First time with Alienware... Not new to Dell...

Ok, in the past I have had amazing experience with Dell, so much so, I have always gone back, I pretty much have my heart set on getting the M14X with everything in a few weeks, except the SSD, so would be 750gb HDD, but everything else at max, etc.
We are also getting an Inspiron 15R for my partner at the same time, but that's off topic.

Generally, other than the cool lights, I was hoping someone could tell me what makes Alienware so much better, than lets say an equivalent XPS or similar. I will only get Dell, i'm loyal and I know there are people that hate the brand, but they do me a good deal, customer service is good and even replaced a 2 year old model for a brand new one a few years back.

So in short, why Alienware, whats the build quality like, will it last the 3 years my other models have, I know people say get the 1.5gb graphics not the 3.0gb but I have this as a free upgrade...

All thoughts and comments welcome, sell the system to me guys and girls!

Thanks

 

1. Gaming performance of bigger sizes in smaller packages (eg, 540M in the m11x and 555M in the m14x)
2. Outstanding build quality. Its plastic, but high quality and no flexing on my end at least (typically if people have problems its a defect)
3. Mine needs to last 3 years as well, and as long as youre willing to go down to straight medium by 2013 or so, itll last.
4. If its free obviously take it, and I think it can make a small difference down the road, but no one likes to think of that and tells people not to get it

Not alot of time to give you a full run down, but those are answers to your main point. Most of this is opinion, and there will be people giving it bad ones, but you really have to decide for yourself in the end

 

As far as I know the M14X has the most powerful GPU in any 14" laptop, even when considering other Dell products. The 555m is a pretty good step up from the 540m which is the most powerful GPU available for the XPS 15.

I don't own one yet, but this was the biggest factor in me deciding to buy a M14X.

 

Sooner or later dell will eff up, its inevitable. I say that with great confidence.

 

TBH alienware isn't what it used to be before dell took it over. Ever seen a pre-dell-alienware computer? They look awesome. The m14x is still a great laptop, great value, and the best 14 inch laptop out there. But the overall look of alienware laptops are kind of too subtle compared to their predecessors. But if you have a free upgrade, and want a serious gaming laptop, the m14x is a great choice. If you want a more professional looking laptop, with a larger higher res screen, the xps is a good choice.

 

I'm similar to you. Had Dells before, not Alienware, and love them.

1) Alienwares have a distinct styling, with the form factor and lighting effects. IMO it's much better than lights found on old XPS or current Asus laptops. Also, Alienware usually packs some pretty powerful stuff in a small laptop, for example the GPU in the M11x and M14x.

2) Build quality is excellent. It's got a metal frame inside (unlike plastic frames in some) and a rubber exterior which feels nice. Pretty solid and a bit on the heavy side, but I'm not complaining. How long it will last depends on how you take care of it.

3) Check my sig for a video review I made back when I first got mine

 

Thanks very much, I was hoping for an owners opinion, yes as people mention Dell mess up, everyone does, people are human, it's not the messing up, it's how issues are rectified that concerns me and Dell are 100% concerned, that YOU the customer leave satisified.

 

What is your budget?

A maxed out M14x?? Whats the price of that?

 

Probably just shy if $2000, or a stock M17x with a few upgrades

 

AW has effed up too. I'm waiting for my 3rd M14x. I hope this build will be correct to what I actually ordered.

Anyway, I loved my Dell lappys too. That's why I'm getting the M14x. I hated the XPS'. I like the wedge looking XPS' before the current fugly one and would have ordered it but they stopped making the older one.

I like how simple the M14x looks. For those that say it's not professional looking, I have no problems taking my M14x into a boardroom and firing it up n front of a bunch of execs. They will appreciate the quick responsivness. I *will* turn off the Alienfx but the rest of the lappy looks very subtle to me. And I have the Nebula Red one!
joey

 

Well, without the extras, Orion Bag, Office, which can't be discounted, the price is £1200 so that's $1890ish, that's including EVERY optional extra (apart from the overpriced SSD) including accidental damage, theft cover etc...

HOWEVER... It is worth mentioning I am also buying a Bag, Office and an Inspiron 15R (Also with discount) at the same time, it seems with Dell the more you buy the more flex you have