I want a gaming laptop (laptops, games, monitor, screen)

[Jaysie_Marnix]

There's 2 expensive 17" laptops I've browse so far: Alienware and Dell XPS. Both are around $3k.

I am wondering if any of you got other place to recommend? Preferably cheaper.

I'm concerned about after sale support, like when something breaks, I need to have little hassle getting it fixed.

[nl2134]

I'd recommend building your own desktop. That way, you can customize it to your own needs and it can be 100x more powerful than the laptops you are considering.

HOWEVER, if you need a laptop, I suggest Dell. I had one for five years, broke down a few times but there was great support.

[foma]

alienware is the way to go so i hear

[Lindsey_Mcfarren]

I'd cut off my right arm and learn to type with only one for an Alienware gaming laptop.

[BrianH]

Alienware is just standard hardware that many other companies offer, wrapped up in a nice shell. Usually paying $500 for the paint vs a standard lookin laptop.

[Ronzou]

Dell owns Alienware. And I can't comment on Dell support everyone I know has had horrible luck with them, because they read from a list of problems and if it isn't there, they can't help.

[BrianH]

First level tech support always reads from a list off the computer, thats no matter what company you work for. Even the cell company I worked for did that.

[Jaysie_Marnix]

I like Alienware too, now the specs are what I need to decide.

1. Operating Sysyem.

Vista or XP? I've heard Vista has issues until service pack 1, but I want to enjoy this laptop over the xmas weeks, I have 2 weeks vacation coming.

2. Video Card, single or dual SLI configuration?

I only play World of Warcraft now and some Warcraft 3. I occasionally play nice graphics games like Oblivion. I want to try the latest Counter Strike games.

Is going SLI worth the + $150 extra cost.

3. For a 17" monitor, what max res is good and comfortable?

1920 x 1200 or 1440 x 900 ?

4. RAM: 2GB or 4GB? + $300 difference.

5. Wireless card.

What's the Draft-N?

There's the standard a/b/g. Will this be enough to get online while in Starbucks?


6. Warranties. Anyone have experience in buying 3 year warranties? I can get 1 or 2 years. But I want this laptop to last at least 3 years. Is that 3 year worth it for $300?

[Rita Mordio]

Originally Posted by Jaysie_Marnix

I like Alienware too, now the specs are what I need to decide.

1. Operating Sysyem.

Vista or XP? I've heard Vista has issues until service pack 1, but I want to enjoy this laptop over the xmas weeks, I have 2 weeks vacation coming.

If you are not familiar with Vista, I would advise not getting it on your laptop. If you have a current computer, put Vista on that before you put it on a gaming system.

2. Video Card, single or dual SLI configuration?

I only play World of Warcraft now and some Warcraft 3. I occasionally play nice graphics games like Oblivion. I want to try the latest Counter Strike games.

Is going SLI worth the + $150 extra cost.

Most definitely.

3. For a 17" monitor, what max res is good and comfortable?

1920 x 1200 or 1440 x 900 ?

I personally go for 1440x900 on my laptop

4. RAM: 2GB or 4GB? + $300 difference.

Mine has 4GB. Unless you're doing a lot, you probably wouldn't notice the difference

5. Wireless card.

What's the Draft-N?

It allows you to receive signal from Wireless-N networks. These networks are generally more secure and "bigger" in terms of how far out you can be and still get a signal.

There's the standard a/b/g. Will this be enough to get online while in Starbucks?

The standard card receives and processes the wireless internet that is most common (Wireless-G). Be warned, Starbucks charges for internet usage because it's through another company.

6. Warranties. Anyone have experience in buying 3 year warranties? I can get 1 or 2 years. But I want this laptop to last at least 3 years. Is that 3 year worth it for $300?

3 year warranty.. if you think you'll need it, get it.

Aside from that.. I have a laptop that is not made for gaming, but I use it as such:
Dell Inspiron 1705

It's a 17" that doesn't cost $3k. I suggest doing the "Build Your Own" on the Dell site for that model. Trust me, it's awesome. The inital cost of the laptop with all the extra goodies was only $1800, but I got a discount (my dad used to work for them).

[RayinAK]

Why using a laptop with a small screen to play games? A Play Station 3, or a XBox connected to a 32" though 50" LCD screen can be had for two-third the price you would pay for a top of the line laptop computer.