NotebookForums.com › Forums › General Notebook Discussions › Notebook Forums - General › Alienware Vs Toshiba Qosmio
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Alienware Vs Toshiba Qosmio

post #1 of 29
3/14/10 at 12:01am
Thread Starter 
I'm in the process of buying a new Notebook.

Just can't decide between these two. Any help would be great...

Alienware M17X - The Alienware has lesser spec but longer battery life and better gfx, looks uber cool, wicked features and solid construction being Aluminium rather than plastic. I love the design and features but its pricey compared to the competition. The only thing I didnt include in the options for this is the Blu Ray Burner because its a $700 option here Total $4k

PROCESSOR:Intel® Core™ i7-720QM Processor (1.6GHz,4 Cores/8 Threads,turbo up to 3.06GHz, 8MB Cache)
MEMORY: 4GB (2 X 2GB) Dual-channel 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM
HARD DRIVE:500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive (500GBx2)(Raid 1)
OPTICAL DRIVE: DVD Drive 8x
VIDEO CARD: - Dual 1GB ATI Radeon Mobility HD 4870
BLUETOOTH:Dell™ Wireless 370 Bluetooth Internal mini-card
17.0" WUXGA 1920 x 1200 - Beyond HD (1200p) - RGB LED

Toshiba Qosmio X500/02M 18.4" - The Qosmio has MASSIVE spec over the Alienware but I dont like the look and to me it feels flimsy. The screen is also a little wobbly which I dont like. Other than that its AWESOME value for money. $3.6k

Intel® Core™ i7 processor 820QM (1.73GHz/3.06GHz, 1333MHz FSB, 8MB L2 Cache)
MEMORY (STANDARD/MAX)
8GB DDR3 (4GB + 4GB) (1066MHz) expandable to 8GB
VIDEO CARD TYPE NVIDIA® GeForce® GTS 360M (GDDR5) (2298MB Total: 1GB DDR5 discrete memory + 1274MB shared memory)
OPTICAL DRIVE
Blu-Ray RW/DVD SuperMulti Double/Dual Layer Drive
DISPLAY SIZE/RESOLUTION
18.4” Widescreen Full HD TruBrite® Display (1920 x 1080)
SOUND/SPEAKERS Premium Harman/Kardon Speakers
VOLUME CONTROL, HEADPHONE, MICROPHONE Volume Control Dial, Headphone port, external microphone port. Integrated Microphone
NETWORKING
LAN 10/100/1000 Base TX, Wireless LAN 802.11 a/g/n, Bluetooth.
TYPE OF PORTS
4x USB Ports (3x USB 2.0 + 1x eSATA/USB Combo with Sleep and Charge),1x PCI Express Card, VGA, HDMI-CEC (REGZA LINK) SD Slot, IEEE 1394, SD Slot , Webcam
PORT REPLICATOR FACILITY Optional Toshiba Dynadock
BATTERY TYPE/USAGE 12 cell
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (64bit)
ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Backlit Toshiba Multimedia Console Buttons, Touchpad™ with Gesture Support
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT: 442.6mm x 294.2mm x 41.5mm 4.64kg (May vary with spec)
Reply
Reply
post #2 of 29
3/14/10 at 12:42am
I am not seeing the massive spec increase in the Toshiba? Also isn't the Toshiba like 18.4"? Anyway not important. The Alienware will out game the Toshiba by a very large margin. What is the HDD config in the Toshiba I am not seeing.

OK Toshiba has better CPU more RAM and BR. The Alienware has better graphics. If you got a single GPU might have room for BR? A single 4870 out does a 360. 4GB is plenty of RAM.

If you like the styling of the Alienware and the build I can't say much. If you consider the Toshiba why not look at Sager models at same cost they will crush those two. At similar specs will save lots of money.
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 29
3/14/10 at 12:59am
Thread Starter 
Ah sorry the HDD is a 1.2T 5400rpm drive on the Toshiba. I was just referencing with regards to the CHIP, SCREEN, RAM, BLU RAY BURNER , 12 CELL BATTERY...

I would prefer the Sli config because I can always watch BR on my PS3, it's not often I watch DVD/BR on my Laptop.

Sager is not available here unfortunatley, I did check them out though

I'm located in Aus
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 29
3/14/10 at 1:14am
You can order Sagers and have shipped how that would affect cost not sure. Also not being US dollars I must rethink my impression of price.

