Does Alienware make good computers?

[dragonchr15]

I found an ad for Alienware when I bought R:TW, I am thinking of buying a laptop from them. Does anyone know if they are any good?

[Colovion]

why don't you just buy off www.newegg.com ? - way cheaper and you can build it yourself.

[chemchok]

Build a laptop yourself?

[Colovion]

gah!

I guess I missed that. Well newegg sells laptops too...

[chemchok]

gah!

I guess I missed that. Well newegg sells laptops too...

IMO, Newegg is definitely one of the best sellers of computer parts in terms of price and customer support, I don't shop anywhere else online. Haven't had any experience with their pre-built systems, though.

I don't know about Alienware, but Dell has an extensive and affordable line of laptops.

[Colovion]

I wouldn't touch a Dell.

but that's just me :D

[KukriKhan]

I just received my AlienWare Area 51m laptop. It rocks. Runs every game or demo I throw at it flawlessly.

Now that the new PCI-Express mobo's are released, newer high-end laptops will be even better. Cool thing about AlienWare is upgradability. This kind of takes the sting out of the high price.

A good forum for user experiences with AlienWare (also Sager, Dell & Toshiba): http://notebookforums.com/index.php?

[Sin Qua Non]

Alienware seems to be a good system, just expensive. There was a day when I would recommend certain Dell systems for their low cost and good upgrade potential (for an OEM, and for the less than technical crowd), but that day has passed. Dell seems to be sliding downhill. I bought one once upon a time, then upgraded it, and she's served me well. My family has since bought 3 more, and I haven't like each one since. They seem to be cutting corners everywhere. Just my experience though.

Also, computer building is easier than ever. Not foolproof, but with some homework, you may be able to build a system. Ah, but you want a laptop, that's right.

[chemchok]

Yeah, my Dell experience was through work around six years ago. They have made some big changes to their business practices since then.

[Spartiate]

Ever heard the expression "Dell On Earth"

Alienware are fantastic systems but way way overpriced.There is a crowd called Tiny who do a similar system with about 800 euros in the difference(cheaper i mean).Not sure about their laptops but their standard PCs are the biz.

[dragonchr15]

Thanks for the replies.

The main reason alienware laptops interests me rather than dell or gateway is becasue they include PCI-Express video cards while everyone else offers only measly agp 8x's. Also, I think alienware laptops are incredibly ugly in their appearance and if a I take it with me places, I want it to look good!

[Mikemyers64]

alienware is good esp the laptops, they have upgradability in them so you can upgrade your vid card, they are also coming out with 6800's and x800 to the mobile series soon. also from what i hear newegg is going down on the popularity chart. the old newegg was great but now they sell you items they dont have in stock and give you the run around for a week.

[Swordsman]

I just got sweet deal on a Dell XPS. Upgraded to 1GB RAM and the "new" ATI 9800 256 mb. I'm not a real pro at such things, but it has that new ATI "X800" chip or something like that. Bottom line is it is very solidly built, and runs everything at max resolution, etc. Seems very well designed, has 3 fans that keep it cool, and excellent on-board speakers. I really like it. I think this was Dell's attempt to get into the Alienware zone.

Down side is it's HEAVY (10 lbs. or so)-- but I can't complain because I knew that going in. It's really more like a desktop replacement, but when I go on long business trips I want to be able to play my GAMES , and this certainly does it. MTW, RTW, Call of Duty, and others run better than on my desktop.

Know a lot of people don't like Dell, but my experience at home and work has been great (so far). Of course, I also owned three different Packard Bell's in the old days (all worked flawlessly) that were objects of scorn to most...

My (adult) son has an Alienware desktop-- and don't think I wasn't jealous when THAT happened-- and it's a great system. Been about a year and still solid. But MY new laptop is now a tad more powerful than his. Of course, I would never bring the subject up...

[dragonchr15]

I just got sweet deal on a Dell XPS. Upgraded to 1GB RAM and the "new" ATI 9800 256 mb. I'm not a real pro at such things, but it has that new ATI "X800" chip or something like that. Bottom line is it is very solidly built, and runs everything at max resolution, etc. Seems very well designed, has 3 fans that keep it cool, and excellent on-board speakers. I really like it. I think this was Dell's attempt to get into the Alienware zone.

Down side is it's HEAVY (10 lbs. or so)-- but I can't complain because I knew that going in. It's really more like a desktop replacement, but when I go on long business trips I want to be able to play my GAMES , and this certainly does it. MTW, RTW, Call of Duty, and others run better than on my desktop.

Know a lot of people don't like Dell, but my experience at home and work has been great (so far). Of course, I also owned three different Packard Bell's in the old days (all worked flawlessly) that were objects of scorn to most...

