Alienware Community Feedback - Product Packaging

Hi NBR members!

We have a couple of quick questions regarding the packaging of your Alienware systems. For some it’s that first sign of something they’ve been anticipating, for others it’s just some cardboard that will hit the trash two minutes after unboxing. It will not affect how well your system performs but we always want to make sure our customers are getting the best experience when purchasing an Alienware computer.

1. How important is the look and feel of the packaging. Does the packaging play any role in the overall experience of getting a new system?
   

   
   

2. How important is the use of recyclable materials in your product packaging?
   

   
   

3. What happens to the product packaging after your system has been unboxed? Do you keep the box or do you throw it away once the system is set up?

Thanks!

- Alienware Product Team



Special thank you to Mr Fox

 

1) Packaging can play a role, but it's not huge imho. My AW was basically the laptop with some foam/plastic to keep it from being knocked around, with the mouse-pad and cd/doc kit on top of the unit. Nothing special, but functional. It certainly didn't make me think less of the brand. I am not a big fan of Apple, but when I got a 1st-gen iPod Touch waaay back, it was a pleasure to unbox. My Galaxy SIII was, likewise, enjoyable to unpack. I did like that the CDs came in a sleeve that could be closed, rather than just all in a clear plastic bag. I was a little confused by the cloth case around the laptop though. Was that decorational? Am I supposed to keep it around for something? It occurs to me, at this moment, that maybe I could use it to wipe the screen. It didn't really seem like a deluxe touch (reminded me of Crown Royal) so I wasn't sure if it was intended to be functional somehow.

2) I prefer recycled materials & materials that can be recycled. I really like when companies go out of their way to try and be responsible.

3) Depends -- usually packing materials just go in to the recycling and/or trash. If it's a nice sturdy box I may keep it around.

 

Hello, and thanks for asking these questions. I will respond in a different font.

Will make is a sticky thread for 7 to 10 days to assist with feedback collection.

 

Hi.... interesting topic
I'll add my two cents.

1) The look and feel to me is very important, as this was my first alienware, the box was my first impression of the quality that goes into an alienware product. I find that the way a product is boxed and shipped, if done in the proper way can actually get me even more excited when I receive it. I may be a little different than the rest but the "unboxing experience" to me is a really exiting thing..... when done right.

2) Recyclable materials for me are a good thing, as long as it doesn't affect the protection or look and feel of the finished product.

3) Maybe unsurprisingly after my last two statements, I do keep the boxes. My aw box is safely tucked away in my basement storage. I find the more quality behind the packaging the less likely it will hit the trash bin.

 

It need to be fancy.. bring back the hat(maybe update it a bit) and the mouse pad..

 

1) In the first place the packaging should be sturdy and protective so the wares can reach the customer in good condition. I also like when packaging is simple, e.g. a simple black boxes for AW laptops is a very elegant idea.

2) It doeasn't matter to me.

3) I keep the packaging for all expensive products (as Fox said above). It is mostly for the warranty purposes.

 

Please see BOLD for replies, thanks!

 

Hey Alienware! Thanks for thinking of us. Here are my responses:

1. How important is the look and feel of the packaging. Does the packaging play any role in the overall experience of getting a new system?
Packaging is important when one spends a great deal of money on a "premium" product. I expect less out of, say, a $500 Dell Inspiron unboxing experience than I would a $3000 Alienware M18x R2. Remember, some people are willing to pay for the quality that a name brand brings, and that extends to the packaging.

2. How important is the use of recyclable materials in your product packaging?
Important if it provides adequate protection to the product as it is shipped.

3. What happens to the product packaging after your system has been unboxed? Do you keep the box or do you throw it away once the system is set up?
I keep the box in case I need it for something in the future (e.g. if I sell the laptop).

For what it's worth, I like the new packaging for the M18x R2. The smaller box size was nice, although I was disappointed that Dell/Alienware chose to do away with the manual, sticker, and baseball cap.

 

Hi. Here are my answers:

1. How important is the look and feel of the packaging. Does the packaging play any role in the overall experience of getting a new system?

