Ready to push "Buy" but have some 7700 questions...

[shazza]

Hello All,

I've been reading the threads about the 7700 for a while, and am impressed with what a nice group of people post here. I was ready to purchase the 7700, but the size/weight keeps holding me back. I really didn't want a Dell, but the XPS Gen 2 is both 3+ pounds lighter and comes with the 6800 Ultra.

But, the XPS 2 is not available in Australia, and I'm not sure I want to hassle with purchasing one in the US. AND, most importantly, my heart is set on an Alienware notebook. So - I come back to the 7700. I've two concerns - the weight of the computer, and the fact that it is not shipping with the 6800 Ultra.

Regarding the weight - I will use it mostly at home, and don't intend to use it for travel. But, I like the idea of taking it with me when I want to. Double But(t), given I am an avowed couch potato, I'd also like to be able to use it on my lap while lounging on the sofa (at least some of the time). Is this feasible? I've seen many reviews where folks say it's not that heavy, but these are usually from guys. As an elderly grandmother (okay, just past 50), will I be comfortable with lap use, or limited to a desk or table top? This notebook will be used almost exclusively for gaming.

Regarding the Ultra version of the video card - I'm assuming the 7700 can be upgraded down the road (to this card or a later version). Am I right? I certainly think the current card will handle my needs fine, so this really isn't anything more than wanting the latest and greatest (I know - there will always be new technology 'round the corner).

Thanks for any comments or advice. I know you folks are probably sick of answering these newbie questions, but I could use some guidance

Regards,
shazza

[maxrule]

Originally Posted by shazza

Hello All,

I've been reading the threads about the 7700 for a while, and am impressed with what a nice group of people post here. I was ready to purchase the 7700, but the size/weight keeps holding me back. I really didn't want a Dell, but the XPS Gen 2 is both 3+ pounds lighter and comes with the 6800 Ultra.

But, the XPS 2 is not available in Australia, and I'm not sure I want to hassle with purchasing one in the US. AND, most importantly, my heart is set on an Alienware notebook. So - I come back to the 7700. I've two concerns - the weight of the computer, and the fact that it is not shipping with the 6800 Ultra.

Regarding the weight - I will use it mostly at home, and don't intend to use it for travel. But, I like the idea of taking it with me when I want to. Double But(t), given I am an avowed couch potato, I'd also like to be able to use it on my lap while lounging on the sofa (at least some of the time). Is this feasible? I've seen many reviews where folks say it's not that heavy, but these are usually from guys. As an elderly grandmother (okay, just past 50), will I be comfortable with lap use, or limited to a desk or table top? This notebook will be used almost exclusively for gaming.

Regarding the Ultra version of the video card - I'm assuming the 7700 can be upgraded down the road (to this card or a later version). Am I right? I certainly think the current card will handle my needs fine, so this really isn't anything more than wanting the latest and greatest (I know - there will always be new technology 'round the corner).

Thanks for any comments or advice. I know you folks are probably sick of answering these newbie questions, but I could use some guidance

Regards,
shazza

The weight thing you will have to answer. Do you want a 10lbs brick running 200 degrees roasting your legs and noonads? The 770 honestly isnt a laptop you want to or will be using on your lap very often or for a very longtime.

As far as the video card. I am sure eventually AW and Sager will get the Ultra. The question is when will AW make it available? The DDR3 cards have been out for couple months buy AW still hasnt made it avaiable for the original ddr owners to upgrade.

[j.clausse]

7000 is maybe hot, but the xp2 is making me blind cause it's very ugly

[nassaumike]

Originally Posted by maxrule

The weight thing you will have to answer. Do you want a 10lbs brick running 200 degrees roasting your legs and noonads? The 770 honestly isnt a laptop you want to or will be using on your lap very often or for a very longtime.

As far as the video card. I am sure eventually AW and Sager will get the Ultra. The question is when will AW make it available? The DDR3 cards have been out for couple months buy AW still hasnt made it avaiable for the original ddr owners to upgrade.

