I just emailed Alienware...(m3450 vs. m5550)...

I can't decide between the two. Both have almost everything I am currently looking for, but as is the norm in my life, I will have to compromise on something.
My email:
I am currently interested in purchasing either the Area 51 m5550 or the Sentia m3450.

My questions / concerns are as follows:
Area 51 m5550
1. Why is there no option for an Integrated Bluetooth Device? (only a Bluetooth USB Adaptor option)
Sentia m3450
1. Why is there no option for an upgraded video card? (only Intel GMA 950
Extreme Graphics)
2. Why is there no option for Alienware Respawn Recovery Kit? Does the purchase of the 3450 include an operating system back-up CD
and Utility / Driver CD(s)?

Regards,
Anthony

Allastorm, thanks for reminding me to actually call them ;-)
I'm so use to comparing and ordering everything online, that I forget that I can still pick up the phone and speak to someone.

That's the only thing keeping me from ordering the m3450 right now, no video card option.

Come to think of it, I wonder if this new Sentia m3450 is the old (well, not that old) Dell XPS M140?

I received an answer to my questions from Alienware.
The email text from them is as follows:

Subject
m5550 & m3450

Discussion Thread
Response (Alienware) 06/29/2006 08:08 AM

Dear Mr. <edited>

Thank you for contacting Alienware Sales.

In regards to your inquiries, the Sentia is designed to be a thin, light system, for working on the road and occasional gaming. That is why we only offer it at the moment with the Intel Extreme Graphics technology, as this technology will give a longer battery life for working on the road. Nevertheless, we are always looking into offering the latest technologies to our customers. After going through an extensive process of testing and development, we may offer a better graphics card with our Sentia computers sometime in the future. Please keep in mind that the Sentia is not designed for heavy gaming or heavy graphics work. It is designed mostly for work and student life.

The Sentia will include an operating system recovery disc and also the master CD with drivers; however, as to the Respawn Recovery Kit, I am afraid that it has not been fully validated to function up to Alienware's quality standards. We do have it as an upcoming product. It is currently in the Research and Development stage; however, we do not yet have a definite time frame for its launch.

Unfortunately, due to the space restriccions of Area-51 m5550, it does not include an Integrated Bluetooth device.

I hope the information provided here is helpful.

Please do not hesitate to contact Alienware’s Sales Department if you have any questions or concerns.


Thank you for choosing Alienware,

Ruben Iglesias
Electronic Support - Sales Department

Alienware Corporation
Phone: 1.800.494.3382
Fax: 786.388.5718
www.alienware.com

I forgot to add a Vista compatibility question for the Sentia m3450.

I find it interesting that Dell can fit both the Bluetooth and a separate graphics card into their M1210 chassis, but Alienware can't do both in larger chassis’s.

I hate compromises.

Hammerhead, Thank you for your input.

After reading your reply, I took a step back, and decided to think about why I'm buying a notebook, my priorities for it and why I want an Alienware.

Why: (1) Portability (2) as a back up to my desktop at work <time to retire my perfectly good current back up pc running win98, due to ending support>
Priorities: (1) email (2) basic photo editing <Adobe Photo Shop Elements> (3) web surfing (4) basic business functions <Microsoft Small Business Edition> (5) Running VAG-COM, OBDII auto diagnostic software <Ross-Tech>
Why Alienware: Add a little Bling to my life ;-)

At this point, I think that the m3450 should meet my needs. Upgrading to Vista, when it's released is not a high priority, but to my tired 46 yr. old eyes, I am concerned if the integrated graphics and 14" screen will be a problem.

Constructive input and thoughts are always welcome. :-)

Anthony

KimoT, thanks for the feedback.

Now, if only Alienware would offer some incentives!