Anyone have any experience with Alienware Laptops?

[GTPprix]

Now let me preface this with a few things so that my question makes a bit more sense:

1. I'm not a PC Gamer
2. I know Dell bought them out a few years back

Basically i'm looking for the most powerful 14" laptop I can buy for some of my programming work/development. I run some pretty heavy disassembler work and am looking for the most powerful CPU/HD/Memory combo I can find in a 14" machine. So far what I've found that really meets these requirements is the Alienware m14x with a Quad Core i7, 8 gigs of ram and the 256gb SSD. I know that Dell as of late doesn't always have the best reputation, that said my last development machine (the one I'm still using) is a Dell D630 that I bought new in 2008 and its been flawless really.

So do any of you have any experience with current alienware offerings or know of a machine with comparable power in a 14" package?

Normally I'd just get a MacBook Pro and be done with it but for a dedicated Windows box its a waste...

 

[Killjoy]

That could be fine. I'd also take a quick look at the HP Envy 14. Pretty much same CPU, but offers a little more RAM if you need it, and an ATI graphics option depending on your preference.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/series/category/notebooks/ENVY14_series/3/computer_store

Cost for a well equipped Dell/Alienware/HP is going to approach a Mac, but with better HW specs. Your big limitation is the 14" screen. There's desktop replacement laptops available, but not that small. Small size and portability comes at a cost. Also, if you're never owned a 14" laptop, I would make sure you understand that the keyboard feel is going to be different than most 15/17" laptops. Keyboard will be narrower than normal, and can be somewhat aggravating if you type a lot.

 

[robvas]

I wouldn't buy an HP Envy or any other 'consumer' laptop. Most laptops these days have the same keyboard, from 13-17 inches - you just in some cases get a number pad.

The bad thing about Alienware laptops is they look all riced out but that's great if you're a kid with rich parents who wants to play COD on the go - which is who their target market is.

Your best bet would probably be the Thinkpad T420 (or T520 if you want a 15"). You can get a long-lasting battery, laptop that doesn't have colored LED's or alien heads on it, amazing keyboard...starting at $899

http://www.lenovo.com/products/us/laptop/thinkpad/t-series/

You could also get an ASUS or MSI from a place like XotiqPC

http://www.xoticpc.com/custom-gaming-laptops-notebooks-laptops-ct-95_51_147.html

If you have a hookup from Dell or HP, there's always the Latitude or Elitebook, but I prefer the ThinkPad.

 

[Killjoy]

I'll agree to disagree.

The Thinkpad used to be good, prior to 2005 when IBM still made it. It was also priced ~25% more back then compared to other brands. Now, Lenovo is a Chinese company who produces cheap garbage while trying to leverage the brand name. Only my opinion of course.

Not sure what you mean by "consumer"? vs. business, or what? You're not going to find a lot of powerhouse 14" laptops regardless of the intended audience because most looking for a 14" laptop are shopping primarily based size and price, not performance. Most businesses use 15-17" laptops, except for the occasional smaller "executive laptop". Plus you have the thermal issues associated with hi-perf, hot processors in dinky laptop frames.

 

[GTPprix]

Also, if you're never owned a 14" laptop, I would make sure you understand that the keyboard feel is going to be different than most 15/17" laptops. Keyboard will be narrower than normal, and can be somewhat aggravating if you type a lot.

Agreed but the D630 I would be coming out of is a 14" and I think its the best choice for in vehicle use that I've found so far. I've used some HP workstation series 15-17" in car and they are IMHO too big for that scenario.

I wouldn't buy an HP Envy or any other 'consumer' laptop. Most laptops these days have the same keyboard, from 13-17 inches - you just in some cases get a number pad.

The bad thing about Alienware laptops is they look all riced out but that's great if you're a kid with rich parents who wants to play COD on the go - which is who their target market is.

Your best bet would probably be the Thinkpad T420 (or T520 if you want a 15"). You can get a long-lasting battery, laptop that doesn't have colored LED's or alien heads on it, amazing keyboard...starting at $899

http://www.lenovo.com/products/us/laptop/thinkpad/t-series/

You could also get an ASUS or MSI from a place like XotiqPC

http://www.xoticpc.com/custom-gaming-laptops-notebooks-laptops-ct-95_51_147.html

If you have a hookup from Dell or HP, there's always the Latitude or Elitebook, but I prefer the ThinkPad.

Rob I agree about the LED's thank God you can turn them off LOL I like the Elitebook and Elitebook W as well as the good 'ole ThinkPad problem is I cant find anything with as much memory or power as the Alienware in the 14" package and I really think the 15" (as much as I'd love to have it) would be pushing it for in car use. For example heres what I've got configured right now, do you know anything in either brand close to this in 14"?

