Alienware doubles your pleasure, fun

(Credit: CNET Networks)

An Intel Core 2 Duo processor, two high-end Nvidia graphics cards, two massive hard drives--the spec list for the Alienware Area 51 m9750 had us seeing double on the CES show floor today. The Vista-based 17-inch gamer (a follow-up to the m9700 we reviewed earlier this year) is the first laptop to hit the market with two Nvidia GeForce Go 7950 graphics cards in a scalable link interface for fast gaming performance. Add to that the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors (overclocking is an option, of course) up to 2GB of quick 667MHz RAM and two 7,200rpm hard drives with up to 400GB total capacity, and you're looking at one smokin' machine. For gamers who are also media hounds, the Area 51 m9750 includes an integrated TV tuner as well as a Blu-ray drive.

The icing on the component cake is the price: Though it's subject to change before the laptop's official release later this quarter, Alienware tells us they're striving to bring the Area 51 m9750 to market for less than $2,000--which would make it one of the most affordable gaming laptops available.