Worth it buying 14 today???

For about $2k on their best 14 worth it getting it???

Whats the lowest u guys been able to get the best best 14"??

 

Have you considered the Alienware 17? It will perform much better for the same price.

 

i have a gaming desktop i game at home, i just need a gaming laptop for on the go, and for school(last semester so not really worry about it)

 

Nope, not until they will offer the 14 with a 860m

 

Dell might not even refresh the 14 with an 860m option...they've had plenty of time to come up with something 'better' since the 17 and 18 had a gpu refresh, yet nothing has been done. In that respect, I imagine Dell are losing the '14 inch' gaming laptop war to the likes of the Razer Blade which does offer up to 870m, however, the 765m is still a pretty decent card for a gaming laptop on the go....the 17 might be considered a bit too cumbersome for ultimate portability - it is a LOT bigger than the 14, obviously.

 

being this the case how flexible are they being with pricing?

 

My vote is, avoid Alienware at all costs. I have an Alienware 14 and the GPU just died on me after only a few hours use and Alienware wont help out at all. The quality of AW now is terrible. The old ones where good but the new ones suck.

 

I would recommend the 14 as it is a pretty solid laptop and a lot better than most run of the mill laptops out there. The 14 has fairly good access to the internals. No point waiting around for the 860M it is still on the same process as the 765M and is not DX12 or anything, yeah might be faster by a bit but who cares at this level, the performance with be relatively the same.

If you look at the trend for 2014, no manufactures have any new Intel chips except for the 100MHz Haswell refresh parts, and refresh parts were never a big deal anyhow every year they were just slipped in half way through. There is no new chipset either, thus many OEM are not changing their design this year, just tweaking what they got, placing in a refresh processor and slapping in a Maxwell.

 

Go with Origin. There 15 inch is using the 860 for the lowest and the 880 for max.The 860 blows the 765 out of the water. The 765 benchmarks at 2108 and the 860 at 2886. and it is about $200 cheaper. EON15-S Gaming Laptop | Details and Features | ORIGIN PC

 

If it died on you after a few hours, where was your warranty ??? - was it a second hand machine? - was it out of warranty?

I believe you can - even if the machine is faulty - re-extend warranty after it has lapsed, if that is the case. It might involve a service charge (on top of the fee for the warranty itself) to resurrect the warranty if expired, but I have seen this done.

 

It is not worth buying an AW 14 today. There are other machines on the market with 14 inch screens that are much thinner/lighter and more powerful at the same time. For example the Gigabyte P34g v2 with a 860m for 1500 USD, less than an inch thick, 3.7 lbs. Or the Razer Blade if you want better build quality, etc.

 

Today it's definitely not worth buying it. It's a nice laptop, But the graphics card is too old, and there are amazingly better competitors.

New razer blade 14:
- 14 inch, nvidia 870M, core i7 4702hq, Ultra thin, and 3K monitor

Gigabyte Aorus X3 (Plus) (announced, to be released)
- 13 inch (13.9 inch, on plus), nvidia 870M, core i7 4712hq, Ultra thin, 1440p monitor (or 3K/1440p choice, on plus), good fan exhausts with dual fans.

I've also seen benchmarks of the new razer blade 14. it does get to 80 degrees on the CPU, however, no throttling occured.

So you can see that the competition is VERY strong at the moment, so I'm expecting a totally new revision of the alienware 14, otherwise I am too considering to choose for a different brand. I have a 3 year old m14x, that I want to chance, now. Waiting for the gigabyte aorus at the moment, or a new alienware 14. But an alienware 14 with 860m won't cut it, since the competition is thinner yet more powerful.

 

It is 90 days out of warranty, and I too thought I could re-up my warranty after a lapse but when I asked customer service, they practically laughed in my face. That would be much cheaper the the full repair of $430.

 

You can find brand new Alienware 14's (still factory sealed from resellers) on eBay for quite cheap. I believe I saw one today that was about $1245.

