<p>I'm a HS senior planning to buy a new laptop after the AP exams in May. I've already done my research and I feel pretty comfortable with the specs I need. I'm down to 3 laptops which basically have the exact same specs, so it's all down to looks now. Appearance matters a lot to me since college is a fresh start, and I'm going to be using my laptop for the next 4 yrs.</p>
<p>I didn't post this in the "computer section" because I want the majority of college forumers to see this, not just the tech-savvy.</p>
<p>** Does this laptop seem to childish to you? Do you think people would frown? Or is it fine? (for srs) **
Alienware M14x Alienware</a> M14x Laptop Details | Dell</p>
<p>■■■■■ my friend got that alienware one over a Mac. eveyrone has a Mac in college but be different and get that cause Mac’s are just overpriced and name brand. Just get the cheaper one… Macs are ugly as …yea . and HPs suck</p>
<p>Btw, I’m also in engineering and my last choice is to pony up $2k and constantly have to switch to windows to use necessary software. I agree that MBP is nice but yeah, I want to be different.</p>
<p>So, is it too flashy? Should I go conservative?</p>
<p>I could build 2 desktop computers for the price of that Alienware, and probably 3-4 desktops for the price of a Macbook. Are people really paying this much for computers?</p>
<p>I love my Macbook Air. No other 13" ultraportable matches it. I absolutely love the thinness of it and you really realize how thick other laptops are, even the 13" Macbook Pro at .95".</p>
<p>Oh the only opinion that matters is yours. Are you going to sell it if someone in your school’s lounge came up to you and said it was ugly? It really depends on person to person. There will be people that just don’t care, others that are like “Oh an Alienware!”, and others simply “WTH is that computer?”, and others that think it’s ugly. I personally think it’s fine but looks really bulky… but it’s not meant to be an ultraportable and don’t expect to get nearly 6 hours for that. </p>
<p>It would label you as a ‘gamer’ by others who are aware of Alienware and most people who buy Alienware buy it for the purpose of gaming.</p>
<p>The only comments that I’ve really received for my MBA are essentially:</p>
<ul>
<li>beautiful</li>
<li>thin</li>
<li>fantastic screen</li>
<li>expensive?</li>
<li>how is it without a disc drive?</li>
<li>i don’t like macs. i’m a pc person.</li>
<li>ewww mac</li>
</ul>
<p>I would say though that the lighting makes it look a bit… immature, but that’s just my opinion and I know that it’s targeted towards gamers and not people who plan to bring it to work and want a thin and light notebook. It gives off an image of power though!.. as Alienwares always do. It doesn’t seem like its for the person who isn’t yet all “grown up”, but that’s perfectly fine for a college kid. When you’re like 30 though… perhaps it wouldn’t be best. :p</p>
<p>I’m a huge Mac advocate, but I’m not even going to try to convince you to buy one right now. Whatever you do, do yourself a favor and do not get Alienware. These laptops are just big and heavy. Get something lighter. Chances are you will be taking your laptop to many classes and carrying 6.5 lbs laptop plus notebooks and textbooks just is not much fun. And yes, a 2-3 pounds do make a difference. Written from MacBook Air.</p>
<p>Yes, weight does matter. In fact, it should be one of the key factors when deciding to buy a laptop for college, because the chances are you will have it with yourself pretty often, and that you will walk to your classes, not drive. </p>
<p>Let’s face it, unless you are planning to do heavy graphics design, HD video editing or hardcore gaming, you do not need the very best specs for you laptop. If you do not do any of these, it will not matter at all if you have the very best processor and latest graphics card or a decent processor and a good graphics card. You will not notice any difference. </p>
<p>What matters is the quality of the laptop (how well it is built etc.), because you want it to last four years, and its weight, because you will carry it around all the time. </p>
<p>I have recently finished reading a book that weights 2.8 pounds, according to Amazon.com. I could always feel when I had it inside my backpack. It does make a huge difference. Of course, any of us can carry it, but why make your life harder if you do not have a good reason for it?</p>
<p>Alienware is on the other extreme of consumer evil. In fact, it’s even worse than Apple for value since it actually has competitors with the same operating system and 1/2 the price for the components. AND… alienware is ****ing ugly. If you can afford an alienware computer, why not just hire a computer/technical consultant // computer engineering student to help you decide what to buy? It’s not too flashy, but almost no student has the spare cash and sheer stupidity to buy an alienware computer for school. It’s not too flashy again, but I guarantee that you’ll get glares (but not of envy).
There is no defense for the Macbook Air when there are STILL windows based manufactures that put out the same computer, same small size, same light weight, but different OS, for half the price.</p>
<p>Kvasek has good advice. Search for reviews of high value laptops that have what you actually need for school. Battery life, portability, durability, reliability, customer service, and a good price.</p>
<p>I’m typing this on a 15" Macbook Pro that I got for Christmas and I love this machine because it’s so friggin fast, I like the looks (although I kinda want to die when it gets just a little blemish on it), and it has a decent battery life. I was tired of windows, and my Macbook Bro is the s*** and I’m glad I have it.</p>
<p>That being said, I agree with RoxSox: Nobody gives a f*** what computer you have. If you buy a weird laptop just to “be different” and not to maximize savings while getting the best deal, then you’re stupid. Go with the best deal and with what feels right</p>