rtag's Area-51m 5500 Review - Page 3

That was a great review, Now I just regret not getting a 1900x1200 display (hits head)
on the m5550 that I just ordered. But I guess 1280x800 isn't too bad right??

That was a great review. I have never used or even seen an alienware computer before, so this is all new to me and apart from that im not the best person when it comes to the technical information about processors and dual core 2 or anything like that so sorry if i ask too many questions.

Here are the specs chosen:

Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T5500 1.66GHz 2MB Cache 667MHz.
Graphics: 128MB ATI® Mobility™ Radeon® X1400.
Memory: 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz - 2 x 512MB.
System Drive: 100GB 7200 RPM SATA with NCQ.
CD/DVD/RW: 8x Dual Layer DVD+/-RW / 24x CD-RW Combo.
Sound Hardware: Intel® High-Definition Audio (24-bit, 192Khz) with SS.
Wireless Netwrok Card: Internal Intel® PRO Wireless 3945 a/b/g Mini-Card.
Speakers: Creative® 2.1 Inspire™ T3100.
Mobile Transport: Alienware® Odyssey Backpack.

Total Cost: £842.48

I cant afford the best as i am currently just going into collage so im abit strapped for cash. I need it mostly for my artwork which requiers use of Adobe Photoshop CS2, and a few other programs that fit into that catergury as well as the internet.

I for some reason ( a mistake on my internet providers behalf ) seem to have a 400mbps connection speed, normaly used for small buisnessess. I dont think it is 400mbps but it definatly is fast as i can download a movie ( average 700mb ) in about 5-10 mins depending on peer's. Will this computer improve the time? As i am already amazed with the speed i've got...if it got any better i think i would fall in love,

I also play a few games when i have some spare time (which at the moment is quiet alot) , these are the main games i play:

• World of Warcraft + Buring Crusade Expansion
• Battle Field 2
• Command and Conquer Tiberian Sun
• Runescape
• SIM's

Not the best games but i enjoy them .

Basicaly i need a fast, reliable and good looking computer, i really want this to be the one as it is in my price range ( Only just ) and looks pretty damn cool.
So can someone please help me out here, is this a good computer to get for what i need or is it over or under specified?

*Trys to calm down*

Im hoping i can order soon, but i just need to get a few things straight before i will order. So basicaly anything about the Area-51m 5500 that hasnt been mentioned i am eager to hear about. I really can't wait to sit in the internet cafe near me, connect to wireless and show off my new computer!

Many Thanks, Nathan

Sorry i forgot,

My email is: The_Defiled@hotmail.co.uk

Any information on the Area-51m 5500 is well appreciated.

Many Thanks, Nathan

Also, My friend used to have a Area-51m 5500. He recomended that if you are not pleased with the sound quality to install DFX 8.3 Audio Enchance.

You can install this from here:

http://www.fxsound.com/dfx/index.php...plus=0&refer=0

This is what it looks like:



It really does work well with the free version, the bought version is even better. You can really hear the difference and it takes away that tangy effect the Area-51m 5500 has. No spyware, advertitsing, or even emails. This is a free peice of software and is really good quality plus its even recomended from the Windows Media Player website!

Hello Narcotica,

It's a great system! I've had mine for 2 months now and I'm VERY happy with the performance. It definitely is an eye grabber.

I think it should run all those games except for BF2(I can't say for sure) It will probably run on medium to low settings.

I can answer more questions for you if you wish.

R.

Thanks for the tip Narcotica. I installed it on my Windows Media Player today and, yes, it is definitely a lot louder and sounds better. I might even upgrade it!!

No problem, The upgraded version really does improve the sound quality even further. I redcorded from my computer with and without the sound on at full voume. I have the Fujitsu X839 Speak System, here is what i recorded at:

Without DFX 8.3 Audio Enchance = 72Db ( Loud Traffic )
With DFX 8.3 Audio Enchance = 138Db ( 2Db of a standard jet taking off )

Db = Decibels

Note: At 170Db your eardrum breaks...so this is some serius noise!

Just worked it out now...the DFX 8.3 Audio Enchance improves sound quality/loudness by around 99.3%

Not bad eh?

Yesterday I cranked my m5550 laptop speaker all the way up with the DFX audio software on just to test it and I could hear it from all the way down the hallway in our dorm. Man that's crazy! That's basically twice as loud! I'm definitely gonna try to get the upgrade.
By the way do you know of any other good enhancers for a notebook? I mean free software..stuff like that?

There are many around but only 1 in 1000 are like the DFX. Most come packed with spyware and email registration. With DFX you enter your email once and you can chose not to receive emails. This really is a 1 in 1000 find.

Twice as loud? The free verision only allows you to use 50%. So imagen what the full version could do for you, 4 times as loud!

can this laptop play battlefield 2 with the 256MB NVidia® GeForce™ Go 7600 ?

and is it worth it to get windows XP pro over vista?

I have a friend with a m5500 and he plays BF2 on medium/high settings. Vista is awful for gaming right now, so I would strongly recommend XP Pro.

If you have the patience to wait for new drivers, then go for Vista. But, if you absolutely got to play Battlefield on high settings then I suggest Windows XP pro. Or if you do want to have Vista, you can always dual boot. That's what I do since I still want to keep Vista.

I think im going to get XP. no need for vista. i just want a laptop that will last me for the next 4 years of college that is 15" or under. I'm pretty excited that i found one. Are there any others out there that can compare?

No, the Area-51m 5500 is top of the range. Not only is it a strong build but it last well. I also got one of these for collage, and its dooing great. The wireless internet connection is great, overall a great performance!

Although, i do reccomend if you do get this to install "DFX 8.3 Audio Enchance". The sounds for BF2 sound slightly tingy, but this FREE program will sort it out as well as improve all general sound quality.

Check post No.44 on Page No.3 for more details.

Thanks, Narcotica