I'm looking at a Alienware m14x R2, and was wondering if the upgrade for the CPU was actually going to noticeably affect gaming. Also does the 2GB variant of the 650m perform better than the 1GB, or is this like the 555m where the 3GB was just more memory?

Also to those who own a Alienware m17x, what is the most difficult part of carrying it around? is it the size of the laptop or the weight? Is it awkward to take to class maybe? 17 doesn't seem much larger than a m14, 2 inches lengthwise and about 1 inch in depth. I imagine the position of the WASD keys are more comfortable in FPS than it would be on an m14?

I have an M17x, and I can't say it's awkward to take to classes... In fact, with the help of the Orion Backpack, it's very easy to carry around anywhere...

I personally I own m14x r1. Not awkward at all, even fits within our tinnny space called "desk" (more like one of those chapel bible desk)in our uni.

To be fair, it depends on the game, but I will say... slight improve in "Gaming" only. almost anything else (that doesnt heavily depend on graphics card), u can probably expect a massive improvement.

But WHY on earth would you wanna go for i5 dual sandy, when you have the option to have i7 quad ivy!! Im jealous already!! :D

An i5 doesn't belong in an Alienware.

The i5 will run cooler but I went with an i7 when I got my M14x.

Thanks for the replies, Reason is I'm sorta budgeted haha, and really wanted m17 was unsure if it would fit on my desk, darn now I'm still torn between the two.