Alienware M15x

I'm starting to look at new laptops as my Dell XPS M140 is probably as outdated as a laptop can be. I'm curious what your take is on the Alienware M1xx lineup. I know it's a gaming system, and I would use it for games, but if it can support gamers, I wonder how it would be able to support a couple editing programs (CS5, LR, Photomatix, etc.), internet surfing, office programs, etc. Not to mention, they are cheaper than Mac's.

I don't plan on getting one right away, but I want to start considering some options for when I do decide it's time for a new laptop.

PS. I'm not that educated in the computer world. So, if I said something retarded in the OP, kindly correct me

From what I remember, it's a little heavy, battery life leaves something to be desired and it's thicker than many systems in it's class. The reason it's made that way is so Dell can upgrade it's insides easily without having to worry about things fitting right. It's modular. On the other side of the spectrum is the Apple MBP which is is thinner, lighter and has much better battery life, but it's not modular and it takes longer to design upgrades for.

I would look at Lenovo if Dell doesn't have what you're looking for?

I would love a Mac. But I don't want to spend more than $1,400-$1,500 on a laptop that I will use for school work, internet, and photo editing. I would like it to be 15" because I will have a hard time fitting a 17" in my CompuTrekker AW and I have a 13" right now and it's too small for my liking. If a MBP fits in that category, I'm all ears (as to what one I should look at - internal wise).

What software do you own? If you already have PS for Windows, it would be cheaper just to go with a PC. The Dell Studio XPS with i7 is around $1,500 well equipped and the Studio 15 with i5 can be had for around $1,200, also well equipped. The cheapest MBP is around $1,530 and it will have a better screen, but a smaller slower hard drive and it's also a refurbished (though they look and feel brand new). If you went with Apple and Aperture you'd spend less than a PC with Lightroom which would negate the price difference, but you'd still have to buy a faster HDD (well, I would). That would be about $80-$120 more. Again, brining the MBP above the Studio by 5-15%.

Personally, if you're already invested in PC software and knowledge I'd just stick with PC unless you really want to move to OS X - in which case I would not blame you Screen wise, there are only a limited number of laptops with as good or better screen than a MBP and most of them will cost you almost as much. If you already have an external monitor, then you wouldn't have to worry about that of course. You should look into either an i5 or i7, 6+GB of RAM, 64bit WIndows or OS X and the largest and fastest hard drive you can afford. You should upgrade your memory via a third party like Newegg or OWC. Same for the HDD. Right now the Seagate Momentus XT 500 GB 7200RPM is the hot thing going for hard drives, but any 7200RPM HDD at or over 500GB would be fine. Screen should be at least 1440x900, but 1920×1080 is nicer, but not all screens are made equal. Laptops as a whole are not well suited for serious photo editing, but screens like those on the MBP and some Dell's and Lenovo's are a step above the rest and will do in a pinch (if calibrated).

Edit: Forgot video card. It should not share memory with the OS. If it says Intel, stay away from it. Look for anything with nVidia or Radeon in the description.

I am using a copied version of Photoshop 7.0, at the moment. When I get a new laptop, I will be upgrading to CS5 extended, student edition because, well, I am a student If I can find a laptop that performs just as good, if not better than a MBP for less money, I have no problem sticking with PC. Thanks for all the help, especially on the screen resolutions and internal advice.

Any knowledge on this computer?
http://www.dell.com/us​/p/studio-xps-1647/pd

I know MaxxuM mentioned that the alienware is heavy, but it's reallly heavy! Feels like twice as much weight as my MBP, and it's also just under 2 inches thick, which is a big concern if you're trying to squeeze it into your CompuTrekker. FYI.

MurthaLawfirm wrote in post #11068234
I know MaxxuM mentioned that the alienware is heavy, but it's reallly heavy! Feels like twice as much weight as my MBP, and it's also just under 2 inches thick, which is a big concern if you're trying to squeeze it into your CompuTrekker. FYI.

Yes, I have ruled it out because of that reason. Thank you.