I favor the AlienWare myself. And I can't help but be amused the Toshiba has 1333Mhz FSB since it does not have a FSB.
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 29
3/14/10 at 1:58am
Thread Starter 
I would not buy a Sager because if I had any issues that would mean shipping it back to the US for repairs etc so it's not worth the hassle imo.

So you recon the Alienware is the way to go? Even with the extra's the Qosmio has over the Dell?

Price is almost identical USD/AUD so forget the any fx difference...
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 29
3/14/10 at 3:36am
Here is how I see. The Toshiba has a weak GPU compared to the AW even one 4870 is better than the Toshiba. Toshiba yes CPU is better. Do I think it matters? Depends on what you do I really think yea 820QM is better but real world will you notice? Not much.

4GB vs 8GB yea more is better but you will not see a real world difference at this time.

Still not clear on the HDD's.

Yes Toshiba wins on BR it does offer several things. I personally do not find 18.4" to be an advantage.

I think it is all opinion. What do you like better? I think AW build and better graphics have me going for it. It will game better for certain.

AW is a gamer the Toshiba is a Multi-Media.
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 29
3/14/10 at 4:03am
Thread Starter 
Hmmm you raise some interesting points.

Its my main source for entertainment & gaming. I dont have a desktop here in AUS so I use it to work, travel, tv, games and movies...I reckon I use it for "Multimedia" rather than gaming. I also travel overseas often and use it as a source of entertainment if in a foreign non english speaking country. That's the main reason the larger screen is of benefit to me. Although it will be an issue on the plane being huge haha.

However with this Laptop I do want it to be futureproof. I usually replace Laptops after 12-18 months but want this one to last at least 2-3 years. It's the first time I'm spending over $2k for a Laptop.

Now I will mention I'm not a hardcore gamer but do like to play Crysis, COD etc online.

Sorry for the confusion. The Toshiba = 1.28TB (640GB + 640GB) (5400rpm) SATA
http://www.mytoshiba.com.au/products...ations#details

I think the point I am trying to make is that if the AW worth the extra cash. Is it a justifiable purchase?
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 29
3/14/10 at 4:17am
Crysis loves GPU power. You mentioned the AW being Aluminum? It while not small is smaller than the Toshiba. Can you live without BR? I can. For all we have talked about so far the faster CPU the 8GB RAM are better but real world hardly think it will matter. The GPU will have the greatest real world impact (Crysis). While I have not read the specs I think the 500GB @7200 will out perform 640GB @5400?

I still lean AW. But I could be biased?
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 29
3/14/10 at 6:41am
I would 2nd powerpack on the M17x.

How is the warranty opportunity for Dell-AW in your part of the world?

cheers ...
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 29
3/14/10 at 6:52pm
Pixie I wanted to avoid suggesting this because if I recommend the same thing to everyone it looks like I am not even reading just recommending. But after further thought.

You said you are from Australia. For like $1744 Aus ($1600 US) you can get the Asus G73 listed in my sig but with BR (A-1)? Asus has world wide warranty included, 2 years plus 1 year accedental damage. Seems to me all you lose is RAID and you do have the same CPU as the AW? You get the 8GB RAM BR. The HD5870m is not too far off the 4870 SLI. It would crush in games not optimized for SLI/CF.

What kind of VAT and shipping? Vat 15%? Of say what $2000 including shipping? Puts you at $2300 still far less than either. You would not be the first to order from US. I say the G73 beats the Toshiba except CPU and if 640GB are RAID.

$1300 less for better in many, close in others, seems like you might consider? You can see the site I like in my sig. Gentech and I think Ken might also have the same, he is active on this site. I think a few others also.

Just have a look I think it might give you a real value and save lots of money.
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 29
3/14/10 at 9:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pixie23 View Post
Hmmm you raise some interesting points.

Its my main source for entertainment & gaming. I dont have a desktop here in AUS so I use it to work, travel, tv, games and movies...I reckon I use it for "Multimedia" rather than gaming. I also travel overseas often and use it as a source of entertainment if in a foreign non english speaking country. That's the main reason the larger screen is of benefit to me. Although it will be an issue on the plane being huge haha.

However with this Laptop I do want it to be futureproof. I usually replace Laptops after 12-18 months but want this one to last at least 2-3 years. It's the first time I'm spending over $2k for a Laptop.

Now I will mention I'm not a hardcore gamer but do like to play Crysis, COD etc online.

