Alienware desktops are nice (if overpriced, i can build one with the same specs for about a grand cheaper) but whatever you do do not buy their laptops. I got the area 51m about two years ago (the 5500) and I have had nothing but problems with it, it constantly overheats and all they will do about it is tell me to "raise the rear of it, or use a cooling pad" which I have done, they have refused to replace the obviously broken fans (loud clicking noises) even though it is still under extended warunty, and of course if I open the case up and do it there goes my warrenty. It amazes me at just how good of technical support they have for desktops but don't even seem to car about the 5500 and 7700 laptop owners (if you search google there are tons of people with the same laptop and problems as me). I am trying to sell mine right now and build an AMD system (I can build a quad core system that still comes under the resale value of my laptop, alienwares deffinatly have resale value). I hope your experience goes better than mine (which it should, I have heard nothing but good about their desktop support).