Firstly I'd like to say hello to this new forum! Hopefully I'll learn a lot here... But first if like to pick the brains of the enthusiasts on here 
I have a very specific set of needs in a laptop and am unsure which one to get. I'm in the Navy and travel a lot both on board and at shore establishments. I've had a macbook pro 13 inch for three years and now want to switch to a windows 8 machine.
I game, so want a 13/14 in laptop capable of playing decent ish games such as Total War or company of hero's, but be light enough that I can rest it on my lap for hours. It must also have a SSD.
I'm aware I'll need dedicated graphics, which limits me to Sony S series, or a Dell XPS 14 , OR an alien ware M14z. Which machine has the best balance? Would I reeeeeally notice the difference in power between the dell and the alienware? Enough to warrant the extra size of the thing?? Or would the dell and Sony simply not be good enough to play the games I'd like??
I'm aware I won't get that much power in a 13/14 inch, but I won't go larger, and cost isn't really an issue. I'll pay for power!
I have a very specific set of needs in a laptop and am unsure which one to get. I'm in the Navy and travel a lot both on board and at shore establishments. I've had a macbook pro 13 inch for three years and now want to switch to a windows 8 machine.
I game, so want a 13/14 in laptop capable of playing decent ish games such as Total War or company of hero's, but be light enough that I can rest it on my lap for hours. It must also have a SSD.
I'm aware I'll need dedicated graphics, which limits me to Sony S series, or a Dell XPS 14 , OR an alien ware M14z. Which machine has the best balance? Would I reeeeeally notice the difference in power between the dell and the alienware? Enough to warrant the extra size of the thing?? Or would the dell and Sony simply not be good enough to play the games I'd like??
I'm aware I won't get that much power in a 13/14 inch, but I won't go larger, and cost isn't really an issue. I'll pay for power!
