voodoopc or alienware

[dakels]

I am wondering if I should get a voodoopc m860 or a alienware area-51m
Looking for a great gaming PC. I would assume voodoopc has an advantage here with the athlon 64 3200. One other difference is that the alienware has 400mhz DDR over the 333 of the voodoopc. Both can get the radeon 9700 128mb and a 7200rpm drive.

which would you pick and why?

 

[Heinrich]

I would suggest the Hypersonic AX7

Hypersonic AX7

It's at least as good as the m860 (which is essentially an eMachines 6809) minus about $500. Hypersonic has a great reputation for customer service just like voodoo.

 

[mb]

I'd get the Alienware. Looks better, it's a tad bit cheaper, and from what I've heard Alienware has good support if you need it.

Plus it's an Alienware!

3 Year warranty
15.4" screen
3.4ghz P4
1gb ram
Radeon 9700
60gb 7200rpm hdd
dvdrw
XP Pro
Delete mouse
Delete Microsoft® Works Suite 2004
Delete AlienAutopsy
$3,307.00

For the Voodoo with the same stuff, but with the 3400+ it is $3,596.09

 

[Frightcrawler]

Originally posted by: Heinrich
...(which is essentially an eMachines 6809) minus about $500.

Wrong..If the emachines m680x laptops were the m860, us owners would be bragging much more than we are now.

 

[Heinrich]

Originally posted by: Frightcrawler

Originally posted by: Heinrich
...(which is essentially an eMachines 6809) minus about $500.

Wrong..If the emachines m680x laptops were the m860, us owners would be bragging much more than we are now.

Well if you don't believe me there are numerous threads about this over on Notebookforums such as

m860 = 6809

The screen has a higher resolution on the m860. It's the newer part but underclocked (9700) and scores are no better than the 9600 in the 6809. This isn't the only thread on this matter, but it's a start.

 

[beyoku]

he may be right i think they both have the same ODM but the 3500.oo $ ones are a newer model from the ODM. I paid 1400 for my m6809.
both made by arima - IT is the EXACT same machine just a diffent model - the shell is exactly the same.

 

[Frightcrawler]

Originally posted by: Heinrich

Originally posted by: Frightcrawler

Originally posted by: Heinrich
...(which is essentially an eMachines 6809) minus about $500.

Wrong..If the emachines m680x laptops were the m860, us owners would be bragging much more than we are now.

Well if you don't believe me there are numerous threads about this over on Notebookforums such as

m860 = 6809

The screen has a higher resolution on the m860. It's the newer part but underclocked (9700) and scores are no better than the 9600 in the 6809. This isn't the only thread on this matter, but it's a start.

Sorry, but you're wrong.
Link
The second post tells you what the m860 and m6805 are made of. alexruiz made a logical prediction about the m6809, but it was incorrect.
As beyoku said, they are the exact same machine.
So, in conclusion, the m860 and the m6809 are not the same (unfortunately )

 

[Heinrich]

Well, at the risk of going tit for tat, the small incremental model number essentially means "not that much" when looking at the price.

This was the definitive thread for me with benchmarks and not just model numbers:

(first a small blurb)

"They are one and the same with the exception of the cosmetics/screen/64mb extra video memory and other customizable options. The real kicker is the performance is almost the same with the video clocked to the same frequencies."

for the details :

m860 same performance as 6809

There are other links to other forums and other threads in this "master" thread if you want to take the time to read it all.

 

[Mellman]

I'd go with the compal cl56, radeon 9700 pro 128 mb, AND you get 4 hours of battery life, in 6 lbs, alienware so far has an exclusive contract with their ODM, gone are the days where we could get them from clevo (commonly imported by sager)

these huge 12 lb notebooks just are...well....so big. not to mention paying the extra dough for the alienware name just doesnt make sense to me. But thats me

 

[alexruiz]

The emachines is based on Arimas's W720D-K8, the Voodoo is based on Arima's W730D-K8..... they use the same case.

