Just a note here. In terms of performance benchmarks I can build a desktop computer that will absolutely spank any of the laptops so far discussed for less than half the cost.
We are not talking about the real benefits here because the question was relating to high end laptops, but I think that the focus of the thread should shift to what is the appropriate machine. The Alienware with outboard power supply weighs 18 pounds. That's not a laptop, it's a desktop replacement. And not a good choice. It is cool, but it doesn't make sense in this application. A laptop should be like my T41, light, strong, and good enough to do its job--mobile computing with good battery life. If I need to ride the train from New York to DC or take an airplane and still play games, I want a decent, affordable, capable and above all usable and effective platform. Not a chromium plated Cadillac. If I need super fast graphics and excellent performance in games I'll use my desktop, which is not exactly run of the mill. The two together cost less than one uber high end laptop, which does neither job efficiently. I know that the OP wants to do right, congratulations on the full academic scholarship, that's a real achievement. But this is not the time to go crazy. Wait until the next graduation for that :-). Rant over. ************************************************************************ * ==> QUICK LIST-COMMAND REFERENCE - Put the following commands in <== * ==> the body of an email & send 'em to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <== * Join the list: SUBSCRIBE COMPUTERGUYS-L Your Name * Too much mail? Try Daily Digests command: SET COMPUTERGUYS-L DIGEST * Tired of the List? Unsubscribe command: SIGNOFF COMPUTERGUYS-L * New address? From OLD address send: CHANGE COMPUTERGUYS-L YourNewAddress * Need more help? Send mail to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ************************************************************************ * List archive at www.mail-archive.com/computerguys-l@listserv.aol.com/ * RSS at www.mail-archive.com/computerguys-l@listserv.aol.com/maillist.xml * Messages bearing the header "X-No-Archive: yes" will not be archived ************************************************************************
