I finally did it.. M5750

Well after much study, talk, etc... I finally bit the bullet and purchased my first personal laptop (I have a dell laptop which is supplied by work).

I was torn between the HP DV8000t, which was quite a bit less money than what I ended up buying... I also looked closely at the ASUS S96J/Z96J and the Sager NP5750 too. I'm absolutely sure the ASUS would have been a good and wise purchase. The Sager just didn't have the gaming power I wanted.

So I bought the AW M5750. My decision was based on a few things. First, I got the $200 discount and 12months no interest on it. The price was really good for an Alienware. Second, I read a review of the Fujitsu-Siemens Xi1546 which is really supposed to be the same exact machine as this AW M5750. http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=66180.

I preferred a 17" notebook due to what I'll be using it for: gaming and web development. I chose 1440x900 to get the best performance in games. I can use dual monitors with desktop LCD to do my design work.

So I'm excited as you can see. I know some of you don't like Alienware but I've always wanted one. Here's exactly what I ordered (the hard drive is the only thing I chinced on due to the fact that I couldn't afford more - but I can always replace it easily enough):

Intel® Core DuoT2400 Processor
Microsoft® Windows®Media Center Edition
2GB DDR2 at 667MHz
80GB 5400RPM SATA
256MB ATI Mobility™ Radeon® X1800
8X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW / 24X CD-RW Combo w/Software
17" WideXGA+ 1440 x 900 LCD
Intel® 7.1 High-Definition Audio
Integrated 10/1000Mb Gigabit Ethernet & 56K V.92 Modem
Internal Intel® PRO Wireless 3945 a/b/g Mini-Card
Alienware® Respawn Recovery Kit
Alienware® Odyssey Backpack

So count me in Phase 1. I'll post a review once I get the thing. I'm new to the benchmark stuff but I'll do my best.

Thanks. Yeah, I plan on being a bit mobile with it, although not too mobile. I'll likely use it to show customers their web sites when needed. I'll likely have it chained to my side for the first couple of weeks just out of sheer joy though.

I will definately take pictures of it.

Oh and I just hit Phase 3! Yay!

Here is the phase info:

Phase 1: (Order Confirmation)
Your order has been received and is awaiting order confirmation. As part of our security procedures, all orders must be confirmed before they can be processed.

Phase 2: (Billing/Finance)
Your order has been validated and is waiting payment processing. While in this stage we are confirming any credit card and/or payment information for security purposes. Please understand that this phase is necessary as it will protect you the customer from any fraudulent transactions. We observe very strict security guidelines and hope you will appreciate our efforts. Note: Your method of payment and other factors may influence how quickly we can build your PC.

Phase 3: (Payment Processed)
Payment has been received and the order is now in queue for production.

Phase 4: (Pre-Production)
The inventory that will be used to custom build the PC is being pulled and inspected. In the rare occurrence that a PC component is not readily available, you will be notified via email.

Phase 5: (Production Phase 1 - Assembly)
Your system is being hand-built by an Alienware Assembly Technician. Alienware takes great pride in building our systems, as our motto reflects, "build it as if it were your own." The assembly stage can take some time, as all the components and cabling in the system is carefully installed for greater upgrade flexibility and thermal airflows. Every Assembly Technician has been trained and qualified to Alienware standards. We pride ourselves on giving you a high performance computer system!

Phase 6: (Production Phase 2 - Integration)
This stage includes the installation of the operating system, drivers and any applications that are specific to the system you ordered. Our Alienware Integration Technician will also install any demos, benchmark utilities, and burn-in software necessary to correctly monitor your system’s performance. These functions are performed by AlienFactory, a proprietary software designed by Alienware for our valued customers. This is also the first stage of the Alienware 200-Point Quality Control Process.

Phase 7: (Production Phase 3 – System Testing)
Your system is undergoing the second stage of the Alienware 200-Point Quality Control Process. This is the most crucial stage. We perform a series of grueling tests that push the hardware components in your system to the very limit. This phase is especially important because it is here where the system either passes or fails. If it does fail, it will automatically go to one of our Diagnostic Technicians to identify and correct any problems before we ship it to you. The system may need to go back to an earlier production phase to meet stringent Alienware performance standards.

Phase 8: (Production Phase 4 - Quality Control)
The system is undergoing the final stage of the Alienware 200-Point Quality Control Process. An Alienware Quality Inspector is in charge of inspecting your system from top to bottom for any obvious or latent defects. Our Inspectors are seasoned technicians/engineers and are very experienced in the art of perfection. Note: If the system does not pass any of our performance standards, the system may have to go back to an earlier production phase and it may slightly delay your order.

Phase 9: (Shipping)
Your system is being carefully packed for shipping.

Phase 10: (Order Shipped)
Congratulations, the order has been shipped. We only hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed building it for you.