Alright, I've narrowed it down to 2 choices. Sorry but Macs are not an option here as the software I need for work is only able to work on PC, I was sad because I really wanted a MacBook Pro . I want a lappy that will do everything I need it to for at least the next 2 years minimum. Gaming (CoD4), Office Professional, my music, browsing youtube for videos when bored, work, SAP business - in no particular order! It has to be a ~15" screen or less, no 17" monsters. I'm also open to other laptop configurations within reason. I will also be getting an extended warranty with accidental with any choice I make, as long as it's available.

I'm also a student so I get a discount off at Dell and some other places.

Here's the Dell XPS 1530 : ~$1831 http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...umber=60467664

SYSTEM COLORTuxedo Black
PROCESSORIntelĀ® Coreā„¢ 2 Duo Processor T9300 (2.5GHz/800Mhz FSB, 6MB Cache)
OPERATING SYSTEMGenuine Windows VistaĀ® Home Premium Edition SP1
LCD AND CAMERAHigh Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LED LCD (1440x900) & 2.0 M
MEMORY4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)
HARD DRIVESpeed: 250GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive Free Fall Sensor
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVESlot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
VIDEO CARD256MB NVIDIAĀ® GeForceĀ® 8600M GT
WIRELESS CARDSIntel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
BATTERY OPTIONSSpecial Offer, 30% off 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
SOUND OPTIONSIntegrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition
FINGERPRINT SCANNERFinger Print Reader XPS M1530


And the Asus G-series G50V-X1 : ~$1788 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834220379

Operating System document.write(neg_specification_newline('Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit'));Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit CPU Type document.write(neg_specification_newline('Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26G'));Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26G Screen document.write(neg_specification_newline('15.4" WSXGA+'));15.4" WSXGA+ Memory Size document.write(neg_specification_newline('4GB DDR2'));4GB DDR2 Hard Disk document.write(neg_specification_newline('200GB')) ;200GB Optical Drive document.write(neg_specification_newline('DVD Super Multi'));DVD Super Multi Graphics Card document.write(neg_specification_newline('NVIDIA GeForce 9700M GT'));NVIDIA GeForce 9700M GT Video Memory document.write(neg_specification_newline('512MB VRAM DDR3'));512MB VRAM DDR3 Card slot document.write(neg_specification_newline('1 x Express Card'));1 x Express Card Dimensions document.write(neg_specification_newline('14.6" x 10.3" x 1.3-1.6"'));14.6" x 10.3" x 1.3-1.6" Weight document.write(neg_specification_newline('6.2 lbs.'));6.2 lbs. Tech document.write(neg_specification_newline('Intel Centrino 2 Processor Technology'));Intel Centrino 2 Processor Technology


Both prices are after tax and shipping and include either extended warranty and/or just a copy of Office Professional for the Asus, since it doesn't come with any productivity software.


Any thoughts or insights would be greatly appreciated.

 

I really have never ever liked dell...too much of their stuff has been proprietary, ASUS>Dell

 

I'd be tempted to say the Dell, seeing as I have a 1501 and it hasn't failed me yet.
Cant say much for the ASUS because I haven't had much experience with them.
Dells have a rep for being cheap, you're just paying for the name, ect.

So if I had to pick, I would say the ASUS. Its less expensive, has the same specs, and it looks better IMO.

I would look at some reviews of both and makes a decision that way. I would also recommend installing XP when you get it rather than Vista, especially since you plan on gaming with it.

 

Well I've had a Dell desktop since 2003 that I've upgraded with some extra stuff, and I've NEVER had a problem with it. I love it. I know I'm paying more for the Dell, but I haven't had any experience with Asus. I'm just so torn : /.

 

Go dell Im a network support specialist they have the best customer service and asus is just starting to make a name for themselves.

 

I've had Dells for the last 10 or so years, always been happy with the hardware and the customer support. I say go for the Dell.

 

^ I was going to say that the support is the biggest value there. I manage a network and sometimes stuff does go bad, HDD, RAM, video, etc, but I have had parts show up same day I spoke with them, often the next day. We don't have many issues with our Dell's, but we have started to order more HPs. Our last system was a Dell Precision Mobile Workstation, just got it yesterday, and its NICE!!! Its 5 here and I gotta get out of here, or I'd look into your systems a little more.

 

If you really want a mac, you could get one with a 2nd HD with windows on it. But that kinda defeats the purpose of owning one IMO.
And since I live right by the Dell factory, Id have to say go with the XPS. You can't beat their customer service. If you would even need it. And I know cause a few of my friends have a XPS, it's an awesome gaming laptop. ...in fact I wish Id bought one instead of my HP

 

Um....wow
Firstly, I have a Dell Inspiron E1705, and it has the WUXGA screen, 17" wide, and it's f**king amazing when it comes to ANYTHING HD. Only problem I have had with it seems to be ones I brought on myself (and some vista may have, but I download a lot, so it could be me too)

As far as support goes for Dell............no..........no way. You call, get like 25 rings, and someone goes "ello, thees ees ahbeeb, con I elp you?" ok that might be cliched, but every service call I've done was that extent. Foreign person who knows nothing about computers. I seriously called about my sound card not working right and not being able to update, and the best they could give me was "ave you try restart computer?" needless to say I figured it out on my own later.

 

my friend just got a similar asus laptop and loves it...im thinkin of getting one like that too..sick rig, great def screen for a 15.4" , awesome vid card...