Gaming laptop options

[Jabso]

I'm thinking of getting the alienware m15x. www.alienware.com.au I'm looking at every part at it's default setting except for the battery (changing to 9cell). I realise you pay a fair bit for the style, which some don't like and think it's over the top but personally I like it.

I really only want to play source type games like Left 4 Dead 2 (ok so I won't due to the censorship), TF2, Half Life 2 etc, would this be overkill? I sort of want this reasonably future proofed but I must say I'm not a huge PC gamer, if there's a PC exclusive game that's worth getting I'll get it (or if like most source games the PC versions are better).

What's the battery life like if you only used it to say surf the web?

What are the other options for my situation? Are there any comparable laptops in terms of performance?

 

[CF]

most of the models in that range are pretty similar in what they offer.

Toshiba Qosmio X500 is not a bad one. Mac Book Pro is OK. I think Dell Studio as well from memory. It's all about which one you can get the cheapest. You could wait until the I9 cores are introduced and get the latest.

 

[Jabso]

What do you guys think about this one? http://www.logicalblueone.com.au/store/223-g73jh-a1.html

 

[CF]

jumps $1500 in price from an i7 720 to an i7 920..that just seems obscene really

It looks like a decent laptop, but the upgrades are expensive.

 

[Jabso]

I'm not going to upgrade it though. At the base price it looks like it's pretty good. Apparently has the best graphics card available for a laptop too and is light and cool.

It's very new so not many reviews available though, I'll have to watch out.

 

[CF]

looks a bit better than the alienware one with bigger HDD space and faster ram.

looked up those model processors and on the intel site said they are no longer produced. Which means they are now outdated. Don't you love how even the newest consumer models are outdated when they hit the stores.

 

[sblack]

I cannot see how that would keep cool. With an i7, a 5870 and 2 HDDs. Unless I am missing something?

 

[Jabso]

I cannot see how that would keep cool. With an i7, a 5870 and 2 HDDs. Unless I am missing something?

I think it has two fans at the back or something.

EDIT: Check this video out. I'm not sure if that's cool or not, but it has temp readings on it around 8mins in.

[youtube]53ec1AXkZfY[/youtube]

 

[CF]

I cannot see how that would keep cool. With an i7, a 5870 and 2 HDDs. Unless I am missing something?

according to here it uses a Copper CPU Heatsink which would have a fan

 

[Jabso]

I got it for around $2400.

Not getting my hopes up RE delivery times, just so I don't have an agonising wait. I'm expecting 2 months!

 

[CF]

let us know what it is like

 

[Jabso]

Will do, just don't expect any in depth analysis of it's performance other than "DA GAMES GO GOOD"

 

[sblack]

It will be a beast no doubt.

Did you grab the SSD for your main drive?

 

[Jabso]

Nah just the default 2 x 500gbs.

I am a bit of a computer noob so it's kind of out of character for me to be an early adapter but I wanted one of the most powerful gaming laptops that would replace my desktop and in 3 years or so time I could still play latest games....even if not on max.

I'm not so fussed about SSD especially for the extra money you have to shell out.

 

[sblack]

Yeah, with a 5870 and an i7, you will be maxing shit out.

Just do a quick search for benchmarks and you will see what I mean.

 

[Jabso]

Still waiting .......not long now hopefully!

 

[Artie Bucco]

I really only want to play source type games like Left 4 Dead 2 (ok so I won't due to the censorship)

There is a way to get around that.

play-asia

I purchased it when it initially came out, I believe it was a little cheaper. Still $62 is a good price and it's the full version. All in english, only thing is because it's connected through steam there is no manual you would have to download or view it online.

That's an option if you would like to buy it, the censored version is rubbish

 

[Jabso]

BB have you tried it online? I heard as soon as you play online you get the censored version. There is in fact a console 'hack' to play the uncensored version in single player, but it doesn't work for online multiplayer.

 

[Equus]

Just make sure it has a big fan. Otherwise if it is a graphically intense game, the laptop will start to heat up a lot.

 

[Jabso]

Just make sure it has a big fan. Otherwise if it is a graphically intense game, the laptop will start to heat up a lot.

The cooling system is supposed to be the best out there.

It takes in air through the top of the keyboard and the back of it has two exhaust areas (no parts/ports are at the back), there is a fan for the cpu and a fan for the GPU (on opposite sides of the system).

It's apparently very quiet too.

 

[Artie Bucco]

BB have you tried it online? I heard as soon as you play online you get the censored version. There is in fact a console 'hack' to play the uncensored version in single player, but it doesn't work for online multiplayer.

Works fine.

 

[JR#8]

The cooling system is supposed to be the best out there.

It takes in air through the top of the keyboard and the back of it has two exhaust areas (no parts/ports are at the back), there is a fan for the cpu and a fan for the GPU (on opposite sides of the system).

It's apparently very quiet too.

Sorry to bump the thread. I'm looking at buying an alienware M15x. Just wondering what your thoughts were?

 

[Jabso]

Sorry to bump the thread. I'm looking at buying an alienware M15x. Just wondering what your thoughts were?

I don't know, I bought the ASUS G73jh and I'm very happy with it.

 

[Black Flag]

I don't know, I bought the ASUS G73jh and I'm very happy with it.

i was looking at the asus g50 series a year ago when i was looking for a gaming machine.

in the end i got a benq with a 9600GT for under a grand. not as fast as the asus, but great value.

 

[JR#8]

I don't know, I bought the ASUS G73jh and I'm very happy with it.

LOL, Sorry mate. Must have miss read your post.

I just bought a m15x and I'm hanging out to receive it.