When I got my first Alienware, M11X R2, I was blown away by the packaging and it made the experience all the better. When I received my M14X R2 I was a little disappointed to find that the same care was not given to the packaging, but most likely this had to do with the delivery company as the box was almost opened and really beat up. My M11X shipped in a brown cardboard box with the black Alienware box inside that. The M14X just came directly in the black Alienware box. The packaging inside was superb though.

I believe with the money that is spent on this high-quality system, an equally high-quality packaging should be used. It gives me a better overall feeling about the product.


2. How important is the use of recyclable materials in your product packaging?

I think this is important.


3. What happens to the product packaging after your system has been unboxed? Do you keep the box or do you throw it away once the system is set up?

I keep all the packaging. One, I may need it one day to ship the computer or move the computer. Two, it's just so cool.

I wasn't home when my M14X arrived, but my mom and my 5 year-old nephew were at home to receive the package. My nephew could not wait for me to get home because he wanted to know just what was inside that mysterious box with the alien face on it. Once I got the box opened and the laptop out, he didn't care about the computer and just wanted the box!

 

Very, very important for the first impression. I do not absolutely value this over the system's integrity, performance, usage and the impression the system itself delivers; heck I'd be fine if Alienwares shipped in triple walled boxes with no-color print and a small logo printed if it meant the system itself was better.
But, of course, if the packaging looks great, feels great and the system itself feels even better, this improves my overall impression. I am extremely nitpicky about attention to detail and every little thing that can or cannot impress me tends to add either value or points to the product. My M14x arrived in a relatively boring looking black brief-case style box (when I say relatively boring I mean relative to the Alienware boxes of old) and while the inside had a pretty print and the M14x was decently protected with the thick sponge-framework and the velvet sleeve (I like that sleeve, but it needs to have a larger flap - it's a pain to get it in or out), I was extremely disappointed to discover I had just about no accessories or paper material to spend some time on. And the box itself was quite unimpressively thin, on closer inspection.

But, overall, I value the protection provided by the box. It could be black and white for all I care if it was very durable and had lots of good accessories inside. Of course, as with everyone else here, I believe that for the noticeable premium I'm paying for an Alienware, it damn well better come with nice packaging.

This is, again, something that isn't particularly important to me as aesthetics would be, but improves my impression of the company I just bought my product from. I do appreciate eco-friendliness on any level and I'd love to see a "this package is made of recycled materials" printed on my box, but if it means it significantly compromises any functional aspect of the packaging, no.

I am some sort of a hoarder and I have all my boxes for almost all my tech products from the last few years, including those from my 4 year old+ desktop, my G73's box, even the one from my Xbox 360 Elite from late 2007. I do not throw boxes away. Especially for items that could have resale value. Such as an Alienware. Commonly, I also use the boxes to store accessories or material bundled with the product.

 

How important is the look and feel of the packaging. Does the packaging play any role in the overall experience of getting a new system?

I always have great anticipation when I know I’m going to receive something new and the packaging can add to that anticipation. With me being stationed overseas I order about 80% of what I want online. It’s almost Christmas for me every other week. I still remember when my M11x came in followed by the M18x a week later…


How important is the use of recyclable materials in your product packaging?

I'm not a tree hugger...really doesn't both me which way.

What happens to the product packaging after your system has been unboxed? Do you keep the box or do you throw it away once the system is set up?

I still have the boxes and will till I no longer have the systems.

 

In my opinion, the look and feel of the packaging is part of the experience. For many of us, that is the first impression - the arrival of the box onto our doorstep. At least to me, when I order an Alienware laptop, I'm pretty excited about it. When the package arrives, that's one of those "finally, it's here!!!" moments. The box definitely effects that experience. When I ordered my M17x R3, seeing the box arrive was really sort of a "wow!" moment. It really felt like it was packaged well, and thought was put into it. While the hat, stickers, and other accessories obviously weren't the star of the show, they added to the whole experience. As to the M18x R2 box - well, it didn't quite have that wow factor. That, and it seems much less protected in it. In fact, I've seen a couple systems delivered with holes in the box, and you could see the laptop inside.

In short, Alienware systems are top of the line, and I think the packaging should reflect that.

Recyclable materials are nice whenever it doesn't compromise the packaging. However, this isn't that big of a deal to me. I would rather it be durable and withstanding more than anything.

Like others have stated, I keep the packaging for expensive electronics as long as I own them.

