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Lap Worthy

post #1 of 12
5/12/06 at 12:42pm
Thread Starter 
I have an Area 51m 7700. Now, we all know that these machines are not built to be used in your lap. But, I'm looking to buy a smaller Alienware. Is the Sentia or m5500 Lapworthy? Or, will they overheat just like my big honking 7700 would?
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post #2 of 12
5/12/06 at 4:50pm
I've been using the m5500 for several months - almost always on my lap. It's very comfortable to use this way, and I've had no heat issues. Because the fans and exhaust are on the right side of the machine, it's easy to situate it so there is good airflow. When gaming for longer periods, I occasionally put a book or something under it if it starts to warm up a bit. (Note - I always used a book under the Dell XPS 2 because of heat, but the need is much less with the m5500). I've got the go6600 card - I understand the x1600 runs cooler yet, but have no personal experience with it.
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post #3 of 12
5/12/06 at 6:12pm
Thread Starter 
So, the air is pulled in and vented on the side?
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post #4 of 12
5/12/06 at 7:00pm
It's pulled in on the bottom - but the fan sits on the right hand side of the bottom. The exhaust is on the right hand side. Some folks have said it is a bit annoying when they are using a mouse...I never use a mouse with my notebook, having adapted to the trackpad quite well.

I find it easy enough to place the laptop so there is plenty of airflow (in and out). For example, right now I'm sitting with my legs crossed and the laptop is resting on top of my leg, with the right side completely open to air flow.

The laptop weighs 6.5+ lbs, but the weight is nicely distributed, and the fact that it is thinner in the front also makes it comfortable to use on your lap.
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post #5 of 12
5/12/06 at 11:47pm
yea, thats a reason i ditched my m7700 for the new m5500, i still love it
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post #6 of 12
5/12/06 at 11:49pm
Hmm... Pulled in on the bottom... My 5500 blows out on the bottom. This is probably why it's still overheating after two trips to depot... I'll have to see if my new one pulls in instead of blows out...
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post #7 of 12
5/13/06 at 6:31pm
Thread Starter 
Can someone post a pic of the bottom where the fan is? I'm not sure if that will work. I'd like to use mine at work which involves alot of riding around in the back of a truck with other people. Sometime I don't have too much elbow room. So, I don't have too many options on how it rests on my legs?
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post #8 of 12
5/13/06 at 6:58pm
I'll post a pic later today, if no one else comes up with one. I doubt you'll have any issues with it...and if it's a concern, you can just place a small board or book under it - doesn't even have to be the whole size of the notebook to prop it up a bit.
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post #9 of 12
5/13/06 at 7:28pm
Okie Doke - here are a couple of pics (I felt guilty for not getting up off the couch - where I'm sitting with the computer on my lap - to take a couple pics).





The bronze colored part is where the exhaust comes out - note that it is on the side and just under the right edge on the bottom as well (think you can see that in the photo of the bottom).
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post #10 of 12
5/14/06 at 1:37am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by BadCS
Hmm... Pulled in on the bottom... My 5500 blows out on the bottom. This is probably why it's still overheating after two trips to depot... I'll have to see if my new one pulls in instead of blows out...


LOL. Now I see why you're always so angry. Your pants are on fire.
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post #11 of 12
5/14/06 at 1:38am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the pics Shazza. I'll probably order one this week. How's the battery life?
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post #12 of 12
5/14/06 at 2:05am
http://www.notebookforums.com/showth...17#post1603417

In this review, Guntizzle says the battery power will last for 2hrs 40min on lowest settings, 1hr 40 mins on highest, brighest settings.
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