Question:
I might order the alienware Area 51 M5550
I maxed out everything that the notebook has to offer, and it came under 3000. Needless to say, I was pleased. The screen size(15'4) is the perfect size too. The only thing that I am worried about is the graphics card (256MB NVidia® GeForce™ Go 7600). Is this a good card? how will it run games now, and the future? I want this laptop to last a while so the graphics card needs to be good. If it isn't, is it easy to replace the video card with a differnt one that I can buy off newegg? And which card should I buy? It should be able to run Doom 3 or farcry at the MAX setting(if i DO buy the new card. And make sure it is compatible with this laptop).
Are there any other laptops that are this size or smaller, but with even better components? Can not exceed 3000. Also must look good.
Answer:
Re: I might order the alienware Area 51 M5550
I'd advise against alienware unless you like paying rediculous amounts of money for a "pretty" case. If you're going to pay 3grand, don't do it for the boutique brand.
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Re: I might order the alienware Area 51 M5550
I too wanted and Area 51 M5550. Until I read the countless horror strories about them, I was going to buy it. If I could have an absolute guarantee that I would not have problems with it I would order one today. Until I can get such guarantees the M5550 will remain a dream. Instead of the M5550 I went ahead and bought a Inspiron from Dell. This is esentially the same as the M5550 but it was about $600 cheaper even when I too maxed out then laptop. Other brands you may wish to consider is Asus and Sager.
hope this helps
ucb9999:D :cool: :D :cool:
:dellcoupon: :ati: :centrino: :decision: :dell: :asus:
Answer:
Re: I might order the alienware Area 51 M5550
I don't care about alienware. i just want to know if that video card and LAPTOP is good for the stuff I mentioned above. I shall not be swayed by these horror stories!
Also now that alienware was bought by dell, they should be better
Answer:
Re: I might order the alienware Area 51 M5550
or worse .
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Re: I might order the alienware Area 51 M5550
That card is comprable to the x1600, which is the best video card found in a 15.4" notebook.
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Re: I might order the alienware Area 51 M5550
So how is "comparible"? Good enought to run doom 3 at max settings?
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Re: I might order the alienware Area 51 M5550
This guide will tell you what you want to know.
At a lower resolution, you probably could do that. Might have to lower a few shaders.
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Re: I might order the alienware Area 51 M5550
I don't care about alienware. i just want to know if that video card and LAPTOP is good for the stuff I mentioned above. I shall not be swayed by these horror stories!
Also now that alienware was bought by dell, they should be better
whoa whoa, hang on, dont say you're not going to be swayed by "horror stories" the guys here are talkign from first hand experience. so saying "horror stories" sounds a bit unappreciative. i dotnt o be rude wither, but how can you say "i dont care aobut alienware" if you are actually BUYING one? and even though alienware is taken over by dell, changes dont happen overnight. the go7600 is more then fine for what you are playing. c:ss will run on a pretty low card to be honest. and doom 3 can be run easily too. i mean, if people have been playing PREY smoothly. then doom 3 should be fine! as for upgrading....notebook graphics generally cannot be changed to be honest. very very very few and specific ones can. so if you're in the market for a notebook. dont get your hopes up on upgrading your gpu too much! even on these SPECIFIC notebooks, upgrading your gpu is a really costly business!
$3000 for a 15.4"? hmm.....you want my honest opinion? go for soemthign else. soemthing like the compal HEL:80:
amazing combination with a the Nvidia go7600 included. for a fraction of the alienware. very upgradable too.
or how about the asus s96j. another great notebook.
this notebook has the x1600. arguably the best gpu on a sub 17" notebook.
or you can go for a SAGER too! i dont know much about these, since im from the U.K but if you check out this website. youll learn more. sager and alienware both use a few similar chassis made by CLEVO but sager are much cheaper as far as im aware (correct me if im wrong) yet are much higher in spec.
http://www.powernotebooks.com/
these guys are amazingly helpful and all three notebooks i mentioned tehy stock and generally keep encyclopedias on! its a great website. wish we had soemthing like this here in blighty!
but yeah, i honestlly think you should stay away from alienware. since what you're using it for dosnt really justify teh price you are paying!
anyone wanna add or smash my head if im wrong. please do!
good luck
Answer:
Re: I might order the alienware Area 51 M5550
Altough the Compal Hel80 underperforms to its 7600 counterparts due to the underclocking in this select model, I would still opt for it over an alienware.