How BAD is Alienware?

I really would just like to see what everyone else thinks because from my view it seems that almost all their customers are having problems and strongly dislike the company. What do you feel about them. Me personally I don't know what to say. I purchased a notebook (m5550) that didn't work out of the box and it took them a year and 6 tech depo visits to get them to credit me. I now placed an order for an m15x (Which Im extremely nervous of it just breaking down like my last machine). I really like the CS my self. I find them very friendly. They credited my over $150 in stuff for my troubles and said my m15x would get to me in 2-3 weeks as a "VIP" (what ever that means) customer. Anyway just want to see what everyone else thought of their company and their products in general.

 

Well... As far as the customer service goes... It's been a breeze for me so far... But I am also awaiting the arrival of my insanely-powered m15x. Actually, today.. I noticed a $1000.00 withdrawal from my checking account. I called to find out what it was about... Apparently my debit card(the card I used to make my purchase) had a daily limit on it... After fixing things with my bank.. I then proceeded to call alienware to see if they could take care of the remaining due balance that I still owned (nearly $1100.00 more)... which they instantly took care of... Of course this isn't surprising.. I mean, they were just charging me money haha.. But none the less, it was taken care of within 10 minutes and they claim that my ship date will not be hindered by the minor problem. Altogether my system was $3,751.00 before tax... I'll let everyone know how it turns out after I get the system. It was either the m15x or the dell m1730 with dual 8800's. I chose the m15x. (btw, from what I've found and SEEN myself... the dell systems are undoubtedly NOT CHEAPER in anyway --beyond popular belief--.

Good luck with your system Marcham.

 

I think it would be better to ask which Alienware models are bad or good. The m5550 and the 15x both have had issues, but the m9750 on the other hand has had relatively few problems and I am sure there are other AW models that have had pretty good track records.

 

It could be just me, but I always used to use CNET as a source. All the Alienware laptops have reviews given by reviewers and really low scores even the m9750. I don't what to think of Alienware at the moment any more. I just hope that mine and Allenj3 order's go through fine.

 

They are pretty good machines, but I think that getting a sager (clevo base) is a better idea. If you want the 15.4 w/8800, just wait a bit and then you will have a better solution, instead of the fan increase, etc. aw has given for their line.

 

And that's your first mistake there. CNET is often out to lunch with its reviews.

 

Like with all companies. AW has it's good and bad areas. Just that we hear the bad more, so it seems like it is only bad.

 

Alienware CS is not the best but Juan Carlos Nunez from Critical Issues department is great. Very helpful when i was having problems with my first M15X. Overall i was a little disappointed by the performance of the M15X even after i received a replacement with all the faults corrected. Still runs hot and downclocks once in awhile even with the 32 Bios update and the fans speeding up. But better than the first one. Maybe my expectations were too high and i bought into their hype. Have not decided whether to keep it or not but will do more research before buying another Alienware and for sure not buy a new model when it first comes up.

 

You still have downclocking with the newests bios update?

 

dhoang417,
Yes sometimes when playing Crysis and COD4. Only happens once in awhile. Rivatunner confirms GPU downclocks. Much better since downloading latest bios. When doing regular work and other types of graphic intensive work does not happen.

 

Wow sorry to hear that tanamerra but I still didn't see any problem in COD4 even when running it at 1920x1200.

 

How long does it last?

 

If you didn't have Rivatuner running would you have noticed this?

Anyways, you should tell this to AW so they can fix up the current beta BIOS before releasing the final.

 

Yes. Let them know, so they can fix the problem before the final release.

 

I've been working with Mr. Nunez to solve my problem as well. Yes, he really is helpful. Honestly, I think it's better to form your own opinions rather than take a poll of others' experiences and opinions. Things are going to vary significantly on a case by case basis, and as dhoang said, you are going to hear a lot more of the bad on these boards. Nobody's going to have a whole lot of incentive to post a thread saying "everything's great! No problems. Have a nice day."

 

You are correct. That's why at the last minute I tried to change the thread to "How do you feel about Alienware". I would love to hear positive stories, so If you have them share.

 

Here you are

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=243432

 

Hi,
I'd have to say that my feelings are a little mixed with Alienware. I had very high expectations for Alienware when I ordered my Area 51 m9750. Unfortunately for me, I had problems right out of the box. I could have sworn it was a lemon. And even today, after being repaired, I can't help but feel like I was shorted in some way. Event though the system is configured to be just about as good as you can get, it performs like it's handicapped at best. They say you can judge a company by weighing the postive against the negative. Here goes -

Postive:
1. The system is down right beautiful in appearance
2. Excellent Customer Support
3. Tech support almost always remotes into your system
4. They'll allow you to send the system back
5. If you need a repair, they don't scar your system up
6. They swear on the excellence of the system

Negative:
1. The systems are a tad on the expensive side.
2. The drivers aren't any good
3. You have to find third party drivers to play anything decently
4. This is not the ultimate gaming machine (way too many graphical flaws)
5. The system runs a little too hot (sometimes overheating)
6. You might spend more time testing drivers out than actually enjoying it
7. There's a 15% restocking fee that is unavoidable
8. Shipping on repairs isn't next day
9. You'll eventually settle on keeping the machine to avoid paying the restocking fee

Hope this helps,
Gabe

P.S. - I'm going to think really hard about ordering from Alienware again