AW 13R2 - Anyone know why it is so heavy?

BestBuy has the new OLED 965M model for $1,499. I really like it and might buy it. The machine is very heavy though.

Does anyone know what component is making it so heavy? The 965M chip should not add that much weight.

The model has a hybrid drive. Those tend to be heavier than SSD. So I intend to replace it which should shave off some weight. Do you know if it comes with the m.2 board so i can use an m.2 ssd?

Thanks heaps for all the help

 

It's supposed to weigh about 4.5 lbs. Swapping the SSHD for an SSD can help reduce the weight. Given that the OLED and the QHD+ screen have a glass bezel and are touchscreens, those does add to the weight.
Also, since the GPU is soldered, I don't think going from the GTX 960m to a GTX 965m would contribute to a heavier laptop. As well, since it comes with the SSHD, you won't be getting the M.2 board, so you'll have to install a 2.5" SSD.

 

Thanks that was helpful!

 

Its around 2kg If I am correct? I dont think that it is heavy. Same weight as Macbook pro 13's.

It does have a fair amount of hardware inside and a more chunky cooling.

 

Best buy's QHD model is not OLED. Don't be fooled (says LED back-light in fine print). Alienware is selling off their stock of QHD IPS panels to retailers. Still a decent price. OLED models with GTX 965m start at $1799. I mangaged to get it fro $1730 with extended protection and Amplifier after tax by haggling with sales rep.

"Windows 10 operating system
Windows 10 brings back the Start Menu from Windows 7 and introduces new features, like the Edge Web browser that lets you markup Web pages on your screen. Learn more ›

13.3" touch screen for hands-on control
2560 x 1440 QHD resolution. Natural finger-touch navigation makes the most of Windows 10. LED backlight.

6th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-6500U mobile processor
Ultra-low-voltage platform. Dual-core processing performance. Intel Turbo Boost Technology delivers dynamic extra power when you need it.

8GB system memory for advanced multitasking
Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M graphics
Backed by 4GB GDDR5 dedicated video memory for a fast, advanced GPU to fuel your games.

Bluetooth 4.1 interface syncs with compatible devices
Wirelessly transfer photos, music and other media between the desktop and your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone or MP3 player, or connect Bluetooth wireless accessories.

3 USB 3.0 ports maximize the latest high-speed devices
USB 3.0 ports are backward-compatible with USB 2.0 devices (at 2.0 speeds).

HDMI output expands your viewing options
Connect to an HDTV or high-def monitor to set up two screens side by side or just see more of the big picture.

Thunderbolt port for connecting advanced monitors and external drives
This single interface supports both high-speed data and high-def video — plus power over cable for bus-powered devices — ideal for digital content creators.

Wireless network connectivity
High-speed wireless LAN built into the screen, so it connects to your network or hotspots on the most common Wi-Fi standards in both laptop and tablet modes.

Built-in HD webcam with two microphones
Makes it easy to video chat with family and friends or teleconference with colleagues over Skype or other popular applications.

Backlit keyboard
Allows you to enjoy comfortable and accurate typing, even in dim lighting."

 

Actually I it is. I saw it in person. Compared it to multiple laptops in the store. Including many normal QHD ones non OLED. The Alienware was massively better and clearly an OLED screen. Thats a mistake in their posting

 

And it is substantially heavier than Macbook Pro 13. I have that as well. The 2015 model. It is 1.5kg. The Alienware is 2kg. Also the Alienware's charger is heavier

 

I compared it to the pre retina models, that one was 2kg.

Ofcourse the harger is heavier though. It has twice the wattage You cant shrink that unfortunately without losing quality.

 

I see; I was thinking because of the price it couldn't be; but closer look show that it doesn't have an SSD or 16 GB memory like the Dell store version. Makes sense now.

I wouldn't consider 4.5 LBS heavy. Its no ultrabook; but I've had the Alienware M11x in my first years of college and that was 4.56 LBS. No problem at all carrying it along with books in a backpack.