I got my sleeve case from from here
http://www.sfbags.com/products/sleev...leevecases.htm
and i bought my bag from
http://www.bbpbags.com/hamptons_collection.html
The bag has a compartment with padding that would fit the laptop...
i got one of these as a bag
http://www.bbpbags.com/hamptons_collection.html (large)
I don't use the laptop section for the 9750 put it in the main compartment and put my work laptop in the laptop compartment.
I got one of these
http://www.sfbags.com/products/sleev...leevecases.htm
I am happy with it.
You get one with a nice virtical orientation since you are putting it in a backpack.
On the master volume "little speaker button" bottom right. You open it up but no mic. go to options\properties and at the bottom is a list of volume controls. Scroll down and check Mic Volume.
Mic Volume shows up and has an...
Don't see the processor being your problem anytime really soon. I don't know too much about the upgrade process but since you weren't the original buyer i don't know if Alienware will even touch it?
My worry was more about when you have it closed and in a bag. I have had laptops have their screens damaged by rubbing against the keyboard, when the lid is down. It takes a long time but it happens.