m14x or m17x?

I am getting a laptop for college next year (Mechanical Engineering) and I am struggling between what size to get. In some ways it seems obvious that I should get the m14x because its portable, but I just want to make sure I am not going to miss out on m17x by choosing the m14x. I will mostly be doing the average tasks of a computer (word document, internet, music, movies, etc) and some gaming (SC2, Rift, Minecraft, mostly MMORPGs, keeping games like COD to the xbox 360 (assuming I don't like it better on the PC)). Maybe some photoshop, but I pretty much suck at photoshop, so not too much. I do have an IPAD 2 so I use that to take some notes in class and watch movies on trips, etc, but it would still be nice to have something that can be transported on trips. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

Well the m14x will be able to do everything you want (prob all at the same time) and is more portable, if I was you id save me some money and get the 14.

 

thats what I am thinking to, one more question just so I dont have to start another thread. I am going to do 4gb an get 8gb from new egg, I want the 1600mhz, what should I get?? I hear the Kingston Hyper-X is good?

 

yeah, think thats what every is snapping up at the moment.

Newegg.com - Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory Model KHX1600C9S3K2/8GX

 

Most MMOs aren't terribly demanding graphically, so I don't see any reason to go for the bigger M17x. Also 4GB of RAM will probably be sufficient. I would recommend using the computer for a while before deciding if you need to upgrade the RAM.

 

m14x will plow through these programs. the m17x will nuke it multiple times. I think the m14x will suffice

 

If your planning on carrying the laptop around, even the m15x is out of the question.

I literally broke 2 school bags because of the weight of the m15x before the 30 day return policy even expired. So from personal experience, I'd definitely say m14x.

 

Take M14x or M11x instead..

 

Except the new m17x is lighter than the old m15x...

I have the m17x R3 and I can confirm it is very portable.

People are a bit naive to how much AW was able to shrink the m17x. Don't discount it. I move it around every day.

 

It's still basically 150% the weight of the m14x, let alone the size differences. m14x is better for college IMO.

 

I'd make it the 14x. It's a lot of machine in a small package.

 

IMHO, m14x is better. As long as you don't plan on maxing out settings in everything, it should be fine for your needs. The m17x r3 is not that heavy IMO, but I can see portability being an issue due to the size of it.

 

m14x spec to what software requirements you need and a large monitor so when you get back to your place. You'll have that nice large screen to work with.

 

Was also deciding between the M14x and M17x. Decided to go for the M14x because I don't just game all day long, but also bring the laptop around the house (like the couch when I'm watching TV) and it'll be way easier to move around with the M14x. Plus the fact that I tend to carry my laptop with me when I travel overseas and I'd figure the M14x will be way more manageable than the M17x while traveling considering carry-on luggage limits and hassle-full airport security. Though it's not a macbook air so don't expect it to be a weight weenie. But then again a macbook air can't possibly do what it does.

To reiterate everything the good folks here have said, the M14x is a nice balance between portability and power for gaming/work.

What I'd suggest is to actually see the M14x and M17x in real life and decide which form factor you can live with. If you are a big guy and the M17x feels tiny to you, then the M17x is the one to get. If not, then the M14x.

 

I was in the same situation about a month ago. I got the M14x and am satisfied. I've since decided to bring my desktop for games like The Witcher 2 and for backups. I can honestly say that the laptop maxes out every game (including Metro 2033 with a little GPU OC) except for The Witcher 2, which runs at mix of medium and high without OC and high with an OC.

 

My friend just received his M14x last week; it's incredibly easy to carry around, and from what I've seen, the games look amazing on it.

 

I've always liked a small laptop for the portability. I've been using an Acer Aspire One AOA150 (8.9" !!!) for two years, but just for coding and web browsing. Anyways, the 14" is the perfect balance between performance and portability. Just make sure to get the high resolution screen. It's way worth the 50 bucks.