---
Hope the feedback helps, it's always nice to see that you guys are listening.

 

Just my thoughts on this one for you guys.

 

How important is the look and feel of the packaging. Does the packaging play any role in the overall experience of getting a new system?

Yes definitely, the look, feel, and any other of the senses you can manage to engage play a big part of the overall experience.
p.s. I was disappointed I didn't get a leather folder for drivers.

How important is the use of recyclable materials in your product packaging?

I don't mind.

What happens to the product packaging after your system has been unboxed? Do you keep the box or do you throw it away once the system is set up?

I keep it as long as I can - Usually until I resell.

I hope that helps you guys

 

1.) Packaging is EXTREMELY important. Its the first thing the customer sees, and good packaging is proven to leave a good first impression. Apple knows that, and they take it to a T. Even their biggest critics will begrudge that they know how to make a nice box layout.
A premium product deserves premium packaging.
Good packaging can make even a grown man act like a kid on Christmas morning. I have seen, and I have experienced it.

From what I have seen, the new gen of AW laptops have come with "downgraded" packaging compared with previous generations. smaller, thinner boxes, less goodies inside (no more hat and leather manual ), people are receiving systems with holes in the boxes, etc...
I hope that this is is changed.

2.) I would appreciate if the packaging is made from recycled materials, doing so always improves my thoughts on the company, and I am well aware that Dell is an industry leader when it comes to improving reducing their footprint on the environment, and I appreciate that. However, if making the packaging from recycled material is detrimental to the structural integrity of the box, then its something I would not mind not happening.

3.) I ALWAYS keep the boxes from expensive hardware, I still have all my cell phone boxes from the last 10 years years for instance.
I usually keep them because they can come in handy if I ever sell the item, or if I want to store it for whatever reason, I am also a bit of a hoarder .

 

"How important is the look and feel of the packaging. Does the packaging play any role in the overall experience of getting a new system?"

For me, yes absolutely. I remember I was a kid, 16, when I first got surprised with mine years ago. My parents, who purchased the system, obviously wondered why it cost more [I got an Area-51 m15x before Dell acquisition] at Alienware then getting similar components though another place at the time, but even they realized quickly that the purpose of Alienware was to receive a high quality system with the experience. Since then, I'm now finishing my Ph.D. at University and I've always ordered Alienware for remembering that first experience. When my friends were over at my house the day that the package came seven of the thirteen people ended up going home and convincing their parents to buy them an Alienware because they knew they wanted one when they saw the package arrive. Again, that was a few years ago and since then all of them and myself included have been frequent repeat customers of Alienware. My end point I see it as a big deal for Alienware because I personally know of a good deal of business you have received because of the experience!

"How important is the use of recyclable materials in your product packaging?"

I believe where it is easily possible it would be a good idea. I would not advocate for going bananas trying to make the packaging 99.999% perfectly green tomorrow. My Ph.D. I'm finishing is in Economics, so I would say do it at the pace in which Alienware as the supplier in the marketplace feels comfortable, but do not compromise economic profit over such a topic.

"What happens to the product packaging after your system has been unboxed? Do you keep the box or do you throw it away once the system is set up?"

I keep the box and included packaging, in case I have to send it back for repair/warranty service [not sure if they still do that, but I had the horrible m15x hinge problem had to send it back twice under warranty, then they stopped fixing it and never gave a permanent resolution to the hinge problem on that specific model at least that is what I was told ] I eventually "get rid of it" per se, when either I ship the computer when I am done with it, i.e. sell it...

Patiently waiting for my delayed m14x r2 so I can have another unboxing experience!!!

