Alienware m14x: Thoughts?

[WTF]

Quick rundown... I've been offered the following setup:

-6GB 1600Mhz DDR3 RAM
-nVidia 555m 1.5GB DDR5 RAM
-Intel i7 Sandybridge 2.0Ghz CPU (Extreme Boost to 2.9Ghz. Neat fact: though it's a quadcore, the computer recognizes each core twice, so it recognizes 8 cores, that's an insane amount of power).
-HD Screen (Don't remember resolution, but at it's size you can't see a difference.
-Upgraded Sound System: Can handle very bass heavy music like rap, DnB, dubstep, and similiar styles without a problem.

For my desktop in my sig. It's becoming apparent that I need to have mobile gaming capability as I'll be traveling quite often here in the near future with the job... and the only time I'll get to play is when I'm on the road due to the new addition to the family.

I've never owned an alienware, but looking at it, seems like a very sturdy system. Thoughts?

What should I expect in comparison to the desktop build?

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Alienware m14x: Thoughts?

Looks like a beast. Wish I could say how it would compare to a desktop build. I wouldn't think you get your same value in power for the price which you probably know. Had never heard about the OS recognizing each core twice. Compared to your desktop it won't be as good, just because your desktop is badass.

As far as being sturdy. It's just a Dell with a cool looking case now. Heck most people don't know that the same company that make Dell also make the laptops for Apple and HP. Quanta Computer.

[MachoMyers]

Re: Alienware m14x: Thoughts?

I have a two year old M11X (the original one) that I bought when it was on sale and aside from an annoying hinge problem that was fixed under warranty I love it. I can still play most games on medium/high but the M14x is a total beast.

[Guffers]

Re: Alienware m14x: Thoughts?

I just bought a Dell XPS 17 which is similar. Nvidia 555m, i7 2.30 ghz and 8 gig of RAM. It's more than capable as a mobile gaming rig. Games from a couple of years ago run great at max settings and it's been no slouch with newer titles as well if you bump down to medium.

Battery life is miserable when the graphics card is working, you'll be tied to a wall socket when gaming. I'm very happy seeing as it was only $1500 Australian.

[WTF]

Re: Alienware m14x: Thoughts?

How does the 555m run games Guffers? Mainly I'm worried about 2k12, Skyrim, and maybe the new Hitman if it comes for PC.

I know more about desktops than I do about laptops, 10-1. I had a XPS 15 L501X which had a GT420M videocard, and it was nice, but hopefully this one will blow it away.

[Guffers]

Re: Alienware m14x: Thoughts?

2K12 is fine, I had to tone down AA to 4x but I get over 60 fps at 1600x900 resolution with everything else maxed. Skyrim could be interesting... I'm sure it will run fine if your willing to sacrifice a little detail. Lowering resolution to 720 helps on some titles as well. You don't really notice the downgrade as much due to the screen size. I get over 30fps at high detail with Crysis at that resolution. I just bought the Witcher 2 the other day so I'll let you know how I go running that. Apparently it's a good barometer for system performance these days. Overall you should be thrilled with the system as long as you come to terms with it not matching your desktop. (Which looks beastly)

[WTF]

Re: Alienware m14x: Thoughts?

Yeah, I'm thinking I'm going to keep the desktop...

I want a mobile gaming device... but I don't want to sacrifice what I've built for home gaming either.