for writing using VDL1, i will be upgrading when i make the purchase so, lets say 2, 2.5? ill be running sibelius3 and i would prefer something windows based. my pc isnt working so good anymore and im out more than i am home so thats is a main reason i am switching to a notebook.  i had a few ideas in mind.

both, are alienware.

first, aurora m9700. only change im making from the stock machine would be from vista to xp media center and from 1g of ram to 2.

second, area-51 m9750. only change is from vista to xp media center.

if there is anything more idea or with better performance for less price point me in that direction.

if anyone here is using a laptop to write, what are you using? and like i said, pc/windows based. i dont want to switch over to mac. not until i get my raise anyway.

I was planning on upgrading also, but to be completely honest, I am running a Dell Inspiron 6000 with 2 gig ram, and a Intel Centrino Processor, and everything runs perfectly fine... i have been able to run Finale and VDL2 with two fully loaded banks... so i mean go big if ya want, but sometimes the basics with a small upgrade will do the trick.. o i am using vista 32 bit and it all runs fine...

[quote author=palosjr link=topic=1842.msg9074#msg9074 date=1183616730]
I was planning on upgrading also, but to be completely honest, I am running a Dell Inspiron 6000 with 2 gig ram, and a Intel Centrino Processor, and everything runs perfectly fine... i have been able to run Finale and VDL2 with two fully loaded banks... so i mean go big if ya want, but sometimes the basics with a small upgrade will do the trick.. o i am using vista 32 bit and it all runs fine...
[/quote]

thanks for the info! ill look into something along those lines, save my self some cash.

Personally I've always found Alienware to be a little overhyped and overpriced as a result, and the one Alienware lappy I had the service was atrocious.

Any reasonably-priced dual-core intel laptop would be do you just fine.  If you have extra money, make sure you upgrade the harddrive speed and max out your RAM.

[quote author=Justin Belcher link=topic=1842.msg9096#msg9096 date=1183674734]
Personally I've always found Alienware to be a little overhyped and overpriced as a result, and the one Alienware lappy I had the service was atrocious.

Any reasonably-priced dual-core intel laptop would be do you just fine.  If you have extra money, make sure you upgrade the harddrive speed and max out your RAM.


[/quote]

ahh, anything inparticular? im looking for something more ideal. im only moving towards alienware as of now because i do some gaming as well. not to mention they look cool, haha.

Didn't Alienware get bought out by a big name PC manufacturer?

Yes I believe they were actually bought out by Dell.

As for a specific computer Scarlet I'm a Mac convert and haven't looked at PC laptops in about 5 years, but for me personally the Alienware lappys you listed are not bad for the price point.  In my opinion though I'd go for the lower-priced 9700 allowing you to upgrade the RAM to 2 gigs, the OS you want, [b]and[/b] get a 7200rpm harddrive.  The harddrive speed really does make a difference with streamed applications like VDL.

At that point it's a difference of about $500, so it really comes down to if you want a slight bump in CPU performance or not.

For my money though, there's not better laptop out there than Macbook Pros.  Light as a feather, less than 1"; thick, and as much power as most high-end desktop replacement computers.  Just my opinion at least.

If you want some more homework, the Dell XPS M1710 has been reviewed favorably in the gaming laptop category by CNET, and is comparably-priced to the 9750.