Time to choose a new Companion/Notebook

Right, here's the dilemma. It's my 18th Birthday and I'm looking into getting a new Laptop for the rest of this year and for Uni next year, as mine it literally wearing out from overuse.

I currently have a Core Duo 1.86 / 1.5GB / Intel IGP / 15.4" system, so anything is going to be an improvement, outside of a netbook.

I've already narrowed it down to two options, but for the sake of keyboard excercise, I'll state what I'm looking for:

• Small. 13" is a maximum
• Weight is not an issue
• Decent graphics. I want to be able to play the odd Source game, especially CS:S. Stuff like BC2 would be nice, but not necessary.
• Aesthetics. Given the amount of time I spend on computers, I want this laptop to look nice.
• Battery Life. For general/working usage, 7hrs is a minimum. I'd be plugged in for gaming, so Optimus is a really good idea.
• A good keyboard. Backlit is preferred. Num keys aren't necessary, or an option for a system of this size.
• Companion system. I have a perfectly capable desktop for the more demanding uses; I'll save Crysis and benching for that.

...okay. So here are the final contenders.

1. Macbook Pro 13" 2.4GHz - Slim, sturdy, snappy, beautiful screen an keyboard/touchpad. Graphics is adequate for some gaming, while the processor is snappy. I'm happy to use Snow Leopard. Lots of Source games now run on it and I can dual-boot where necessary. Leaning towards this at the moment. Looks more professional.

2. Alienware M11x Core 2 Duo/i3 - LIGHTS! But really. It's small, pretty, has a backlit keyboard (and anything else I want to light up. :D) a higher res than the MBP, gets better battery life Windows, but not as good as the Mac in OSX. The processor is slower, but the graphics card is quite a step up. Looks more unique.

So here I am. Stuck between two beautiful laptops, copying and pasting my thread onto multiple forums, in the hope that I can attain enlightenment. I know that everyone's just going to vote for either OSX or Windows; those who don't are going to tell me that both are a rip-off and that I should go for another brand. Honestly, specs are not everything. The build quality and appearance of each are really important, and I'm happy to play a little more for those. One concern that I have regards OSX. Can I turn mouse acceleration off for games in Snowy?

I'd like to make a decision over the next week at the latest. Cheers.

Well, both can run the games you want, right? Go with the one that you think will better suit your needs at school next year. Do you know what you'll be going to school for?

I'd choose the MacBook Pro.
reasoning:
~ You said you want something that looks professional; the brushed aluminum and unibody design are considered a modern, professional look.
~ Battery Life: the current generation MacBook Pro can last at the least 6, if not 8 hours for regular school use (Internet, word processing, music, nothing too intensive) Plus the magsafe adapter is a godsend if there's ever a chance that it could be snagged by a passerby's foot.
~ The keyboard is backlit,and easy to tell where the key stops and starts so touch typing is a little easier. Another plus is that the keyboard is black with white backlighting, thus making it even easier to type in low lit lecture halls.
~ THe ability to run any OS, if you need windows you can easily install it and the minimum 320GB HDD is plenty of space to partition a fair amount for each OS.

I realize that the Alienware is also a fantastic computer, but do take into consideration that adding other areas that light up other than the keyboard may cause the battery to drain quicker.

How about this? 13.3" is just barely above your maximum, it's lower priced, it has a graphics card that could handle most Source games (and it can switch to using integrated if you need more battery life), and it's ASUS.

DJ - School is for the next 3 months or so, through my final exams. It would be primarily Word Processing and PDF docos for school.

Gerri - Very good points. I really can't argue, except for the need for professionalism, as the wow factor is more important overall.

Twocows - Sorry for the constant capitalisation of your name, it's instinctive. The Asus has the same problem as the Macbook, but to a worse degree: Gutsy CPU, crappier GFX. Plus, I'm really not that keen on Asus in this case, as I said on another forum, it's like buying a guitar: you can compare specs and prices, but at the end of day, it's the feel of the product to you and the contentness with the product's attachment to you. I need to sit down and think: I am happy with this laptop and have no regrets.

In that case, go with whatever fits your needs better. If you're really only going to be there for three months, a netbook would be a better choice.

If you want something that feels as good as it runs, Lenovo makes some great high-end products, and there was an ASUS a while back with a bamboo finish that looked very handsome and professional (far more than any Apple I've ever seen), but I'm pretty sure both of those will be on the larger end. Is there any particular reason you need a small one, or is it just preference? I have a 14" and it isn't cumbersome at all.

No, I'll be using it for the next few years at Uni, too. I want it to be portable. Expecially considering the tiny tabley things in lecture theatres.

*Firestar* said:

I'd go for the Macbook. It's very nice, and great for what you want it for. Based on what everyone else has said, and my personal preferences, the Mac is the way to go.

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Thanks mate, it's reassuring considering I already went ahead and bought the Mac. It's still going to need a bit of getting used to, but it's great. The whole window management and floating toolbars are still disorienting.

I've got 7 Pro 64 on a 50GB partition, should I need it for games. Source games still aren't up to scratch for Mac.

Any recommendations, as far as configs/apps?