with 2k including tft's kb's etc

[metalop1g]

Refer to this, it's the official thread
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=218744

[zanzabar]

Refer to this, it's the official thread
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=218744

what dose that have to do with a laptop

[Molotox]

At that price, I would look into the MSI GX740 to be honest.

Price more or less 1500$ CAN
Manufacturer MSI
Warranty 36 Months by Manufacturer

CPU: Intel Core 17-720QM 1.6Ghz / 2.8Ghz with Turbo 6MB cache
Display: 17.0" WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050) Glossy
System Memory: 4GB (2x 2GB) DDR2 667 SDRAM - 0 open slot MAX. 4GB
Video: ATi Radeon HD5870 Broadway XT GDDR5 1GB
HDD: 500GB, 7200PRM SATA
Optical drive: Blu Ray DVD Combo Drive
Battery: 9-cell li-ion battery: up to 3.5 hours life depending usage
Network: 56Kbps,10/100/1000, 802.11AGN wireless LAN
Interface ports: DC-in, RJ-45 LAN, VGA, 4-in-1 Card Reader
headphones/speakers/line-out, microphone-in, eSata, ,HDMI
four USB 2.0, IEEE 1394, BUILT-IN 2.0MP WEBCAM. Bluetooth
Pointing Device:Touch Pad with onboard numeric keypad
Weight: 7.04 lbs
OS Preload: Microsoft® 7 Home Premium Bilingual
Warranty: 3 year Limited Warranty with 1 Year Global
Warranty:3 Year Limited (include 1 Year Global)

http://www.msimobile.com/warranty/3yr_notebooks.aspx


I don't think it's available yet, but it's been announced.

[Russian]

I'm going to have to give you a resounding #$%! no.

Why?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+L...=G73&cp=1&lp=1

(if the link doesnt work go to bestbuy.com and search G73)

For 1200 you literally smack that laptop around... thats literally 30% cheaper for a MUCH FASTER laptop. And if you want the 1920x1200 version its basically a few hundred more.