2011 Laptop Specs to buy?

Even know the XPS has the new Gen Mobo? and max out 16gb? I just went to Alienware's site and they are now shipping their 17 with the new gen motherboard now with a 460gtx. Compared to me last setup that is on it's way. I'm not sure if I should get the new one and send the one coming back. I do web design and hardcore video editing.

Any suggestions would be great!

The Alienware has a much better GPU and will be better for gaming. Of course now the new Alienware 17x r3 is out with nvidia 3d vision set available or a 6970 radeon for the non-3d set up - and the new core i7 Sandy Bridge chips.
While it's a personal preference, I think the Alienware systems look alot better than the XPS systems - plus all the super cool lighting.

The new AW offers 3D like the dell XPS you have above - so if you want 3D gaming, then I would get the new one... if you don't care about 3D gaming, the AW you ordered is just fine.

Thanks guy's helping my out! pulling my hair out.. Warren I see the alienware site has the 6970 now in the 17. So now you can get that card with the 2820qm for $150 more then what I paid for the other AW I got..

Does it make sense now to swap it.? I have 20 days to return it. I don't game much I do heavy video editing, web design.. But I do like online gaming when free.

I just dont want to be stuck with a old chipset and have room to upgrade. Sorry for Im asking the samething again.. Just so confused.. If you think Im ok with what I have cool.. just have it open just in case.. Thanks again! you guys rock!

Yeah, Maziar is correct as usual - below is a link comparing the previous Alienware M17x R2 vs the new M17x R3 to include video encoding.

http://www.hardwareheaven.com/revi [...] nd-r2.html

Here is my update atm..

Got my laptop today with the old setup. Called del to return and they offered to take $200 off the price if I keep it.

At the end of the day I save $600 if I don't upgrade it to the 2820 and 6970..

I have the money to spend.. but we all have to pay bills at the end of the day. I just dont want to have an old laptop the first day I get it.

What would you guys do?

$600 is a pretty big savings. You also have to consider that if you order a new system with the new chips, you probably won't see it until sometime in April. I would test your current system out with the most demanding gaming and video editing tasks you plan to use it for in the future - if it holds up to an acceptable level of performance for you, then I would stick with the system you have now. If it's a bit too slow and an upgrade is worth the extra money, and you can wait for a new system, then I would return it.