*OFFICIAL* Alienware 14 Owner's Lounge Thread

Sounds great, but how do you know which exact panel you get? I am definitely getting 1080 resolution, but I hope I get the LG panel, then. Is that something I can request from a sales rep, or can I do nothing but cross my fingers?
I will not be getting 16GB of memory, either, based on your advice.

I'll likely be getting in touch with a rep tonight or during the weekend if they are available to place my order.

 

yeah basically get a better processor, wireless and optical drive, but a worse mSATA configuration. I wasn't sure what one is better to have, personally I am weight heavily on the processor as the key feature to choose over mSATA boot drive.

 

Personally I would have chosen to have no msata at all from Dell (actually I did so) saving even more money, and to purchase one 256 gb my self down the road for fairly less money than what dell ask.

 

Is this laptop capable of WiDi? ARK says that the processor should support it but that it needs one of these wireless adapters


Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 1000, 1030, 2200, or 2230
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 2200 for Desktop
Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6200, 6205, 6230, or 6235
Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6205 for Desktop
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N + WiMAX 6150
Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250
Intel® Centrino® Ultimate-N 6300
Intel® Dual Band Wireless-N 7260
Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260
Intel® Wireless-N 7260
Broadcom* BCM43228
Broadcom* BCM43241
Broadcom* BCM4352

Can we replace the built in wifi card with one of the above to enable WiDi?

 

You or any rep you speak to will have zero control over which panel your system will be built with. It's called panel lotto and Dell is (in)famous for it. Sourcing parts that meet certain specs from whoever will sell it to them cheapest is something they've always done, even for their enterprise products. Everything from memory, fans, displays, and webcams.

Having said that, no one knows how the AUO compares to the LG since no one has yet had the two side by side for testing and comparison. It's quite possible that any differences are minimal or that each better the other in different ways.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

 

All right. Almost chatted up a rep to place my order tonight, but I just read that they are restoring the start button and allowing you to bypass the metro screen with Windows 8.1, so now I'm thinking I might choose 8 over 7 if it's true that it boots up faster. One last decision to make, it seems.

 

or if you don't want to wait until 8.1 just use start8 [$5]. no difference between that and windows 7, and you get all the benefits of windows 8.

 

Should be able to, the card is really easy to access and not soldered on iirc

 

games perform/run better with win 7. if that is important to you?

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Yes, that's important. But why would that be? Compatibility issues in 8?

 

I have windows 8 and I love it so much.

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i'd stick with win 7. be easier to upgrade to 8 at a later stage than downgrade if 8 is not for you

 

Guys, I had ordered it 1 month ago. I live in India but as it's not available as of now, I ordered from Hong Kong and now I ll receive it day after tomorrow! I am very excited.
- i7-4800mq
- Gtx 765m
- 16 GB RAM
- 750 GB + 64 GB cache mSATA
- Broadcom ac wirless adapter

Now I have some doubts.
In my country, the avaerage net speed isn't that much. I have 8 Mbps connection which is considered quite good here. Will I have any advantages in terms of ping with broadcom ac adapter?

Also, will I be able to play Battlefield 4 on High?

Does it get uncomfortably hot while gaming?

 

Well, I finally tried chatting with a rep and placing an order but ran into a new problem. The package I selected is currently the second from the left on the US website, the one that starts at $1299 after $50 savings. In this package, I upgraded the GPU to the 765M and the optical drive to Blu-ray. I wanted to upgrade the wireless card from Killer to Broadcom for the 802.11ac technology but was unable to do so. I asked the rep if he could upgrade that for me in the package I had in my cart, and he kept saying unfortunately not since the default NIC for Alienware systems was the Killer. I told him that Broadcom was default on higher packages, and he then acknowledged that and said I still could not upgrade with the package I selected. I asked him why not since I was able to upgrade the GPU and optical drive, and he again insisted that it was impossible and that it's just configured that way to prevent shipping delays. At that point, I was not sure that I could believe what this person was telling me, so I wanted to come here and ask you guys. Is it really not possible to get the wireless card upgraded unless I opt for the $1949 ($2049 before savings) package or higher? Just seems ridiculous that they can't put in one card instead of another. They can do it for the GPU, but not the wireless NIC? Just silly. Hopefully I am not being an idiot.

