[quote]AgentOrange wrote:
Most laptops will have terrible battery life after a year or two – it doesn’t matter if you normally use it plugged in or not.
Mine has a battery life of less than five minutes, and I rarely ever used it for mobile computing.[/quote]
Are you talking about an Alienware laptop? Because that’s very unusual for a laptop. I have a dell, and it works just as good as when I bought it (3 years ago), except for some cooling issues that pop up every now and then.
They are very good computers but just about the most expensive you can get. There are more economical options out there.
The reviews I’ve read of Alienware in last year centre round them being poor value and having some build issues. Since DELL bought them, expect some price cuts but some more qulality issues.
Dell are to computers what Weider are to supplements. Nuff said. Dell XPS stuff is well overpriced.
ROCK laptops are gettng rave reviews and are shit hot for gaming and ‘power users’ (think that means making use of system resources).
For desktops, build your own, all bits fit together real easy, I got an ASUS motherboard and a case and went from there.
Thanks for all the info. I was unaware Alienware had been bought by Dell. For all of those of you who suggested I buy a Dell or IBM, those seemed to run about the same and the new IBMs run more than an alienware. Price is not an issue really, I have time to save money. I want more power but I don’t do tons of gaming. I dabble a bit these days. I just want something that, unlike this Compaq I am working on, wil run smoothly day in and day out. I can have multiple multi media programs running, I can run Musicmatch jukebox and Adobe photoshop.
I’m not sure I am up for building my own laptop but… after looking at the Falcon and other lines (awesome machines)I am considering a desktop. The catch is I would want it to be small like those machines, not a big ass tower. Space is the biggest issue.
I have time before I need to do this. I need to learn some things. I will start with the links I already had. If anyone has any good resources on building custom machines and I mean really custom, glowing lights, differnt box shape and size, and so on, please let me know.
Thanks again to everyone who shared, I appreciate it and will keep checking back until the thread dies.
[quote]Dr. Stig wrote:
The reviews I’ve read of Alienware in last year centre round them being poor value and having some build issues. Since DELL bought them, expect some price cuts but some more qulality issues.
[/quote]
I just need to clear something up with everyone who is saying “Dell bought Alienware so now expect cheaper components,” and all comments like that.
Although Dell did buy Alienware they are staying as seperate entities - Essentially, Alienware is still Alienware and Dell is still Dell, they are still competing in the Enthusiast level of computers. The only thing that’s changed is that Alienware has access to better supply lines and as such should improve build/shipping times.
[quote]Dr. Stig wrote:
Dell are to computers what Weider are to supplements. Nuff said. Dell XPS stuff is well overpriced.
[/quote]
The new Dell XPS laptops (especially the M1710’s) have gotten rave reviews as of late. They really have improved. The XPS Desktops also perform well (although they are way too pricey for me - but you don’t seem like money will be an issue).
[quote]JokerFMJ wrote:
Dr. Stig wrote:
The reviews I’ve read of Alienware in last year centre round them being poor value and having some build issues. Since DELL bought them, expect some price cuts but some more qulality issues.
I just need to clear something up with everyone who is saying “Dell bought Alienware so now expect cheaper components,” and all comments like that.
Although Dell did buy Alienware they are staying as seperate entities - Essentially, Alienware is still Alienware and Dell is still Dell, they are still competing in the Enthusiast level of computers. The only thing that’s changed is that Alienware has access to better supply lines and as such should improve build/shipping times.
Dr. Stig wrote:
Dell are to computers what Weider are to supplements. Nuff said. Dell XPS stuff is well overpriced.
The new Dell XPS laptops (especially the M1710’s) have gotten rave reviews as of late. They really have improved. The XPS Desktops also perform well (although they are way too pricey for me - but you don’t seem like money will be an issue).
[/quote]
I can’t comment on US reviews, although reading US mags like Car and Driver I noticed they don’t seem willing to tell you when there is an issue.
Also perhaps Alienware are just poor value here, in many mags they have stated they are overpriced and have a few issues.
For example
search Alienware and read the opinions. Contrastingly the US reviewers are all wanking themselves off, there is no guarantee of un-biased journalism.
DELL have shit customer service, the staff on the phone are a bunch of cheeky unhelpfull bastards and DELL are equally overpriced.
You can build a PC for half the proce of an XPS that would kill it on everything and its not hard to build, its not rocket science.
