Computer comparison help requested please, from a novice

[SweetShelby]

I need to purchase a new laptop computer ASAP, specifically for gaming.

Would someone be so kind as to compare these two computers for me and point out any benefits and shortfalls of each.

I would especially appreciate any information you could provide regarding the quality of graphics.

Thank you.

http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-m...d.aspx?&~ck=mn
http://www.americantv.com/productpag...Q9NjAwMg%3D%3D

 

[brinks]

Processor:
- Dell has a similar/better processor than Sony.

OS:
- Dell use Windows 7(can change to Win 8), Sony has Windows 8. Both similar OS

Memory:
- Sony has (4GB Fixed Onboard + 4GB Removeable) Don't like the onboard memory.
- Dell starting model only 6GB ram, but you can customize to add more.
- Sony ram slower at 1333MHz while Dell at 1600MHz
- Dell can have max memory of 16GB (2 X 8GB) while Sony only 12GB (4GB Fixed Onboard + 8GB Removeable)

Video Card:
- Dell(GT 650M) >> Sony(GT 640M LE)
- Having a better video card is important for gaming.

Display:
- Sony has better resolution (1920 x 1080) vs. Dell's at (720p/1366x768) or (900p/1600x900)
- Sony has larger screen size by 1.5"

Sound:
- Dell has better Audio than Sony.

Hard Drive:
- Dell can customize hard drive options when ordering.

Camera:
- Both with similar 1.3MP HD Camera

Power:
- (DELL)8-cell Lithium Ion (63whr)
- (SONY)Lithium Polymer Battery (4400mAh)
- Not really sure which one will have the better battery life.

Weight:
- Dell(6.45lbs) is heavier than Sony(4.42lbs)

Dimensions:
- Sony: 14.97" (W) x 0.95" (H) x 10.06" (D)
- Dell: 13.27" (W) x 1.49" (H) x 10.16" (D)
- Both almost the same size, with the Sony being a bit thinner.


You can check out the link below to get an idea of both the GT 650/640M-LE graphics capability.

NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M LE - NotebookCheck.net Tech
NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M - NotebookCheck.net Tech

 

[PP Mguire]

Both of those chips are going to suck for gaming. They basically just get the job done.

 

[SweetShelby]

So for the better quality of graphics between these two computers, you recommend the Sony?

Thank you very much for the detailed, idiot-proof explanation

Processor:
- Dell has a similar/better processor than Sony.

OS:
- Dell use Windows 7(can change to Win 8), Sony has Windows 8. Both similar OS

Memory:
- Sony has (4GB Fixed Onboard + 4GB Removeable) Don't like the onboard memory.
- Dell starting model only 6GB ram, but you can customize to add more.
- Sony ram slower at 1333MHz while Dell at 1600MHz
- Dell can have max memory of 16GB (2 X 8GB) while Sony only 12GB (4GB Fixed Onboard + 8GB Removeable)

Video Card:
- Dell(GT 650M) >> Sony(GT 640M LE)
- Having a better video card is important for gaming.

Display:
- Sony has better resolution (1920 x 1080) vs. Dell's at (720p/1366x768) or (900p/1600x900)
- Sony has larger screen size by 1.5"

Sound:
- Dell has better Audio than Sony.

Hard Drive:
- Dell can customize hard drive options when ordering.

Camera:
- Both with similar 1.3MP HD Camera

Power:
- (DELL)8-cell Lithium Ion (63whr)
- (SONY)Lithium Polymer Battery (4400mAh)
- Not really sure which one will have the better battery life.

Weight:
- Dell(6.45lbs) is heavier than Sony(4.42lbs)

Dimensions:
- Sony: 14.97" (W) x 0.95" (H) x 10.06" (D)
- Dell: 13.27" (W) x 1.49" (H) x 10.16" (D)
- Both almost the same size, with the Sony being a bit thinner.


You can check out the link below to get an idea of both the GT 650/640M-LE graphics capability.

NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M LE - NotebookCheck.net Tech
NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M - NotebookCheck.net Tech

 

[brinks]

So for the better quality of graphics between these two computers, you recommend the Sony?

Thank you very much for the detailed, idiot-proof explanation

No, the Dell has a better graphics card... it's just that Sony's screen resolution is 1080p while the Dell is either 720p/900p depending on the model.

You're looking for a gaming laptop, so getting a high-end graphics card is probably gonna be your most important part.

Both the Sony and Dell only have mid-range graphics... like PP Mguire said, they both suck for gaming but will get the job done. Meaning, you'll be able to play games but expect lower fps and only mid-low settings depending on the games.

How much are looking to spend on the laptop?

 

[PP Mguire]

So for the better quality of graphics between these two computers, you recommend the Sony?

Thank you very much for the detailed, idiot-proof explanation

Sorry for my very unexplained answer (yet true). I was running a LAN and trying to do quick replies here while people installed games.

If you want to game on a laptop I suggest a minimum of a GTX660m for any kind of decent graphics gaming. You have to remember that mobile GPUs are cut down and they aren't as powerful as their desktop counterparts. So for instance, a GT650 on a desktop could play games at fairly decent settings and frames a GT650m is going to be slower. It's confusing but it's the truth. For this reason I try to ward people to building a desktop because it's cheaper for better performance. Literally.