Age old question...Again...

[idiot101]

If you are able to get the Alienware from the USA, then get it. The warranty coverage is worldwide, I believe (just check with Dell). You can get some really good specs for your budget. The M17x with the base quad core processor, the 1080p screen and the AMD 7970m should be sufficient for your gaming needs for a few years. Don't try to upgrade the RAM on the Dell website. You should also look to add the advanced care package. You can also look at the Asus G75, but I am not really sure about their service in the country. From what I have read, looks like HP and Dell have a decent network in India.

If I were you, I would look at how I could get help if I have any issues with the laptop. Generally, if the laptop is available in the country for purchase, then there must be the possibility of after sales service.

[Curs3]

If you are able to get the Alienware from the USA, then get it. The warranty coverage is worldwide, I believe (just check with Dell). You can get some really good specs for your budget. The M17x with the base quad core processor, the 1080p screen and the AMD 7970m should be sufficient for your gaming needs for a few years. Don't try to upgrade the RAM on the Dell website. You should also look to add the advanced care package. You can also look at the Asus G75, but I am not really sure about their service in the country. From what I have read, looks like HP and Dell have a decent network in India.

If I were you, I would look at how I could get help if I have any issues with the laptop. Generally, if the laptop is available in the country for purchase, then there must be the possibility of after sales service.

Like he suggested you can get an Alienware and then change your service options to India. Its a pretty simple procedure to change your warranty and get it serviced in a different country.

But I would suggest you to get a Sager/Clevo laptop from the US and in case you have any issues (which is a rare case scenario) you can ship it to the reseller in US and get it serviced.

Check out the Sager/Clevo laptops from Xoticpc.

The 15" NP8130 and the NP8150.

Sager NP9130 / Clevo P151EM1 - XOTIC PC - Sager 15.6" Laptop

Sager NP9150 / Clevo P150EM - XOTIC PC - Sager Gaming Laptop

The 17" NP9170

Sager NP9170 / Clevo P170EM - XOTIC PC - Sager Custom Gaming Laptop

The best GPU right now is the AMD 7970m. So considering your budget I ed definitely get one no matter what. Get an i7 3610QM, 8gb ram and a 1920x1080 screen.

SSD and HDD options are based on your budget. Get at least a 7200rpm HDD.

Also check out the other variants of the Sager/Clevo from other resellers such as Powernotebooks, Malibal, LPC Digital, Mythologic etc. This will give you a very gud idea as to the discounts and special offers and there by help you choose one.

[zwarrior_sid]

you can also try the hp dv6t/dv7t quad edition.

they have the IB processors, and the latest nvidia cards, and with the coupons, comes to around $1000.

also, do tell me about the msi resellers in india, if you have talked to them...... i would like to know about the price difference and warranty.

[dpkakasny]

Like he suggested you can get an Alienware and then change your service options to India. Its a pretty simple procedure to change your warranty and get it serviced in a different country.

But I would suggest you to get a Sager/Clevo laptop from the US and in case you have any issues (which is a rare case scenario) you can ship it to the reseller in US and get it serviced.

Check out the Sager/Clevo laptops from Xoticpc.

The 15" NP8130 and the NP8150.

Sager NP9130 / Clevo P151EM1 - XOTIC PC - Sager 15.6" Laptop

Sager NP9150 / Clevo P150EM - XOTIC PC - Sager Gaming Laptop

The 17" NP9170

Sager NP9170 / Clevo P170EM - XOTIC PC - Sager Custom Gaming Laptop

The best GPU right now is the AMD 7970m. So considering your budget I ed definitely get one no matter what. Get an i7 3610QM, 8gb ram and a 1920x1080 screen.

SSD and HDD options are based on your budget. Get at least a 7200rpm HDD.

