m9750 vs Dell XPS M1710

I think you've already decided.

But seriously, I can't exactly speak for the m1710, but my m9700 looks and feels great. I've never called Dell support but Alienware's support has always been helpful the few times I've called. I was never treated like an idiot and the sales reps even joked around with me a little. The fan noise under 'normal Windows use' is very minimal. The GPU fan runs but at a pretty low speed and the CPU fan is rarely on. The CPU temp is just fine under theses circumstances but my GPU temps sometimes get slightly warmer than I'd like. I've found this is somewhat random but also has a little to do with the room's temperature. The only other 17" widescreen laptop I've used or had much experience with is a couple HPs. Both HPs seemed heavier but they were every bit as sturdy as the m9700. One HP was more like Alienware's old 7700 model but the other is more comparable to the m9700. It felt heavier but the specs for it and the m9700 weight were the same. The rubber grips don't help much, but they do look pretty nice. It dresses up the back of the screen a tad, in my opinion. I don't run mine on battery all that much, but I've heard other folks getting about 2 hours when they do a few things to make sure they're getting max battery life rather than performance. If you don't want to mess around with that stuff, figure 1.5 - 1.75 hoursish.

Another thing I'd like to point out is the keypad. Yes, it's nice they finally put one on a laptop, but the one on the m9700 is a bit of a joke. The decimal is on top as well as the plus sign. If you're really used to the standard keypad, then this can be more of a pain than helpful. If you're just into typing numbers really fast with no decimal point, then it works great. I'm not bashing the keypad since I do use it when I'm using a spreadsheet, typing an IP address, or playing Garry's Mod, but I do think they could've made it better. I also really like the USB port placement. They've got 1 port on the right-hand side which I plug my mouse into, one in the back which would be great for a laptop cooler (or the light-up snowman I have ), and 2 on the left-hand side which is great for USB memory sticks or other 'extra' type things. The volume slider wheel is also very handy compared to the fn+F-key most laptops use. Audio is analog, why use a digital form of controlling it? That's about all I can think of right now, sorry for the long post but I hope it helps at least.

Anyone that would buy the XPS over the 9750 should have their head examined.

I would totally say the m9750 as well, that is, if you can wait. It will probably be March when we finally get it in our hands if not early April, but hey good things come to those who wait, and there is also the likelihood that the m9750 will cost you a kidney maxed out


EDIT: one last point is I know from experience that the m1710 can actually be used on your lap, HH or DHAJ if either of you can elaborate on whether the 9700 can that would be nice

The m9750 was supposed to be released for orders today at noon. It is 12:32pm eastern. I wonder if the rep I spoke to meant 12 noon pacific. That would be in what, another hour and half?

I had placed an order for a m9700 and the rep that has been helping me cancled that order so that I could configure a m9750. I take it it will be available very soon if he was to have me go with that option.

I've used mine on my lap, but only a couple times. I also keep in mind where the vents are on the bottom so I don't block them too much. It's probably not that much of a problem blocking the fans if you're only doing basic Windowsish things since the fans hardly run.

I've used mine on my lap for web surfing and stuff, but not gaming. I use an external mouse and Nostromo for games, so I need a flat surface. I elevate the back of the laptop about an inch and a half to make sure it cools itself well. The cpu vent is on the side, so it's not an issue, but the dual graphics cards get their cooling air from the vents on the bottom. They only get hot during gaming though, so it works out fine.

E-Dirt,
I just contacted Alienware about the m9750 and the gentleman I spoke with said he has no idea when the m9750 would be available and could not even place the order for one. So I guess you were fortunate in that the salesman you worked with was able to change your order. That or he had no idea what he was talking about. Yet of course that could hold true for the gentleman I spoke.

Anyway I just thought I would let everyone know, as to not get your hopes up just yet. If anyone hears differently please post more information. Thanks

I use my m9700 on my lap often. Haven't had any problems with it. If gaming, I will put a book under it, as it can get a little warm - but this is the same with the other notebooks I've used.

Hmmm since this is an AW thread...........................

Hehe, before the OP started this thread he stated in another he was going to start this one... I said there could prolly only be 2 outcomes a. ppl say get what system works best b. but I would like to hear what you have to say...

You can't go wrong with either one. I've owned many Dells and never had a single problem with any of them. I like the looks of AW and owned 3 laptops already and no problems with those either. If I were to pick, it would be the new 9750

I am very jealous. Congrats

NP Jeff, hold it, I didn't chime...well now I have. Congrats on the Alienware decision!

And why are you up so late?

Zoid

Wake up and go to sleep, knuck, knuck, knuck!

Shop around rgbyhkr...is this really the time to buy?

Zoid

Ahhh, I see now...

Vista seems to be holding everything up...D'oh dam MS anticipation is making us wait!!!

Zoid