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![[image loading]](http://api.ning.com/files/QBOUzwTIcM6xOW5D6DbRnmA5ofS1j11c6dK4lkZ8L29Il17ScTzqmQ-Nbo7eETQaSUMCvZb4cNppdXWD4FzRctIuzeTV5stY/alienware_1.jpg)
I'm heading off to college. I can't lug around this piece of crap. The laptop (which I'm using right now because I'm away from home) has a stunning single-core 1.6GHz processor with an amazing 448MB RAM to match (of course this should indicate presence of an integrated GFXCard). The lithium ion battery lasts 25 minutes, just enough for one episode of The Fresh Prince
I need something powerful. Something light. Something... sexy.
After careful consideration, I finally think I'm settled on the Alienware M11x. Lets take a quick look. Nice processor, RAM, and GFX card. Definitely powerful. This laptop is 11 inches and ~4.5 pounds. Small and lightweight? Check.
![[image loading]](http://dailylaptops.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Alienware-M11x-3.png) Sex appeal? Hell yeah.
But is it affordable. Lets rewind a few years. These computers did what they were made for, but way more expensive than they were actually worth. I remember the pre-made desktops that had no fans and relied 100% on liquid cooling. Most of us remember the time when Alienware was only for the people who had some left over money they could just throw away. Sounds familiar.
![[image loading]](http://images.worldofapple.com/2010/04/ipad_hero_20100403.png) Remind you of something?
I am so glad Dell snatched up Alienware and made it much more reasonable. I've played around with the customization options that Dell/Alienware offers, and the specs I want definitely lands in the ~1k range. For a 4+ year investment, this laptop will surely serve it's purpose.
The downside? Small screen and no CD/DVD drive. What does this mean for an SC fan? Absolutely nothing if I'm gonna just play BW. But I plan to get SC2. Small screen probably may put me at a disadvantage, but with widescreen it shouldn't be too bad. It does mean that I'll either have to download the game or get an external drive. How hard can that be? Pfft. I mean... how many times do you open your CD drive anyways?
Ending notes:
Why am I writing this? For one, I'm bored and thought I'd brush up on my writing. Secondly, I want to hear comments about my decision. I haven't actually bought the computer yet. So if you did read the whole thing, please comment on both aspects if you can. Thanks! 
EDIT: For any of you interested in the M11x, here's the link.
http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/alienware-m11x?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn
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Dell Alienware definitely produces top of the line computers. Although the prices have gone more reasonable, they are still pretty beastly. I compared the recent computer that I bought off Newegg with an Alienware one with the same specs. It turned out to be $1500 vs $4000, and I'm getting better hardware from newegg. I think putting the label 'gaming computer' on a pc really makes the price skyrocket.
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Nice choice, I think you'll like it. I was seriously considering a m11x for a while although I did end up getting a different laptop.
edit: you don't need a cd drive, I replaced it on my old one with a second hard drive. The small screen and keyboard might take a bit of getting used to but if you're comfortable with small laptops it shouldn't be a problem
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Can either of you guys show/tell me your laptops now?
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I duno... You're kind of asking to get it stolen. In college, lots of things grow legs and walk off. You do plan on having a roommate, right? Then you can't expect the door to be locked 24/7.
Why not just get a cheaper laptop (with the exact same hardware [minus the rainbow aesthetics[) somewhere else?
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I got the HP Envy 14 because there was a great discount that brought it to around $1000. It has great specs for a 14" although it is quite a bit bigger than the m11x.
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On July 22 2010 01:11 danl9rm wrote:
I duno... You're kind of asking to get it stolen. In college, lots of things grow legs and walk off. You do plan on having a roommate, right? Then you can't expect the door to be locked 24/7.
Why not just get a cheaper laptop (with the exact same hardware [minus the rainbow aesthetics[) somewhere else?
I know laptops get stolen all the time but I haven't heard of it happening... even though almost everyone kept their door unlocked when I lived in a dorm. It probably depends where you go too, if you're worried about that then keep it out of sight when you're not using it. Most people looking to steal laptops won't search your room on the off chance you have a laptop somewhere, but if it's out on the table they'll take it.
edit: and $1000 isn't actually that much to spend on a laptop
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Sex appeal and computers dont exist.
