Alienware's E3 "Big News" on 06/10/2013: Save the Date

if they did release another m11x, I doubt it would be similar to the older ones anyway.

 

Well let's see what they come out with, i hope it's a skinnier m11x or m13x ultrabook extreme gaming, a really cool desktop and hopefully please a new design for the desktops and laptops it's been ages since a completely new refresh!! Most likely their own video game console, and of course a gaming tablet, new monitors, probably their own speakers, who knows maybe an even smaller x51 or two different types lol!

 

I guess as someone who either games on my desktop, or one of my laptops, the specter of "Big News" about Alienware being a refreshed X51 makes me yawn

Refresh of all the systems with tweaked chassis and the new Intel chips is about all we can realistically expect, but the preference right now for ultra-book form factors *might* yield a totally new M11x or a new M12x design if the on-board graphics with the new chips is sufficient, but I am not holding my breath.

 

The preference for Ultrabook doesn't extend to true performance enthusiasts, so that should exclude Alienware products and any of its direct competitors. This kind of compromise cancer infiltrating the performance arena would be a death blow to customer following because they represent a stoop to an unacceptable level of mediocrity. If they aren't going to produce epic beasts, there's literally no point in their existence as a company. You won't find anyone drinking greater quantities of Alienware kool-air than yours truly. In spite of my passion for the brand, I'd be gone in a heartbeat if they pulled this kind of crap without offering the leviathan machine. There's no room for "sufficient" or compromise at this dinner table.

There are roughly 25 different Ultrabook options to choose, and they are all under-powered products built around a model that doesn't have capacity to include anything exciting in terms of performance... it's a cookie-cutter spec with mediocrity as a foundational element.

 

That's your opinion, but Alienware/Dell will go in whatever direction they perceive the market dictates. I suspect they will always have the power-house unit as part of the brand identity - but considering the demand for the ultra-book form factor and the continuing increase in power of chips and integrated graphics, the time might be right now or in the near future for an 11" Alienware ultra-book with performance exceeding the last M11x-R3 but not competing too close with the M14x this time if that's possible. The M11x was doing quite well until the M14x appeared and cannibalized sales of it to the point they dropped it. An ultra-book M11x would make a lot of sense at this point and would add users without cannibalizing sales.

 

The sad part is, I bet we'll see something like that soon from AW in the next few years. Something like an M11x with a U-class processor, and an nVidia LE video card. That, or a tablet, the two biggest fads now.

 

They're not fads IMHO, they are the natural evolutionary progression of portable computing. Seriously, who here wouldn't prefer a light ultrabook system with M18x performance and screen size?

 

It's a mixture of opinion, shared sentiments and a few facts. I believe the bolded part of your comment is key to their continued success as a brand. It's not an opinion that they will lose customers if "they pulled this kind of crap without offering the leviathan machine" - that's a fact. They can make all the business decisions they want to, but it does change the fact that they would lose the the following that made the brand famous if they stop offering the high end performance machines. Then they will have to compete exclusively in a realm where brand is less relevant, there are many options to select from, and profit margins are even tighter.

The average Ultrabook shopper has never heard of Alienware and the average consumer won't be buying one unless they are for sale at places like Walmart and BestBuy because that's where they go to satisfy their impulsive spending cravings "on a budget" LOL. The comments about market saturation (~25 options to choose from) and cookie-cutter specs is also reality. The Ultrabook spec is what it is, and the form factor alone limits its capacity for awesomeness. What might be sometime in the future is not reality today. Built around compromise as a core value, there are a lot of enthusiasts that don't have a tablet or Ultrabook in their immediate or distant future because the concept appeals to a different consumer base. Some may want both, but some have zero interest in downgrading to an Ultrabook in lieu of owning a massive high performance beast.

*raises hand* count me out... I already have some thin and light crap at my disposal, and I don't like it.

 

They have a perfect market segment to hold their ultrabook offerings called Dell.

 

The reality is, when the power of an M18x fits into an ultrabook, there will be a new M18x that offers 5x the power. Progression goes all ways. The fact that power consumption is being lowered on each chip revision is progress. The fact that the market desires these slim, long battery notebooks and doesn't care about performance is not progress.

 

Exactly - both are right on target.

 

If alienware wanted to get into the small market they could maybe compete with razer's switchblade device, maybe.