Also check out the other variants of the Sager/Clevo from other resellers such as Powernotebooks, Malibal, LPC Digital, Mythologic etc. This will give you a very gud idea as to the discounts and special offers and there by help you choose one.

looks like sager seems to be a good option.. i definitely agree that getting top end cards now will be beneficial in long run...

i hve heard that updating GPU of sagers is possible... is it tru?? because it will make sense just upgrading some parts rather then buying a whole new laptop next time

[dpkakasny]

you can also try the hp dv6t/dv7t quad edition.

they have the IB processors, and the latest nvidia cards, and with the coupons, comes to around $1000.

also, do tell me about the msi resellers in india, if you have talked to them...... i would like to know about the price difference and warranty.

not that much interested in brands like hp :-) as curse said, getting a sager from overseas makes much sense as i can get quite a bang for my bucks...

havent tlkd to any msi resellers till now but will keep you updated... who knows some of them my be selling sager also !! :-)

[dpkakasny]

If you are able to get the Alienware from the USA, then get it. The warranty coverage is worldwide, I believe (just check with Dell). You can get some really good specs for your budget. The M17x with the base quad core processor, the 1080p screen and the AMD 7970m should be sufficient for your gaming needs for a few years. Don't try to upgrade the RAM on the Dell website. You should also look to add the advanced care package. You can also look at the Asus G75, but I am not really sure about their service in the country. From what I have read, looks like HP and Dell have a decent network in India.

If I were you, I would look at how I could get help if I have any issues with the laptop. Generally, if the laptop is available in the country for purchase, then there must be the possibility of after sales service.

i guess getting a sager will be more beneficial the AW as it gives more value for money... what do you say?

[dpkakasny]

dear curs3... Please look at the below configurations and tell me your views on the same.

**Personally i think im getting better value for money on ASUS + a num pad which is imp for my work (dont think sager has the same). but on the other hand GPU in sager is better and moreover its up gradable..




Sager NP9170 / Clevo P170EM (2420 USD)
• 17.3" FHD 16:9 "Matte Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright LED Anti-Glare Screen w/ 72% NTSC Color Gamut (1920x1080) (Will add 4-7 business days to build time) (SKU - X1R552)
• NO Professional Monitor Color Calibration
• Standard Dead Pixel Policy
• Sager - 3rd Generation Intel® Ivy Bridge Core™ i7-3610QM (2.3GHz - 3.3GHz, 6MB Intel® Smart Cache, 45W Max TDP) (SKU – S2R174)
• IC Diamond Thermal Compound - CPU + GPU
• AMD Radeon HD 7970M (2048MB) GDDR5 DX11 [User Upgradeable] (ETA: Late May) (SKU - S3R155)
• No Video Adapter
• 12GB - DDR3 1866MHz Dual Channel Memory (3 SODIMMS) (SKU - S4R375)
• Sager Branding
• Carbon Fiber Modification - Custom Fitted Carbon Fiber Textured Skin (A, B, + C Panels) *Will add 7-13 business days on order
• No mSATA SSD
• Primary HD - 750gb 7200rpm (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache) (SKU - S5R306)
• Secondary HD - 750gb 7200rpm (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache) (SKU - S5R305)
• HDD Raid Settings - OFF
• 6x Blu-Ray Read/8X DVDRW Super Multi Combo Drive - Special! (SKU - S7P557)
• No Extra Optical Bay Hard Drive Caddy
• No Back Up Hard Drive
• NO External USB Optical Drive
• Internal 9-in-1 Card Reader (MMC/RSMMC/SD/Mini SD/SDHC/SDXC/MS/MS Pro/MS Duo)
• No Back Up Software
• Bluetooth Included (See “Wireless Network” Section Below)
• Sager - Intel® Advanced-N 6235 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module + Bluetooth (SKU - S8R111)
• No Network Accessory
• Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
• No TV Tuner
• Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
• Basic Black Business Case - Included
• Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
• No Car Adapter
• No Spare AC Adapter
• No Dock/Hub/Adapter
• Integrated Fingerprint Reader
• No Headset
• No External Keyboard
• No External Mouse
• No Notebook Cooler
• No Thanks, Please do not Overclock my system (Overclocking will add 3-6 business days to build time)
• No Operating System Redline Boost
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Installed (64&32-Bit CD Included) w/ Drivers & Utilities CD's + Microsoft Office Starter 2010 - Included with OS Purchase
• No Office Software
• No Software Bundle
• LIFETIME Ltd Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty Lifetime -24/7 DOMESTIC Based- Toll Free Telephone Tech Support (Labor Warranty through Xotic PC)
• Includes FREE Shipping Both Ways for Warranty Repairs (SKU - X9R009)
• No thanks, standard double boxed packaging is okay with my order
• No Outside of US Shipping Coverage
• Xotic PC Black Hooded Sweatshirt