Your best option is to wait it out. Maxwell is coming.

 

Personally, I do not like this emerging trend to try and fit everything into as small a form factor as possible. These 'thin and light' machines do get extremely hot on both cpu and gpu and that is not good for the lifepspan of your components. It's bad enough that the gpu on the 14 and all of the machines you mentioned are soldered on, but to have the cpu soldered on as well (BGA socket) is not acceptable, in my book. At least with the current 14, you can swap cpu easily, but it is crying out for an MXM solution for gpu....stuff the thickness of the machine....if you want a truly powerful and upgradeable machine, it needs to be thicker than a blade, macbook, aourus or any other machine that is following this absurd 'ultrathin' trend. If you want power and performance and great cooling, you have to sacrifice something.....I'd prefer to have power, performance and a cool running machine than to go out and buy a skinny assed notebook - just 'cos it had the latest gpu.

I'd hate to see Alienware go the way of 'ultrathin' as I believe it is currently a compromise on the complete package of performance, power and cooling. I also think it's insane having a 14 inch notebook with a 3k or 4k screen.....the human eye just isn't that fine a tool to discriminate between 4k and 1080p on a 14 inch screen at normal laptop distance usage.

Why 4K TVs are stupid

Also, if we are talking about gaming at close to 4k, what makes ANYONE think that gaming at such a resolution can be handled (with reasonable settings) by a single gpu such as an 860m/870m?

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...4k-gaming-alienware-18-780m-sli-possible.html

 

That CNET article oversimplifies the question quite a bit. Anandtech has a great, in-depth article about pixel density and vision.

Spoiler

If there is any single number that people point to for resolution, it is the 1 arcminute value that Apple uses to indicate a “Retina Display”. This number corresponds to around 300 PPI for a display that is at 10-12 inches from the eye. In other words, this is about 60 pixels per degree (PPD). Pixels per degree is a way accounting for both distance from the display and the resolution of the display, which means that all the information here is not limited to smartphone displays, and applies universally to any type of display. While this is a generally reasonable value to work with, the complexity of the human eye and the brain in regards to image perception makes such a number rather nebulous. For example, human vision systems are able to determine whether two lines are aligned extremely well, with a resolution around two arcseconds. This translates into an effective 1800 PPD. For reference, a 5” display with a 2560x1440 resolution would only have 123 PPD. Further muddying the waters, the theoretical ideal resolution of the eye is somewhere around .4 arcminutes, or 150 PPD. Finally, the minimal separable acuity, or the smallest separation at which two lines can be perceived as two distinct lines, is around .5 arcmin under ideal laboratory conditions, or 120 PPD. While all these values for resolution seem to contradict each other in one way or another, the explanation behind all of this is that the brain is responsible for interpretation of the received image. This means that while the difference in angular size may be far below what is possible to unambiguously interpret by the eye, the brain is able to do a level of interpolation to accurately determine the position of the object in question.

Also these 3 and 4K screens are very convenient in everyday usage providing superior resolution, and games can be perfectly scaled down to either 900p or 1080p while older ones can run at native resolution. I don't see a problem here at all.

Heat is an issue in some of the thin laptops, but usually it's still manageable and in my opinion it is well worth the massive reduction in size and weight. The AW 14 would be a great niche product if the GPU was MXM (making it the smallest fully upgradable laptop), but without that I see no reason to swap the CPU either.

 

I don't say I prefer thinner or I want 3K monitor. By the way, the temperature isn't a huge problem since these laptops use 2 fans, cooling the CPU and GPU, contrary to alienware 14, which has only 1 fan cooling both the CPU and GPU.

