<p>-The Alienware would be a good model if you must game on your laptop, but keep in mind if it ever breaks down, you have to deal with Dell, as Dell owns Alienware. Personally, there are other gaming laptop manufacturers I’d look at over Alienware, but it’s still a decent machine nevertheless.</p>
<p>-That depends on what your needs are. If all you’re doing is watching videos, playing music, web surfing, and homework, then it will last you all four years. If you want to game though, you should consider an i3 or i5 instead.</p>
<p>-It depends on your uses and your SSD. The biggest performance increase you’ll see is with programs and the operating system, not with small files like pictures or music. Also, if you’re going to get a SLC or other low-end SSD, it’s really not worth the money. If you have to get an SSD, you should go for a high-end model with TRIM. Personally though, I’d keep the harddrive, because again the performance increase will only be noticable with games and programs. At the same time, $500 is an extremely steep price, and if you have the Alienware the battery life will still be a bit horrible even with the SSD.</p>