Alienware Laptop

reeree

my grandson has his heart set on an alienware laptop that he will be paying for out of his savings, they had them in argos for 899 but now they've sold out and don't know when they will be getting them in again, does anyone else supply them apart from dell as the same model on there was over £200 dearer

danthemoneysavingman

Google??! why not search online and come back for more info if you need any

Lifeforms

http://www.johnlewis.com/dell-alienware-m17x-laptop-computer-intel-core-i7-2-3ghz-8gb-ram-1tb-64gb-ssd-17-3-black/p454338

Argos tends to sell older models, so whilst it's cheaper it's older. The model he's wanting to buy, well It's not even for sale anymore by dell, so he's seen alienware, cheaper price, and not actually realised it's off sale, and there are better models around. Gaming technology will be outta date before you even get to buy a laptop, so to want to buy a laptop that's not even sold by the original company making them is just madness.

Also Alienware are overpriced, and not built like they used to. They're aimed at the "ooh! Shiny" crew of gamers who want to be hardcore For the price, he could get a lot more for his money, as well as better build quality. Even the XPS range from dell can/could be comparable and when I was looking for a decent gaming laptop (3/4 of a year ago now) alienware was just because it's supposed to be the top of the range, but whilst XPS are dear compared to the regular laptops, they're decent quality build wise (as much as you can nowadays) but cheaper than Alienware.
Plus. He needs to factor in a warranty (imo) for one. That will be debatable, but it's a hell of a lot of cash to throw on a laptop that potentially could only last 1 year. Plus depending how your GS uses it, accidental damage.

It's a lesson in life that he has to learn I guess however, as much as you all can steer him towards something better for his bucks, he wants that one, and he's only paying for it himself, so I'd say avoid catalogue shops, browse the alienware section on dell, and then get him or someone else to call up and push for the very best deal, hum, and hah, and just outright ask for discounts, or extras thrown in.

Ask if he would consider any refurbed (off dells site) for better value, and watch out for vouchers and cashback sites to do it. I managed to get £80 cashback on my xps through a cashback, and it doesn't seem much in the scheme of things, but it's my money in my pocket than in theirs!

1.1k is the cheapest alienware on dell currently (with a screensize to match the desired alienware from argos, 14") Expect to pay around that for it new, from dell or not.

Lifeforms

danthemoneysavingman wrote: »

Google??! why not search online and come back for more info if you need any

Funnily enough I was going to post from your sig but checking myself there isn't many places that I'd actually trust. Only one I came up with was John Lewis which was quite dear compared to the argos price quoted. however when I discovered on argos the model is outdated, and not sold as new even by dell, there's no wonder it's so cheap (abeit outta stock) compared to dells site, and even John Lewis site.

I think they want a miracle site, if that's the case ebay.co.uk I guess for sub £900 alienware laptops

Cisco001

What spec you are after?
I don't really recommend alienware as they are usually overpriced.

Cisco001

Just have a look on the laptop you talking about on argos.

Here is other laptop you can consider.
http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/MSI_GE60_1345458.html

http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/notebooks/optimusV-13/
RAM - change to 8GB
HDD - 1TB SEAGATE HYBRID

Both of them faster, but cheaper than alienware

Edit - BTW, why going laptop? desktop would be better for gaming

motorguy

These guys normally list the best Dell deals, with a link taking you straight to dells site.

http://www.dmxdimension.com/

Also, have you tried www.dell.co.uk/outlet?

OR Dell Outlet also trade on ebay, plus there are a load of other, established ebay sellers who specialise in Dell kit?

Johnmcl7

I was going to recommend the Dell Outlet as well, you need a bit of patience as there's no guarantees what machines come up. It can be worth it though as the price savings can be very good particularly on upgrades that are pricey through the main site.

John

gonzo127

Cisco001 wrote: »

Just have a look on the laptop you talking about on argos.

Here is other laptop you can consider.
http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/MSI_GE60_1345458.html

http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/notebooks/optimusV-13/
RAM - change to 8GB
HDD - 1TB SEAGATE HYBRID

Both of them faster, but cheaper than alienware

Edit - BTW, why going laptop? desktop would be better for gaming

this is good, however i would suggest the 15.6 inch version of the optimus for gaming http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/notebooks/optimusV-15/ which is pretty much the same laptop just a bit bigger which would be better for gaming - however as said a desktop will be much better for gaming!

jaydeeuk1

Has he got his heart set on a laptop? If he wants something 'portable', then an alternative could be a mini ITX gaming system hooked up to a monitor (or even a projector). Its also upgradeable which is a key benefit, and performance per pound will probably be at least as good as a laptop. Bitfenix itx case is a good starting point as it will fit a full length card.