Question about the Alienware gaming laptops

So I'm considering a desktop replacement laptop from Alienware.

I currently have an Alienware desktop (FX-51 from 2 years ago). Here is how I'd likely use it: it would primarily be hooked up to my 20 inch dell monitor at my desk. I'd use it as my primary machine -- just like I do my desktop now. Gaming, surfing, etc. I'd also disconnect and it carry it to other parts of the house so that I could be around my wife and family while I game sometimes. Or I could surf before going to sleep, etc.

In addition to this -- and this part is very important too -- is that am required to get a laptop for grad school. I'll be starting sometime this year and so I'd be carrying this laptop potentially to school for classes.

Here are the questions I have:

1. I've heard people complain about the size of this machine (and other desktop replacements). Is it really so big that I'm not going to want to carry it anywhere (to class, etc)? Does the size really become a problem?

2. Battery life -- is the battery life so bad that I won't be able to use it during grad school classes at night? I saw one guy say less than an hour of battery time. Is this hardcore gaming battery time, or is it different if you are just using it on battery to surf the internet and do word processing and work type activities?

3. Length of Life -- again I saw a post on here where someone said that these things run so hot and so hard that they burn themselves out in a short period of time. Is this true? I'd very likely be selling my desktop to help pay for this machine, so that means I'd need it to last a couple to three years if possible.


Are there any other factors or issues that I should consider before making this purchase? I have time to consider since I'd not be buying it until March.

Thanks in advance!

Less than an hour? YIKES!!!!!!!!!!

Why do you dare not take it to class? You wouldn't have room for it? If you have less than an hour, how do you keep it going through even one class?

I dearly want one of these laptops as I could take it with me when I travel and play in hotel rooms and also when I go to visit family for extended periods. HOWEVER -- if it won't work for my grad school work, or if it will burn itself out after a short time then I might need to reconsider!

I do appreciate everyone's help. Please keep it coming!

Holy cow! Is this less than an hour doing word processing, gaming, or either (it doesn't matter)?

Also... could someone direct me to a photo of someone's big laptop with an actual person in the picture so I can get an idea of how big it is based on how big it looks with someone at the helm?

I see reports as well that there are two different battery types? One that lasts longer than the other? Is this true?

I don't see the size as being a deterrent for me as I will only be going for a couple classes at a time in grad school. The main issues are the battery life.

Can someone confirm if the battery life is at all dependent on what you are doing with the machine? In other words does playing games = less than an hour while word processing = > than an hour? Or does it not matter what the heck you are doing and it's the same either way?

Hmmm.... To tell the truth, I really want this Alienware. I wish I knew if the classrooms where I'll be going to grad school provided electrical outlets for each student.

Having a laptop is a requirement of the grad school program.