*OFFICIAL* Alienware 13 R1/R2 Owner's Lounge

I've been having a hard time deciding between the 1080 and the 1400 screens. Normally I like to have as much real estate as possible, but I wonder if the 1400 is just a bit too much for a 13" screen. I'm anxious to here your thoughts on both.

This is the other thing I can't decide on. I really haven't used 8.1 much, but I don't like what I've heard about it. I love 7 (well, as much as one can love an MS product), but I don't know if I want to pay $70 more for an older version of software.

 

hey Bro, get the 2560x1440 and windows 8! mine is on fedex truck for delivery.

 

As listed on the alienware website for the 13: Intel® Core™ i7-4510U Processor (Dual-Core, 4MB Cache, up to 3.1GHz w/ Turbo Boost)

As listed on the itemized list after purchase: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-5500U Processor (4M Cache, up to 3.00 GHz)


which one is better, and why are they just lying about what they are actually putting into the machine?

 

Looking forward to your thoughts on it and seeing some pics!

 

For the touchscreen, they should have just kept it at 1080p. 1440p is way too small for a 13.3 inch screen (without scaling). with scaling however its fine, but some of the text will be blurry.

with the lenovo thinkpad yoga 14 with 1080p touchscreen i had (returned because i didnt like the extremely glossy display). sitting at a reasonable distance of 60-80cm from the screen, i had to run my native res at 1600x900 to be more comfortable (without scaling).

 

Finally just bit the bullet and got the 13 as I needed a replacement for my beloved M11xR2. Fedex just delivered the box so I have not had too much time with it(ill post some pics of the 13 next to the M11x for comparison) but what I will say is that that form factor is nice and light, Screen is beautiful but takes a bit getting use to the text icon scaling if you have it turned on.

My only gripe is the Power brick, in this day in age why does the power adaptor have to weight more than the laptop itself(im half joking)?

Otherwise my first impression is great.

Specs are in my signature

 

Taken as an M11x replacement it is awesome eh

 

the i7-5500U is a broadwell CPU (newer Processer build). It will be faster and cooler than the i7-4510u.

 

It's not that they aren't lying, but Alienware is using a loophole through a possible embargo. I don't think Intel would want manufacturers to spoil Intel's surprise.
The Broadwell CPU should be better.

 

Yes it is very awesome. This should be enough for what for what I need when I travel. Its going to play double as my work laptop and gaming on the road.

Not sure I like the touchpad but it could be just a 'need to get use to thing".

Back to more testing and configurations!

 

Agreed - the touchpad is just meh - this is frequently the case with Alienware - they really expect you to 1) use a serious mouse, and 2) wear headphones to cover the noise of the fans and so-so speakers in laptops (#2 is half-serous )

 

I have had the 13 for a few days now and I am really impressed but like you I am not sure on the touchpad. It just doesn't seem responsive and a bit erratic at times. I am hoping it gets better with time

 

Are some of you guys planning on doing a review on the AW 13 anytime soon ? because there still isnt any user review to be found yet.

 

I will do a Review when the GA is working with nvidia gpus

 

Man, I'm on the edge of ordering. How's the 1440 display?

 

More gameplay videos (settings in the description) ,

<iframe width='560' height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6dPeWu46U6E" frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width='560' height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rP_AaPKT8HU" frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width='560' height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nz5KLTaxNo8" frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

man, it is beautiful!!! just got it few minutes ago. steel testing, go for it!

 

Just leave FRAPS open. Don't have any hotkeys assigned to record.

 

Hey Bumbo, if you get a moment, could you try getting a fps count in something at 1440p then try dropping to 1080p.. real curious to get an idea what the fps difference is

I'm guessing 18~20 % difference, but... given how screwy the pairing of the i5 ULV is with the 860m....

... and congratulations man, I think you are the first 1440p AW 13 dude on NBR!

 

Can someone post bf4 gameplay with fraps on (not recording) and record it with a video camera? Thanks. Ultra settings. Turn off aa if you have to.

 

Right So I see people are having issues with GTX 970/980 and the Amplifier. My GTX 970 isnt working properly with the Amp as well.

Has anyone contacted Dell support and checked their response ?

 

Also if anyone who got the harddrive that came with the 1tb post the make and model, I specifically want to see the depth on it, also if anyone could post pics of the harddrive cradle, I just can't believe I can't modify the cradle a little bit to for a 9.5 mm compared to a 7mm traditional drive depth...I meen come on it's like 1/10" in difference

 

I just received my new Alienware 13. Configuration: Core i5, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Win 8.1, 1920x1080 display.

My initial impression is that everything is great -- except for the trackpad.

First, I noticed that there is no installed Software / Driver / Configuration utility for the Alienware 13 trackpad (provided by Synaptics, btw).

Second, I noticed that when using various applications (e.g., MS Word 2013), scrolling with the trackpad moved the application window itself up, down, or side to side a small distance... rather than scrolling the open Word document.

After checking what I could online, I called Alienware Tech Support.