Bullshit..I use my 7700 in that manner a lot and yes it is warm, but hot? Not mine...I am not going to tell you it is light but it is not so heavy you cannot use it in a mobile manner..I take mine to work daily..but I do admit you get no free AOL or other fun software you will spend a few hours cleaning off your rig prior to use..I am sure AW will have the DDR3 available to those of us who purchased prior to its availability but if you buy now, you can get it thus it is not an issue either.

[shazza]

but the xp2 is making me blind cause it's very ugly

Laughed out loud when I read this reply - you're right. That's one of the reasons I'm willing to pay more and get a heavier notebook. Plus - I like the option to have two HDs in Raid configuration...and, I realize the first move with a Dell will be reformatting the HD and wiping all the garbage off.

Welcoming all comments...

[j.clausse]

U won't regret the 7000 if u choose it, but i guess u'll make the right choic.

Welcoom soon to the family

[Ruxor]

Just wanted to get my 2 copper in before this thread goes downhill and locked. Here is my advice. If you can wait about a month I am sure your patience will pay off. I also heard that the 6800 in the XPS2 was Dell branded? Not sure what that means, but if it is anything like the motherboards they put in their desktops I would be weary. But if you really need to buy, either of these two are a good choice.

[maxrule]

Originally Posted by j.clausse

7000 is maybe hot, but the xp2 is making me blind cause it's very ugly

2 eaches own.


I was merely stating my opinion as i use to own a 7700, we asking for opinions. I dindt mean to bring out the cursing and childish reactions.

[j.clausse]

No childish reaction, it's my opinion, i choosed an aw cause this is the best design i've ever seen, but yes, the xps2 is more powerfull.

[MCesio]

Bear in mind that AW are about to unveil a new notebook (See my thread "5500 GONE!) according to an email they recently sent me. If it's similar to the 5500 it will be as or just a little less powerful than the 7700 but with a 15 or 16 inch screen and less thick!

[nassaumike]

Originally Posted by maxrule

2 eaches own.


I was merely stating my opinion as i use to own a 7700, we asking for opinions. I dindt mean to bring out the cursing and childish reactions.

And we were stating ours...comparing the 7700 to the XPS is apples to oranges...mobile desktop to whatever the Dell branded XPS is..just not the same animal...DDR3 is available in the 7700 now and I have no doubt that it will be available to us 7700 owners without it as upgrade soon enough

[j.clausse]

I totally agree, compare equal things.

dell xps2 Vs compaq armada 7800

[maxrule]

Who wanted a comparison between the two? I never mentioned the xps2 in my reposnse. He was asking which one would be more like a laptop basically. And was wondeirng when AW would offer the ultra Like the XPS2. Told him FACTS about the weight and heat of the 7700/9860. Also told him facts about the upgradability. To easy to get you guys in a tizzy, haha this is funny. You are so threatened and the XPS wanst the subect of conversation. I suppose because it is in my signature.

[tate]

In my XL Targus backpack the whole thing weighs maybe 20 pounds. No big deal cause when I take out the laptop it's like a ray of light shining down on it. Anyways, the Dell has the Ultra but so will the AW soon plus I like having the dual harddrives and you can't beat the screen

[nassaumike]

Originally Posted by maxrule

Who wanted a comparison between the two? I never mentioned the xps2 in my reposnse. He was asking which one would be more like a laptop basically. And was wondeirng when AW would offer the ultra Like the XPS2. Told him FACTS about the weight and heat of the 7700/9860. Also told him facts about the upgradability. To easy to get you guys in a tizzy, haha this is funny. You are so threatened and the XPS wanst the subect of conversation. I suppose because it is in my signature.

He compared it..read as well as you spell, I see...go back to the Dell forum and troll there...why even comment on something you no longer have? I do not troll the Dell forums and post about the 2 Dell pieces of crap I owned so I think it best if you play in your area and we'll stay here and comment about AW products we do in fact own and have a knowledge of...that DDR3 is available to him if he buys an AW 7700 and when AW does offer that upgrade to its current owners, I am confident you will be the last person AW will notify and I would worry more about your Dell branded card and its possible upgrade implications...hey, at least when he calls AW with questions, he will get someone who speaks english..unlike you seem to have gotten....
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=73815

I am sure we all appreciate your input here...and would appreciate it more if you trolled in the Dell forums