Edit/Update: I received my M14x R2 today, and I am quite happy! I do have to say as far as the packaging goes, things are really different, and I do not mean that in a negative way, but just ideas for feedback. Compared to when I received my Area 51-m15x I received nothing new in the box, but there were many things that I did not get... 1). Leather Binder with my Alienware Card [with the Account number] was not there. It was replace by two CDs [no cases just jackets] and three small literature pieces in plastic bags [Like you get with any other computer]. 2). No hat. While I do not wear hats I still thought that was cool. 3). No mouse pad, and hear me out lol I know people do not use mouse pads like they used to, but some people just like them as pieces to remember to computer by when it moves on 4). Right after Alienware received confirmation of my delivery with the Alienware Area 51-m15x, I got a call right away from a representative who wanted to know how the unboxing went. Now I know Alienware has not done that in some time, but on that phone call the representative would say "To go with your system could I send you ..." and I got a thermos mug I use and a few other things. Now I getting my Ph.D. in Economics I know how valuable free advertising can be, and so I just want to point out: yes, people may not wear the hats 24/7, or use the mouse pad wherever they go, but that mug I use, I must tell you has sat in front of many people who have struck up conversations about Alienware and the experience factor of owning one. Many of those people never owned an Alienware, but the more they knew about the brand, they wanted one. So I have no clue if that mug actually produced a sale, but because of the conversations started by that mug I can tell you that I know of at least two people who switched to purchasing Alienware laptops and gear. My personal opinion, those "free gifts" can generate a lot of $$$, not to mention add to an experience.

Anyway I apologize for the length there, but I hope that it seems some Alienware reps on here may be reading this, and I want to make sure they get an honest view to help the business and the owners [and potential owners ]

Keep up the Great Work!!

 

1. How important is the look and feel of the packaging. Does the packaging play any role in the overall experience of getting a new system?
A. Pretty important. When you sell a premium, expensive product that is supposed to be the best, the entire product should be well-designed. My m14x r1 came in a nice black outer shipping box, cool textures on the packaging, a nice inner box for all the accessories, etc.. My r2 came in a plain black box, with no outer box to protect anything. The plain black box had a hole punched in the side from shipping. I noticed that the r2 in general has cheapened the presentation. They also changed the power cable to be significantly shorter...? WHY would you do that?? All these things are signs of a struggling brand IMO. You should never go backwards with your products designs...

2. How important is the use of recyclable materials in your product packaging?
A. Not important. AW doesn't sell that many computers in the grand scheme. Keep it premium

3. What happens to the product packaging after your system has been unboxed? Do you keep the box or do you throw it away once the system is set up?
A. Umm, I keep all my computer boxes because it increases resale value and provides an easy was to store/ship my gear. Anyone who throws away their Alienware box soon after getting their computer is a weirdo.

 

Have left this sticky longer than agreed. Seems to be a consensus and nearly unanimous agreement on the importance of packaging, keeping original boxes, etc. Recyclable materials are not very important to most that responded.

Will unstick the thread now.

 

1. The packaging is very very important as nearly all people agree on that have answered. It is the "first impression" of the quality and feel of the product. The way it's packaged should reflect the contents. If you buy a Ferrari and got the manual in a plastic sleeve, it would detract from the overall feeling and definitely make you think twice from future purchases. Protection is important also, obviously if you're spending £4K on a product you expect superior packaging and protection.

2. Not really important. I suggest all laptops in a plastic, molded sleeve/shell, that contained and protected the product and gave somewhere for the manuals and such like to be stored, it would add credence to the brand as a whole. Being able to recycle the packaging is irrelevant, most people would keep it anyway.

3. Most users would keep the packaging for at least the warranty period in case of problems. I keep it in the roof permanently. It's part of the ownership experience and the cost of the product as a whole so it's almost an investment.

OB

 

I never got that nice leather manual they the m18x is supposed to come with. Did they stop shipping with them or something? If so. . Can we order one separate? I kind of want one

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2

 

The manual is now on the desktop.

 

i wondered the same thing. i had the R1 and that came with a better sleeve, hat, leather manual, optical plug and mouse pad; it was also double boxed. when i got my R2 it had one box, mousepad, cheap sleeve that is already coming apart after 3 months and resource disc. It fealt a little cheap, when i got my first one it felt like i was buying an exclusive machine.

 

Yup that's Dell cutting corners and making the purchase of an Alienware feel like you just bought a budget Dell inspiron. I think Dell is run by far too many morons.

Sent from my GT-N7000

 

They still produce some of the best laptops on the planet.

 

At the rate things are going, who knows for how much longer. Dell profits tanked around 40% recently. Their xps and inspiron notebooks suck, it's just AW and their Precision lines that redeem them. Don't be too shocked if Dell ditches their consumer notebook division in the near future.

