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Posted Fri 13 Sep, 2013 4:07 PM
Hello Computer savvy people,
I am in the fortunate position in which I can upgrade my laptop to one of the new Alienware 17 models. The upgrade is mainly so I can play the next generation of video games, I was hoping that someone could inform on a sensible system to play pretty much all the next generation on a high to max setting. Or should I just save all the pennies for the 18 series?
I do apologise if this is a silly cry for help, I am computer illiterate and I have tried very hard to become somewhat competent. Its just that I failed.
Kind Regards,
Herm
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Posted Fri 13 Sep, 2013 4:25 PM
Are you particularly after an Alienware? Whilst their systems are very good in my experience you are paying a lot of premium for the brand name. Got my gaming laptop from overclockers and managed to get it considerably cheaper than the same spec would have cost me from Alienware.
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Posted Fri 13 Sep, 2013 5:26 PM
I agree with Chris. Alienware is truly name brand for gamers, but there are less expensive alternatives.
Mainly you are looking for certain baseline components:
1. CPU - 4th Gen Intel Core i7 (6 MB cache, 3.7 Ghtz+)
2. RAM - 16 GB
3. GPU/Vid Card - The best you can get. 2+ GB RAM
4. Display - 17+ inch and Trulife (HD quality)
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Posted Fri 13 Sep, 2013 11:58 PM
Well, I generally buy Alienware laptops because I'm that computer illiterate. I recognise that Alienware are heavy duty therefore they should meet my gaming needs, I then can get the assitance of another (somone who understands computers and this and that which is you two, or sammygm) to recomend the right package, and then I speak to the man on the telephone and get a 10% discount.
I'll have a little look on overclockers, and seek further help 
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Posted Mon 16 Sep, 2013 6:22 PM
I am using an Origin system currently, which I bought in lieu of an Alienware build. Origin was founded by former members of Alienware after Dell purchased them. My origin system was 30% less than a comparable Alienware spec, and I bought during their last Black Friday sale for $450 worth of free upgrades.
I wish I could recommend them to you, because the system I have now is fantastic. However, it took 3 cross-country shipping exchanges over 3 months to get my original order correct (original had a bad panel, fingerprint reader stopped working after it was returned to me). I'll never buy from them again. 
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Posted Mon 16 Sep, 2013 6:48 PM
I've always been a fan of the Scan 3XS custom built gaming laptops: http://3xs.scan.co.uk
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Posted Mon 16 Sep, 2013 7:32 PM
I've had two Alienware systems (both Aurora Desktops). My first was pre-Dell Alienware. The system worked wonderfully, once they sent me a new hard drive (original died out of the box). It took two phone calls and about two hours on the phone.
Since then I had a few Dell XPS desktops, all worked flawlessly out of the box and still are running fine. I've upgraded the memory or vid-card where I could to extend the life of them. Yet, as of late my latest computer (about 2.5 years old) was beginning to show its age. Enter my latest pride and joy... another Alienware Aurora. It's a beauty and has run flawlessly for the past two months.
I guess the biggest question to ask yourself... is the 'what if' question. Meaning, "What if the system breaks down and doesn't work shortly or immediately upon receiving it?"
For me... I've had nothing but positive and good experience with Dell Support. Hence, I don't mind paying a bit extra (well, that's after a moderate 16-25% discount via my company) for a product that I'm confident will be trouble free. Which all my Dell systems (7 desktops and 3 laptops) have been over the years. Maybe I'm lucky, but (oh, I'm knocking on wood here) it is why I've been pretty much set on Dell for myself.
I'm sure others have had bad experiences. Granted, I buy direct from Dell off their online shop and never from a 3rd party Electronics store.
I guess in summary, you really should decide if saving say $450 or so is worth any of the intangible costs (lost time usage due to not working, time spent on the phone with support, mental anguish for not being able to use your machine after spending X amount on, etc).
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