Like I said I don't prefer thinner. I'm just pointing out that there are thinner yet a lot more powerful systems out there. Alienware had "The most powerful 14"gaming notebook" when I bought the very 1st m14x. This is TOTALLY not the case anymore. If they make a thick laptop, I want them to make it worth it. They waste thickness with the optical drive, and also I'd appreciate a 2 fan configuration too, where there is overclocking potential for the GPU. And about the 3K monitor. I'm not a fan of it either. I'd indeed prefer a 1080p OLED or a very good IPS panel instead, where I can play ultra settings easier of games. But they made it, so I cannot complain.

 

Personally, I really just do not see the point in slapping a 'close to' 4k screen on a 14 inch gaming laptop with a single gpu that isn't even the very best single gpu option available. What's the point in having all those pixels if you have to dial back the scaling to 900p to enjoy it? - that's like owning a Bugatti Veyron but only being able to tootle it around a car park. Whilst it might give you a pretty desktop background, at native resolution on a 14" screen you are gonna have increase zoom unless you want eye strain. 4k might be good on much larger screens for TV, might even be good if you have a larger 4k monitor (24" or above) hooked up to a powerful SLI notebook or even more powerful desktop, but is way too much overkill for a single gpu notebook.

I'm just gonna leave this here regarding temperatures: http://forum.notebookreview.com/razer/751301-2014-razer-blade-initial-review-day-1-a.html (quote below from thread)

To me, even with the Blade having two fans, it's obvious to me that they aren't doing the job adequately - just because the machine has two fans does not mean it makes for sufficient cooling, as even at stock, the Blade is hitting 92c and 83c with a few runs of 3dMark. The review goes on further to detail gaming temps, which are also very high. As we all know, heat = early demise of most computer components - I guess if one is 'okay' with a manufacturer saying that temperatures are 'acceptable' or 'within operating ranges', then they can expect to be replacing parts much sooner than they thought they would have to. Again, personally, I would prefer a cooler running machine and longer life for my expensive CPU and GPU - especially when those components are soldered on BGA crap (because that is the ONLY way to fit them in the 'ultrabook' form factor) that cannot be changed without a new board, which is only going to lead to great expense if they do go wrong.

I'd do away with the ODD on the 14 as well - drop an MXM gpu into it, another dedicated gpu fan, keep the thickness (or reduce it a tad) and as for the screen....I wouldn't want 3860x2160 on a 14 inch panel - maximum I'd feel comfortable with is 2560x1440......if Dell could cram a smaller version of the U2711 panel into a small form factor, that would be ideal - a nice IPS panel with decent resolution for those who want it offered as a cost option.

 

Having a 3k or 4k monitor maybe a "future-proof" strategy. Of course you won't be able to run games at this resolution with that hardware, but certainly viable for video playback. 4k video contents are coming, that is for sure. But at this point of time, as no physical distributing media (disc) can contain a 4k film (yes high capacity optical disc exists but not ready for market), the redundant monitor sounds more like a marketing gimmick to me.

 

when is maxwell being released?? and when is the new alienware going to get released?

 

We don't know, or if it will even happen at all, as none of us have a functional crystal ball to predict the unknown future

 

This reeks of trolling

Unless you opened your laptop and tried to chew your GPU, Alienware will have either a tech at your house or an overnight box to you fairly quickly as soon as it is diagnosed.

 

The Alienware 14 is IMHO one of the best notebooks ever made, when I compare it to my MacBook Pro it is really top notch. Of course they are two different platforms and each to their own, but the build quality of the Alienware 14 is way up there and I likely to think of it as a near equal in class.

 

any reason to get a alienware 14 instead of a blade which has a better video card?

Also % wise how much better are the new video cards??

 

Below you can see an image of the performance upgrades of the 800M series compared to their predecessors.

The thing is. Laptops have a considerably lower GPU power compared to Desktop GPU. So if you want to have a GPU that will at least go 3 Years supporting the new games you HAVE to go with the latest GPU. In the worst case I wouldn't get anything less then the 860M. The 765M is outdated. It's 15% stronger than the 760M, while the 860M is supposedly 40% stronger than the 760M (see below).