 

try it with another dell rep. if you get the same answer you'll know they ain't fibbing!

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Tried again, got more or less the same answer. I didn't necessarily think they were fibbing. I do believe they have preconfigured builds and limit which upgrades are available to you in an attempt to upsell you to a more expensive package. But I thought there might be exceptions made for a slightly customized build if a customer has a specific request (and is willing to pay and wait for it, obviously). However, if dealing with a less experienced representative, they might not even consider that an option and just tell you flat out "no, sorry" without knowing any better. Know what I'm saying? Anyway, I did get told "no, sorry" twice now. I was even more persistent with the second person while certainly trying not to be rude, and they stood their ground. I suppose I could request to speak with a higher level staff member or something. But the NIC isn't really the most important thing, I just thought it would be nice to have that 802.11ac technology as sort of futureproof so I'd have that option if I wanted to get an 802.11ac router in the next couple of years.

Anyway, seems like I'll have to settle for the Killer unless I want to spend a minimum of $1949 plus tax for a package with the Broadcom, which I don't. Unless anyone here has successfully gotten them to change or upgrade a component that their website doesn't normally let you do on your own? Or knows how to get in touch with someone more knowledgeable and with more authority on the Alienware staff that I could talk to?

 

if it was an option they would have offered it. there is no reason at all for them to hide it if it was available is there? i think you need to accept what you have been told on both occasions. if you are desperate for that tech to be in your lappy at the amount you want to spend, perhaps this machine is not for you

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I have the Killer NIC and hasn't given me any problems. It actually runs quite good.

 

Not necessarily. It might not have been option that they knew of. They also might insist on being unable to offer you certain upgrades in an attempt to get you to buy a more expensive package even though it's physically possible to do what you ask. But you misinterpreted my post if you think I'm having a hard time accepting or am desperate for anything.

I'm sure it's fine. Just thought it would have been nice to have one with 802.11ac.

Anyway, guess I'll just forget about the NIC. Sorry if I made it out to be a bigger issue than it is. That wasn't my intention.

 

I would tell them they are full of **** . I ordered mine before the $1300 base option was available and got the exact upgrade options you want for $1750. I also got 16gb RAM, which I doubt you upgraded.

You can always upgrade the card yourself, it is an extremely easy upgrade to do.

 

has anyone had the problem where the nvidia card disappears? I was in Optimus mode hit FN+F5 and I got nvidia, then hit FN+F5 again and went back into nvidia only mode, except the problem is that it didn't find the nvidia card. In computer management under Display adapters it only shows "Microsoft Basic Display Adapter" if I hit FN+F5 again I get only the intel card showing. I'm dual booting Windows 7 and Windows 8 btw, and both can't see it.

in the BIOS Main screen I see

Integrated Graphics [Not Detected]
Discrete Graphics 1 Nvidia GFX

Is there a BIOS setting I can change?

 

That happen to me but the nvidia card was the one doesn't recognise, I just go to the bios and restore the recommended settings, reboot, and work again without problem, later enter the bios and start configuring just as I have it, no problems so far

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Thanks, that worked. Had to reinstall nvidia drivers though for it to recognize.

 

Hey guys, i would like to ask that is there any Dell software to check the latest application available via Dell support website? Thank you very much.

 

Just got mine this morning, and I must say I've became a fan of alienware from the moment I unboxed it!!! (my first Alienware)
The metal texture is brilliant, feels very high-end(coz it is lol), and build quality is impeccable
I'm lucky to receive a machine without the many problems I've seen on this forum page, just slight bleed on the screen, everything works, no bright or dead pixel
The whole body is heavy, but feels very substantial and very solid, which I like a lot
I think the AW14 is the best 14" device on the market
The razer blade looks very nice at first glance, it's thin, it's light and it's powerful. Almost perfect in everyway and the green light is kinda cool
But when we turn on the AlienFX , the razer is just no match of the Alienware's awesomeness! And metal surface FTW!!

