Even though Core 2 Duo is on the way soon, I broke down and ordered a M5500. So we'll see how long it takes before it arrives and I can post my full review. 
Here are the specs:
[1] Area-51® m5550
Processor: Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2400 1.86GHz 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" WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD
Motherboard: Alienware® Intel® 945PM + ICH7 Chipset
Memory: 512MB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz - 2 x 256MB
Hard Drive: 120GB Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s 5,400 RPM w/ 8MB Cache
Primary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 8X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW / 24X CD-RW Combo w/Software
Video/Graphics Card: 256MB NVidia® GeForce™ Go 7600
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: 3-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
While I would have liked the slight speed boost a faster proc would have given, it didn't seem worth the money. All the more so if it turns out that the early Core2 Duo's use the same socket, in which case I'll just switch it out. I'll be ordering two gigs of RAM from NewEgg once this ships out so I can pop it in as soon as I have it. After hearing about the relative uselessness of Autopsy I decided against it, but wanted to have the respawn on hand from the outset just in case. I do have Ghost, but it seemed reasonable. I'm not so sure about the Media Center OS, but I can always upgrade to Pro or Vista when it comes out (if it is worth it - http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/07...ity_analysis/). The three year warranty gets another year added to it by my Credit Card, so that's a nice bonus to that, but it only adds to the three year warranty so it doesn't result in a cost savings.
Sure would be nice if I could get the Superman theme for the AlienGUIse though.
Here are the specs:
[1] Area-51® m5550
Processor: Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2400 1.86GHz 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" WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD
Motherboard: Alienware® Intel® 945PM + ICH7 Chipset
Memory: 512MB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz - 2 x 256MB
Hard Drive: 120GB Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s 5,400 RPM w/ 8MB Cache
Primary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 8X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW / 24X CD-RW Combo w/Software
Video/Graphics Card: 256MB NVidia® GeForce™ Go 7600
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: 3-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
While I would have liked the slight speed boost a faster proc would have given, it didn't seem worth the money. All the more so if it turns out that the early Core2 Duo's use the same socket, in which case I'll just switch it out. I'll be ordering two gigs of RAM from NewEgg once this ships out so I can pop it in as soon as I have it. After hearing about the relative uselessness of Autopsy I decided against it, but wanted to have the respawn on hand from the outset just in case. I do have Ghost, but it seemed reasonable. I'm not so sure about the Media Center OS, but I can always upgrade to Pro or Vista when it comes out (if it is worth it - http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/07...ity_analysis/). The three year warranty gets another year added to it by my Credit Card, so that's a nice bonus to that, but it only adds to the three year warranty so it doesn't result in a cost savings.
Sure would be nice if I could get the Superman theme for the AlienGUIse though.