But the 870M is indeed a very nice GPU, However! I too am looking to buy a new 14 inch laptop as soon as possible, but the razer blade 14 is not an option for me. Because it's too thin for a reasonable cooling. It's resolution (3200x1800) is WAAY too much. You won't be able to run games on native resolution except for low quality settings. I simply don't like the looks of the razer blade 14, also the fixed green keyboard backlight, It has a worse sound card, and I use a true 5.1 surround sounds setup, so I appreciate an optical audio output, or 3 x 3,5mm jacks.

The gigabyte aorus x3 plus is a 13.9 inch laptop with more or less same specs, but has the option for 1440p screen beside the 1800p screen. Has an optical output for audio, better fan exhausts and a better CPU. The gamut screen probably might be better too. (by the way alienware 14 it's IPS monitor is better).

So yeah I'm waiting for an alienware with an 870M. But we will see what happens. Otherwise I might go with the gigabyte one.

 

i also been looking at the gigabyte aorus x3 but the resolution is also upthere, i dont see a 1080p nor a 1440p option...

Im very close to pull the trigger on the AW, but it will suck to buy it today and next month the new one comes out.

 

Also the only games i play are multiplayer games, like WoW or wildstar, League of Legends and Smite.. I rarely play single player games

 

The Aorus X3 is 13.3" @ 1440P. The X3 Plus is 13.9" @ 1800P.

 

whats you guys opinion on the gs60? it has that card

 

No. The X3 (13,3") indeed has ONLY a 1440p monitor as option. However the X3 Plus (13,9") has the option of both a 1440p monitor and a 1800p monitor. SO you have a choice on the X3 Plus version.
AORUS Gaming Laptop X3

Here this is the link to it's official site. You can see there on the specifications of the X3 Plus, 2 options for the screen QHD and QHD+, respectively 1440p and 1800p.

About the gs60. First of all it's 15 inch. so I don't like it. Second of all, my father owns a very good msi laptop, but I don't like them. They are the cheapest solution when it comes to gaming. so they don't pay too much attention to the details. Like personally I hate the keyboards of msi. and such things. So yeah, nothing for me

 

I think the 14 sucks. It's expensive, cap performance that loses to the compititon, thicker and heavier then the compititon, and there really is nothing better about it then the others in the ring

 

Don't mince your words, mate......your next mission (should you choose to accept it) is to walk up to a couple with a newborn baby and tell them that their child is butt ugly....

 

I would if it was ugly. Tell me one good thing the 14 has over the competition.

 

I'll give you two - build quality and cooling.

Oh, not to forget warranty support / in home next day repair and replacement service......

 

@steviejones133 You might be right but you forget one important thing. When the alienware 14 came out. It was the worlds most powerful 14 inch gaming laptop. Now it simply ain't anymore. It held the same build for 3 and a half years now (not talking about the looks, GPU and CPU. Mainly about motherboard, the placement of all hardware, ...) So I think Alienware 14 needs a new revision update. I mean if thin 14/13 inch laptops such as new razer 14 and the gigabyte aorus x3 (plus) can keep a reasonable temperature, then I find it lame that my m14x it's CPU reaches 98 degrees with turbo boost on and the gpu almost 90 degrees. (talking about the m14x r1, sure there might have been some imprevements in th efew revision). So if my laptop is thick, I want to see it's benefits. I want to see very good temperatures and room for overclocking the GPU. And about the build quality I have nothing to say, since it very good right now.

So all I'm saying is, there is still room for better cooling and perhaps slightly (not much) improvement on the thickness and weight of the laptop.

