You're going to lack the 128MB video card, but the GMA950 can probably handle it alright.

As for the required response on this topic: If you're after a laptop for gaming though you're better off going for the M5550. The Sentia is the more "rounded" laptop you could say for those wanting a laptop for light gaming on some older/less graphic intensive games and for work/school. The M5550 is for gaming, and then, of course, the higher models are for even more intensive gaming and become close to mobile desktops.

DarkMavin,

Look at this link:

http://www.intel.com/support/graphic.../CS-022121.htm

If you're using enough RAM and a faster processor, it should handle it. The Intel note above was last modified on 29-Dec-2005, so you have to consider they were probably looking at this with a different/older processor.

I have the 3450 too I love it. It's slow to boot up at the beginning, but all computers need a break in time. It basically just sped up within 10-15 minutes of use. I usually take my laptop to class, but I do have one complaint/question. I don't know if it's my harddrive (100gb 7200rpm) or my cpu (Duo 1.8ghz) but it makes a lot of noise. I believe its my cpu fan that is making the noise. When i take it to class, theres a humming that makes a pretty annoying noise that sometimes annoys other people as well as partially drowns out my teacher. It's not that loud, but it's enough to cause discomfort. Is there any way to slow down the fan or something or my harddrive (or basically just whatever that is making the noise) so that I can actually use this in class? Thanks.

Wow, really? Mine boots up in the matter of seconds. I removed the bios screen and set it to just show the actual POST startup tests rather then the Alienware startup.

Mines silent as well. I'd say the same as FTLOSM, and call Alienware about that. It shouldnt be making that type of noise. If you dont have warrenty anymore, I'd suggest taking a look yourself. Clean out the fants such if needed. Try booting the system and find the source of the noise as well. Replace the fan if neded too.

Slowing down the fan could cause the system to overheat and could damage your hardware, I wouldnt suggest doing that.

Thanks for the post guys! I was lookin at my options and I think I am just going to go for it and purchase the M5550. They have free shipping right now. So without upgrading it comes to $999 even. $150 more for the grfx card pretty much

Woke up nice and early today to check on my laptops status, and its on the truck to my house right now It should be here around 10-11 ish if all goes well. Its about 1-2 hours away from my house when I checked the status.

I added the tracking info pic to the top post as well.

Its almost here!

me and you are both getting ours today! Mines on its way to!

Date/Time

Activity

Location

Details

Sep 9, 2006 7:31 AM

On FedEx vehicle for delivery

NORTH HAVEN, CT



6:18 AM

At local FedEx facility

NORTH HAVEN, CT



Sep 8, 2006 11:01 PM

Departed FedEx location

KEASBEY, NJ



12:14 PM

Arrived at FedEx location

KEASBEY, NJ



Sep 7, 2006 1:12 AM

Arrived at FedEx location

ORLANDO, FL



Sep 6, 2006 6:33 PM

Picked up

MIAMI, FL



5:51 PM

Package data transmitted to FedEx

Woot! Mines here! FedEx guy just dropped it off

I tried to take a pic but the batteries are like dead in my camera, so I dunno if the pic was good lol.. but yeah.. its here! Will post pics and review later today

AWESOME TO HEAR FOR YA!

CAN'T WAIT FOR INPUT PICS AND YOUR OVERALL OPINION, Can't wait for mine next week altho fedex currently shows FRIDAY for mine bummer...

Congrats Wicc

3 more days and mine is here. Seriously, how long does it really take for FedEx to reach MI when it's supposedly making no stops

Updated!

Added the review vBulletin is annoying and doesnt actually edit the threads topic with the new one so if an admin / mod sees this can tehy edit it to the new one for me? Thanks

I'll post more pics soon, Im setting up a gallery for all the pics on a site

yay at exactly 2:51 P.M i got mine! I'm really loving this laptop!

Wic,

Nice review, I wanted in on that bundle thing too but was already getting heat for the 1266 pricetag from wife, if I went to the bundle it put me into the 1400 range and I would have been shot out of the sky...

Anyways I do wanna know more about how the laptop fits and transports with that backpack, I might still be ordering it online soon...

I wanted that pendrive too so im bummed hehe
and the headset I am a Senn freak, 590's 585's & 485's currently

I am a bit bummed to hear this the second review on these speakers being low quality, i sure am wondering how much it would take to get to them and replace them, there hastobe a better set or something, maybe for the sound being low consider running thru something like winamp and turning eq on for a boost or something?

I am excited for ya and can't wait for mine to come too, lmk as you use the backpack (inside shots would be awesome too especially with the 3450 in it), and the burner wondering how loud it gets etc, it came with nero right? If so what version...

One question was it a money thing or just no need for, but why did you go with the 5400 60 gig? I had a dell 600m that had a 30 gig 4200 rpm drive in it and when i upgraded the drive to a 60 gig 7200 rpm it was like night and day the way the thing booted up I was so impressed with the rpm improvement i ordered the 100 gig 7200 rpm, granted i was going from 4200 to 7200 vs 5400 to 7200 but still I wonder why most stats i see for these orders are 5400?? I realize mine might get a bit more hot though in the long run...

Umm lets see, since your not within a few hours drive I can't invite myself over for dinner but as you use it more curious of fan noise and overall heat issues like Sky had (cpu needed more thermal paste on his).

Thanks too for takin the time to take pics and write the review must have been hard to do when I know you just wanted to mess with it.

Bill

Heh thanks for the comments

Actually, right now I havent used the burnder or backpack at all. But, the laptop itself is silent. No noise at all from it. And mine doesnt seem to be getting hot at all. Ive had it plugged in and on since I got it at 10:30 this morning and it hasnt bitched about heat, no noise, ect. Its running awsomely.

I'll deffintly post some more shots of the backpack for ya, digital camera batteries are charging right now so Im just waiting for that to finish up and I'll post some for ya. The backpack is big though. Lots of room. And even on the back inside reverse side where the laptop goes, it has CD holders lol. Its pretty cool.

Oh, and it comes with Nero Express 6.0.0.6
Nero Express NeroVision Express 2 SE
InCD 4
EasyWrite
Reader Content + Templates

Only other comment was about the Green Main Headers being hard to read but then again I am going on about 2 hours of broken sleep today, we had storms last night and my 5 yr old was in and out of our bed most of the night.

Thanks again tho for the great pics and review information...

I hope my choice to go with a 7200 rpm drive in an effort to max speed of unit - doesn't come back to haunt me heat wise...

Bill