Difference? A 720 is a "baby 730", with the motherboard in the 730 based for high end DTRs, and the 720 adapted from the 730 for more affordable machines. The 730 was thought for the most powerful video card available, the 720 ships only so far with M10.....


Alex

 

[whuang]

Here Try this.

FOSA D870W
[INTEL P4 PROCESSOR] Pentium 4 800MHz FSB
with HT Technology Extreme Edition Processor

[17" TFT w/ ATI 9700] 17" WSXGA+ TFT LCD is driven by
ATI Mobility? Radeon? 9700 with/ 256MB DDR SDRAM

[Full size 101-key Keyboard] Full size 101 key
with numeric keypad windows keyboard.
The only one on the market.

[2 Hard Drives capability] Total 2 HDDs
capability would allow set up Raid 0 or 1.

[Various powerful available] Build-in TV Tuner w/Remote,
Integrated CMOS Camera, & 7-in-1 Card Reader.

Link to FOSA D870W at greenlaptop.com

 

[GnomeCop]

go for the hypersonic

 

[dakels]

At first I thought price was no object but then I realized we need 3-4 of these. The hypersonic is looking pretty good. Its not that much more money then the emachines (which looks like a GREAT deal which I may get as a PC backup to my powerbook) and its a little bit more power. I dont like the fact that wherever I look i cannot custom configure the emachines for a better vid card and 7200rpm HD. Also the hypersonic uses 400mhz DDR. One thing that is a big turn off about the alienware is the massive weight... I am told its about 12lbs! Not good for traveling.

That FOSA isnt bad but I dont see 7200rpm HD and I'd rather go with a AMD64 then P4 for gaming.

I am considering:
Aviator_AX7 System:
Custom System Binder with Performance Benchmarks
Personalized System Recovery DVD
Minimum 72-Hour Burn-in & testing with 128-Point Quality Control Process
Configured and tested with latest qualifed drivers and operating system updates
Arctic Silver 5 High Tech Polysynthetic Heat Dissipation Agent
1 Type II PCMCIA PC Card Slot
Integrated Color CCD Video Camera
3 USB (2.0), 1 InfrRed, and 1 mini 1394 Firewire
HyperSense? Advanced Remote Diagnostics
3000+ AMD Athlon? 64 DTR/Mobile Processor w/ PowerNow!? Tech.
VIA K8T800 + VT8235 Chipset Mobile Motherboard for AX7
512MB PC3200 DDR400 RAM SODIMM
512MB PC3200 DDR400 RAM SODIMM
60GB 7200rpm Ultra ATA Hard Drive w/ 8MB Cache
Case Color:
8X DVD / 24X-10X-24 CD-R/W Combo Drive w/ Recording Software
ATI Radeon Mobility 9700 (M11) 128MB for AX7 (w/ TV Out)
Built-in Sound Blaster Compatible Audio (AX Series)
Integrated V.92 56K Fax/Data Modem
Integrated 10/100/1000Mbit Ethernet Controller
Built-in 4 in 1 Flash Media Card Reader Slots
Aviator AX7 with Graphite Accents
17" WSXGA+ 1680x1050 Wide-Screen Display w/ Super Clear Glossy Surface
Internal 802.11b+g 54Mbps Wireless Mini PCI Network Adapter
MS Windows XP Home Edition SP1 CD & Manual, Pre-Installed & Configured
Additional Smart Li-ION Battery Pack for Aviator AX7
1Year 24/7 Toll-Free Tech Support Platinum Service & Lifetime Support

$2,726.00

2 questions: 1 year or 3 year warranty? Is that tech support or does it cover parts? I dont need tech support as its going for a company but parts and labor are always good.
also is the athlon 3400 worth $353 more over a 3000?

thanks

 

[Garster]

The Compal 56 is a very nice notebook and sold under a few different names. It is as fast as a late model desktop and very portable.

