Alienware 17 vs Macbook Pro Retina 15inch
Hello. So I was deciding between two laptops for college. As you can see, there are some major differences between these two. Not just in specs but in function!
So I was looking for the best gaming laptop (with a budget of $1,800), and I couldn't help noticing that Alienware (despite being trashed on previously) has made it to the #1 position. Looking at it, I can see why, with the sweet rig.
Before, I was dead set on a MBP (not retina specifically, but an Apple product). Why? Because they are easy to use, and having an iPhone with a Mac just makes life a whole lot easier. I found a great deal on a rMBP 15 inch. I'll detail the specs below.
Here's the specs for the Alienware:
Processor: 4th Generation Intel Core i7-4700MQ processor (6MB Cache, up to 3.4GHz)
GFX: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 765M with 2GB GDDR5 or with 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770M with 3GB GDDR5
Weight: 9.14 lbs
Memory: 8GB2 Dual Channel DDR3L at 1600MHz or 16GB2 Dual Channel DDR3L at 1600MHz
Storage: 750GB SATA 3Gb/s (7,200 RPM) or 750GB SATA 3Gb/s (7,200 RPM) with 32GB mSATA SSD
Display: 17.3" WLED HD+ (1600 x 900) Anti-Glare Display
Optical Drive: Yes
Battery: 8 Cell Lithium Ion (I hear gives 4~5 hours)
Now for Macbook Pro Retina
Processor: 2.3 GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz) + Intel HD Graphics 4000
GFX: NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1GB of GDDR5 memory
Weight: 4.46 lbs
Memory: 8GB of 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
Storage: 256GB Flash Storage
Display: 15.4-inch (diagonal) Retina display; 2880-by-1800 resolution at 220 pixels per inch
Optical Drive: No
Battery: Doesn't say, but 7 hours?
In processors, the Alienware wins because of Haswell.
In GFX, the Alienware wins by a long shot.
RAM, they are tied (unless I go for the 16GB RAM on the Alienware)
Storage goes to Alienware for quantity, but Macbook for quality.
Display is won by the Retina, no contest.
Optical Drive gets me iffy. I'm not sure if I need it or if I don't need it.
Battery will go to Macbook, as will the weight.
Now here comes the predicament.
For portability, the Macbook wins. That's a major concern. 5 pounds vs 10 pounds. A huge difference.
The processor in the Alienware is it's main booster. Haswell vs Sandy Bridge (I believe the the processor in the rMBP because it has an integrated Intel HD 4000 GFX card) I've only heard good things about the new Haswell design. Improved battery life is one of my main hopes.
Now for the GFX. I know the GTX 765M is better than the GT 650M, which is bottom-line for gaming. I can also chuck up an extra $250 for the GTX 770M, but I'm not sure if I should. I can go either no upgrade (for $1,500), RAM + Storage upgrade ($1,700), or go for the GTX 770M ($1,750). I have a budget of $1,800, and including tax the GTX upgrade will bring me above it. I can chuck up a few more to cover the tax if the graphics change is really worth the money.
Reasons the rMBP is even an option is because:
a) portability (wow 4.46 pounds!). Easier to take to class
b) sociability (iChat, mainstream, but especially iChat with the integrated video chat option. Most of my friends have Macs, and with an older sibling in college, I hear Macs are predominant and having iChat makes everything easier)
c) If I get the Macbook, my games will be limited to games like LoL, Guild Wars 2, Tera, and not too intensive games. I'll have to chuck up extra bucks for a PS4 to play games like FFXV, Battlefield 4, hopefully NBA2k14 (if it comes out). Not sure how a TV fits in a dorm, but I already have a nice 22 inch ASUS monitor.
d) Having a console means I can invite people over to my dorm to chill. If I just have a laptop, boredom will be an issue.
Reasons why the Alienware is an option:
a) I like video games. Point blank. I've looked at the future games from E3, and it looks very promising.
b) I probably won't have to get a PS4. Maybe settle down for a Wii U! Wii's are fun!
c) I'll be going to college in the city, so there are tons of things to do outside instead of inside. So no need for dorm socializing.
I've looked at other laptops besides the Alienware.
The things I wanted are out of my budget (GTX 680M) or don't have matching specs like the Alienware.
I do like my laptops to be pleasing to my eye. the rMBP and Alienware fits that criteria.
Please leave a response!
