Alienware needs to start offering better screen upgrades.

It's disconcerting to me Dell no longer seems to value high quality displays on their premium line of notebooks.

While I did opt for the R3 and am extremely satisfied overall, I almost went with competing 15 and 17 inch Sager/Clevo models that can be upgraded to 95% color gamut displays that are of a much higher quality than the "washed out" WLED's Dell seems to have such an affinity for (there's better tech out there, how about they be the first to really start using it!).

While the R3 display seems slightly above average for a WLED (roughly 500ish:1 contrast ratio), the m11x continues to use one of the worst WLED's out there (dark and muddy with a 200ish:1 contrast ratio). How come Sony offers such an amazing screen for their Z, but Alienware can't offer a better screen for their m11x?

I may be alone on this because of my pickyness for screens, but I'm tired of not seeing better screen options for these $$$$$$$$$ Alienware systems.

I'd own an XPS 15 right now because of that amazing B+RG LED that nearly matches Adobe RGB if it actually had a halfway decent video card (my fiance has one, the screen is brilliant). How come the notebook line BELOW Alienware retains a better display option, and there's not even one right now on their premium line? As you can see, it irks me. Probably part of the reason it bothers me is because I do amateur photography as a hobby, but I digress. It creates a mismatch of features; amazing screen on a decent notebook (XPS), "adequate" screen on a high end notebook (Alienware).

And if they're not going to use RGB LED, B+RG LED, or even IPS display types, at the very LEAST they could be using some higher quality WLEDs.

Just my thoughts. (Damn you Dell, it's the only thing keeping me from being 100% satisfied with my R3)

 

I hear you! It is one of the reasons I labored at either getting the XPS or the Alienware. I hope I do not regret it.

 

I'd like to know peoples theories on this. What in the world is stopping them?

 

$$$$$$$$$$

 

Cost argement makes no sense,

just give the option. let the buyers decide if they want to send the extra $$$ for the RGB LED screen.

I know i would buy it

It why I did not buy an R3

 

Agree with OP 100%. They did right with the M17xR2, I went for MBA instead of M11x because the screen really repulse me. I want to buy the M18xR1 but it will depends a lot on screen quality. I loved my M17xR1 except the screen, it was really below what you could find in clevo reseller.
If they bring the best screen quality possible, I would spend a grand on it in a blink.
In Japan we can see the whole Dell AW range in they retail shops. The M15x is near the XPS15 in their main shop in Tokyo... The XPS15 attract the crowd and the M15x is all alone...Weird.

 

Glad to hear I'm not alone. Thanks for chiming in guys.

 

My best educated guess would be that it does have to do with money, just not consumer money. Securing an account with the screen manufacturer for a bulk of RGB LEDs or something equally expensive has to cost Dell a huge chunk of change and it's most likely the reason they rarely do it.

It would never jack up the cost of the base system because it would only ever be an option for those that want it, as it should be (fully aware a lot of consumers don't really care about screen quality, at least to the extent I do).

So basically, I think it's Dell being cheap and trying to keep high margins without shelling out big bucks for an investment in better screen tech. It's the same reason they allow for such a poor (I really can't say enough bad things about the m11x screen) screen on their smallest offering.

 

Gotta agree with the OP, it's very disappointing to see Dell offer B+RG on their lower tier XPS models but not Alienware. Furthermore, why doesn't M17x-R3 have a subwoofer? Makes no sense.

 

i can still pull a couple year from my m17

so until dell bring back a 16:10 ethier IPS or RGB LED display i'm very unlikely to upgrade

 

Totally agree with OP and Joker about the Subwoofer.
Where are the sick sick Subwoofers on all the Alienware notebooks?>

Ever since owning a NEC P8100 which came with a subwoofer. Just WOW a nice extra feature and added touch to the notebook sound system. I have been waiting for the next time that I would own an awesome notebook with a subwoofer.

Sick Sick Subwoofers a must have!

Cheers.

 

Wow I didn't really look into it before but the XPS really does have the best screen now.. RGB and the Alienwares don't now?? Dell. Disgraceful

Dell - Help Me Choose: Display

 

yeah, 1920x1200 ftw

 

I'm happy with my M15x screen but that may just be because I've not seen anything better in person.