[quote]starkmann wrote:
Thanks for all the info. I was unaware Alienware had been bought by Dell. For all of those of you who suggested I buy a Dell or IBM, those seemed to run about the same and the new IBMs run more than an alienware. Price is not an issue really, I have time to save money. I want more power but I don’t do tons of gaming. I dabble a bit these days. I just want something that, unlike this Compaq I am working on, wil run smoothly day in and day out. I can have multiple multi media programs running, I can run Musicmatch jukebox and Adobe photoshop.
I’m not sure I am up for building my own laptop but… after looking at the Falcon and other lines (awesome machines)I am considering a desktop. The catch is I would want it to be small like those machines, not a big ass tower. Space is the biggest issue.
I have time before I need to do this. I need to learn some things. I will start with the links I already had. If anyone has any good resources on building custom machines and I mean really custom, glowing lights, differnt box shape and size, and so on, please let me know.
Thanks again to everyone who shared, I appreciate it and will keep checking back until the thread dies. [/quote]
IBM are ok business machines and have good support. Compaq(HP) have noticeably wank BIOS as do most forms like DELL. You can tweak it for better performance and its not particularly efficient.
I an mnot sure if they are a US firm or sell in US, but ROCK laptops wank over Alienware especially for gaming.
[quote]Dr. Stig wrote:
starkmann wrote:
Thanks for all the info. I was unaware Alienware had been bought by Dell. For all of those of you who suggested I buy a Dell or IBM, those seemed to run about the same and the new IBMs run more than an alienware. Price is not an issue really, I have time to save money. I want more power but I don’t do tons of gaming. I dabble a bit these days. I just want something that, unlike this Compaq I am working on, wil run smoothly day in and day out. I can have multiple multi media programs running, I can run Musicmatch jukebox and Adobe photoshop.
I’m not sure I am up for building my own laptop but… after looking at the Falcon and other lines (awesome machines)I am considering a desktop. The catch is I would want it to be small like those machines, not a big ass tower. Space is the biggest issue.
I have time before I need to do this. I need to learn some things. I will start with the links I already had. If anyone has any good resources on building custom machines and I mean really custom, glowing lights, differnt box shape and size, and so on, please let me know.
Thanks again to everyone who shared, I appreciate it and will keep checking back until the thread dies.
IBM are ok business machines and have good support. Compaq(HP) have noticeably wank BIOS as do most forms like DELL. You can’t tweak it for better performance and its not particularly efficient.
I am not sure if they are a US firm or sell in US, but ROCK laptops wank over Alienware especially for gaming.
[/quote]
Oh, I agree with what you’re saying. There’s no way i’d buy an Alienware or any machine, for that matter, I build my own. However, it’s not quite as easy as most people seem to think it is. When you start getting into specifics and compatability issues… Then if you get an item that’s DoA and you have to trouble shoot it yourself…
Things can go incredibly easy and be incredibly tough. It just depends. The main selling point of prebuilt machines is the warranty.
Most reviews i’ve read of Alienware (worldwide, not just US reviews) say that their customer service/build and shipping times are garbage and need massive improvement. Dell’s customer service is also garbage these days.
The point I was trying to make was that if you’re going to buy a PC I recommend to companies. For Value PC’s I recommend Dell and for performance machines I recommend Voodoo.
[quote]Dr. Stig wrote:
I can’t comment on US reviews, although reading US mags like Car and Driver I noticed they don’t seem willing to tell you when there is an issue.
Also perhaps Alienware are just poor value here, in many mags they have stated they are overpriced and have a few issues.
For example
search Alienware and read the opinions. Contrastingly the US reviewers are all wanking themselves off, there is no guarantee of un-biased journalism.
DELL have shit customer service, the staff on the phone are a bunch of cheeky unhelpfull bastards and DELL are equally overpriced.
You can build a PC for half the proce of an XPS that would kill it on everything and its not hard to build, its not rocket science.[/quote]
I’m an IT Director and avid gamer. Alienware makes some of the best high performance rigs available, however they’re not cheap. Be prepared to pay nearly double what you would anywhere else. The only reason I don’t buy their equipment is that I know how to assemble it myself, they’re that good.
ROCK Laptops are supposed to be the best out there for gaming right now. Plus sensible prices. I think this link works directly to review for anyone who wants a gander. I agree Alienware are good, but ROCK destroy them on value.
If you want the top of the line, and you don’t mind paying for it, go with Sager.
