I cancelled my Alienware 7700 order today and bought a Dell Inspiron XPS. Yes, I'm well aware that the Alienware is the better notebook, but here were the reasons for my switch:
Dead pixel issues: I'm super anal retentive about this sort of thing, and I realize that Dell doesn't have a "better" policy on replacing lcd's, but after searching the forums, it appears as if fewer dell users have dead pixel issues, and if they do, they have an easier time returning and replacing the notebook.
Wait time: I'm leaving the country on Feb. 2nd and even though my expected date from Alienware to have the laptop built was Jan 20th, it wasn't even being built yet (I ordered it almost a month ago). I simply can't take the risk that it wouldn't be completed by the time that I leave.
Size and Weight: I realize that they both are big laptops, but from what I understand, the XPS is a few pounds lighter, and less bulky. I will be needing to carry mine around from time to time and so this was a factor for me.
Money: I ordered this through work and was able to use a discount, giving me about 6% off the final price. I'm saving about $350 by going with the Dell.
When it is all said and done, I just want a solid gaming laptop that will keep me happy for a couple of years. I have a lot of experience with Dell and have always found their customer service to be top notch. Sure, the Geforce Go6800 and Raid 0 are going to be missed from my Alienware, but I think the MR9800 will play everything that I will need it to play. Does it play HL2 very well?
Ah well, I phoned up a geek friend of mine after I made the change and after cursing for a few minutes, he said I was certifiably insane, then promptly hung up on me.
Dead pixel issues: I'm super anal retentive about this sort of thing, and I realize that Dell doesn't have a "better" policy on replacing lcd's, but after searching the forums, it appears as if fewer dell users have dead pixel issues, and if they do, they have an easier time returning and replacing the notebook.
Wait time: I'm leaving the country on Feb. 2nd and even though my expected date from Alienware to have the laptop built was Jan 20th, it wasn't even being built yet (I ordered it almost a month ago). I simply can't take the risk that it wouldn't be completed by the time that I leave.
Size and Weight: I realize that they both are big laptops, but from what I understand, the XPS is a few pounds lighter, and less bulky. I will be needing to carry mine around from time to time and so this was a factor for me.
Money: I ordered this through work and was able to use a discount, giving me about 6% off the final price. I'm saving about $350 by going with the Dell.
When it is all said and done, I just want a solid gaming laptop that will keep me happy for a couple of years. I have a lot of experience with Dell and have always found their customer service to be top notch. Sure, the Geforce Go6800 and Raid 0 are going to be missed from my Alienware, but I think the MR9800 will play everything that I will need it to play. Does it play HL2 very well?
Ah well, I phoned up a geek friend of mine after I made the change and after cursing for a few minutes, he said I was certifiably insane, then promptly hung up on me.
I mean MR9800
. So clear, so sharp (well its not, its a Samsung). 
