New Alienware 13 For work? Need Advice!

Hi guys,
I'm a software engineer. My boss always shops from dell for work pc's
He suggested me to quickly choose a new laptop. In excitement I immediately chose the Alienware 13:
- i7 7700HQ
- gtx 1060
- 1440p Oled panel
- 512gb ssd
- 16 gb ram

Do you think it's okay for professional use? Mostly developing (I do have an external 1440p monitor of dell of course). Anything I should be aware of? Issues that happen (with this model)? Acoustics? ...?

first of all I didn't go for the 15 inch hex core laptop because of 2 reasons:
- lower clock frequency per core (and I don't think I will ever use 12 threads simultaneously , I don't do rendering, mostly compiling and stuff)
- Portability. The AW 13 looked A LOT more portable to my eyes, especially when I travel, I also take my laptop to home, because In emergency cases I have to be able to respond immediately.

I didn't go for an XPS laptop because the SIGNIFICANT difference in the different in ports available (DP, HDMI, USB, ...) + I will not go for the xps 13, has a Low TDP cpu, and the xps 15 I hear it has overheating issues.

What do you guys think? Did I make an okay decision? I am a little worried as my decision was rushed.

Thanks upfront.

 

I probably would have chosen a Precision 7530 or maybe a Latitude 5491 instead of an Alienware 15 or 13 for work. The consumer models seem to have a higher failure rate (motherboards just out of the blue failing to boot) and it can be hard to get good service. However, if you have a good onsite tech that does work on your other Dell machines at work it would probably be safer to go with an Alienware.

 

I have been using a AW14 or business since it bought it new when released. Battery sucks and the 13r3 battery is OK but if you rely on battery longevity look elsewhere other than a gaming laptop honestly. If its speed and power over battery life you want then go for it. I am near ac 99% of the time so its not an issue for me.

 

Honestly, the precision and latitudes are greats laptops, but they feel a little boring. But I get what you mean, though I currently do have a Inspiron laptop, not the greatest either. And yes, we do have on-site support

I had the Alienware m14x during college days, I loved it. It was great.
Battery has not been an issue no, I always work in areas where I have access to power outlets, honestly If you want battery life you have to go for 15 watt TDP CPU's. But they suck. I can't even play a 1440p video on youtube without lag with an older generation U series i7 CPU in my inspiron.
But I think I'm happy with the purchase, looked a little more around, and I think I can't go wrong with this laptop. Yes a little gimmicky, but a 13 inch powerhouse. I somehow love the combination small and powefull.

On another note. I have to get a new bag for this laptop, I don't; want to take my huge 17 inch shoulder bag anymore. I saw the "dell professional sleeves".
There is a 13 inch and 14 inch variant. Both don't mention compatibility with consumer laptops of dell.
Does anyone know if the Alienware 13 fits in either of the two?

 

AW13 is roughly 3/4" deeper than my Latitude E5450 (14", same size as the E5470 in their compatibility list), given some eyeballing of the dimensions, I'd guess it'd be a very tight fit.

 

The OLED screen is amazing. Worth its weight in gold. I love mine so much Ive extended the warranty and am looking bfornspsre parts to keep around for even when dell won’t extend the warranty

 

Thanks for the comparison. Also did chat with a sales rep from the accessories department, and he confirmed that the " Dell professional Sleeve 14" is the actual recommended model for the alienware 13. The dimensions also match when I look at the dimensions of both the alienware 13 and that carrying case. Hope it won't be a too tight fit.

Honestly, I was even thinking about buying one for myself, and was waiting for a new lineup, only to hear that it will be discontinued. So am actually also happy to get this machine before it's gone forever. Like you said, Oled is great, and very rare on laptops.

 

The 13r3 is the most rigid laptop for its size. It’s not flimsy and there is little to no screen flex when you open the clam. I bought mine for work also and it’s perfect to travel around. Good choice IMO.