Sorry for the confusion. The Toshiba = 1.28TB (640GB + 640GB) (5400rpm) SATA
http://www.mytoshiba.com.au/products...ations#details

I think the point I am trying to make is that if the AW worth the extra cash. Is it a justifiable purchase?
Is the Alienware more powerful than the Toshiba? absolutely

Is it worth $4000? Well, that depends. You can buy the Asus G73JH that Powerpack mentioned for $2400 Australian (here, for instance), and it will give you solid build quality, a very good graphics card (not quite as good as the Crossfire setup in the Alienware, but not too far behind), 8GB memory, 1TB total hard drive space (2x500GB 7200RPM drives), a Blu-Ray drive, etc. With the exception of the processor, which you could upgrade on your own later if it's that important to you, screen, and battery size, it meets the things you like about the Toshiba and it has a much better video card, better build quality, and better standard warranty (2 years global - the accidental protection is only if you buy in North America, I believe). The Asus really is the best deal of the three.
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 29
3/15/10 at 4:41am
Thread Starter 
Thx for the responses guys. I neglected to mention that my home insurance is fitting the bill due to a recent flood (Lost 15 years worth of data)

I have been allocated $3.5k to spend...Therefore I would rather get the best laptop money can buy, for that price, rather than a cheaper one...

If that makes sense...
Reply
Reply
post #13 of 29
3/15/10 at 4:52am
You can't take the money and do as you want? If not then just upgrade the hell out of a G73? Get i7 920XM? Get SSD's. G73 is not a lesser system. I think it is better than both. I guarantee it is better than the Toshiba 100%. If you could get Sager/Clevo you could get GTX 285 SLI and i7? I will look for Australian Clevo sellers.

No I do not think either one you picked are the best you can get for that kind of money. Regardless of Australia or the North Pole.

If you want me to really take a hard look for something you might want that is better let me know. And I will put in some effort.
Reply
Reply
post #14 of 29
3/15/10 at 4:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pixie23 View Post
Thx for the responses guys. I neglected to mention that my home insurance is fitting the bill due to a recent flood (Lost 15 years worth of data)

I have been allocated $3.5k to spend...Therefore I would rather get the best laptop money can buy, for that price, rather than a cheaper one...

If that makes sense...
Well, if you pick the Asus G73JH from the site I linked to (or another), upgrade one or both of the hard drives to an SSD, and upgrade the OS to Professional or Ultimate, and you'll have a very fast, very powerful computer at your desired price point.
Reply
Reply
post #15 of 29
3/15/10 at 5:13am
Oh and Pixie I am so sorry on the 15 years of data. No reasonable amount of money can make up for that. In particular things like family photos. And even standard backup strategies can be undermined by "flooding".

If I were you and you consider the G73 I would go with the site Djembe linked over a US site unless price differential was great or options were restricted substantially.

Data loss is sometimes the biggest loss and it just can't be covered for most.

Good luck with how ever you decide.
Reply
Reply
post #16 of 29
3/16/10 at 12:00am
Thread Starter 
Yeh loosing all my photos was the worst thing. I don't mind losing videos, movies etc but my entire photo album some 40,000+ photo's were lost from my travels around the globe. I even lost all my video archive from work, not to mention my porn collection It truly was devastating

Yeh if you could point out the best priced at $3.5k that would be great! I would rather not have to ship from overseas but if I have to and the warranty/support is available internationally I would be happy to go with that.

The reason I personally like the AW is that I think its a really cool sort of laptop as opposed to the usual looking run of the mill stuff.

I havn't had much time over the last couple of nights to check out any prospects but I will try and do some work on it tonight when I get home.
Reply
Reply
post #17 of 29
3/16/10 at 12:12am
Give me time. Like I said I will post tomorrow. The Asus is bad ass. Like a stealth fighter. I will post back. AW are cool no doubt. The Toshiba is more what throws Djembe and I off? I think?
Reply
Reply
post #18 of 29
3/16/10 at 12:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by powerpack View Post
Give me time. Like I said I will post tomorrow. The Asus is bad ass. Like a stealth fighter. I will post back. AW are cool no doubt. The Toshiba is more what throws Djembe and I off? I think?
Yup, the Alienware will be fine for you. I think both powerpack and I agree that you can get more from the Asus for the same price, but it's your computer and that's fine if you want the Alienware instead.

