Searching for solid ~$2000 laptop, XPS, Alienware?

[RezMN]

I have been doing a lot of research on laptops. I am not sure which to buy as a result of my deficient knowledge on what is needed. I want a laptop that will survive at least 2-3 years, is great for gaming, is able to do video editing with ease, and is a desktop replacement (with hopefully good battery life).

I have been looking at the following:
Dell XPS 1710Dell XPS 1710 (around $2500)
Alienware M9700Alienware M9700 (around $2500)
Alienware m5790Alienware m5790 (around $2400 with all my upgrades)
HP dv9000tHP dv900t (around $2000 with all my upgrades)

I am leaning toward the m5790 since I can get a core 2 duo T7200 (2.0 Ghz), 2gb DDR2 RAM, Raid 0 - 100gb X 2 7200 RPM, 256mb ATI Mobility X1800 video card, and a WideUXGA screen all for around $2400.

I think the concern for me is multi-tasking productivity (e.g. video editing) vs. high-end gaming (like the SLI cards on the m9700). The XPS I think is too expensive, has the best video cards, but lacks in processor and hard drive space. The HP is the cheapest, but I think has the worst video card (512mb GeForce Go 7600)... it does have a large hard drive, good RAM, and a 2.0 Ghz dual core 2. The m5790 has it all, but I don't know how well the video card will handle high-end games.

So I think you guys can see my dilemma. ANY suggestions would be great!

Thanks
-Rezzy

 

[IlllI]

i dont think such a thing exists.
firstly, what do you mean by 'survive' ? because if you mean will be able to play games that come out 2-3 years down the road well? then i highly doubt it. specially not at 1920 x 1200. also fast proc + 2x 7200rpm hds + fast gpu wont give you a decent battery life at all.
what you listed is basically a dtr, which would have you plugged into the wall most of the time. if thats the case you might want to think about why you'd want one to begin with, instead of a dedicated tower, which you could easily upgrade periodically if you feel its starting to fall behind in a couple years.

 

[RezMN]

Originally posted by: clandren
i dont think such a thing exists.
firstly, what do you mean by 'survive' ? because if you mean will be able to play games that come out 2-3 years down the road well? then i highly doubt it. specially not at 1920 x 1200. also fast proc + 2x 7200rpm hds + fast gpu wont give you a decent battery life at all.
what you listed is basically a dtr, which would have you plugged into the wall most of the time. if thats the case you might want to think about why you'd want one to begin with, instead of a dedicated tower, which you could easily upgrade periodically if you feel its starting to fall behind in a couple years.

Well I have always had desktop computers, but my last two years in college I used my college-issued laptop all the time. The computer is great for everything... like studying on campus, typing notes, doing miscellaneous media (not too hardcore), but sucks for games. I use my desktop very periodically when I need to get my gaming fix. I would like to use my laptop when I'm laying on the couch and eventually only use it, instead of my desktop.

I am looking for a workhorse that will do everything that my getting-out-of-date desktop computer can do, but in portable fashion. I don't want something that will not be a middle-class computer in a couple years because I will be going into a graduate program and would like to have something that will get me by through the next few years. I'm sure office and all that will be fine, but you're right, I would still like to play some top of the line games, even if it's at mid-quality in a few years.

It is kind of why I'm debating if my GPU is more important to longevity vs. processor.

-Rezzy

 

[IlllI]

what about both? split the budget 50/50. maybe get a laptop for general tasks, but also build a desktop for games etc? either way, they will both be pretty ancient in a few years, but at least w/ a desktop you could have the option to upgrade from time to time.

 

[CCityInstaller]

Just make sure u get a notebook built around MXM technology, so that you have some chance of being able to upgrade the video card in the future. MXM based video cards hold their resell value, so you could always get a better card in a few years and sell off your older one to offset the cost.

 

[mad0maxx]

With new games coming out you will want a DX10 video card and no laptop right now has those type of video cards. Gaming Laptops will go out of date quite fast so if you do not want to spend craploads of money every year get a general purpose laptop then a gaming desktop.

The thing about computers is no matter if you got a desktop or laptop they go out of date after a year reguardless... just desktops are cheaper than laptops to get parts replaced...