Sent from my GT-N7000

 

Yeah... When micheal Dell returned to the ceo position I thought he was really going to turn the company back in the right direction like the Starbucks ceo did when he came out of retirement to save the company.

Instead it just feels like Dell is barely holding off inevitable marginalization. Their market shares are slipping, other brands are cutting in on their bread and butter (cheap, decent consumer laptops and office desktops). And their only two lines that offer anything good and unique are AW and their touch screen all in ones (both of which are money makers, but cater to fairly niche markets). They have a decent share in the server market, but if things keep going the way they are, they are going to end up like HP.

IMO they need to start an aggressive marketing campaign, up the quality and QC, especially for their upper end machines, open up more call centers IN AMERICA with better trained phone reps and a better chain of command for escalating issues.

 

It could go a couple of different ways. At any rate, I see it as being just another sign of our depressed economic environment. Dell is not the only company that is struggling, and I expect our economic situation to grow more bleak as our government begins to tax the daylights out of companies and force them into doing things that cut their profit margins to help create a more robust European-style welfare state. We will see lower pay, elimination of benefits, more part-time jobs, more lay-offs, more off-shoring and more outsourcing. Focus will increase on hiring cheap laborers more than delivering customer service and product support.

And, to compound that problem is the pathetic consumer passion for low quality electronics. The average Joe seems to care more about how little they can get away with paying for trashy little computing appliances than they do about how well they are made or whether they actually perform well. Competing on price for those junky electronics is tough, so saving a couple of bucks on extra trinkets like leather-bound manuals, TOSLink adapters and baseball caps that most Alienware owners admire rather than actually use may help keep the lights on.

We saw the threat not long ago of HP ditching its consumer laptop division. Thankfully, that did not happen. I don't like HP computers, but competition is something we need. I would not be surprised to see Dell, HP and some other OEMs stop producing the inexpensive disposable junk that has a small profit margin. People that can afford it will still buy expensive Alienware laptops, Business-Class Dell Latitude and Precision laptops, HP Envy and Business-Class Elitebooks, top-tier Thinkpad laptops and MacBook products because they care more about quality and performance than how cheaply they can play Solitaire, Sudoku or surf the web. I anticipate we may see greater focus on those expensive product lines and retaining the customers that buy them.

 

the dumbing-down of the consumer has led to this. I resell used laptops, you wouldn't believe the questions that customers come up with. I'll make a log and share it with you some time in the near future

 

yea bring politics into the discussion wasn't really needed... I swore I read you posting that somewhere about someone else not posting about it... If the future is so bleak and the every corp who barely pays any taxes ie General Electric. Taxes are the lowest they have been in the last 60 years. The sky isn't falling. (I could go into a whole rant about this but I wont even though you brought it up.) Then why is Apple of all companies going to start building Mac's in the US? Dell/Alienware QA sucks because it doesn't really exist.

Don't blame tax reform or ACA, these things haven't happened yet, for the downturn of Dell. They have horrible customer service unless you know about this forum or twitter. You shouldn't have to use another medium besides an 800 number to get good customer service.

 

Hmm, OK... I did not consider it a discussion on politics, so I apologize if it struck a sensitive nerve. It was merely an observation of what's actually happening that affects technology and other businesses. You're correct... it's against forum rules to discuss politics here. It is not against forum rules to identify events that have and will have an affect on technology as they relate to the discussion at hand. We have a forum member that likes to tie environmental enthusiasm and his concerns about technological waste affecting our well-being into the discussion, and I allow some tolerance for that as long as it relates to the discussion at hand. He's a good guy and I don't let my personal views create an intolerance for his posts in our community. So, let's stop here so the thread stays on topic.

I agree... you have to laugh about it to avoid being disturbed by it. As much as I like it after bending it to my will, Windows 8 untweaked is an example of dumbing down. If I had to use it the way it functions without modifications, I would consider it garbage. That lame mentality is affecting people that do PC repairs as well. I have had people tell me that they are not willing to spend $200 on a repair for a high quality machine because they can pay an extra $100 and get a brand new computer, LOL. What they don't understand is that the $300 system they can buy as a replacement is a pile of trash. Aside from the allure of the price tag, because it's new and shiny, they assume it is better. It's sad to see people thinking that way. Service and support for low priced junk is not all that important if it functions long enough to exceed the duration of the short warranty period.

