Look, up in the sky! It's my first Alienware!

Ordered my first PC today. I've been an Apple disciple for years and still use one for NLE video work and design (G5 tower.) I felt like it was time I got me a nice little gaming/productivity laptop to use when I don't feel like editing or photoshopping.

So, I pulled the trigger and ordered the Superman LE Notebook. I booked it on the 7th and still am lurking in Phase One. Is it still a crapshoot for phase updates? Plus, I upgraded the DVD-Rom and warranty after the order was placed but the status page does not reflect this. Is this common? Should I relax?

Thanks. This forum is fantastic.

Specs:

[1] Superman Returns™ Edition Notebook

Processor: Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2500 2.0GHz 2MB Cache 667MHz FSB
Operating System (Office software not included): Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 with Service Pack 2
Display: Alienware® 17" WideXGA+ 1440 x 900 LCD
Motherboard: Alienware® Intel® 945PM + ICH7 Chipset
Memory: 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz - 2 x 1024MB
Hard Drive: 80gb Single Drive Configuration (Mostly just for games, media I keep on iPods and external USB anyhoo)
Optical Drive: 8x Dual Layer DVD-R/RW (This is what I upgraded).
Video/Graphics Card: 256MB ATI Mobility™ Radeon® X1800 w/ Avivo™ Technology
Wireless Network Card: Internal Intel® PRO Wireless 3945 a/b/g Mini-Card
Communications: Integrated 56K Modem with V.90 Technology and High Performance Gigabit Ethernet
Sound Card: Intel® High-Definition Audio
Exclusive Superman Returns™ Extras: Individually Numbered System Badge - Included!
Exclusive Superman Returns™ Extras: Exclusive Superman™ AlienGUIse Theme - Included!
Exclusive Superman Returns™ Extras: Certificate of Authenticity Signed by Alienware® CEO, Nelson Gonzalez - Included!
Exclusive Superman Returns™ Extras: Limited Edition Superman™ Airbrush Artwork Painted by Smooth Creations - Included!
Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support w/ Onsite Service
AlienRespawn: Alienware® Respawn Recovery Kit
Alienware Exclusive Offers: GameFly - Unlimited Game Rentals for 15 days - FREE TRIAL

This is my personal favorite part of the order:

"Exclusive Superman Returns™ Extras: Limited Edition Superman™ Airbrush Artwork Painted by Smooth Creations - Included!"

Included?! Now I'm wondering why it cost a bit more than other lappys..



The waiting is killing me!

Phase 3! Money's gone! Back into debt we plunge!

"Congratulations on your loss of money :P and in moving on. What games do you play then?"

Well, right now I'm playing this internet-based game where a computer company updates your order in little shifts. It's heart-pounding action and high tension thrills, to be sure.

Actually, I'm on a Mac right now so PC gaming is not a huge thing for me right now. I really only play World of Warcraft right now.

HOWEVER, when Superman returns from Phase 10 (ha!), I'm planning a big ol' Half-Life 2 run. Anything else for PC gaming I should look out for?

I have Oblivion for Xbox 360 and it is stellar. Far Cry was pretty fun for Xbox, maybe I'll check it on my new supercomputer.

You know what I'm looking forward to playing? My old Tie Fighter: Collector's Edition. That game rocks.

If anyone else has suggestions from the past 7-8 years of PC gaming (I've been console/Mac based for that long), throw 'em out there.

I love this forum.

After finding out that Alienware's update page is, to be blunt, the drizzling browns, I called up their award-winning* customer service line to check the status on Superman: The Laptop.

I was told 24-48 hours from now, the lappy would be going into production, but I was still in Phase 3. Normal? Should I call back and check up, making sure its in the noble hands of a computer craftsman?



*-award for creepiest, most dramatic menu voice guy.

Got this email today, thought I'd share:

"Dear Eric M Bee,

There will be a slight delay in your Alienware order, because the
part(s) listed below are temporarily backordered. We apologize for any
inconvenience this may cause, and assure you that we are doing everything in our power to expedite the process of obtaining the part(s). Once the
part(s) have been obtained, your order will be processed.

1- AREA-51M 5750 R2 17 " WXGA SUPERMAN .........................
Expected Date: To be announced
2- SAMSUNG 1GB DDR2 PC5300 SO-DIMM .............................
Expected Date: To be announced


If you have any questions regarding your order, please do not hesitate
to contact our sales department by replying to this e-mail.

Thank you for choosing Alienware."

Le sigh. Does this mean they have no idea when they're going to start building these things or is this common for most Alienware lappys. I'm not too keen on waiting two months for my laptop to ship. Any advice/comments?

-e