 

@Mr. Fox:

You're saying people interested in ultra-books have no performance interest, quite the contrary. Simply wanting an ultra-book form factor doesn't mean all folks who do are disinterested in performance or that it is an exclusive concept. The move away from the hard-shell for the M11x, M14x and M17x was primarily driven by both cost and market desire for lightness as an example, and the constant criticism is that the M14x is unnecessarily bulky for it's performance.

The point I am making is I don't expect (or want) a wholesale move to an ultra-book form factor currently as the performance is not there (and bulkier systems will always outdo them), but the technology is getting to the point that an ultra book style Alienware to lure in those users who would like a light gaming-capable system as an alternative is viable. In truth, the lower systems in the line make the relatively fewer mongo systems like the M18x viable from an economic position; not enough of those are sold to warrant just them. Adding an ultra-book form factor system with good performance would draw in more buyers and help extend the line and ensuring the heavy-duty sized units can persist not to mention get more press for the line which has a halo effect.

 

You're missing the point; it's not just about relative power - games are not in general (forget Crysis which is deliberately excessive) drawing as much power as the curve of available computing power is producing these days, mainly because PC-gaming is moving at a snails pace compared to the old days in the 90's. An ultra-book option, not replacement of the line but an add-on, makes a lot of sense.

The narrowness of opinion on this forum is one of the reasons I quit following it some time ago (I recall the debate that 8 gigs was worthless and now is almost the standard); seriously, we all want a powerful system, but not everyone needs the extreme end and the cost and weight that goes with it. Those lowly ultra-book users are where the hot money is these days. Just like the demise of the Area 51 systems to the lighter Aurora's and X-51's, so too is the general demand light for powerhouse laptop desktop replacements these days. People generally want mobility and some degree of power, for future proofing if nothing else.

 

If Dell dropped all of its offerings except for Alienwares, Latitudes, and Precisions, it would have much more freedom to innovate and shed much of its bad reputation. It would not compete in the low-performance consumer market, but ASUS, Samsung, Sony, HP, and Lenovo offer better alternatives to most of Dell's offerings in that market. Performance enthusiasts and enterprise customers have fewer options to choose from, and Dell has the chance to shine among them.

Of course, those who buy performance and business laptops might be much smaller groups than I imagine.

 

Hang out at your local coffee house and count the number of ultra-books and everyday notebooks and compare it to the number of gaming laptops. Yes, I know, it's not a scientific test but it's actually not bad either - I can tell you here in Atlanta which is fairly affluent I have yet to see another Alienware around and maybe one or two of the currently popular ASUS models in all the times I have sat and worked or gamed. Relatively speaking, gaming laptops are a very small market.

 

Regarding relative power, we usually see these slow downs near the end of a console generation, as well as the pickups in quality and processing requirements as the next console generation picks up. Instead of competing with itself, the PC game market will be competing with something new.

An ultrabook option is a decent idea, if they can pull it off. The real fact of current technology says that they cannot get power out of such a small form factor right now, and that's why no-one else has done it. We usually see obscure devices before we see flagship products (Qosimo 18" preceding the M18x, the Iconia W500 preceding the Razer Blade, etc.), and I think that will continue. When we see a workable ultrabook with a 750m or equiv, we'll see it from the big players too.

(Also, OT, but 8gb+ of RAM is fairly useless. The vast majority of non-business users don't use past 6gb on a day to day basis. That's why you won't see more than 8gb on your average computer. Marketing and profits dictate that they will offer 16gb and 32gb options, even if you won't see a noticeable performance gain.)

A better test, in my opinion, is to watch what people bring to their business meetings and conferences. I've seen more iPads than Precisions, but that doesn't mean I don't see Precisions, Clevos, Alienwares, ASUS G-series, and others.

 

I work in the computer security field, and consult onsite with customers routinely, and I have yet to see another Alienware or ASUS G-series myself in the workplace, but the Clevo/Sager lunchboxes are somewhat common. Personally with the sample rate being much higher I consider the consumer locations to be a better indicator of what people are buying en mass as these folks are usually out and about with their laptops like anyone else.

 

The problem with that is, people often buy en masse computers that are cheap, or computers that are popular (IE: Apple). The average person isn't worried about performance, which pushes them out of the performance ultrabook market you're fighting for.

The locale is probably also playing into my 'survey' of machines... The last time I saw an Alienware, it was an M18x R1 that was being used as a rendering machine for an oilsands project layout.

 

It's funny, people associate the Alienware line as an entertainment platform, but the reality is they make very good portable workstations for general use, particularly for design folks so not surprising to hear about an application like that. All in all, I will be surprised if the "Big News" isn't more than a refresh of the line up, maybe some innovation on the X-51 side.