Alienware M14x
Date & Time: January 15, 2012 2:33 AM CST


SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Alienware M14x Qty 1
Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish, Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate, 64bit, English Unit Price $2,164.00
You asked. We Listened. Enjoy 15% off your M14x
Limited Time Offer! View Details
- $324.60
12 mo special financing on new computer purchases $1299 or more with Dell Preferred Account!
Limited Time Offer! View Details

Catalog Number: 29 DKDOBN2P
Module Description Show Details
System Color Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish
Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate, 64bit, English
Processor Intel® Core™ i7 2670QM 2.2GHz (3.1GHz w/Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache)
Memory 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz
A/C Adapter Alienware M14X 150W A/C Adapter
Display Panel 14.0" High Def+ (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight
Video Card 3.0GB DDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus™ technology
Hard Drive 256GB Solid State Drive SATA 3Gb/s
AlienFX Mars Red
Hinge Up Hinge Up WLAN -BLACK
Adobe Reader Acrobat SW Adobe Acrobat X Reader
Optical Drive 8x SuperMulti DVD±R/RW Slot Load Optical Drive
Audio Soundblaster® X-Fi™ Hi Def Audio - Software Enabled
Wireless Intel® Wireless-N WiFi Link 1000 a/g/n 1x2
Security Software No Anti-Virus Software Selected
Hardware Support Services 1 Year Basic Plan
Pre-Installed Software Steam and Portal™ Factory Installed
WirelessHD & Mobile Broadband None
Bluetooth Internal Bluetooth 3.0
Standard Nameplate Trigger Standard Nameplate
TOTAL: $1,839.40

I've also got another $50 off coupon but who cares at that point LOL

 

[robvas]

The Thinkpad used to be good, prior to 2005 when IBM still made it. It was also priced ~25% more back then compared to other brands. Now, Lenovo is a Chinese company who produces cheap garbage while trying to leverage the brand name. Only my opinion of course.

Not true. Lenovo built them for IBM in the first place, the quality is every bit as good as it was.

Not sure what you mean by "consumer"? vs. business, or what? You're not going to find a lot of powerhouse 14" laptops regardless of the intended audience because most looking for a 14" laptop are shopping primarily based size and price, not performance. Most businesses use 15-17" laptops, except for the occasional smaller "executive laptop". Plus you have the thermal issues associated with hi-perf, hot processors in dinky laptop frames.

[/QUOTE]
A business laptop like the Dell Latitude is a million miles ahead in quality and durability compared to a consumer laptop like a Dell Inspiron or Lenovo Ideapad (the shit you get at Best Buy)

Rob I agree about the LED's thank God you can turn them off LOL I like the Elitebook and Elitebook W as well as the good 'ole ThinkPad problem is I cant find anything with as much memory or power as the Alienware in the 14" package and I really think the 15" (as much as I'd love to have it) would be pushing it for in car use. For example heres what I've got configured right now, do you know anything in either brand close to this in 14"?

Alienware M14x
Date & Time: January 15, 2012 2:33 AM CST


SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Alienware M14x Qty 1
Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish, Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate, 64bit, English Unit Price $2,164.00
You asked. We Listened. Enjoy 15% off your M14x
Limited Time Offer! View Details
- $324.60
12 mo special financing on new computer purchases $1299 or more with Dell Preferred Account!
Limited Time Offer! View Details

Catalog Number: 29 DKDOBN2P
Module Description Show Details
System Color Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish
Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate, 64bit, English
Processor Intel® Core™ i7 2670QM 2.2GHz (3.1GHz w/Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache)
Memory 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz
A/C Adapter Alienware M14X 150W A/C Adapter
Display Panel 14.0" High Def+ (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight
Video Card 3.0GB DDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M using NVIDIA Optimus™ technology
Hard Drive 256GB Solid State Drive SATA 3Gb/s

Doesn't look like they have the T420 in the quad core, you'll need the T520. Add your own RAM and SSD and it'll be where the Alienware is.

 

[GTPprix]

Yeah still trying to stay away from the 15" units wonder how much it would run to do that hrmm

 

[robvas]

8GB of RAM is like $20 and an 256GB SSD is around $300

I think the T520 or W520 has 4 RAM slots so you can have 16GB (4x4GB = $40) without having to buy two, $200 8GB chips

 

[TTA]

The W520 has 4, the T520 has 2

 

[Overboost]

Have you looked at the Dell XPS 14z? I recently got the 15z, added 8GB of RAM (only came with 6), but it's done great since. The 14z is offered with the i5 and i7, as well as the 256GB SSD.

 

[robvas]

Another thing to remember with Alienware is their laptops are generally bigger and heavier than another manufacturers laptop, at the same screen size. More heat sinks, bigger batteries, bigger cases with bigger vents and fans.

Alienware's 14-inch laptop:
Height: 1.49 inches
Depth: 10.17 inches
Width: 13.27 inches

Lenovo 15.6-inch laptop
Height: 1.25 inches
Depth: 9.65 inches
Width: 14.68 inches

The Lenovo has a much bigger screen and is slimmer, not as deep, and is only wider by an inch.

Lenovo's 14-inch laptop
Height: 1.18 inches
Depth: 9.05 inches
Width13.4 inches

Much smaller with the same size screen.