ASUS G75VW-DS73-3D - ETA: Mid-May (2095 USD)
• 17.3" FHD 16:9 120Hz 3D "MatteType" Super Clear Ultra Bright LED Screen (1920x1080) [+ 1 Pair of nVIDIA 3D Glasses] (SKU - X1R555)
• NO Professional Monitor Color Calibration
• No Spare 3D Glasses
• ASUS Zero Bright Dot (ZBD) 30 Day Pixel Guarantee - (Included on ASUS Standard NON-Upgraded Displays)
• 3rd Generation Intel® Ivy Bridge Core™ i7-3610QM (2.3GHz - 3.3GHz, 6MB Intel® Smart Cache, 45W Max TDP) (SKU – X2N300)
• Stock OEM Thermal Compound ( IC Diamond Thermal Compound - CPU + GPU Provided FREE with Processor Upgrade!)
• nVidia GeForce GTX 670M 3,072MB PCI-Express GDDR5 DX11 (SKU – X3R525)
• No Video Adapter
• 12GB DDR3 1600MHz Dual Channel Memory (3x4GB SODIMMS) – Default (SKU - X4N204)
• Standard Finish
• No Afterburner Light Package (Afterburner light package will add 2-5 business days to production time)
• Standard White Backlit Keyboard
• Primary HD - 750GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache Buffer (Serial-ATA II 3GB/s) (SKU - X5R303)
• Secondary HD- 750GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache Buffer (Serial-ATA II 3GB/s) (SKU - X5R303)
• No Caching Solid State Drives
• 6X Blu-Ray Writer/Reader + 8X DVDRW/CDRW Super Multi Combo Drive (SKU - X7R551)
• No Extra Optical Bay Hard Drive Caddy
• No Back Up Hard Drive
• NO External USB Optical Drive
• Internal 3-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS)
• No Back Up Software
• Bluetooth Included (See “Wireless Network” Section Below)
• Intel® Advanced-N 6235 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module + Bluetooth (SKU - X8R105)
• No Network Accessory
• Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
• No TV Tuner
• Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
• Asus G Series Matching Backpack made by Targus
• Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
• No Car Adapter
• No Spare AC Adapter
• No Dock/Hub/Adapter
• No Fingerprint Reader
• No Headset
• No External Keyboard
• Asus G Series Gaming Mouse
• No Notebook Cooler
• No Thanks, Please do not Overclock my system
• No Operating System Redline Boost
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Pre-Installed + Drivers & Utilities Disk
• Keep factory installed operating system
• No thanks, do not create backup recovery DVD's
• No Antivirus Essentials Software Bundle
• No Office Software
• No Software Bundle
• 2 Year ASUS GLOBAL OEM Warranty 24/7 Support / 1 Year North America (N.A.) Accidental Coverage (Accidental Requires Registration) (SKU - A9R102)
• No thanks, standard double boxed packaging is okay with my order
• Standard Production Time
• Xotic PC Black Hooded Sweatshirt


your inputs, suggestions and views will be highly appreciated....

[idiot101]

The cosmetic modifications are really unnecessary as they offer the chassis any additional rigidity. They are simply overlays over the base high density plastic bodies.