My biggest cheese right now is that the screen options are so poor on the Alienware line; the low color-gamut screens and lower resolutions were acceptable a year ago and before, but not these days.

 

I agree, and am looking at Sager, or a modded Precision (6800 w. 4930MX and 780M? Mmmm...) if they don't do something about it.

 

Stop it, now you're getting my hopes up !

 

That's odd I really like the design of the Bolt and think that the x51 looks really cheap to me build quality wise and yes The Tiki is SERIOUSLY overpriced but then again it's Falcon-West for you.

 

I was referring to the Revolt. You mistook Revolt for Bolt :hi2:

Revolt:


Bolt:

 

Yeah they are easily confused. I made that same mistake. The revolt is damn ugly. Yet the problem with the bolt is it can't be configured with 16gb ram, not sure if the MB will even take it. I also wonder about the noise level too.

The revolt and the Tiki are water cooled. But buying a Tiki, you might as well just have a m18x r2 since they are around the same price.

 

The revolt looks like something out of Halo. The bolt is pretty sexy though.

 

The Tiki is outrageously priced and they can keep their marble base.

The Revolt comes air cooled as well as liquid cooled. The Bolt looks ok, i'm not a big fan of angular looking PC's. The good news is I bought a GTX 780 and now i'm waiting for the Alienware announcement 6/10.

 

There is nothing wrong with the quality of my M18x screen. I think it's a very good display and in my opinion "poor" is a gross mischaracterization of the quality. But, I know some folks want more options and have other preferences. There's no problem with wanting more options.

Anyone reading this that hasn't already done so needs to visit thread and promote it at IdeaStorm. http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...m-alienware-high-gamut-ips-matte-screens.html - vote first, complain later.

 

+1 I'm personally satisfied with my M17x screen, especially since I got it calibrated, but then again I have never seen the r2 RGB display. I wouldn't say no to better screen options though. More choice is always better.

 

I had the opportunity to compare my M17x R1 screen (quite a good one, comparable to the R4's screen, from what I understand) to a calibrated IPS monitor. The difference is just stupid. Night and day doesn't even cover it.

 

Yeah, coming from a 1600p calibrated IPS panel... I'm hoping I don't want to carve my eyes out. That's all I want.

 

I guess you could say that I've been spoilt by owning some very good panels. I had the 1920x1200 rgbled in the m17xr2, I've had a U2410, U2711 and now a U3011. Comparing the current m18x display to any of those is like comparing steak to a cheeseburger - whilst they are both tasty, you just know when you are eating a nice fat juicy steak. That's not to say the 18x display is BAD - it's not when compared to some internal displays. I just wished that AW offered the same kind of panel options that they do in Dell's Precision range....that would truly make owning an AW the complete ultimate in performance and quality for every aspect.

 

Yeah, there are just no really good 18 inch panels out there.

 

meakers on a rampage today lol get umm

 

Availability affects everything. If there is not one available to sell in the 18" variety, it's not going to be offered. Pretty simple. If there is one or two available and they are cost prohibitive, that's also a no-go for a mass production system.

In the grand scheme of things, if it all comes down to having a massive beast with fantastic cooling, better build quality, SLI or CrossFire with a good display versus a smaller, less capable single GPU system with a fantastic display, I'll choose the former over the latter in a heartbeat. A good display is as close as a cable away if it is that big of a deal to have IPS, matte, high gamut or other monitor niceness, and it won't have to be limited to a small laptop LCD going that route. Get a massive desktop display. If one settles for a smaller, less capable system with mediocre innards then you've got... well... an average machine with a nice display. It performs on a lower scale whether it is connected to its native display or an external display. *yawns* Wake me up if I fall asleep.

 

Seems like m18x owners have a superiority complex J/S

 

When I compare the performance of my system to other laptops, it's pretty easy to have one. The only problem with that is everything else that I touch, including the Lenovo laptop that I am required to use 40 to 60 hours per week for work, seems extremely slow and frustrating to use.

 

I agree. Having the uber-powerful "innards" is obviously more important than the panel. It's just one of those areas that I wish was improved upon.

 

A better display, besides looking good, would be a great means to distinguish Alienware from (or put Alienware on par with) the competition, which seems to be catching up in build quality, support and features. If Alienware charged around the same retail price as Clevo or MSI, I would accept that Dell needs to cut costs somewhere. You can haggle, but chances are that an Alienware will still cost much more than a Clevo with the same hardware. The current displays are more than adequate: I just think that we should be able to choose for the money we pay.

