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Originally Posted by huskyfan23
That is true. A dual-core machine should be compared to another dual-core machine. How about the Inspirons equipped with Intel's Core Duo? The T2600 trounces the FX-60, of course Yonah is new. M2 may fix that performance gap.
I don't care for Intel at all. My desktop will always have an AMD, but the P-M is an amazing mobile chip.
Alienware has awesome computers. I feel they are overpriced. I've seen comparisons between building your own PC and buying an AW. The parts, with shipping included, come out to almost $800 less than an AW. I don't know of a PC shop in the country that will charge you $800 to throw some parts in a case.
Alienware's laptops are really nice and I would take one or buy one if the price was good, but IMO spending $5k+ on a laptop is ridiculous.
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Alienware is slow to market sometimes regarding new hardware for a couple reasons.
First, they have their own internal certification process. They used to believe manufacturers claims when they were smaller, and it bit them in the butt when one of their suppliers sent them product that didn't meet the expectations and specs. Alienware will not release any hardware until it passes their internal certification process, so when some smaller companies are starting to offer some new hardware, Alienware is still making sure the hardware is sound and lives up to it's hype.
This is because Alienware sells a lot of units, so it's in their best interest to make sure the hardware does what it says it does before they ship it out. Returns and depot visits are expensive for Alienware both in terms of cost and reputation.
Secondly, Alienware does not manufacture the base platform they use for their laptop lines. They buy base platforms from many manufacturers, but until these manufacturers offer motherboards that adequately support core duo processors, Alienware won't be offering them.
It's fine that you feel Dell is superior for offering new hardware quicker, but in the few cases this has occurred in the past, once Alienware releases the same hardware, the performance generally handily beats Dell's version due to the higher quality of peripheral hardware and motherboards.
You want an AMD processor, you're not getting a Dell, dude...
And I'm a cheap bastard at heart, despite my owning several Alienware computers. Four of my five AW computers cost less than $2100. Every time I've purchased an Alienware, I've comparison shopped at companies I trust, and Dell too. I also price out parts through Pricewatch for a self build, but I don't ignore things like fans and operating systems when I'm pricing parts.
I have yet to see a difference in the $800 price range between the parts and a complete AW, but I don't tend to buy systems like the ALX or a topped out 7500. In my opinion, the few hundred more than you'd pay for parts is worth it not having to deal with research, ordering, shipping costs and keeping track of what came from where, worrying about whether I'll get what I ordered and if it will work well with the other components I ordered, returns or exchanges, build time, software integration and updating, and troubleshooting.
I also get one place to go for help should I have an issue, and they've always taken care of me swiftly and professionally with the few issues I've had.
Alienware also has a great upgrade plan. I did a motherboard up upgrade on one of my systems, and the prices Alienware gave me for the package of parts needed was essentially the same as parts I priced at Pricewatch.com.
In addition, Alienware told me should I have any issues installing anything or having trouble to call their support for assistance. And they called me a week after I received the package to check to be sure everything was okay.
The upgrade also didn't affect my warranty, in fact because I bought everything from Alienware, everything was still warranted for my warranty term.
If it happens, it happens. And until it actually occurs, no need to lend another thought to it.
