Not to extreme circumstances of course. But it'll handle your usage well. If you want extra RAM, you could always upgrade it yourself.

Sager NP8662 or Asus G51VX. The Sager would be the better option here as it is cheaper.

Any particular reason you don't want an Alienware?

RM2422. You'll see that price if you customize the unit yourself too.

Sager NP8662 or Dell SXPS16.

I wouldn't recommend the M17X here. Too pricey and comes with a WXGA resolution and a single GTX260M at base price.

Dell Studio 15.

You are comparing two different classes of notebooks mate. The K40AB is RM1999 and the Dell is RM2700. The performance difference should be as clear as the price gap.

Your primary usage?

Both the Lenovo and Asus should have better overall gaming performance. The HD4330 is quite a basic GPU. But if you are considering such an expensive configuration of the Inspiron 14, I'd recommend taking the Dell Studio 15 instead.

This post has been edited by Loki[D.d.G]: Dec 2 2009, 02:45 PM

Hmm top up RM200 for the Dell Studio 15. Other alternatives include the Lenovo G450 at RM2k give or take.

By the way, the Compaq line of notebooks have always been notorious for heat issues. I wouldn't recommend it.

This post has been edited by Loki[D.d.G]: Dec 3 2009, 02:37 AM

Core clock frequencies have always been the key defining factor in overall processor performance when comparing like models. Meaning a higher cache will rarely make up the difference in core clock deficits. The same can be said for FSB speeds.

You are referring to GPU VRAM or video RAM. The better the VRAM, the faster your GPU's memory clock will be, and thus the better it will perform. DDR2 is the cheapest type of VRAM and will be detrimental to a GPU's overall performance. Always opt for GDDR3 VRAM if possible.

I highly doubt that manufacturers will be releasing new stuff during the holidays that isn't a rehash of current systems. If you want newer tech, wait for Arrandale which should arrive in notebooks during the early stages of Q1/10.

That is inaccurate and not what he meant. A Core 2 Duo processor is capable of supporting DDR3 RAM (note this is your common RAM module and has nothing to do with the GPU's VRAM). The one problem with that is while DDR3 RAM modules still command a premium over the older DDR2, they do not justify that price difference with similar performance gains. Meaning you'll likely never notice the difference between DDR3 and DDR2 RAM.

Not quite 15", but I'd recommend the Inspiron 14z all the same.

For the second laptop, get either the Lenovo G450 or Asus K40AB.

That pretty much rules out the Benq S42/57. Despite being very good value for money, you'll be hard pressed to find a blander design. Perhaps the Dell Studio 15 will suit your needs best in this case.

Only one real logical choice, IMO. The Dell SXPS 16.

I don't have a the UL80VT, but I have used a CULV for AutoCAD before. It is doable, but you have gotta be one patient dude...

But it doesn't have a full HD screen or does it come with an OS. Meaning the actual final tally could well be higher.

Speaking of Acer updates, it seems they will be one of the first to incorporate ATI's mobile Evergreen GPUs in a 18.4" "laptop". Also includes an i7 720QM processor. Pretty reminiscent of the Asus W90 and its derivatives IMO.

Source: Fudzilla

Try the Benq S42 or Dell Studio 15.

Just to clarify things. Your initial comment was a mite inaccurate. There is actually a Dell XPS 13 which was based on the old Santa Rosa platform and has now been phased out from their website. It's intended replacement is the Montevina based Dell Studio XPS 13, or SXPS 13 as astria pointed out, and that is the product that I think you originally intended to recommend.

Dell Studio 15, BenQ S42 (doesn't have a 15" screen, but it does have powerful internals that make up for that).

Some of those don't belong in the same category if you consider raw gaming performance. You can slash off the Asus UL80VT if you don't mind battery performance and the Lenovo G450 as it sports too weak a GPU.

And you should also be considering the Dell Studio 15 which is on par with the Toshiba but falls to the BenQ S42. In fact, if you don't mind a laptop running DOS, the best gaming platform on that list would be the BenQ S42.

This post has been edited by Loki[D.d.G]: Dec 14 2009, 03:24 AM

The 8400/8600 GPU series from nVidia is pretty notorious and can be blamed for lots of premature hardware malfunctions. It isn't only specific to Dell. Pretty much every OEM that used the mobile 8400/8600 ran into problems.

One comes with Windows and the other doesn't. Not to mention a better overall internal hardware in favor of the BenQ.

If the HD4570 is using GDDR3 VRAM, it should be approximately on par with nVidia's 9600M GS or the newer G210M.

The HD4330 to be exact. But both are pretty low end solutions and shouldn't be considered if you are into serious gaming.

You mean the Studio XPS? The old XPS line has been all but terminated, and you'll be hard pressed to get any up to date models bearing the old XPS tag.

Are they trying to get rid of stocks before Arrandale and the mobile Evergreens hit centre stage?

Mentioned above? Which post are you referring to?

In any case, do state your budget too

Amen to that. Avoid McAfee like its the plague. While other paid solutions like Symantec's Norton have improved considerably over the years, the same cant be said for McAfee.