This comes from someone who got his Alienware for much cheaper than a Clevo.

Edit: If Alienware did something in terms of build quality and performance that no one else could compete with (not just for the m18x--not everyone wants to carry 7kg around), the prices would be more palatable. BIOS CPU overclocking and manual switching are good starts.

 

I think they are both important. Nice display no innards... can't run anything anyway what's the point? Sounds like a mac.

All innards no 120hz (for me personally) I am just going to be wanting my desktop. Hook it up to a monitor? The desktop already is brother, no need.

I would like something portable for when I am away from the desktop, with similar performance. Don't let me down alienware!

 

Like brother fox said before though, I doubt the m18x will be getting an IPS or an amazing panel like that just because of the availability of such a panel. 17 inch panels are a lot more common and can also be used in more than one of Dell's laptop lines if they choose to do so, The same cannot be said for the m18x.

 

Also you have to remember that alienware don't sell enough 18 inch machines to drive the market either.

 

Dell is a large enough company to have manufacturers create premium products solely for them. Look at the IPS panel for the Precision, which is the same kind of thing. Someone is making that panel exclusively or almost exclusively in that size for Dell.

 

Spot on. Well said.

 

You have to remember that the Precision is in their business line that gets more attention. They get far more individual sales, and they get contracted out (like to the military or other large enterprises).

About the coming news: here's hoping that because of Michel Dell's biding war with investors and other events, Alienware will break off dell to be it's own company then. Then they will be a smaller company that can focus on quality and their own innovations.

 

You can get the Bolt with 16gb of ram but you have to get either the Stage 3 which starts with 16gb or you can add it yourself once you get it.

 

You mean in size categories that sell more units and can be used by multiple manufacturers.

Dell wont sell enough 18" units to drive anything.

 

I think what he meant was that as Dell has suppliers that provide IPS panels for their Precision range, it shouldn't be to much of an ask for those suppliers/manufacturers to do Dell a "solid" and make them a run of IPS panels specific for the Alienwares. If these suppliers/manufacturers are dealing in HUGE quantities with Dell, I'd liken it to a "favour between friends", if you will.

 

Hello,

I'm currently an HP ENVY 17 3D owner, and looking for a new machine, as mine is having trouble playing the newer games that are being released even on medium/low settings. As I understand it, this E3 will have the unveiling of the new 'R5' series of Alienware laptops. Can someone explain to me what rumors are most likely to be true when it comes to these new laptops, and what new technologies they will include?

From my current understanding, I know...

• That they will include the new Intel motherboard. (Can someone explain the positives/changes this brings?)
• That they will include the new high end GPU's, like the 780M. Does anyone know what the new flagship AMD is called, or when that one is being announced or coming out?
• That they will likely have a new keyboard and touch-pad, as well as an all new look. (Which I love, based on the leaked images)
• That they might have a magnesium body (MASSIVE plus for me.)

Is there anything else I may need to know, or any of these that may not be true?

And if this is all true and I become more serious about buying an M17x R5, what's the best way to do it? Straight from Dell? I'm in Canada, so I don't know if the Canadian site will have them immediately or even have a 'good' price on them. What should I do to maximize my value as a Canadian customer, wanting a fully specced machine?

PS: Sorry for all the questions, and thanks in advance for answering them!

Sorry - meant to make a new thread, not clutter this one, thank you for the help though!

 

We have a speculation thread for your questions. Until the new models are revealed to the public, all comments in this (and the other) thread are pure speculation and should not be relied upon for accuracy.

The best way to buy is straight from Dell/Alienware. Look in this forum for a thread for advice on negotiating the best price and the sales thread. Don't pay the online configuration tool price... you can negotiate a deal for 10-25% off of the normal web price. Be sure to get the 3 or 4 year advanced warranty.

For the ultimate in performance, you will want the 18-inch model with a Haswell Extreme CPU and 780M SLI. It should still get 5 to 6 hours of battery run time on integrated graphics. If history holds true, it will deliver roughly double the performance of the single GPU 17-inch model (typically 75%+ higher benchmarks scores and very close to 100% increase in framerate for real-world gaming performance in most games).

Assuming history holds true, if the 18-inch beast ends up being outside of your budget, the 17-inch is a very reasonable compromise, but expect close to half the performance (but not half the price). There has not been a tremendous difference in physical dimensions or weight between the 17- and 18-inch models in the past, so we most likely expect some similarities there with the new models.