M17X-R2 or G73jh please help!

It is a tough choice. We have a few threads here dedicating to both machines. You might want to take a look at them as well to help in choosing which machine you want.

So far the AW is holding top spots in benchmark here at NBF

cheers ...

Buy the SSD from a third party. You shouldn't have to depend on Dell to get them. Also the M17xR2 is getting the 5870s. Might be worth waiting for. Hopefully they will be out by the end of the month world wide.

Asus, Suck. Yea you might save some money on them right now, but within a year you're already behind. Not that you won't be behind on an Alienware R2, but you'll be able to change out parts. The warranty you can get on an Alienware is FAR superior, also the resell value and Ability to resell is EXTREMELY higher then an Asus. Plus I think the build quality is better on the R2. You can't changeout your processor on your Asus and YOU DEFINITELY can't change out your GPU. When it's all said and done the Performance of an R2 is just going to be better. And again this is my Opinion but this new Apple Style Keyboard of the new "Chiclet Keyboard" SUCKS!!!!, I fricken Hate it, and Asus keeps going with it.


**EDIT**I need to note, that you can change the processor on the Asus, but AS SOON as you do it you void your warranty, and of course that won't happen on the Alienware.
Asus in my mind has become the Hundai of PC Laptops, what area are they specifically targeting? Do you want to drive a Hundai? then the Asus PC is for you.

I'd agree with loki.

Oh and because I love this Alienware R2 so much, PM me for info towards a good discount EPP so I can reference you towards an Alienware Rep who can help out. Now I can't tel you what type of a discount you can get but I can say that he'll help out as best as he can. He got me 20% off, but I can't guarantee that the same can be done for others.

That's not meant to be an insult, Hyundai's are quality cars there are alot of people who own them and drive them. The comparison was made to show you that they're not specialized, they're just releasing something where there is a consumer base, and giving that consumer the highest Value at the given moment or time. Take the Tiburon for example. It's a nice sports car it has a V6 in it and it has pretty smooth body lines. But would a die hard car mechanic/junky or wrench monkey pick one up? Hell no. So if you're after value by all means jump onboard, but if you want something that's specialized go else where. Look at the numerous Asus 260m systems that have flooded the market. Were they good and strong? yes they had Core 2 Duos, and 260m's in them. Now that we've moved to i7, it's funny to see how people are Struggling to get rid of these systems. And at the same time the Area-51 M15x of similar or same specs, resells for about the price of a new Asus.

All I'm saying is if you pick up an Asus, don't expect to EVer resell it, and don't expect to ever be able to change out a single part on it. My Main point, is that the so called value you think you're getting is Lost, when you factor in all of those other things, at least for a Tech Freak like myself. I'm one of those guys who trys to toy around with his stuff, if it's a Car make it faster, if it's a PC make it better. And Asus PC's are not for me.

Note:* Previous Asus 260m Systems were downclocked to prevent possible damage and overheat. Not saying the 5870 on the G73 is downclocked but I'm just informing you of the companies history. THey make quality Products, Just the laptops are pretty much non-customizable and dealing with the warranties appear to be a pain, take a gander in the asus board and you'll see a few complaints. I've never had a problem with Dell Tech Support So Far, and Alienware at least for my m15x is the BEST I've ever had. Absolute best.




They don't look half bad actually, but like I said no specialty just going after whatever consumer base they can, and giving that consumer HIGHEST VALUE above all else.

Here:

Asus Pro's:
Cheaper cost
Has a 5870m (dx11)
Lighter weight
TDP unlocker for CPU overclocking. Currently no other notebook has it.
7% OC for any CPU type (not just the 920xm)

Asus Con's:
Plastic/Rubber build
5870m in the G73 runs hot
Asus warranty requires you to mail the system.
No RGB LED display.
No dual graphics support
Requires complex warranty voiding work to upgrade the CPU on your own or you must pay extra for the service.
No upgrade path for the video card since Asus uses a proprietary design that does not conform to MXM 3.0b.
Reliability of the G73 has been sketchy.

Alienware M17x-R2 Pro's:
Triple fan/heatsink cooling that's generally one of the best in the industry
RGB LED display
Dual graphics support (4870x2)
Best build quality of any notebook on the market (anodized aluminum)
GPU can be upgraded since Alienware conforms to MXM 3.0b standards.
Dell warranty service will generally repair your system or replace it at no cost. Tech's will come to your home.
Alien FX Lighting
This is subjective but IMO the best looking notebook on the market.
5% overclocking for 920xm processors via bios

Alienware M17x-R2 Con's:
Heavier than G73
Costlier than G73
Dell warranty, while nice, can have sketchy techs at times that can cause a lot of frustration
The system under load can be loud due to the fans revving up to a high cfm.
No VT support right now but the next bios should have it.

That looks familiar...lol

Yea well I might as well post it for him, it's from 5150 Joker, but it's true and it works. I hope he doesn't mine, I don't think he will, Oh and I'm about 99.9% percent sure he too would say get an R2, lol.

That is a nice quick and clean comparison here

cheers ...

Yeah, I tried adding to it when it was first posted since I owned both.

Get an Alienware http://www.alienware.com/Landings/fe...ms.aspx?~ck=mn

Unbeatable Price right there.

It's supposedly works with all current R2 systems. That doesn't mean some type a change isn't going to come to help with the additional heat.

80c area but that was with replacing thermal paste and pads.

THat's not bad, it's doable but I would like to have switchable graphics, also when you throw in a second that changes alot of things.

You gents have any preferences in thermal paste?

cheers ...