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March 19th, 2011 13:00
XPS 17 vs Alienware M17x
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I’m looking at purchasing either a XPS 17 or Alienware M17x . I’ve been able to basically able to configure each the same and close in price. I’m wondering about items you can’t see or know by specs like the following:
Heating issues
Bad designs
Durability of case
Keyboard feel.
Item that you could tell if you could see one in a store and play with or the experience others have had. Any insight or opinions would be appreciated.
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Swaynetrain
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June 8th, 2011 18:00
I recently ordered the Alienware M17x but have not received it yet. Over the weekend, I spoke with someone who claimed that the XPS can have the same specs as the M17x but the XPS will save a lot of money. So...I decided to investigate. I maxed out the Alienware M17x specs and compared to maxed out XPS 17 specs. The XPS price was around $3000 and the Alienware M17x R3 was around $4000. So, there is a significant price difference when you max out the specs and go for the absolute best features available. However, my question and the question of this thread is...what are the differences in the two machines?
Here is what I ended up with:
1. Alienware had 512 GB with 2 SSD's using Raid 0. It looks like XPS can have more disk space (640 GB) with SSD but not Raid 0 configured.
2. Alienware has a 3D screen (if u customize). If you get the XPS "3D Capable" laptop, it does not have a 3D screen. XPS can only play 3D when connected to a 3D TV. This means the XPS cannot play and view 3D games or movies with the laptop alone.
3. Alienware has internal WirlessHD (if u customize) allowing users to transmit HD video to an HDTV without HDMI cables . XPS does not have this feature.
4. Alienware M17x R3 has HDMI input with the base model. Alienware M17X can be used as a monitor for Playstation, XBox, or other device with HDMI. I also understand that M17x can record video from the HDMI input. XPS does not have this feature at all. XPS has HDMI OUTput only. XPS can have a tuner card thou which is a cool feature but HDMI inputs will eventually make tuner cards obsolete...IMHO.
5. Alienware has back-lit keyboard with zones that can be different colors with the base model. XPS can have a back-lit keyboard (if u customize) but zones and colors are not a feature...to my knowledge.
6. Alienware has a solid aluminum alloy construction. XPS appears to have a less sturdy construction. This is just from viewing pics...no first hand knowledge.
7. Alienware has a superior design. The XPS looks like a typical laptop and its not especially flashy.
8. Alienware M17x R3 supposedly has a sturdy keyboard. I read reports that the older model of M17x had a flimsy keyboard but has been corrected with the current model.
That said...if you matched the specs (and price) on both machines then it comes down to design, construction, and the HDMI input (areas where I think Alienware has an advantage). If you want 3D gaming also, then I think the XPS would be a poor choice since it isn't truly a 3D laptop.
If you planned to max out the specs, then price differences would be a larger concern. For me, I wanted a lot of flexibility, cool design, sturdy construction, and a multimedia PC to be somewhat "future proof". A true 3D laptop, HDMI inputs, WirlessHD, and really cool keyboard and design sealed the deal for me and (I hope) will be worth the extra money.
On the other hand, if you just want a powerful laptop for basic tasks and HD gaming, it seems that the XPS would be a decent choice as well. It all depends on how important the differences are to you.