SENTIA has BEST VALUE from ALIENWARE

That might be true for the old Sentia. But the new one isn't worth it IMHO. A 12.1" WXGA display? An Intel EG2 GPU? No DVD burner? No mon - they could have done better than that.

i have to agree with lazarus...i was about to feel really bad with the new sentia coming out and me having the older one, which i just purchased, but the new one dissappoints me in a good way, considering my condition.

I feel the need to post on this topic just to be fair and balanced

As a traveling professional, I find myself drawn to the "new" Sentia for its small size. The use that I will have for this machine (and the reason AW is making them by my estimation) is to stick in my briefcase for the occasional sales presentation where I'll need Acrobat or Powerpoint in a larger format than my Palm T3 is able to do.

This machine is not for gaming by any stretch of the imagination. Its for spreadsheets, docs, ect...and with its new screen, it will fit right into my shoulder bag. A perfect fit.

This Sub-Notebook market is HUGE guys...Alienware would be foolish not to have an offering to fit its needs.

I too don't mind the 12.1" LCD. If it had an dedicated GPU with at least 64MB, I'd seriosuly consider it.

No doubt that it is a nice business notebook, but AW claims that they aim to build custom gaming machines. Therefore a system like the CL56 would be more fitting for an image which AW likes to represent.

Newsflash: Alienware has expanded its customer base to people other than gamers.

Have you not seen the website lately?

Yes - I check the AW websites regularly. Thank you very much for pointing out so politly. I have no problem that they want to expand their customer base, but I find it sad that they do it by cutting down the mobile solutions. It would've been great seeing three machines. One Desktop Replacement, one Mobile Gamer and one Business.

I like my notebook!

I don't see why they don't let you choose either 14" or the 12" when your ordering . That way it can appeal to either the traveling businessman or student. Just an idea though.

Laz,

I'm with you on the T&L game lapper that is currently not available by Alienware. Give them time and I'm sure we'll see that solution.

But just to reiterate, AW is still a market leader in gaming, both desktop and laptop, and for now I'm sure is doing just fine with their current lineup.

I think the most important aspect that we're missing is that AW does not just slap their name on a Clevo anymore (like everyone else). They buy the entire line of an ODM so therefore I'm sure their options are a bit limited for now.

True - their cases are unique and they do an excellent job in terms of quality and customer support (at least here in germany - I can't speak for other countries).

So don't get me wrong - I love my rig and never regreted my decision (despite starting problems). I have my precious baby for over 7 months now, and little to complain, but I see the weaknesses too.

When I bought the rig, there was no true alternative to the P4 CPU's (Centrino 1.7 Banias wasn't powerfull enough for me + lacking a good GPU), but when I look at the CL56 for example I see the little things which will be considered by me for my next rig.

I'm in the IT business (software development), do still a lot of gaming and still want to watch DVD for several hours when I'm on tour (on battery). That implies the need of an allrounder.

A big high-res screen (I love the 16.1") preferably not widescreen (but that's a personal thing)
A powerfull CPU (the Northwood does a wonderful job - but the 2.0 Dorthan doesn't look bad either)
A powerfull GPU (Hail to the ATI GPU's - the 9600 is a beauty to OC)
Low noise level (I was surprised how quiet the AW rig is - but a mobile CPU is still unbeatable)
Decent battery time (I can get 2 hours of battery life while watching DVDs, which is surprisingly good for a P4 CPU - but still beaten by a mobile CPU)
Good design and quality (well AW does the trick there - no doubt)

I've seen the power consumption and heat production (-> noise) of the Prescott - no way that one of those is in my next rig *shudder*

So if AW is able to come up with a true portable gaming machine - count me in. Even the CL56 woudn't satisfy all my needs.
You'd have to beat me to let go my beloved UXGA screen
It still has only an ATI9700 with 128MB (instead of 256)
The PC2700 RAM (instead of supported dual channel PC3200)

But the next generation of notebooks is coming. We will see who does the trick for me.

Cuz they are having trouble getting the 14 inch ones. I am supposed to have one on cruical order just to finish getting the one I ordered over a month ago.

There is a huge market for the ultra portable like the new Sentia with the 12" screen.

Some time back, I had a toughbook which had a 10" screen and was very happy with it. The only drawback was the keyboard layout which required me to bend the wrist to accomodate for the KB size.

I read somewhere that the new Sentia comes with 12" widescreen which means that it will have full size KB. If this is the case, I would be OK with the new, except that I have gotten used to the 1600x1400 native setting.

Booga your not MIA?????

I am around, but with very little play time on the computer.