I just got sweet deal on a Dell XPS. Upgraded to 1GB RAM and the "new" ATI 9800 256 mb. I'm not a real pro at such things, but it has that new ATI "X800" chip or something like that. Bottom line is it is very solidly built, and runs everything at max resolution, etc. Seems very well designed, has 3 fans that keep it cool, and excellent on-board speakers. I really like it. I think this was Dell's attempt to get into the Alienware zone.

Down side is it's HEAVY (10 lbs. or so)-- but I can't complain because I knew that going in. It's really more like a desktop replacement, but when I go on long business trips I want to be able to play my GAMES , and this certainly does it. MTW, RTW, Call of Duty, and others run better than on my desktop.

Know a lot of people don't like Dell, but my experience at home and work has been great (so far). Of course, I also owned three different Packard Bell's in the old days (all worked flawlessly) that were objects of scorn to most...

My (adult) son has an Alienware desktop-- and don't think I wasn't jealous when THAT happened-- and it's a great system. Been about a year and still solid. But MY new laptop is now a tad more powerful than his. Of course, I would never bring the subject up...