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Looking to purchase alienware to replace notebook and desktop

post #1 of 16
7/28/07 at 12:07am
Thread Starter 
I am currently in the process of purchasing a new computer, i currently have a desktop which i built myself, it is a 2003 so its getting pretty old. I also have a lenovo T series notebook which i got about 2 years ago.

I am now leaning towards buying a notebook that can replace my desktop and current notebook instead of buying another desktop. I mainly use my desktop for programs such as autodesk maya, 3d studio max and photoshop (i mainly use photoshop with a wacom tablet so it would be nice to take it to a job or more comfortable place to work), also some games.

I am currently looking at an alienware m9750 is this a good choice for 3d appilcations and gaming. Is alienware comming out with new models soon or are these models pretty up to date as far as technology is concerned?

I will probably go with a single graphics card for now but i take it is upgradable if i need the other.?

Is the alienware service plan upgradable after a year has gone by as it is with some instore plans?

I am still deciding between vista or xp does anyone prefer vista over xp?

I have also never had a problem with dead pixels on my ibm is this a problem if i went with the higher end screen from alienware, i would hate to spend that much on the better screen and have dead pixels.

thanks for reading
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post #2 of 16
7/28/07 at 12:15am
The m9750 would be a good choice for your applications. It will probably be a screamer compared to your desktop, as it uses components that are better than most desktop builds from 2003.

The m9750 is actually a brand new model, it's just been released to full production within the past month or so. You can get one vid card now and upgrade later if you want.

The warranty is usually offered to you during the first year, but it's not something you can 100% count on, as they could change their policies (not saying the will, just that there is that option).

Some people are loving Vista ... since you're only getting one video card, I'd say it's worth a shot (there are still issues with Vista drivers for two cards in SLI). I'd say it's worth giving Vista a shot, but I realize I just said that

Alienware pre-qualifies their vendors, and this is the case for the displays - and this is also one of the reasons there are sometimes delays when supplies run short. I've seen very few people complaining about dead pixels, so this is not something I'd be overly concerned about.

Good luck with your decision ... sounds like this could be the perfect desktop replacement for you.
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post #3 of 16
7/28/07 at 12:47am
Thread Starter 
thansk for the reply, i actually just thought of another question, since you can add another graphics card later, would it be possible then to remove them both and add a better mobile card when one is released?
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post #4 of 16
7/28/07 at 12:49am
Yes ... there will be no problem in removing them. The only question is when/what graphics cards will be available down the road.
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post #5 of 16
7/28/07 at 1:42am
shaz ftw!
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post #6 of 16
7/28/07 at 11:44am
I agree with all the above comments The only thing I would point out is that the 9750 is a desktop replacement - I'd consider how much you want to carry it around, as it is a few pounds heavier (and few inches bigger) than a T series. I never thought that I'd get a machine that would make carrying my A31 a breeze!

Of course, if you don't mind the heft and/or will not be moving it around a lot, this should not be an issue.
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post #7 of 16
7/28/07 at 11:57am
Thread Starter 
as far as mobility is concerned i'm mainly going to be taking it from my desk upstairs to a table downstairs, even now thats primarily what i do with my T series.
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post #8 of 16
7/28/07 at 3:13pm
There shouldn't be any problem with dead pixels on the m9750. Even if by sheer bad luck you end up with one, compared to other vendors Alienware has one of the more generous dead pixel policies.
And yes, this notebook is hefty. When I ordered mine I was planning on taking it to class occasionally, but I think I've changed my mind.
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post #9 of 16
7/28/07 at 6:01pm
As far as being up on the latest technology just wanted to let you know that it currently does not run on the latest intel platform, santa rosa. Again that's not to say it won't do everything you want to do and more, just saying as of right now it's not in the m9750 if you were to order it today. There shouldn't be all that much in the platform that'd make it a deal-breaker other than the lack of DX10 capable GPU's which might or might not be an issue for what you're doing.

Also just considering the programs you're using, you might want to consider purchasing something that is better optimized for OpenGL performance and such, like the Nvidia Quadro cards available in some systems. The only one I can think of off the top of my head would be the Dell Precision series, but there are others I'm sure. But if this is more a do-it-all laptop than the consumer GPU's will suit you fine.
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post #10 of 16
7/28/07 at 6:05pm
Thread Starter 
yeah i considered a workstation graphics card however i hear they are more optimized for 3d apps not necessarily games, i feel i'm probably better off with the mreo mainstream card.
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post #11 of 16
7/30/07 at 2:25pm
I have a dead pixel issue last time with m9700. Alienware is one of the best when it comes to dead pixels policy. Trust me, even if u have one, they will replace it for u free as long u r under warranty. Even more, I was thinking about upgrading to 1920 x 1200 as now im using 1440 x 900, guess what AW tech advised me to wait until I have 2 more dead pixels came out so im qualify for dead pixel policy. That means I don't have to pay anything instead of me thinking of upgrading which will cost me like 600 USD.

About the dead pixel policy, u can read more about it on Alienware site, I dont feel like explaining the whole thing. Or just call Alienware and ask them about it. They know better than me.
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post #12 of 16
7/30/07 at 2:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by der_red View Post
I have a dead pixel issue last time with m9700. Alienware is one of the best when it comes to dead pixels policy. Trust me, even if u have one, they will replace it for u free as long u r under warranty. Even more, I was thinking about upgrading to 1920 x 1200 as now im using 1440 x 900, guess what AW tech advised me to wait until I have 2 more dead pixels came out so im qualify for dead pixel policy. That means I don't have to pay anything instead of me thinking of upgrading which will cost me like 600 USD.

About the dead pixel policy, u can read more about it on Alienware site, I dont feel like explaining the whole thing. Or just call Alienware and ask them about it. They know better than me.

Ive had 6 AW laptops and none them have had a dead pixel. Talk about domination.
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post #13 of 16
7/30/07 at 2:46pm
Good for you, or maybe u just didn't realize it.
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post #14 of 16
7/30/07 at 3:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by der_red View Post
Good for you, or maybe u just didn't realize it.

nope. checked each one.
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post #15 of 16
7/30/07 at 5:55pm
Thread Starter 
thanks for all the insight and replies, i have done some more research and i think i will wait until AW has something equiped with a processor that has an 800mhz FSB or a DX10 video card but if they dont have it by november then i will probably just order one anyways.
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post #16 of 16
7/31/07 at 2:39am
Yeah I very highly doubt you'll see the 800MHZ bus in the current revision of the m9750, and might not see it at all in this platform should alienware bring out a new system with the feature. As for DX10, no harm in waiting and seeing what happens, but again don't put all your hopes on it since no one really knows much on that front.

Either way you'll be getting an excellent top of the line gaming laptop which you won't be disappointed with.
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