I may seem over excited coz you guys are used to the top-tier quality of Alienwares, but when I campare my cheapo old laptop, from a sandy-bridge i5 to haswell i7, from 7200rpm hdd to ssd, from overheating gt635m to beefy gtx765m, from glossy cheap plastic to cool and elegant metal, it is a big leap!!!

 

I like how thin and light Razer managed to get their laptops, but that's about all I like about 'em. I don't like the green lighting aesthetic, the regular model tops off at 900p, and the Pro 17" model doesn't do better than a 765M...@ $2300 minimum. I do have to wonder how much heat is generated and retained in such a compact system, as well. So, yeah, I also prefer AW. Really like the new designs, too. I know a lot of people miss the old ones, but those were a bit too over the top for me. I feel like the new designs are a little more neutral. Amongst gaming-oriented laptops, I think AW has the best look this year compared to Razer, Asus, MSI, and others and possibly best build quality. But then, this is the AW forum. If I preferred somebody else, I probably wouldn't be here. :]

 

You are not over excited. In this world today, it's a great pleasure to find something that gets us going. Kudos to you. I received my 14 last week and loving it. I started with the M14X R1 almost 2 yrs ago. I really loved that rig and I feel the same about my new 14. I haven't had any problems with either machine which I am grateful, knock on wood. I enjoy reading positive post on our rigs because as most know, guys usually come here to complain about one thing or another. Thats fine because they are searching for answers. But every now and again, someone, like yourself, just comes by to post that they are enjoying their rigs. Cool.

 

I'm so impressed how the AW14 manages the gpu temp
the GTX765m has 4 times the performance of my old GT635m, but runs 30 degrees COOLER
Unlike those thin, weak fans commonly found in other laptops, the single fan in the 14 looks like those fans in blower-type desktop gpu cooler, can anyone confirm this?
With the bless of gpu boost 2.0, the beast boosts to a stable 900MHz

From the benchmark on notebookcheck, the GTX765m can run Skyrim at 37 fps with ultra setting, full AA, full AF and stuff
They achieved this with a mighty ROG G750JW, I thought this is the best this graphics card can do.....
THIS IS NOT TRUE!!!
my 14 (311.48)can do min. 44 fps, max. 60 fps (I believe it is capped at 60) with the same setting YAY our little machines are more powerful than the giants!!! LOL


(To be fair..It could be the result of a newer gpu driver, but still...a totally stunning performance )

 

I finally just got my order in after finding a coupon for $100 off (I posted this in the money-saving thread, but it's currently the top Alienware staff pick on retailmenot.com, had to chat in to a sales rep to get it applied as it didn't work in checkout).
I have been reading conflicting reports about the screen. Some say it's dim (<200 nit), some say it's bright (300). Same say it's mediocre, some say it's brilliant. Screen is quite important to me, so I hope I'm satisfied. I did get the 1080p option, but I understand there are a couple different panels you can get at random. But I'll let everyone know what I think once it gets here. I am excited to try it out, at least.

 

Alienware australia has been advertising in Australia that is due to end tommorow on the 15th which gives
free upgrade to 765m,
free upgrade to 4800mq.
free upgrade to broadcom
free upgrade to bluray drive



hmmm




The old disappearing sales discount trick..... hmmm

 

I saw that deal too.
honestly I was shocked coz I spent around 2 grand AUD in my machine as well (aftermarket upgrades),
but that deal offers 4800mq cpu, broadcom nic, bluray drive which I don't have in my rig
It was such a great deal that I was wondering if it was a mistake
Turns out probably it was, so they pulled it off immediately after they noticed it
I'm not defending Dell in any way, but just wanna ask, why bother ask a sales rep for a quote?
I bought my machine through the online purchase system and everything is fine

