Im wondering which computer do you guys think I should pruchase.

Here are the specs
Aurora m9700
17 inch screen 1920X1200
2.4 GHz Turion 64 proccessor 800 MHz FSB
2 GB of Ram 400 MHz
256 MB Vram Nvidia Geforce Go 7900 GS (sli capability)
200 GB 7,200 RPM raid 0 array
8x Dual Layer DVD±RW / 24x CD-RW
Buletooth 2.0
4 USB ports
DVI port
VGA port
S-Video Port
Coaxial port
Express Card Slot
4 in 1 memory card reader
PCMIA slot
PCMIA II slot
Windows MCE w/ TV tuner and remote

Acer Aspire 9800
20.1 1680X1050
2.16 GHz dual core proccessor
2 GB of ram 667MHz
256 MB of Vram Nvidia Geforce GO 7600
240 GB 5,400 RPM Raid 0 Array
HD-DVD Drive (can use and read about every type of CD and DVD)
Buletooth
5-in-1 card reader for optional MultiMediaCard,
Secure Digital card,
Memory Stick,
Memory Stick PRO,
xD-Picture Card
DC-in
RJ-11 modem
RJ-45 LAN
VGA
Headphones/speakers/line-out with SPDIF support
Microphone
Line-in
AV-in
S-video TV-out
TV-tuner antenna-in
DVI-D with HDCP (high-bandwidth digital-content protection) support
FireWire® (IEEE 1394)
FIR (fast infrared)
CIR (consumer infrared)
Parallel
Serial
Four USB
Type II PC Card slot
ExpressCard™/54 slot
Windows MCE w/ Hybrid (digital and analog) TV Tuner with remote
Both of them have full keyboards (although I think the acer has like 3 more keys)

How much do they both cost?

id go with the alienware cuz im a fan of them, but Spec Wise, id still go with the alienware, if you have the money, like Raptor asked, how much do they both cost?

If you have the ability to, I recommend trying to build your own computer. That way you get exactly what you want, you aren't paying for things you won't need, and it will just generally work out a lot cheaper; with things such as Alienware, you end up spending a lot more money simply to have a brand on your pc.

It really depends on what you want to use the machine for. I got the Aspire 9805WKHi a few months ago, I am very pleased with the performance of the unit overall. I mainly use it for my job, I am a master control systems programmer, but do also use it for gaming in the evenings.

The price comparison between the two, going as much apples to apples as possible, the Alienware is $3124.00. The Aspire 9805 was $2499.00.

Travelling with this machine is real interesting. Always get comments from people in the airport. The TSA always gives me some comment, always positive (Shaq's Laptop was the last good one). The 9800 comes in at 18 lbs., so if you do travel with it be sure you get a good case. I got the DX-2215-6FW from Midwest Case Company and customized it with a few layers of 1" and 2" foam to fit the laptop and the wireless keyboard and mouse. Still had enough room for a few other things (total weight, right around 40-45 lbs.). AND after all that, the whole setup is still small enough to take onboard a flight with you, no checking this bag.

The pictures show me with my laptop and a 'regular machine' next to mine. BTW: I use a wireless keyboard and mouse with my machine, it's more comfortable and allows space for paperwork to go on the laptop's keyboard.

Bottom line, get the Aspire 9800, it is the best bang for the buck. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

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Between the two I'd probably go with the Aspire. I'd also agree with Raptor about building your own if you can. Otherwise get a good idea of some standards you might want to be sure of before you purchase. Also, many companies right now are offering a free upgrade (if you pay $10 or so for shipping) to windows vista, a big plus if you consider the retail price.. yeouch! Even if you don't want it now, you could probably wait to install until you are ready.. it's free vista after all! As far as specs go there are a few that are jumping out at me now, but I'll forget some being in a turkey eating stupor... First I'd want to make sure I'm getting DDR2 type ram. Seems the industry standard is creeping that way and you'll more likely be current down the road. Also, personally, I like a motherboard with 4 ram slots instead of 2. As far as the video is concerned you're probably getting a PCI Express (x16) but it's not a bad idea to make sure, you'll definately want that. Make sure that Aspire DVD will have at least CD-RW capabilities to back up your data. Otherwise you could always drop a few bucks and add one later.

That's all that's coming to me now. Good luck and have fun with your new toy!!