Desktop replacement for spoilt developer.

[tomcom2k]

Form below:

My current machine is a Dell M6500 which I've had since launch (year and a half). Awesome machine but time to change due to needing to spend some cash before April 7th for tax reasons. The advise I'm asking for is what is realistically going to be available between now and then.

Overall importance for me, processing power ie Sandy Bridge 2720 minimum, followed by screen resolution then warranty then build quality. (dell's next day business warranty was awesome)

I have a 240GB Vertex 2E for primary drive and require a 2nd HDD for storage ( I have a 1tb 5400rpm drive waiting).

Currently considered laptops (with considerations):

Macbook Pro 17 SB (available now!, would have to be dropping optical drive for 2nd HDD in after market upgrade, will this kill warranty? - Maybe too hot when really "geeking it up" ie running a Windows VM for testing websites in internet explorer 6, 7, 8 so more heat )
Alienware M17x R3 (warranty good? big, but much bigger than the M6500?)
Lenovo W520 (out in time?)
Dell M6600 (out in time?)
New Elitebook line which isn't even announced
ASUS G73SW (out in time? warranty good?)
Sager / Clevo NP8170 (local reseller kobalt has some bad reviews for customer satisfaction ie communications with clients and long waiting times? lower resell values? not built as well as high end business models? screens not amazing?)

I'm swaying towards the W520, what do you think? Anything else to keep my eye on? Or if you are a keen fan of one of the above lines why that one?

General Questions

1) What is your budget?

Up to £3000

2) What size notebook would you prefer?

d. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
e. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen

3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator.

UK

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?

a. Like: All

5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?

Yep

6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?

Development (web and software), light gaming

7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?

Traveling but happily carried the 20" HP Dragon and 20" Dell M2010 around.

8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?

Mainsteam games, starcraft II and the like, dont care about GFX level medium quality settings are ok.

9) How many hours of battery life do you need?

Between 1 and 30 (dont care)

10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?

Nope

11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista or Windows 7), Mac OS, Linux, etc.

Win 7 will do

Screen Specifics

12) From the choices below, what screen resolution(s) would you prefer?

1920x1200 and 1920x1080

13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?

Either

Build Quality and Design

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?

Nope

15) When are you buying this laptop?

In the next month or so

16) How long do you want this laptop to last?

As long as it can

Notebook Components

17) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 640GB? Do you want a SSD drive?

Got a 240GB Vertex to stick in it. Would like a 2nd 1tb 5400rpm for storage.

18) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?

No

[tomcom2k]

With the advent of wireless HD transmission the ideal for me would be a separate base which housed the CPU / GPU and core notebook in a portable case which could be up to 10 meters way ie in back of the car / in my hand luggage / on the floor.

Then a separate panel / keyboard / trackpad which would run cool and silent. You could have one base and basically for the cost of a panel you could then have a 13" unit a 15" unit or whatever floats you boat that pairs with the base.

I'm hoping someone will say... THATS BEEN DONE but I don't hold out much hope.

[lead_org]

If you need raw power, then the Alienware is the best laptop for that and since it is supported by Dell in terms of warranty service, then you should expect the same level of service that you have been receiving as of now for your M6500.

I would not get the new MBP, for the two specific reasons that you mentioned, heat and lack of provision for the second hdd (yes warranty will be avoided).

Also, since you got the M6500, there is really no point getting another M6600 with its workstation class graphics card (or Thinkpad W520 or Elitebooks).

ASUS laptops are okay, they are more of a laptop for people whom are on a budget and still wants a high end spec. While, i have never owned Sager/Clevo laptops, but i highly doubt that they can match the warranty service of dell.

[tomcom2k]

I should add that Dell are shipping me a brand new M6500 as my last one had a couple of issues in the end that they couldn't solve. Once it arrives it will be sold box unopened so I won't have a machine with a workstation card in it.

Thanks for your reply though, basically what I thought.