My (adult) son has an Alienware desktop-- and don't think I wasn't jealous when THAT happened-- and it's a great system. Been about a year and still solid. But MY new laptop is now a tad more powerful than his. Of course, I would never bring the subject up...

Where did you get this deal from? It looks like you got a PCI Express card, but when I checked Dell's site, they only had cards like this in their desktops.

Oh. btw, does anyone know how upgradeable Dell laptops are? ie processor, RAM, Video Card....

[Dimeola]

They have an excellent reputation for quality. As opposed to gateway. who sold me a piece of crap with inferior components and then failed to support it. My next one was going to be Alienware....they initially approved me for 2000....but when I went to place the order it was only 1000. I am on my second Dell since then and haven`t had any problems at all. Alienware is also somewhat pricey too. Compare Alien and Dell for features and price.
D

[MidnitePiper]

Dell and gateway are almost identical in all respects - they consider each other their primary competitor, and so keep a constant eye on the practices of the other - parts, suppliers, policies are almost always identical, except at the beginning of a new marketing program of new tech advance. With identical suppliers and parts and both using the Indian tech suport contractors, any difference in experience is pretty much random chance.

Alienware makes game systems - they use the absolute best components, then test thoroughly; that makes them extremely reliable, with top-line components, but the cost of componenents and quality testing gets passed on, so you pay for what you get.

Personally, I assemble my own - much more comfortable choosing my own parts and doing my own testing...

[pdoan8]

Alienware is one of the best gaming system maker on the market along with other names such as Falcon Northwest, Voodoo PC.

I just do a quick customized laptop at their sites, it seems that the Alienware is the cheapest (with all of the comparable part/specs).

Other alternate are: IBuypower (specs and price almost the same as Alienware), CyberPower (the cheapest with all of the comparable specs, except for a smaller screen).

Then Dell and Gateway, who were not gaming system specialists, but recently just decided to compete in the midend market. Cheaper but may not have all of the performance needed.

Here are a few sites (if you interested):

Alienware

Falcon Northwest

Voodoo PC

IBuypower

CyberPower

Personally, I don't like the look of Alienware.

[Swordsman]

Dragonchr15--
I stumbled on a deal at the Army-Air force Exchange Service website (I'm retired military). Got the whole tweaked-out deal for just under $2K (after a $250 rebate). Pure luck because the week after I ordered it the price jumped back up to "retail"-- probably in preparation for the Christmas rush-- and the same config is about $3K now!! So I'm obviously a bit biased due to the great deal I got. But I must say again, I'm REALLY impressed with the way it's built-- very sturdy, everything fits precisely, etc.

[dragonchr15]

What about Sager? Does anyone know if they are any good?

[derF]

Alienware are undoubtedly the best gaming PC makers around.

They make great balanced systems with top quality components. You just have to be prepared to spend that extra money.

Oh, and did i mention excellent customer services.

Oh2, and did i mention the shiny green boxes?

[ah_dut]

PCI-Express video cards while everyone else offers only measly agp 8x's.

Ah hem...I'm not Krae or another techie but i do know that an AGP card runs as fast as a PCI card on an equivalent chipset manufacturer...etc so don't tell me about hoe measly AGP is 8x still has some way before it hits it's bandwidth limits

[dragonchr15]

Ah hem...I'm not Krae or another techie but i do know that an AGP card runs as fast as a PCI card on an equivalent chipset manufacturer...etc so don't tell me about hoe measly AGP is 8x still has some way before it hits it's bandwidth limits

Jeez, I had no idea people were so sensitive about their video cards. In case you didn;t figure it oiut, I was joking. I am not "techie" either, but I did read that AGp will slowly but steadly become obsolete in the next year or so. That is why i want to get a PCI-Express video card in my comp.

[ah_dut]

True but nevertheless, my graphics card is like my house...essential. It's the whole point of a computer, to play games and go on the internet imo of course

[FURRY_BOOTS]

I wouldn't touch a Dell.

but that's just me :D

i have a xps gen 3,i find it very good when it doesnt break down,,,,
yep your right, im never buying from dell again

[oblivious maximus]

ABS is solid

[Clips]

But at the end of the day it isnt the manufacturer that matters, really there just using other companys components which any old person can do and stick there name on. Really all i would say at end f day is research and look around for best value for money, dont set your sights on just one computer manufacturer for example "Dell." If your capable i would advice to build your own, always work out cheaper, i did mine and if you really want you can add ya name to it, i did :p but just research whats in it and what you are looking to get in your pc for example gaming, then when you get a picture of what exactly you want, for example what size RAM and Harddisk then search around for who does what cheapest of whats the cheapest system.

All i have to say ^^