[DigitalVyper]

I am looking to get a new laptop for gaming and college work. The 3 systems I had started off looking at were the Gateway 600XL, the Dell Inspiron 8200, and the Alienware Hive-Mindm. After reading a bunch of stuff on all three systems I quickly eliminated the Alienware due to its price and lack of features (no internal wireless 802.11b, only one 1 type II slot, etc.)

Now I have it down to the Gateway 600XL and the Dell Inspiron 8200. I online configed both systems and I found the Gateway was $500 cheaper and had a bigger screen (15.7 vs 15) but the Dell had a better screen in terms of quality (SXGA vs Dell Ultra Sharp). In addition, the Gateway has the "fixed" 1st battery and 2 extra bays while the Dell has the fixed DVD/CD-RW combo drive and two bays. Thus the Gateway is more adaptable when one has 2 batteries in at once (which I plan to do.)

In terms of weight, size, and other features the two systems are practically identical. I am leaning towards the Gateway (if not for the $500 alone) but was wondering if there was something else I should know.

Thanks,
DigitalVyper