Though I bought my rig in Australia as well, I don't think it was a ripoff...There are many places with worse price, the only thing I want to complain is the lack of accidental protection option, and the ridiculously expensive warranty extension
Well, if you're comparing with the US price then, I don't think there is any place on earth you can buy electronic appliances cheaper than in US
That is the nerds' heaven...so envy

 

i agree, alienware Australia kinda sucks, considering returning mine due to unresolved issues. Will give it one last chance when the tech guy comes around

 

I saw that deal too.
honestly I was shocked coz I spent around 2 grand AUD in my machine as well (aftermarket upgrades),
but that deal offers 4800mq cpu, broadcom nic, bluray drive which I don't have in my rig
It was such a great deal that I was wondering if it was a mistake
Turns out probably it was, so they pulled it off immediately after they noticed it
I'm not defending Dell in any way, but just wanna ask, why bother ask a sales rep for a quote?
I bought my machine through the online purchase system and everything is fine

Though I bought my rig in Australia as well, I don't think it was a ripoff...There are many places with worse price, the only thing I want to complain is the lack of accidental protection option, and the ridiculously expensive warranty extension
Well, if you're comparing with the US price then, I don't think there is any place on earth you can buy electronic appliances cheaper than in US

 

We know of two 1080p panels for the 14 - the AUO113D which notebookcheck reviewed and the LGD03EA. Neither of them have been reported with luminance levels below 200cd/m2, so I'm not sure where you're getting that info.

Wish we could find more info on the LG panel, but this is the first and presumably only laptop to use it. Googling it only returns my posts here..

 

Mine shipped yesterday, the count down begins

 

I have an lg panel. Teach me how to benchmark it

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You would need to have a colorimeter such as the i1Display Pro or the Spyder4 Pro. This allows you to measure and calibrate displays. Not something you buy unless you have a reason for calibrating in the first place.

 

Ah, yes, the excitement of finding a link on Google to a forum talking about your exact concerns...only to find that it's YOUR post. Been there.

As for the panel, this is where I read that it was <200 cd/m2, 161 in fact (and they do mention that it was a 1080p panel): Alienware 14 Review | Gaming Laptop Reviews
And this is where I read 300: Alienware 14 review | The Verge
And here, NBC says 240: Review Alienware 14 Notebook - NotebookCheck.net Reviews

That's quite a range unless I am mistaken about my units of measurement. To my knowledge, nit, lux, cd/m2 are all the same.

 

lol, I seen this too, valid till whenever they remove the promotion and not the actual date.

Fortunately for me, I grabbed this deal before it was gone which work out to ~$1900 AU, after the tiny 5% discount I got on the system.

I can't complain to much this year, seems the pricing is closer and in rare case better than the US pricing. Usually its grossly the other way around

Dell are getting desperate (mean) and are not budging on their discount, totally refusing any offers for less, and happy to lose the sale if need be (even if there is no promotion).

 

New Zealand had that exact same deal beginning of this week:

upgrade i7-4800, blu-ray, intel ac and GTX765m for NZD2,299. I immediately asked for a quote from my sales rep and got a quote.

Sales rep said she'd process it when she's back from annual leave on Wednesday (yesterday), and yesterday she called to say she could no longer honour that deal.

I told her it's her fault for waiting until the promotion was pulled, as I could have easily ordered online on Monday and get the same 5% discount. I waited for her so she can enjoy the commission.

She said she'll discuss this with Marketing and get back to me tomorrow.

Also ordered 2x 14" Vindicator backpacks. First quote was $64 and when I was ready to make the purchase, the price sneakily raised to $69.