 

Well I don't think Dell's incompetence is a function of the state of the economy or political shifts. Rather it has to do with mismanagement from the top down, much like what has happened to AMD. I do agree that the general dumbing down of the consumer is largely to blame for the shift towards simplified devices but I would attribute that to the Apple philosophy of eschewing any type of interface or design that might require more intelligence than an amoeba. Unfortunately it took hold with the masses and now other companies have to follow or die--hence the turd that is Windows 8.

Dell's problem is they failed to seize the tablet/smart phone trend on time and even when they tried with a smartphone it was an abysmal failure (though well built) due to the same mismanagement that plagues Aliewnare and the rest of Dell, namely the lack of proper updates, QA and customer service. However, ignoring AW for a bit, Dell also has weak general consumer line designs (ie inspiron) that don't compete well against others like Lenovo. Furthermore, their XPS desktops and notebooks which are supposed to be premium are barely any better than the Inspirons.

Now to focus a bit more on AW and the OP, I could understand cutting out the AW hat, none of us really used it. However, the leather bound manual, high quality sleeve and premium packaging made one feel like they really were getting their money's worth and it felt like you were unpacking a high quality product and becoming part of an exclusive club of proud AW owners. That is why there are so many unboxing videos of Alienware systems with nearly all of them expressing feelings of awe as they slowly unraveled the packaging and examined every little piece in detail. I'd dub the aforementioned as the " Alienware Experience" which Dell tossed into the trash to save a few dollars. They cut so many corners with the packaging that it could potentially cause the laptop to be damaged in transit and is no better than the budget Inspiron packaging.

Next, Dell has ignored our calls for higher QA with AW products and to add further insult to injury, they instituted a policy of refusing system exchanges for defective units and instead insist on inundating the customer, who just paid thousands of dollars for a supposed premium gaming system, with refurbished parts and/or depot service. This usually results in a lot of time lost and as some recent owners posted on NBR, frustration with customer service as they give you attitude over the phone for wanting a properly built system from the get go.

This cutting of corners to save a few dollars just reeks of incompetence and is a clear sign of the problems at Dell. I may sound very negative towards Dell and it is not because I'm unhappy with them or Alienware, it is because as a fan of AW, I'm concerned about its future viability in the market. The direction Dell is taking Alienware doesn't seem to be a good one.

 

This made me laugh hard enough to choke on the Diet Coke I was sipping as I read it.

I would be worried about anyone that claims to be an Alienware fan and has not burned a few calories being concerned about this. I don't want to see anything happen to the last extremely awesome brand of gaming laptops available, or the people that support them. The one things that gives me the most hope and helps me to maintain optimism are the fantastic reps that help us here in the forums on a daily basis.

 

it made me laugh too because I still can't figure out how to get to my hard drive in osx to save my soul...

 

Lower taxes don't make a company hire more people. Companies just horde the extra money. Increased demand is what creates jobs. And increased demand comes from having products that are neat and that people want. Thats why Apple, who has far less products, and way more expensive ones then dell has, is worth HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS MORE today.

 

pretty much the same thing happened to Thinkpads as well. But lenovo seems to be doing fine, while Dell as a company from a shareholder's perspective is one giant mess.

I don't think Dell knows what to do with the Alienware, much the same way Ford didn't know what to do with Aston Martin, Land Rover, and the host of other fancy marques.

i honestly think that the current iterations of M14x, M17x, and M18x may be the last Alienwares ever.

It simply doesn't make sense for a company the size of Dell to keep putting resource on niche brand like Alienware when their
core business is being smothered by the competition.

 

my thoughts exactly, which is why I bought the M18x R2 and searching frantically for an M11x R3

 

I seriously doubt this is the last generation of AW. If it was there would be huge rumblings coming from within the company. If doesn't make sense to drop AW, because even though it does appeal to a niche market of sorts, AW as a brand still outsells MSI, Sager, and the Asus G series. It doesn't make sense for Dell to throw away one of the few markets where they still have a vast advantage. Getting rid of AW would also leave them without any products with high end gaming specs, or really high end specs period. They would be stuck for at least a year without a high end range, and that would be a massive blow.