21 Comments • Newest first
@ChildCrusade: Should totally seriously consider the Lenovo Y-series, much better worth than a rMBP or Alienware in terms of everything because it's a good compromise between the two. Battery life should run between 4-6 hours, plenty enough for note taking. When you play games, might as well plug it in, y'know?
anything > alienware to be honest. (coming from someone with an alienware they are pieces of crap)
@ChildCrusade: i forgot its name, but there was a Haswell processor with an intergrated graphics card which could handle Crysis 3 on medium settings
[quote=ThefobKid]Woudn't it be better to wait for the new line of Ultrabooks with a dedicated GPU?
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/gigabyte_injects_discrete_graphics_new_u-series_ultrabooks2013
This will defintely be a hell lot lighter than the alienware since it is a ultrabook and has almost equivalent performance. The price is about equivalent to that of a macbook, but the performance is better/.[/quote]
the only problem with that is the heating problem. How long will that PC last me? o:
If I don't get a gaming laptop, here are my other options:
1) Gaming pc + macbook air (either 11 or 13)
or
2) get a macbook, forgo pc gaming (besides LoL!) and get a ps4+hdtv if my 22inch monitor doesn't cut it.
If you get a Macbook Pro, service is easy. No need to send your laptop in to get it repaired, just go to the Genius Bar.
Don't get garbageware.
@GAubertin: Was it that bad? Is this a common experience or did you just draw the short stick?
@pokefriends: Lenovo does seem good. Didn't realize you could upgrade the parts.
@Suryoyo: I've been looking for laptops with the Haswell processor, but I do need better graphics than the one integrated in the processor. Living right now with an Intel i5 with integrated HD graphics sucks...
get a haswell ultrabook o.o
cheaper and better specs
Lenovo Y series is a good in-between of gaming and decent portability. Better than a MacBook by far in specs, and can run games well like Alienware. Not too expensive either, so you can use the extra money to bump up the specs. Lenovo is a good brand too
[quote=pr3stig3]@ChildCrusade: Then go with the macbook. 90% of college students already use it anyways.[/quote]
Really hard to decide. I do like the new Haswell processors that comes with the PCs I'm looking for.
I probably won't get Retina if I wait for the Haswell version (since Retinas are overpriced and the one I'm looking at is refurbished)
I did find a few good MSI's.
[url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152401]GT70[/url]
[url=http://www.rakuten.com/prod/msi-gt60-2oc-022us-15-6-led-notebook-intel-core-i7-2-40-ghz-brush/249823586.html?listingId=-1]GT60[/url]
Macbook pro, it will last much longer.
@ChildCrusade: Then go with the macbook. 90% of college students already use it anyways.
[quote=ChildCrusade]@pr3stig3: I'm not hardcore at all. Mostly casual!
@Resmiles: I've been told Macs are generally the best to go for college.[/quote]
Yea, I love my mac for school. I really like the layout since it's simple to use.
@pr3stig3: I'm not hardcore at all. Mostly casual!
@Resmiles: I've been told Macs are generally the best to go for college.
@ChildCrusade: Personal preference I guess. My hardcore gaming friends all bring their own desktops. It all depends on how much you want to invest into gaming.
Since it's for college, I would get a Macbook. I've been using my Pro 13" for a while and it never fails on me <3 Also Alienwares are kinda bulky meaning it would be pretty uncomfortable carrying around the campus. Besides my Macbook has been able to all the games i've played perfectly. Just get bootcamp and you're ready to go!
[quote=pr3stig3]Ugh, I honestly hate Apple brands in general, but if you're planning on using your computer for notes in class, then the convenience and lightness is an absolute must.
If you're planning on gaming, get a freaking desktop.[/quote]
I don't see the point of dragging a desktop to college. I thought about it, but decided against it. I guess.
Ugh, I honestly hate Apple brands in general, but if you're planning on using your computer for notes in class, then the convenience and lightness is an absolute must.
If you're planning on gaming, get a freaking desktop.
@Andre3k: I could hit the bar with a gaming laptop! I've learned to limit myself finally! Yay! Time for clubs and bars
@Sleepyx714: They're about the same price.
Well if the MBP is cheaper than the Alienware by at least $300-400, you can use the difference to get a PS4, this way you'll get the best of both worlds, gaming and socializing, along with the perk of portability. Being a serious gamer can really hurt you in college if you don't know how to manage between school work and free time, but hey if you're able to do it, go for either one.
I would get the MacBook Pro because
1. You need to go outside because without Video Games, there's time to hit the bar!
2. Macbooks are really great with schoolwork
3. Hipsters are cool, and hipsters use macbooks, thus, Macbooks are cool