 

This is one of the main reasons I am keeping my M17xR2. One and only 1900x1200 laptop screen. I don't think it will EVER be used in ANY laptop again.

 

Give me an option for a screen equal to, or better than, my M17x-R2's 1920x1200 RGB LED LCD screen or I won't upgrade to a new system until mine has died beyond repair.

Simply put, if Dell/Alienware does not have a 17" or larger gaming laptop with a 1920x1200 RGB LED LCD screen (or better) by then, I'll be buying another brand.

 

It's about the bottom line.

 

I don't get it either, most people are willing to spend a couple of grand(some more) on a new AW laptop if the option to upgrade to a better screen was available (XPS) for $100-$200 or whatever the price was most people would jump all over it.

 

I think the only Alienware lapto we are going to see that has a nice RGB screen on it is the M18x and they might even skimp on that screen.

 

It is a bit odd that the 14x has a subwoofer and the 18x does as well. Strange that one was not incorporated into the 17xR3. Oh well.

On the subject of RGB, doubt we'll see this added to the current line. Perhaps in the next round of product releases.

 

Yeah. I see resolution as having the same issue. They've already released (or in the case of the M18x, announced) these lines as a design with a 16:9 ratio screen, so a 1920x1200 (16:10 ratio) isn't happening for the Alienware models of the 2011 generation.

That's fine for us though. With my oldest needing a good laptop for college (plus help with tuition) within the next year & my youngest needing an upgrade from her Mini 10v, we really can't afford to replace our gaming laptops until at least mid-2012 anyway.

 

we could start a mailing campaing to make them come back to 16:10 for next gen

 

Alienware needs to offer matte screen option on m11x also.

 

While AW is at it, they need to reduce all that bezel. It's by far one of AWs ugliest design aspect.

 

Just wanted to give my input...

I have the R2 with the RGB screen.

Despite how good it is... I don't like the resolution. For some reason in SC2 and other games you see LESS playing on 1920x1200 then you do 1920x1080.

So dumb.

 

They are already using the B+RG which is a Dell created term for WLED screens to hype their XPS line.

 

While I understand your point, the screen has 95% coverage of the Adobe color gamut. That's above and beyond the ~72% other WLEDs Dell uses.

Marketing ploy or not, I'll take it. (And did, just ordered myself an XPS 15, shifting my Envy 14 to school/work only, R3 gaming, XPS bedside)

 

Lol I can't believe you would buy a laptop based around its screen.

 

I just watched TitanGod's live feed of his new m14x, the bezel looked like the peak of Mt. Everest.

...I'm with ya.

 

Sure would. What is the one thing you are using on a laptop 100% of the time? The screen. (unless you use an external monitor, of course, but I do not).

 

I'm juggling options between the AW M17x and Precision M6500, partly because of the screen (also work w/photography, CAD and graphics). Can't decide if I want to concentrate on gaming and the convenience of wireless HD, or press for a better display - rgb and better resolution - of the workstation. The display is, after all, the most influential interface between user and machine. Sure would make an easier decision if they added the rgb option for AW.

 

m17x comes with fullHD and better graphics I'm sure. but then, the rbg option is a big plus as well. I think it comes down to which functionality you require more.

 

grab a factory outlet m17r2 RBG led system for 2k-ish w/ 5870 crossfire

 

Agree especially with the at least the 17 inch model. These days I have to go and buy a second monitor to get the kind of picture I want, but maybe thats what they want us to do. With the plethora of choice Dell has there is no excuse to introduce a good quality screen. I think the problem lies also with sites that review the system saying its a great screen better than most (True I love the screen nothing wrong with it but the price and what i want are important) and dell go on to say that its a successful system.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm always nervous about outlet/refurb, especially since I'll be moving to Mexico soon and want to minimize any chance of hardware problems.

I'm currently leaning toward a good external monitor to use for graphics work and such, if needed. I use a second monitor with my existing machine and pretty well can't do without. Looks like $500 or so will get another 24" of quality screen real estate with additional features (higher resolution, tilt, etc). I can always add the monitor later if I need to spread out my costs for a new system.