I got either an used or left over model for a very good price.
That, too, is good - and better. Still -- must have been more than I outlay on my occasional desktop build.
I could imagine that one of those laptops is better than having a good desktop, if it's totally reliable.
For me, I just need a laptop that does e-mail, web-surfing, some Corel graphics, document management. The used one I refurbed and "improved" is fine for all that, and I can stream HD video to it through the wireless access point. Of course, my eight-pounder is probably heavier than your Alienware. Dunno -- you tell me . . .
And -- Dave-the-nerd -- why ludicrous? I mean . . you could have your VW, your Chevy, your Chrysler Imperial, or your Cadillac. The Chevy may do everything the Cadillac does, but the Caddy has that "feel" -- you know . . . And you have a conversation piece. You bring it into the school cafeteria, and you have one person saying "That's ludicrous!" and someone else saying "Wow, man! Beyond Star-Trek!" Either way, it's an attention-getter.
Of course, with the attention, you might find a thief in the crowd, so . .
I'm still trying to get over the "Pin-entry" for my new I-phone -- it's a nuisance. There's the "kill" feature, in case it's stolen. Gee! LA County School District spent a half-billion with Apple to give all the kids tablets. Mobile devices should be so prevalent, you'd only be at risk if you had . . .
. . . . an Alienware 18 . . . . . Live long! And Prosper!