 

[whuang]

most warranty includes parts and labor. However, you should check the company policy to make sure (call if needed.) Tech support is usually a standard (the technicians aren't going anywhere on salary.)
From experience, Unless you are abusive (or lack care for your notebook system), companies that carry products that are similar to FOSA will last you 2-3 years with out major problems. But be weary of other brands that offers systems at incredible deals, In this case you should buy 3 year warranty (and be expecting for problems in the 1st year or so.) Always ask around for opinions in such cases.
-Every company has to make money to sustain it's employees
(especially companies that have to sustain technicians for support for at least 1 year... )

Regarding Notebook systems:
Cpu Memory and Hard rives are Generic products and can be purchased and changed (you might even be able to call and purchase barebone systems and install the CPU/Memory/HDD your self.) The core system and what it is capable of is what you should focus on (factory built and integrated parts are things that you will not be able to modify.)

I would choose a 256MB Ati Radeon video card over a 7200RPM hard drive when it comes to gaming on laptop system (refer to above).

 

[whuang]

It is a great system. But I would recommend this system to mobile users business men/women who are frequently traveling with their notebooks. It is adequate for gaming but it will not give you the competitive edge Gamers need.

Cl56 system

 

[GnomeCop]

the 256mb radeon mobility 9700 cards are only available with desktop p4 cpu based notebooks, most notibly the 17" widescreen surfboard/riot shield models

The Cl56 is a good allround notebook right now. The CL5x chassis has served me well. I had mine since it was a CL50 with a radeon 9000, and since had it upgraded to a CL56 with a 9700 mobility 128mb.
I havent run into a game that I can't run yes with eye candy turned on.
Of course though the Cl56 is best for someone who truley wants a notebook computer - someone that is looking to be able to use it on the go and have good battery life.

The AMD A64 based notebooks are really good too with very respectable battery life for the speed they provide.

pics I posted of mine on notebookforums.com -looks like it has gone over the photobucket transfer limit, didnt have time to move it to bbzzdd

 

[ForsakenMaster]

Originally posted by: dakels
I am wondering if I should get a voodoopc m860 or a alienware area-51m
Looking for a great gaming PC. I would assume voodoopc has an advantage here with the athlon 64 3200. One other difference is that the alienware has 400mhz DDR over the 333 of the voodoopc. Both can get the radeon 9700 128mb and a 7200rpm drive.

which would you pick and why?

Unless you plan on loading a 64bit version of Linux I would buy the Alienwarez lap top IMO a 64 bit is a total waste on a 32 bit OS.

 

[Heinrich]

I personally believe that the 3 year warranty will pay off. The battery itself will go after about 1.25 - 1.5 years. It's going to be parts. I would not pay for a 3400, but I would spring for the 3200.

 

[txxxx]

Originally posted by: ForsakenMaster

Originally posted by: dakels
I am wondering if I should get a voodoopc m860 or a alienware area-51m
Looking for a great gaming PC. I would assume voodoopc has an advantage here with the athlon 64 3200. One other difference is that the alienware has 400mhz DDR over the 333 of the voodoopc. Both can get the radeon 9700 128mb and a 7200rpm drive.

which would you pick and why?

Unless you plan on loading a 64bit version of Linux I would buy the Alienwarez lap top IMO a 64 bit is a total waste on a 32 bit OS.

A 64-bit cpu has architecture advantages which can be brought to a 32-bit environment.

 

[alexruiz]

Originally posted by: ForsakenMaster

Originally posted by: dakels
I am wondering if I should get a voodoopc m860 or a alienware area-51m
Looking for a great gaming PC. I would assume voodoopc has an advantage here with the athlon 64 3200. One other difference is that the alienware has 400mhz DDR over the 333 of the voodoopc. Both can get the radeon 9700 128mb and a 7200rpm drive.

which would you pick and why?

Unless you plan on loading a 64bit version of Linux I would buy the Alienwarez lap top IMO a 64 bit is a total waste on a 32 bit OS.

That "wasted" 64 bits CPU will spank anything else on 32bits, as it happens to be the highest performing 32bits CPU also.....

By the way, people, don't get confused. Even 128MB are not used by the current generation of mobile video cards. They don't have the firepower to go high in resolution with AA/AF turned ON. So here are your 256MB.....