The Toshiba you mentioned in the first post isn't a bad notebook, but it's just not in the same class as the Alienware and the Asus. And most importantly, it is NOT a good deal. In fact, it's a pretty bad deal in comparison. You have to keep in mind that some things in notebooks can be upgraded (typically processor, memory, and hard drive) but video card cannot be. And video cards make a TON of difference in performance for anything media or game related. You said you wanted to play Crysis with your new notebook, and it's something that the Alienware and the Asus will be able to play MUCH better than the Toshiba.
Reply
Reply
post #19 of 29
3/18/10 at 7:12am
Thread Starter 
So I had a play around with the Toshiba yesterday evening at a local store. I defo decided its not the best build quality by a long way.

The screen is VERY wobbly and just doesnt like to sit still even when just resting your arms on the table it will wobble.

The keyboard is not that great either because its very glossy and it has flat keys. The key travel is minimal and because I like some push and bite to my keys I didn't like it. It's also not illuminated.

The function panel is located on the left hand side next to the keyboard, imho this is the wrong place, I was touching it by accident when just fiddling around tpying stuff.

HOWEVER THEE most annoying thing of all is the integrated mouse. The buttons are not next to the track pad so I was forever pushing/clicking where the buttons should be. They are actually located on the very bottom of the body so you constantly have to shift your hand or reach further with your fingers, this is defo not something I could live with.

I think the only benefit of this laptop is the huge screen & value for money (Average buyer speaking). For my own work, video editing & trading its a great benefit. It really does look good when watching a movie but is it justifiable over another, smaller laptop with better build quality? IMHO no...
Reply
Reply
post #20 of 29
3/21/10 at 1:08am
Thread Starter 
I've been looking again at the Sager Systems. Although I discarded the idea of buying from overseas before, they do seem to have very good systems at a great price. Again I'm just not sure I want to buy from overseas and have downtime issues if I run into any problems.

Are there many reported problems or repairs on Sager systems? It's also hard to find any thorough reviews of this Laptop, does anybody have any links?

This is the one I spec'd out, coming in at a very reasonable $3477 + shipping (Just found another supplier @ $3140 + Shipping)

Sager NP8120 (Built on Clevo X8100) Gaming Laptop
- 18.4" FHD WUXGA Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Dual Lamp Screen (1920x1080)
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- Intel® Core™ i7-820QM, 1.73-3.06GHz, (45nm, 8MB L3 cache)
- - IC Diamond Thermal Compound - CPU + GPU
- SLi ENABLED DUAL (2) 1024MB PCI-Express nVIDIA GTX 285M's (2048MB Total) w/GDDR3 DX10 Video Cards (User Upgradeable)
- No External Graphics Card
- Matrox DualHead2Go External Monitor Video Controller (2 External Monitors)
- ~ 4,096MB DDR3 1333MHz Dual Channel Memory (2 SODIMMS) (Requires Vista 64-Bit to utilize Full 4GB)
- Custom Fitted Laptop Back LCD & Inside Skin (A+C Surfaces) [Choose from our designs or your own Graphic or Logo (Details of design made after order)]
* Will add 7-13 business days on order
- ~ 4X Blue-Ray Read/8X DVDRW Super Multi Combo Drive
- ~ 500GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache)
- ~ 500GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache)~
- ~ 500GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache)~
- Raid 1 Mirror Enabled (Requires 2 Hard Drives. Copies data from primary drive to secondary drive)
- No Back Up Hard Drive
- No Floppy Drive
- Internal 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo/SD/Mini-SD/MMC/RS)
- Internal Bluetooth + EDR
- Intel® Ultimate-N 6300 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module
- No Network Accessory
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- No TV Tuner
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Basic Black Business Case - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (12 Cell)
- None Standard*
- No Dock/Hub/Adapter
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- No External Keyboard or Mouse
- No Notebook Cooler
- ~Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Installed (64&32-Bit CD Included) w/ Drivers & Utilities CD's
- No Office Software
- No Software Bundle
- 3 Year Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty Lifetime -24/7 DOMESTIC Based- Toll Free Telephone Tech Support (Labor Warranty through Xotic PC)
Includes FREE Shipping Both Ways for Warranty Repairs
- No Xotic PC Gear
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Notebook Forums - General
NotebookForums.com › Forums › General Notebook Discussions › Notebook Forums - General › Alienware Vs Toshiba Qosmio