If you intend to only game, then you don't require more than 8GB of RAM. Going for the higher frequency RAM doesn't give you any significant boost in performance. Stick with the default 8GB 1600 RAM.

No comments on the Asus other than the fact that it has a weaker GPU. Not a good config for the price.

Other than these two, the Sager config looks good. Look at other builders like LPC Digital, Malibal, etc to check if you have the lowest price possible.

I still believe that you are better off with Dell AW for the support alone.

Alienware M17X R4 with Soft Touch
Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit
Processor 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3610QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.3GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0)
Memory 6GB DDR3 at 1600MHz (2DIMMS)
Keyboard English Keyboard
Display Panels 17.3-inch WideFHD 1920 x 1080 60Hz WLED
Video Card 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon™ HD 7970M
Hard Drive 500GB 7,200 RPM SATA 3Gb/s
Hinge Up Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish
Optical Driver Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Audio Creative Sound Blaster Recon3Di with THX TruStudio Pro Software
Wireless Networking Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 2230 With Bluetooth 4.0
Adapter Alienware M17x 240W A/C Adapter
Documentation Alienware Documentation
Shipping Material Shipping Material - Black
Primary Battery 90WHr 9-Cell Primary Battery
Hardware Support Services 1 Year Basic Plan
TOTAL: $1,949.00 before taxes
Now if you ad your friend call Dell and bargain with them, then you should be able to get another $50 to $100 off hopefully.

As I said, if you are not using any RAM intensive programs, then you need only 8GB.
Pick up 8GB from here
Newegg.com - G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSQ
Or your local computer hardware store in India
and a 1TB HDD from Flipkart
Flipkart: WD 1 TB HDD Internal Hard Drive (WD10JPVT): Internal Hard Drive

If you have so much data, I hope you have a back up device for the same. Please invest in large external HDDs if you don't have back ups.

[Curs3]

The Alienware M17x suggested above is a great laptop for gaming with the AMD 7970m. The only reason I suggested you get a Sager was because you can squeeze in a 7970m for under 1500$. If you are going above that budget you may as well get an Alienware.

Here I have customised the NP9170 at Xoticpc.

Sager NP9170 / Clevo P170EM
- FREE!! Continental (U.S. Lower 48 - UPS Ground Only) Ground Shipping on ALL Sager Laptops (Enter Coupon Code: "SAGERFREESHIP" during order process)
- 17.3" FHD 16:9 "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright LED Glossy Screen (1920x1080) (SKU - S1R506)
- NO Professional Monitor Color Calibration
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- Sager - 3rd Generation Intel® Ivy Bridge Core™ i7-3610QM (2.3GHz - 3.3GHz, 6MB Intel® Smart Cache, 45W Max TDP) (SKU – S2R174)
- - IC Diamond Thermal Compound - CPU + GPU
- AMD Radeon HD 7970M (2048MB) GDDR5 DX11 [User Upgradeable] (ETA: Late May) (SKU - S3R155)
- No Video Adapter
- 8GB - DDR3 1333MHz Dual Channel Memory (2 SODIMMS) - SPECIAL! (SKU - S4P369)
- Sager Branding
- Standard Finish
- No mSATA SSD
- 750gb 7200rpm (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache) (SKU - S5R306)
- None Standard
- HDD Raid Settings - OFF
- Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti DVDRW/CDRW Drive w/ Software (When selecting a Hard Drive in the Optical Bay, No Optical Drive is Included) (SKU - S7R455)
- No Extra Optical Bay Hard Drive Caddy
- No Back Up Hard Drive
- NO External USB Optical Drive
- Internal 9-in-1 Card Reader (MMC/RSMMC/SD/Mini SD/SDHC/SDXC/MS/MS Pro/MS Duo)
- No Back Up Software
- Bluetooth Included (See “Wireless Network” Section Below)
- Sager - Built-in 802.11 Wireless B/G/N - Stock Wireless Card + Bluetooth (SKU - S8R110)
- No Network Accessory
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- No TV Tuner
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Basic Black Business Case - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
- No Car Adapter
- No Spare AC Adapter
- No Dock/Hub/Adapter
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- No Headset
- No External Keyboard
- No External Mouse
- No Notebook Cooler
- No Thanks, Please do not Overclock my system (Overclocking will add 3-6 business days to build time)
- No Operating System Redline Boost
- No Operating System Standard - Drivers & Utility Software Only
- No Office Software
- No Software Bundle
- LIFETIME Ltd Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty Lifetime -24/7 DOMESTIC Based- Toll Free Telephone Tech Support (Labor Warranty through Xotic PC)
Includes FREE Shipping Both Ways for Warranty Repairs (SKU - X9R009)
- No thanks, standard double boxed packaging is okay with my order
- No Outside of US Shipping Coverage
- No Xotic PC Gear

