Area-51 m5500 vs Sentia m3450

Ok... today I thought about checking out the new Sentia, m3450. Can you guys take a look at it compared to the m5500 that I really want? I just want to know the major difference in speed, power, mulitasking and gaming between the two with these configuarations. Also, Im not sure if I want to buy a new laptop with no reviews out yet or anything. Please help!


[1] Sentia™ m3450

Processor: Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2300 1.66GHz 2MB Cache 667MHz FSB
Operating System (Office software not included): Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 with Service Pack 2
Display: Alienware® Sentia m3450 with 14" WideXGA 1280 x 768 LCD with Webcam
Motherboard: Alienware® Intel® 945GM + ICH7 Chipset
Memory: 512MB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz - 2 x 256MB
Hard Drive: 80GB 5400 RPM SATA
Primary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 8X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW / 24X CD-RW Combo w/Software
Video/Graphics Card: Intel® GMA 950 Extreme Graphics
Sound Card: Intel® 7.1 High-Definition Audio
Wireless Network Card: Internal Intel® PRO Wireless 3945 a/b/g Mini-Card
Communications: Integrated 10/1000Mb Gigabit Ethernet & 56K V.92 Modem
Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth® Device
Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support w/ Onsite Service
Alienware Exclusive Offers: GameFly - Unlimited Game Rentals for 15 days - FREE TRIAL
Productivity Software: Microsoft® Works 8 Productivity Suite
Desktop Enhancements: Exclusive AlienGUIse Theme Manager

cost: $1,229.00

VS


[1] Area-51® m5550

Processor: Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2300 1.66GHz 2MB Cache 667MHz FSB
Operating System (Office software not included): Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 with Service Pack 2
Display: Alienware® m5550 15.4" WideXGA 1280 x 768 LCD
Motherboard: Alienware® Intel® 945PM + ICH7 Chipset
Memory: 512MB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz - 2 x 256MB
Hard Drive: 80GB 5400 RPM SATA with NCQ
Primary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 8X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW / 24X CD-RW Combo w/Software
Video/Graphics Card: 128MB ATI Mobility™ Radeon® X1400
Sound Card: Intel® 7.1 High-Definition Audio
Wireless Network Card: Internal Intel® PRO Wireless 3945 a/b/g Mini-Card
Communications: Integrated 10/1000Mb Gigabit Ethernet & 56K V.92 Modem
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
Productivity Software: Microsoft® Works 8 Productivity Suite
Desktop Enhancements: Exclusive AlienGUIse Theme Manager

COST: $1,518.00

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Why I want the area-51 m5500: I fell in love with it the moment I saw it. It is better for gaming (though I don't know how much better) and it's not an entry level notebook.

Cons: No more glowing alien, no alienware text logo. Expensive

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Why I want the Sentia m3450: Cheaper, glowing logos and text logo.

Cons: not as good graphics card, Its new and I dont know how it will run.

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Which one is more practical to buy?! Please help guys... it's been months for me trying to configure and decide on the perfect lappy

- Allyson

Well... ok to he honest the main reason I'm thinking the sentia is because I want the glowing logo and alienware word logo on the case. ANd its cheaper. But, I've e-mailed them about the new look to the area-51 and so havent a lot of other people so if they change that, I deffinitely going to stick with the m5500.

Either way I am going to upgrade the RAM on my own because it's a lot cheaper than what they are charging. Also, the m5500 will run vista better with the ram upgrade I think because teh graphics card is better. Don't you need that for aero?

But they look cool