Getting rid of the m15x and m11x was a big mistake imo.

 

Alienware won't be discontinued, the brand name is worth too much. Instead Dell may use the name to push out mediocre products with mediocre support and packaging while passing it off as high end. They will definitely create an AW hybrid tablet/notebook that can play games, that's the future of the industry. Hopefully it's not a product full of compromises.

Sent from my GT-N7000

 

yeah, especially the M11x... demand for it is still huge, still selling at new prices. go figure

I fear either the 17x or the 18x has to drop out of the game, most likely the M17x.

 

i share your view on this, i can see them building a souped- up inspiron with the alienware name. similar to laptops like the qosmio.

 

I doubt either will. The m17x is their best and most reliable seller, and although the m18x doesn't sell as many models, the large profit they make off each sale must justify its continued existence (or else they wouldn't have made the r2). The m14x, which I am not really a fan of but respect, is also probably here to stay. The only other laptop with the same form factor and decent specs is the new Asus 14 inch G series model (and it doesn't have an optical drive). It sells well and allows the AW name to be shared with people on the lower end of the income scale without to many compromises.

I am really weirded out by the fact they got rid of the 15 inch AW, kind of a fail there because when they pulled out, their competitors instantly moved in and ate up the market share, and in money they must have been making.
I believe they likely discontinued the m11x because they are working on some sort of gaming tablet/laptop hybrid.

 

I just watched an unboxing video of the m15x from 2 years ago... and the m17x r2 from a few years ago. The box... it was so much better then this new box they are using. They used to have the leather bound manual for even the 15x. Now, not even the m18x comes with it. They switched from a nice metal body ( as laptops in this price range should be) to a plastic with rubbery paint which peels very easily. (besides the 18x that is) What going on here? They are cutting corners like crazy these days. The stupidest move they did was discontinue their m15x line. With todays tech that could be a perfect laptop, a mix of portability, and power with an MXM gpu, and the m17x could have kept the 2 GPUS, and have even more portability then the 18x. It is a more ideal size then the 18x. I have an 18x myself and i love it. But I'd rather the choice of a 17 inch with dual gpus. It seems generation after generation alienware is losing its shine, and thats sad to see.... More and more corners are cut and even more quality control issues. I wonder what the next generation will bring us..... Sorry, i just wanted to rant because that m15x unboxing seemed much better then mine and the new gen's of alienwares. I think there is a reason why people hold on so dearly to their m17x R2s and M15xs.

 

alienware is part of Dell, so unless dell is broke, alienware cant be broke. i guess the people at dell just discovered how much they love money

 

Likely money. Money money money money.

Making laptops with plastic instead of aluminum probably allows them to have an even larger profit margin, and they likely discontinued the m15x to increase sales of the more expensive m17x, and created the m18x so they would have a machine that makes them a veritable gold mine any time someone buys a high end edition. Same thing with the m14x, it really doesn't have anymore power than the m11x, certainly not any more portability. But they can charge a couple hundred dollars extra for it compared to the now discontinued m11x and you have no choice, unless you are willing to go for the 11 inch sager gaming laptops.

The downgraded packaging and perks is really inexcusable and is just them being cheap imo. The leather booklet, hat, and other stuff couldn't have cost them more than 3-5 extra dollars per unit, and I don't even think they include the mouse pad with all the models anymore. Un-boxing something as expensive as an AW laptop is supposed to be an experience, and it seems like the old un-boxing videos have a lot more "magic" to them then the newer ones. They don't even use nice material for the dust cover they come in anymore from the looks of it.

 

FYI - Moved a couple of redundant threads into the feedback thread that Alienware started specifically on the subject of packaging.

 

Truth be told, i just wish the packaging came with more cool things, like Alienhead stickers, maybe a plastic black rubber ring that has Alienware written on it (to eliminate the need for diff ring sizes). Small things really add a lot of product value! Like i love the mousepad i got with my laptop, i use it esp. on surfaces like my bed and uneven places where my Guild wars 2 mousepad fails.

 

Also, they don't ship with any protective plastics on the screen and if there is any sand particles or any rub in shipping you will get a brand new note olk with scratches on the screen its happened to be a few times actually.

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