Hi, i think youre completely right, a mac isnt a gamer platform, theyre not fast enough...
Lol when i saw alienware i decided to compare prices...
Alienware is actually the most expensive!! Okay, well the mbp costs approx. 525 kr. more, which is like $90.. At least here in Denmark... but check this:
ALIENWARE Area-51 m5550
15.4" WideXGA 1280 x 800
Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition UK with SP2 - English
AlienCare Free Phone 1-Year 24/7 Warranty
Intel® Core 2 Duo Processor T7600 2.33GHz 4MB Cache 667MHz FSB
1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz - 2 x 512MB
256MB NVidia® GeForce Go 7600 (this actually is a little slower than the x1600)
160GB 5400 RPM SATA
DVD-Burner: 8x Dual Layer DVD+/-RW / 24x CD-RW Combo w/Software
Intel® High-Definition Audio (24-bit, 192Khz) with surround sound
Integrated 10/1000Mb Gigabit Ethernet & 56K V.92 Modem
Internal Intel® PRO Wireless 3945 a/b/g Mini-Card
Belkin® Bluetooth USB Adapter
$3243.68 with VAT excl. Delivery..
Macbook Pro 15" 2.33 ghz - $3334.47 With VAT and Delivery..
as you can see the specs are almost exactly the same, except the alienware didnt have an option for a build-in bluetooth receiver, therefore i chose the dongle.. Furthermore the Alienware doesnt have a webcam, illuminated keyboard, magsafe (duh!) or even a slotloading drive.
As for size, the Alienware is bigger, 8 mm thicker, 7mm wider, 3CM deeper (metric system ftw) and it weighs 170g (1/3 of a pound) more,
without the battery, lol.. I think that its safe to say that the $90 is worth it
My god im bored, lol.. thought this might help for those trying to justify spending this much for a laptop!.. I am luckily no longer one of the people in doubt.. im just trying to kill time as i wait for my 17" c2d mbp

...
One of my friends once considered buying an Alienware (hes a gamer), but he then dug into it, and decided that if he was going to be gaming seriously on it, then the rig he was going to need would be way too big and heavy.. hehe... so he bought a (less powerful) HP 17", and saved himself a bunch =)...
Lol, i got a little off topic.. but wee, some time passed by..
(i have to wait till the 9. november to get mine according to FONA, im expecting a delay tho..)