I am really close to ordering an AW M3450 and had read in a few places AW's are built on Sager base models (in this case the NP5460) with the main difference being the AW cosmetic addons (glow logo eyes grips etc).

OK a few things don't make sense to me - someone explain please if you can...

First off, is this true that these are essentially build/parts wise the same laptop?


If an AW is built on a Sager base how come the warranty is so much more expensive thru Alienware?

Sager offers 3 yr warranty on the Sager NP5460 for $149
AW costs $275 (almost double) to add 3 yr warranty on essentially the same laptop?

Second, I have read around on the net and many suggest Sager for quality laptop, yet I have also read many comments about AW having issues? If AW is based on a Sager laptop and is essentially the same parts wise why would folks praise Sager and knock AW? This is a general statement but so many say skip alienware due to this or that problem, yet I haven't seen anything like this for Sager?

Don't get me wrong I want the AW and will admit I want the looks of the AW too, but I am just puzzled on some of this stuff mentioned above not to mention the differences in other parts that to me make no sense if the parts and base laptops are the same?

AW 2 gig ram $325
Sager 2 gig ram $149

Sager Duo Proc 2.16 $235
AW Duo Proc 2.16 $450

Actually, AW is not based off of the Sager model, both of these companies use computers from companies such as Clevo and Uniwill. This particular model that you are inquiring about is a Clevo M540n I believe. There are certain things that the companies do to the laptops that make them unique for themselves. I'm not sure about Sager, but AW has their own internal certification process to test configurations and hopefully help eliminate potential problems. Also, aesthetics....like you mentioned are unique to each company. Customer service is yet another feature that sets companies apart. I have not had a Sager, so I'm not going to knock them. From what I have heard on the forum, they are a good company.

AW is also a much larger company, therefore there are going to be more people having troubles out there. However, a lot of sites out there are made just to knock AW...which is stupid and childish. If everybody hated their computers that much...AW wouldn't be in business, growing rapidly, and Michael Dell sure as hell wouldn't have bought them. I can only tell you my experience and the experiences of members that I trust on here. My computer is solid and has been worth every dollar, it gets attention from people all the time, and the people that I have spoken to at AW have been nice and friendly.

Yes, the AW will be a little more than the Sager. Some people save money by getting 1 gb of ram with thier system and another gb from places such as newegg.com. I do recommend getting the extended warranty with your laptop as well.

Let us know what you decide.