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    Please help me decide... 13 or 15?

    Discussion in '2015+ Alienware 13 / 15 / 17' started by Gabriox, Mar 24, 2015.

  1. Gabriox

    Gabriox Notebook Geek

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    aw 13 or 15? which one is a best bang for your buck??? confused. currently have an m11x for years
     
    Gabriox, Mar 24, 2015
    #1
  2. bnosam

    bnosam Notebook Evangelist

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    Given the GPU options, I would say 15 all the way.
     
    bnosam, Mar 24, 2015
    #2
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  3. Game7a1

    Game7a1 ?

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    It would be nice to know what your needs and circumstances are.
     
    Game7a1, Mar 24, 2015
    #3
  4. ChrisAtsin

    ChrisAtsin Notebook Evangelist

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    Unless you find the AW 15 too heavy (which would be understandable for a 7 lbs machine), it's the better option. I understand battery life under light/moderate load is similar and the AW 15 is superior in every other way.
     
    ChrisAtsin, Mar 24, 2015
    #4
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  5. iPhantomhives

    iPhantomhives Click the image to change your avatar.

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    If you love m11x go with AW13, if you want something bigger or used to m14x/AW14 go for AW15, I find AW15 slightly bigger & I need to swap all my bags.

    Compare with Spec/Gaming I'd go for AW15, if $$ isn't an issue.
     
    iPhantomhives, Mar 24, 2015
    #5
  6. J.Dre

    J.Dre Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    An M11x user will most likely want the AW 13. It will blow your M11x out of the water, even if it's got nothing on the AW 15 (price : performance). As much as I hate to say it, the Amplifier may be something you want as well. I recommend you get the 1440p screen and change the resolution to 1080p for gaming. That screen's quality is much better.

    I've been considering the AW 13 myself. Been lurking around the web looking for good 13" - 14" notebooks and haven't found any I like. Really need something portable and light for class.
     
    J.Dre, Mar 24, 2015
    #6
  7. HaloGod2012

    HaloGod2012 Notebook Virtuoso

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    If you are getting an amplifier and love the small form factor get the 13, if you are going solo with the laptop then the 15 for the much more powerful GPU options
     
    HaloGod2012, Mar 24, 2015
    #7
  8. sabricaze

    sabricaze Notebook Evangelist

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    Having to experience both the 13 and 15, if you are coming from m11x, a 13 might be better off. It's much lighter and travel friendly.

    I do not have issues with carrying the 15 around, but it is definitely heavier at 7 pounds and quite big. It barely fits my backpack. Performance wise, 15 is definitely better than the 13, but 13 is much cheaper. I'm sure you'd be fine with 13 if you are coming from the m11x.

    Bang for the buck? I'd say around the same for both. It depends on how much you are willing to spend and your needs.
     
    sabricaze, Mar 24, 2015
    #8
  9. bleclair

    bleclair Notebook Consultant

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    Last edited: Mar 24, 2015
    bleclair, Mar 24, 2015
    #9
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  10. bnosam

    bnosam Notebook Evangelist

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    You could buy the 15" then return it if you don't like it within their return period.
     
    bnosam, Mar 24, 2015
    #10
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  11. J.Dre

    J.Dre Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The dual core in the 15 is actually better than the dual core in the 13 because it is clocked higher. You'll have to decide if you want portability or performance. Also, the 970M is only $150 more than the 965M and performs way better - get it!
     
    J.Dre, Mar 25, 2015
    #11
  12. Gabriox

    Gabriox Notebook Geek

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    thanks for the answer guys. i guess i want something that is future proof. because i have the m11x since it came out.
     
    Gabriox, Mar 28, 2015
    #12
  13. Tristan

    Tristan Garrosh Did Nothing Wrong

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    If that is your criteria, this should be an easy answer: 15.

    It has the 980m.
     
    Tristan, Apr 3, 2015
    #13
  14. sabricaze

    sabricaze Notebook Evangelist

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    More future proof would be the 15. Even then, it's only about a year difference. The 13 could be a bit cheaper as well - so the money you could consider saving for the sooner upgrade.

    I was on the same boat. Had the m11x R1 since it was out and I just recently purchased both 13 and 15.

    I would not advise purchasing on Amazon. Do it from Dell.

    1. You have 30 day return period for any reason.
    2. You can haggle with the reps to get the prices down. (Mine is i5, 970m, 8gb ram originally priced at 1400 dollars. Got it for 850 dollars including tax after all the haggling.)
     
    sabricaze, Apr 4, 2015
    #14
  15. z0mgn0es

    z0mgn0es Notebook Geek

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    If you value mobility above all else and you don't mind tuning down your video settings in games, I would pick the AW13. If your needs are more forward-looking and you need the processing power, get the AW15.

    With you coming from the M11x, whatever you choose will be a winner.
     
    z0mgn0es, Apr 4, 2015
    #15