-folly
Build your own desktop is the way forward, unless you really need a laptop. Here is a result of my recent handywork if the photo works. Its basically a P4 3 ghz Hyperthreading cpu 800 fsb clocked to 3.3 on an ASUS motherboard, 2048mb of DDR2 ram, Nvidia 7600 graphics card (clocked too), WD Raptor HD, TV card and some other crap, cost a fraction of what you’d pay for an Alienware or DELL and gets a benchmark as good as some of the ones that cost thousands. Plus its quiet, got the fans sorted. Some of these powerful PC’s sound like a frickin plane taking off.
Also its not geeky building a PC seeing as we use them so much these days, its damn satisfying putting it together and getting it working well. Also better than lining the pockets of DELL or HP when for cheaper you can build one yourself that will blow it away pound for pound (or $ for $).
Ok nevermind the pic did not work. It was either too big or Ned Ludd moderates this bit of the forum.
Nice stig!
I put together (everyone else, this is nerd talk here)a:
AMD64 3500+ (@2.4ghz)
GeIL 1gb 2.5cas DDR
DFI Lanparty Ultra-D mobo
XFX 7900GT gfx
And it’s the bomb! Put it in a nice antec windowed case with a purty cpu cooler (gigabyte g-power pro) and it’s awesome.
I feel sorry for anyone who buys a computer when they’re so easy to put together yourself for so much less.
For a laptop you’ve gotta get something pre-built though. And get a damn good warranty on it.
[quote]Sxio wrote:
Nice stig!
I put together (everyone else, this is nerd talk here)a:
AMD64 3500+ (@2.4ghz)
GeIL 1gb 2.5cas DDR
DFI Lanparty Ultra-D mobo
XFX 7900GT gfx
[/quote]
Definately bottlenecked at the CPU there 
This is generally true until you start talking about software. Sometimes if you hit Dell on a good coupon day it does make for a much better deal.
[quote]
For a laptop you’ve gotta get something pre-built though. And get a damn good warranty on it. [/quote]
Amen. Even cleaning out the fans on a laptop is a giant pain in the ass.
-Dan
when considering a computer purchase, you need to think about what you’ll be using it for the most.
If games are your number one priority, then there have been several good suggestions made already, and I would second those who mention building a desktop machine - they typically have the best performance and longevity gamewise… bang for the buck.
now if you want versatility, power, portability, AND a stable reliable computer, I’d reccomend the 15" or 17" MacBookPro. Not only do you get the rock solid Macintosh Operating System, but you get the ability to dual-boot, allowing you to run Windows to play games, etc., while still having a secure virus-free incredibly reliable OS that runs the vast majority of programs out there. Furthermore, the Mac OS comes bundled with tons of great apps like iMovie, iPhoto, etc, and can run Final Cut Pro, so if you have any video editing aspirations at ALL… get the macbook.
bad part is they’re expensive.
I like everything but the CPU. =D
[quote]Dr. Stig wrote:
Build your own desktop is the way forward, unless you really need a laptop. Here is a result of my recent handywork if the photo works. Its basically a P4 3 ghz Hyperthreading cpu 800 fsb clocked to 3.3 on an ASUS motherboard, 2048mb of DDR2 ram, Nvidia 7600 graphics card (clocked too), WD Raptor HD, TV card and some other crap, cost a fraction of what you’d pay for an Alienware or DELL and gets a benchmark as good as some of the ones that cost thousands. Plus its quiet, got the fans sorted. Some of these powerful PC’s sound like a frickin plane taking off.
Also its not geeky building a PC seeing as we use them so much these days, its damn satisfying putting it together and getting it working well. Also better than lining the pockets of DELL or HP when for cheaper you can build one yourself that will blow it away pound for pound (or $ for $).[/quote]
[quote]buffalokilla wrote:
Definately bottlenecked at the CPU there
[/quote]
Yeah but I hit a point where I couldn’t possibly justify spending more money on it. And most games primarily need gfx grunt anyhow. I might upgrade CPU later this year when socket 939 stuff is more affordable. I’m NOT spending over a grand on an FX-57. Especially when it won’t be worth $100 in 2years time. Not a good use of the moolah!
I see by the comments here people are very much anti Intel. Kinda like anti Microsoft, Anti Mcdonalds etc etc. There’s nothing wrong with the processors, they might have sme questionable business movements, indeed AMD accused them of bribing pc firms which led to raids on their offices and other stuff. AMD are great, just so happens I had Intel stuff and wanted a new motherboard so just went the socket 775 route.