Would be really annoyed if they didn't honour the deal because I was nice enough to wait for the sales rep

 

New bios A04 is up on dell's site. Looks like there are a lot of fixes but I don't understand any of it haha.
Driver Details | Dell US

 

Thanks for the news!
One obvious change/fix is no more 67 C temp limit in optimus mode! YAY
It's 94 C now

 

Man that sucks, I know the exact sales rep you are dealing with. I am also in NZ, and ordered mine last week. I was bit freaked out that she disappeared on leave the next day (after ordering), when she told me she was going to process my order on that next day, then I got an out of office email when trying to get a hold of her. I had to push someone else to process my order, cause I had no order confirmation.

I only quoted and converted to AU dollars to make sense with the pricing.

 

Is it better to update or wait too see whos getting issues after update ?

 

Hey everyone, I'm considering this one (1920x1080 screen) and the Sony Vaio Pro 13. I really don't need a powerhouse-laptop, but as I can get 25% off (student price in Sweden) + 70$ (campaign), the price for the Vaio and the Alienware is about the same.

What's your experience with the new Alienware?
Are there any known issues?
Also, does it keep cool and is it quiet?
How's the battery?
Would you say it's portable enough to bring to school every day?

I've searched for reviews, but only found two different one with mixed results. Appreciate your help!

 

What, besides the current similarity in price, has led you to even consider an Alienware system if you really don't need a powerhouse? Do you play games even occasionally? How recent or demanding are they?

 

I like the aluminium-case more than the Vaios carbon. I also like gaming, although I have a stationary computer for that, which is the reason Alienware is overkill. I also like the customizable lightning, and as I understand it the touch pad and keyboard is really nice as well. Also, the sony has some issues regarding noise, and as I will use the computer during lectures I'm afraid it will be to noisy. As said, performance-wise it's more than I need, but then it's not really a negative as I can get quite a big deduction in price. It also seem to have quite ok battery life for being as powerful as it is.

Also, it has a matte 1920x1080 which is really hard to find and is something I really want with the laptop.

 

How's the battery? You should choice any laptop rather than Alienware if this is your top priority. (Business laptop provides longer batter life and also have extended battery pack for long working day).
Also, does it keep cool and is it quiet? I feel comfortable using it even in game.
Would you say it's portable enough to bring to school every day? The answer is YES if you do not mind to carry 3kg + your own stuff on your back everyday.

 

I believe this is a bit self serving for your own requirements, but not everyones. I didn't need a powerhouse. I do play games but that wasn't the sole reason I bought mine. I bought the m14x 2 yrs ago and now purchased the 14. Like vane505 stated there are all kinds of reasons people buy an alienware. I love the aluminium case also. I like the lights and the construction of the alienware systems. There are all kinds of reasons to consider an alienware besides power and games.

 

Every notebooks has it's issues..It doesn't seem like there is a perfect, impeccable device

The alienware and sony are under two completely different categories and serve different purposes, how could you even link them and compare? just because of the similar price?

The alienware doesn't run very cool as it has a quad core haswell, the cpu keeps above 50 C even with low load, so the base gets warm no matter what you're running.

The fan stops completely when the cpu is not under load, but spin occasionally (I guess it is designed this way to avoid the fan running all the time) When it spins, you will be reminded a turbine engine of aeroplanes. The harddisk is loud (seriously, I didn't expect a hdd will spin this loud) and the optical drive makes strange noise.

Portable? That's why I am curious why would someone put these two machines together and compare. The Alienware is almost THREE TIMES as heavy as the sony. I don't know if you bring a laptop to school everyday or you're just planning to do it. If you really don't need the performance to game, I bet you'll regret it. It's heavier than my old 15.6" laptop and the power brick is big.

It's such a waste and silly idea if you don't need a gaming device but still purchase it because of the sale.(That's exactly what the retailers hoped) You said you like the lighting effect. Yes it's cool but the fact is I turn it off completely all the time. It's just too flashy and even embarassing, especially when you're in lectures but not lan parties.

Don't get me wrong...I LOVE this machine. I buy it because I really love to game but I don't have a desktop at home. I need the performance and I don't mind dragging a laptop this heavy to school. Just thinking I should tell you my experience with this device as a user.