Sure this guy exaggerated with "it has nothing beter then the others in the ring", butyou have to keep in mind that alienware is not the sole 14 inch gaming laptop manufacturer and has to take competition smart. If the others go for thin, then sure I'd love to see alienware 14 go for thick, but they have to make the benefits of the thicker build make the others feel in the shadows. As I'm still waiting to buy a new laptop. I REALLY want a nice comeback of the alienware 14. I want to have an alienware brand laptop. But like it is right now. I'm not very interested in getting one, even if they came up with an update with a 860M gpu, that still won't cut it for me as I'm expecting more from a brand as Alienware. I want them to take back their title as "strongest 14 inch laptop in the world". If they made a build with 2 fans on that thickness. They could make ads about overclocking the GPU (perhaps sell higher clocked versions) with the 870M (or if possible the 880M). And they will regain that title. and I'd be more than glad to get one.

 

Oh, I wholeheartedly agree that the current 14 is in dire need of a refresh to keep up with the competition in terms of GPU and *maybe* a few other areas such as high res display for those who would want it as a cost option. It's a tad harsh to say "it's crap" or "it sucks" because it simply is not crap....it might under-perform a bit compared to 860m/870m, but the 765m is far from being poor. Of course, there will be those that are in the 14 inch gaming market that will jump to Razer etc because of the GPU and the "thin and light" factor - I'm not one of 'em because I like the fact that my machine is built like a tank, runs cool and I have good warranty support behind it - however I do appreciate those who will sacrifice cooling, build quality etc just to get the latest GPU under the hood.

I think it has been said before many times about how the 14 could benefit by a refresh, no point in going over old ground so I won't.

 

I personally like the SIZE and design. Yeah a newer gpu/CPU would be nice but my 14 handles bf3/4 just fine. Not to mention the IPS 1080p panel is excellent in everyway. I love te matte finish and color reproduction when editing photos. It travel with me everyday everywhere I go... Oh and thank you svl7 for the bios

 

One of the best keyboards and touch pad, the competition uses moslty keyboards with low travel and.. god awefull click pads. Did I already mention the perfect build quality and IPS screen?


I was considering replacing it with a Lenovo Y50 since I already have a Y500 as well as a backup machine. But while the y50 may may be slimmer and faster due to the 860m it loses it on every other point for me. Especially the build quality is no where near the 14, and don't start me about the keyboard..... I quickly brought that thing back where it came from.. the shop. Now don't get me wrong for the price the Y50 is unbeatable but you get what you pay for in the end of the day.

 

Holy crap ! Alienware just announced the Alienware 13 !!

That could be mean this year is the year they might bring out a Alienware 15 ! Cuz I dont think they will sell a 13 and 14 inch laptop tgt..!!!

 

Dang it! apparently there won't be any AW14 860m upgrade any time soon....i was hoping for the possibility to do a MoBo swap in order to upgrade

 

It's a step in the right direction to compete with the 'ultrabook' gaming machines - but perhaps a little to little, and a bit too late methinks.......

860m top GPU still trails 870m in other notebooks.....screen resolution improvement is good - QHD 2560x1440 with that GPU is about as much as I would want, shame it looks like Dell have ditched matte screens again in favour of what looks like the old E2E plexiglass covering we were so used to on the likes of the M18x R1 and others. I'm not a fan of glossy.....bad move there IMHO - although some will love it, I'm sure.

ULV processors ? - more BGA rubbish....at least the 14 you could change the CPU....hmmmm....still, they should be Broadwell.....

Still an inch thick, which for some will be bothersome. Finally Dell have ditched the ODD, which I guess is why it is a tad thinner than the 14....still, the thickness leaves me in hope of good cooling.

Not sure if the 13 retains the aluminium lid casing - would be really poor if Dell ditched that.....

WHERE'S MY MOUSE BUTTONS GONE!!!!!

I have a feeling the new 13 is gonna be like Marmite - you'll either love it or hate it.....

Yup, that sucks BIG time for current 14 owners who wanted to perhaps upgrade GPU via motherboard swap-outs. Looks like Dell have 'stuck it' to the 14 crowd leaving us high and dry and having to go out and buy a completely new machine if we wanted better performance. I personally won't be rushing to buy a 13......