Alienware 15 vs 17 opinion

I am considering a new Alienware 15 or 17 with the 980m. I am noticing the the refurb prices are really close.

Other than the obvious: screen size, weight, keypad... what are the pro/cons?

(ie is the cooling system in the 17 alot better? Is the 17 quieter?)

 

I wanted the 17 but my budget was limited so I ended up with the 15 with 970m, I was used to the 17 inch screen size also the num pad (it is extremely useful, trust me!). The 17 also includes extra macros so that might be useful for some and also includes a subwoofer from klipsch which (not certain of this, just logic) should make it sound fuller than the 15's stereo speakers.

 

If you don't mind weight, the 17" is always better.

 

Depending on what your final specs will be - the advantage of the 17" aside from screen real estate, is the ability to have the upgraded processor. The advantage to the 15 over the 17, however, is the 4k panel. I had ordered a 15" with the 970m and 4k panel, as well as the 4710 processor, when I found out it was 100 usd extra to get the 17" with the 980M and touch panel, I ended up opting for the 17 simply for the 980M. Had the 15" 4k with the 980m fell into the same price (it didn't at time of purchase) I would've went with the 15 since I mainly game on an external monitor at home. But the 17" screen is absolutely breathtaking on its own right. In the end, as long as you understand the systems limits, you're choice between the two will be based on your own preference for screen real estate.