Alienware Aurora M9700
The laptop has 4 USB 2.0 slots a firewire port and a 4-in-1-memory card reader. With this range of expansion options periperhal connectivity is a no brainer. Connectivity wise the Aurora M9700 Laptop is similar to the mALX with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and gigabit connectivity. The sound on this laptop is handled by an onboard audio system which emits rich sound via the 2.1 speaker system with the integrated subwoofer. The fully featured keyboard is similar to the mALX.
Starting at a price of $3881 this laptop is also intended for a gamer for whom exclusivity is a mantra and who can afford to indulge this habit.
Dell XPS M1710
The Dell XPS range over time has gathered a reputation for its powerful laptops. Therefore it should come across as no surprise the XPS M1710 is widely regarded as one of the best gaming laptops in existence. Featuring a powerful Dual-core T2600 processor that runs at a clock speed of 2.16 GHz along with 4 GB of DDR2 667 MHz this laptop is fully equipped to run games like Elder Scrolls Oblivion, maxed out without issues. The graphical subsystem is powered by the 7900 GTX 512 MB card which is currently the most powerful graphics card available in the mobility range. This card allows games to be run in full blown detail on the laptop’s 17 Inch LCD panel that has a native resolution of 1900x1200 (WUXGA).
In terms of connectivity the laptop is fully equipped with 6 USB 2.0 slots, VGA and DVI outputs, a 4 in1 memory card reader and firewire. In the sound division it offer the same option as the Alienware offerings, packing in a 2.1 speaker system with subwoofer which effuses rich clear sound and makes gaming enjoyable. The keyboard is a bit cramped but offers good tactile feedback and is great for those long hours of gameplay. Storage wise this laptop trails the Alienware offerings as it just offers a 100 GB 7200 RPM Drive which on its own is adequate for storage but does not match the raid zero speed or space advantage of the Alienware products.
With prices starting at $3,270 this laptop offers a great alternative solution for anyone who is looking for a gaming laptop but does not want to spend on the very expensive Alienware products.