Total : 1574$

I have not added an OS. In case you dont won 1 add one to it. Also I have included only 1 750GB HDD. Incase you want an SSD you can put 1 in the primary bay and get a 750Gb HDD in the secondary slot. The upgrade from 500 to 750 is just 20$ so it is worth the money.

Also the reason I selected Xoticpc is because they offer the option to select the 8GB 1333Mhz ram which is more than enough. Hence you can save 50$.

Totally this system should easily take care of your gaming needs.

This system is cheaper than the Alienware but again the Alienware has class and does offer world wide warranty. But yes it is more expensive. So it is up to you. An SSD option in the Alienware would become too expensive. So if you want an SSD the Sager is your best choice. If not then you can choose one among the two. But my personal opinion I would still go with the Sager. 400$ is big money.

And I ed definitely not go with the ASUS. 2000$ and no 7970m is just unfair!!!

[dpkakasny]

The cosmetic modifications are really unnecessary as they offer the chassis any additional rigidity. They are simply overlays over the base high density plastic bodies.

If you intend to only game, then you don't require more than 8GB of RAM. Going for the higher frequency RAM doesn't give you any significant boost in performance. Stick with the default 8GB 1600 RAM.

No comments on the Asus other than the fact that it has a weaker GPU. Not a good config for the price.

Other than these two, the Sager config looks good. Look at other builders like LPC Digital, Malibal, etc to check if you have the lowest price possible.

I still believe that you are better off with Dell AW for the support alone.

Alienware M17X R4 with Soft Touch
Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit
Processor 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3610QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.3GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0)
Memory 6GB DDR3 at 1600MHz (2DIMMS)
Keyboard English Keyboard
Display Panels 17.3-inch WideFHD 1920 x 1080 60Hz WLED
Video Card 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon™ HD 7970M
Hard Drive 500GB 7,200 RPM SATA 3Gb/s
Hinge Up Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish
Optical Driver Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Audio Creative Sound Blaster Recon3Di with THX TruStudio Pro Software
Wireless Networking Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 2230 With Bluetooth 4.0
Adapter Alienware M17x 240W A/C Adapter
Documentation Alienware Documentation
Shipping Material Shipping Material - Black
Primary Battery 90WHr 9-Cell Primary Battery
Hardware Support Services 1 Year Basic Plan
TOTAL: $1,949.00 before taxes
Now if you ad your friend call Dell and bargain with them, then you should be able to get another $50 to $100 off hopefully.

As I said, if you are not using any RAM intensive programs, then you need only 8GB.
Pick up 8GB from here
Newegg.com - G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSQ
Or your local computer hardware store in India
and a 1TB HDD from Flipkart
Flipkart: WD 1 TB HDD Internal Hard Drive (WD10JPVT): Internal Hard Drive

If you have so much data, I hope you have a back up device for the same. Please invest in large external HDDs if you don't have back ups.

agreed with the awm17... but as curs said SSD option in AW is too costly and im planning to get one SSD as primary drive as i ve heard apps running times and boot up times are improved a lot. but i agree with the warranty policy of AW and it will save me a lot of hassle if i can get my laptop services right here in India instead of shipping it back to US (as in case of sager)