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is the laptop able to be connected to an external monitor
so u can use that monitor to play sc2 on?
it might just be a great idea ^___^ that way you can get that sweet laptop and play sc2 on it w/a reasonably sized screen ^____^
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Interesting choice. 4.5 lbs for 11 inches seems a bit heavy relative to its size; I'm guessing the notebook itself is going to be a bit thick? On the note about size, if you haven't already, I suggest taking a look at those 11.6'' machines in person to get a feel of how large the screen will be and if you're comfortable with it. I was looking for a similar machine as you were (small, lightweight, cheap, though yours isn't necessarily cheap) that I could easily bring to class. Eventually, I came across an Asus 1201n (12'' netbook; I chose a netbook because I already have a desktop for power). It worked to my needs, but the 12'' was a lot smaller than I expected. Yeah, so point being, I think an 11'' machine is a bit small as your main pc.
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I've never had to worry about my laptop being stolen, ever. In my freshman year everyone left their doors open and I don't think anyone got their shit stolen [that was expensive]. Although now I never have to worry about it since I'm living in an apartment with friends. :D
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^A bit more reassuring. When I first read the comments I was seriously doubting myself. I'm living in a quiet dorm so it should be alright. Better than the crazy freshman dorm at least.
On July 22 2010 01:24 ella_guru wrote:
Sex appeal and computers dont exist.
I beg to differ.
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Alienware makes good machines, though they're also mad overpriced, its the Apple of PC's along with FalconNW. That said, 4.5lbs for an 11 inch laptop is far from lightweight, but being a gaming laptop, you can't have the best of both worlds.
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Edit: Actually, I don't have time, must go to work. The guy above me is correct. The "starter specs" to mid range specs on this PC make it far from a "value". Also, since DELL bought out Alienware they have started sacrificing hardware AND going up in price. They have turned Alienware into a glorified XPS. You are buying something a little larger than a Netbook and are happy it's only 5lbs? I don't have an issues with Alienware, I have an issue with you taking a hit at Apple in your posts then turning around and riding Alienware's dick.
Especially since you could buy a 13.3 Mac Book Pro and get a more light-weight, powerful machine. Specs on a 13.3 are 4 gigs DDR3 upgradable to 8, 320M graphics card, 2.4Ghz Duo processor. Aside from the hardware (which Apples manufactures themselves, unlike DELL who gets theirs from ASUS) the computer will have a longer battery life along with a longer computer life. As in, it isn't taking the wear and tear of a PC and you'll be able to continue using it after 4 years. It also has a disk drive and did I mention it was lighter? Anyways, sorry for this wall of text in such a cluttered fashion, but I'm writing this as I go out the door. Again, not saying you're making a bad purchase, just saying you are a hypocrite.
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not trolling, but get a mac ^_^
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Whether or not your stuff ends up stolen depends largely on where you go to school. Generally my room mate and I were pretty good about keeping the door locked last year, but there were several thefts on my floor; one or two ipods, a few wallets, pretty often things like sunglasses, small food items (like coffee, etc.) and even two Laptops - both macbook pros, and I would say your potential alienware is similarly flashy. A friend of mine even had his guitar stolen right out of his closet. That was sad, seeing as it was a REALLY nice guitar. Taylor electric/acoustic and all that.
To be safe, I would get yourself... well a safe. Get one with a security cable, and lock it around something in your room that's immobile. For me, that happened to be the water pipe in my closet. No one ever stole any of my valuables.
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seems very overpriced for the specs
why do you need to buy a laptop? why not build a desktop yourself
with 1k, you can make a beastly one (will outperform this laptop at least 3x in games)
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On July 22 2010 02:20 zOula... wrote:
not trolling, but get a mac ^_^
Good lord, no. Do not get a mac.
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I never said macbooks are terrible... I only criticized the iPad.
Anyways... no way am I getting a Mac.
On July 22 2010 02:21 phosphorylation wrote:
why do you need to buy a laptop? why not build a desktop yourself
with 1k, you can make a beastly one (will outperform this laptop at least 3x in games)
Cuz I already have one. I need something mobile.
An I don't see how it is overpriced. For the size/performance... I haven't seen anything else that matches up with this laptop.
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i love how people always say "build your own desktop" to me when I say I wanna get a new laptop. it tells me exactly that they assume everyone
a) CAN BE ASSED to learn how to build one and want to run the risk of it fucking up and being eternally buggy. of course if they offer to build it for me that would be great but there's also another point.
b) I don't want to sit at home all day with it. maybe you do, but not me. until there's some way of moving that desktop around hassle free you haven't made a good point at all.
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EPT
