If you're in the market for a new portable gaming laptop, Dell has always been a go-to brand for machines that are portable but can handle mutliple applications and tabs open at once.
Their top three machines have some pros and cons that anyone in the market for a laptop should consider. Which one is right for you? Check out these specs at a glance:
Price
If affordability is on top of the list then the Chromebook 11 with Core i3 chip selling for $379 would not hurt the pocket. The Alienware 17, meanwhile, has a tag price of $1,399 for computer users willing to spend for their rig. Those who want to splurge for a great setup can go for the Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme at $ 4,705.
Weight and Size
Lightest of the bunch is the Chromebook 11 a 11.6 by 7.9 by 0.91 inches. The Alienware 17 measures 17.9 by 12.9 by 2.26 to 2.23-inches and tips the scale at 9.2 pounds. The Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme registers at 14.0 by .7 by 2.03-inches and weighs 8.6 lbs.
Battery Life (When surfing the web via Wi-Fi)
In terms of juice, the Alienware 17 promises 4 hours and 9 minutes while the Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme can give you more than 8 hours. The Chromebook 11 can last 10 hours and 17 minutes
Processor
Here's a comparison of the brain power of the three options we have here:
Alienware 17 - fourth-generation 2.7-GHz Intel Core i7-4800MQ
Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme - 1.90-GHz Intel Dual Core i5-4300U
Chromebook 11 - Intel Core i3
Other perks
Alienware 17 - A "badass" looking machine with excellent graphics and speed, and lighting effects that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme - This laptop can survive a pretty good beating with a hefty protective casing and waterproof ports that will let you take it on any real-life or virtual adventure.
Chromebook 11 - This gaming laptop can be tucked under your arm and go wherever you need to go without breaking your back or shoulder. The Chrome OS runs most applications direct from the browser, and it's fast enough to get the job done.
Final thoughts
The smallest of the bunch is also the most affordable. The layout, however, is a bit cramped and washed out but the fast processor makes up for it. The Chromebook balances the best of having a powerhouse laptop for work and gaming and portability.
Alienware laptops, with their sleek designs and topnotch HD graphics, are known to be the gold standard for all gaming laptops. Want to see every single strand of hair on Lara Croft's Tomb Raiding head? The Alienware 17 is for you - but don't expect to be able to use it away from a power outlet for any significant length of time.
The Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme, although seemingly bulky, may be worth the extra size and weight as a gaming laptop built for extreme outdoor conditions. The screen also stays clear even under sunlight.
Photos: Cheon Fong Liew | Flickr