Robert in Tech Support (who was very helpful) stated that the new Alienware 13 does NOT currently come with Windows 8.1 Synaptics trackpad software. So we tried to install all of the following:

Windows 7 Synaptics trackpad driver package for the Alienware 13
Synaptics own generic Windows 8 trackpad driver package
Windows 8.1 Synaptics trackpad driver package for the Alienware 17

Nothing worked.

As I write this (11:30 pm EST Friday night), Robert is escalating the problem to "Level II Support and the Engineering Team" to see if they can provide us with Synaptics trackpad software within 48 hours.

Otherwise, for me, the Alienware 13 without a usable trackpad is valueless and I'll simply return it.

I will update the Forum with whatever I hear from Alienware Tech Support.

 

Could you post some pics of the Windows desktop (and not the silly Windows 8 tile display)? Maybe even have a browser or something open?

Thanks!

 

I called them and the tech said that they Are aware of the issue and currently trying to fix it

 

I just found the videos. They aren't mine.

 

Coming from a MacBook, I've always been paranoid about trackpads on Windows based laptops

 

Not exactly sure why they changed the trackpad. It was fine and brilliant with the back-lit trackpad on the Alienware 14, 17 and 18. It never missed a beat.
Half the time my taps don't seem to register on the 13. So hopefully they fix up the software issue.

Its been a week now since I've owned the 13 and I think its a keeper. :thumbsup:
I'm thinking that the only thing i might have changed or upgraded would be the higher RES and brighter 400nit screen.
I like my screens extremely bright
However this was not a viable upgrade option for me - costing $419 to upgrade to the Ultra High RES screen. Maybe next time!

How is everybody elses battery life so far?

 

Hmmm.... this is making me seriously think if I keep the 1440p unit over the 1080p I will bite the bullet and go to Windows 7....

The brightness on the 1080p is not bad at all, but... this is reason also I had not stated about reconsidering my initial decision to forego the 1080p and take a chance to check out the 1440p... not to mention the increased color and contrast (this is not a knock on the 1080p, it is gorgeous) as I am very much into picture quality even to the extent of giving up a bit of performance to get it.

One additional albeit subjective point, the laptop is very comfortable to sit with on the couch and game... the lighter weight spread out actually makes it more comfortable by far than either the M11x or M14x.

 

those that game on the couch, what kind of mouse do you use besides the trackpad?

 

@ Docsteel, I'M working on it!

 

Sure, Brother!

 

I am a religious user of Logitech trackball M570's...

 

As they say ...."You da' man!" Much appreciated!!! Sadly, it looks like the 1440p unit won't arrive until 12/17... was supposed to ship on Friday and get here on Monday, but... just checked and it was changed.

 

I'M having problem uploading the pictures to the forum!.

 

you will get it earlier. mine was shipped on 12/10/2014 - Wednesday And for some reason I Got the notification yesterday!

12/12/2014 - Friday

6:43 pm Delivered
Brooklyn, NY

Given to customer. Signature Service not requested.


7:06 am On FedEx vehicle for delivery
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY

6:59 am At local FedEx facility
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY

12:10 am Arrived at FedEx location
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY

12/11/2014 - Thursday

6:34 pm In transit
SNOW SHOE, PA

3:15 am Left FedEx origin facility
CHICAGO, IL


12/10/2014 - Wednesday

9:47 pm Arrived at FedEx location
CHICAGO, IL

 

hey Docsteel, playing skyrim at 1920x1080 I get 36-40+ fps and 2560x1440 22-27 fps, everything on high 8x aa.


never mind, I was insade a cave, in the open world it go down to 22 fps at 1920x 1080 and 14 fps at 2560x1440

 

How does the screen look when Windows or games are at 1920x1080? I know a lot of panels don't do well with non-default resolutions.

 

Well... I guess I'll comment on the videos then.

 

Great minds...in fact, I use it so much I'm getting bad with a traditional mouse. My counter strike skills are going to be nonexistent when I return to gaming...

 

it look nice!

 

Loving the 13 so far, great form factor, 1080p screen is gorgeous and reasonable battery life.

Only thing I am a bit disappointed with is the dual core ulv. Been playing a bit of BF4 and on 64 man server I get 30-40fps and it feels a bit stutter. I dropped the setting to low to see if that would improve it at all but alas no
Not sure if I will keep it as a casual game machine or return it and stick with a 15" with quad core

 

Have to ask, what is this? It was in my invoice, but I have no idea what it is.

 

Here you go bro.

http://youtu.be/EduYVEwd2vk.

http://youtu.be/3HQIWLJ39_Y.

 

]

@Bumbo: thanks for posting the results for 1080 vs 1440 - curious, what do you plan to do, play at 1080 or 1440?

 

it is no a good idea to have this baby with out the GA = Graphics Amplifier! have to order one and a graphics card!

 

I want to sell my m18, and keep this one. this machine is very comfortable!!! I'M currently playing Styx master of shadow at 1080p

 

something I notice is that you can't change the resolution via NVidia control panel.

 

Finally someone that has the 13 and the GA most peeps only bought the 13 I guess? Please post gameplay videos buddy! I would like to see BF4 Large Conquest 64 player match out there you guys!