Looking to buy an Alienware.

An area 51 m5700 to be exact. I have done some reasearch and found that the majority of the problems have been caused by the duel hard drives people have been configuring. Price is not an object for me, I am happy to say ( I dont mean to be snuddy) Either way, I wanted some opinions. Also, please please please don't refer me to a dell notebook. I have two co-workers and a class mate that have ALL had to send their laptops back, some multiple times. They've burned through a total of 5 motherboards in less than two years. Anyway, I am getting it because I want an upgrade, I am a little more than a casual PC gammer, and I need a lappy. I have heard mixed alienware reveiws. lets see what yall have to say

Incase you needed them
Specs:
2.0GHz Intel Pentium
1GB RAM
60GB HD (I know, small, but I don't need much)
GF 6800 Go (the only one you can order with the m5700)
17" Display

 

Dont go with alienware dont look for problems when you dont have to. Just find the ODM of the pc you are looking at from alienware and find a better company to buy it from. I personaly like asus machines but to each his own. But most likely you can find the same machine from a different company that will be much much better. and i believe the odm is Uniwill P71EN for that model alienware.

 

Hey thanks SRD, I will look into that.

 

I mean lots of companys have crappy support like dell and hp but eventually you get your problem solved. But after reading numerous forums about alienware i have never heard of any of the things they pull its just amazing. Like buying the extended warranty but after a year they no longer stock parts. so they tell you they cant help you even after you paid for an extended warranty. so they tell you to take it to a pc repair place to fix it and that your warranty will stay intact. so you do that and u ever call them back they will tell you the warranty is now void even after they refuse to fix it. just stories after stories.

 

Oh man, that would suck. Im glad that I have some know-how when it comes to this kind of stuff, as far as parts and system. That way I don't feel like a normal civillian being thrown around. Know what I mean?

 

I'm not an AW owner, and have no experience with AW, but would like to ask a question if I may:

If you've read mixed reviews and are aware that a virtually identical machine is available elsewhere - probably for less money - curious as to why you'd remain interested in AW?

Mixed reviews would scare me away, if not for the thought of wasting money even if not an issue, then because of the possibility of hassles with repairs, time lost, etc.

Also, in case you've missed it, there's at least one current thread where AW's merits, or lack of (depending on perspective, I suppose), is being heatedly discussed.

Whatever you decide, I wish you well with the decision.

 

Alien rob it wont matter what your skill level is they will screw you. they only have one solution reformat even their techs dont know what to do. and its not just parts. we are talking mother board failures machines prone to over heating. one of these forums has someone that actually recorded their convo with the alienware tech. Its really a good listen find it if you can its in one of these links.

 

Mixed reviews havent scared me away. YET. I havent heard anything so bone chilling that we couldn't get fixed. I have looked into the same and similar chassies and configurings from other companies. Most of which START at 2grand and go up. The one I have configured on AW has not breached 2grand, including shipping and a few goodies. Im sure there are better "deals" out there, but as I said money isn't an issue with me, again not trying to be an a-hole, and I don't want to have to setltle for something. The thing is, I know exactly what I want. And Alienware has hit the nail on the head, minus the stories of service support, which are some of the least of my worries. Hope I helped to understand. I think I am going to try something new, like with everything new, there will be risks.

 

alien rob i can bet u will find the same exact pc someone else for like 400 to 500 cheaper. Now money is rarely an issue to me but for me to waste it on a chance to get a piece of junk doesnt make sence. If you want to buy an alienware i really dont care it is your money and your choice. But just read the forum. but dont buy for the simple fact that you think you cant find the same machine because you def can its just do you want to spend alittle time looking for it. but whatever you decide hope it turns out well good luck.

But its not the stories and support that worry me i mean i fix my own issues its the subpar hardware. i actually think they use refurbished parts in their new machines from the looks of the issues people have.

 

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it

 

AlienRob, check out the pinned thread I made above on Alienware and it's ODM, it'll list exactly which laptop brand each Alienware model is built on, which will give you the ability to search for the same model elsewhere. In general, Alienware primarily uses either Uniwill and Clevo. Uniwill is a little harder to find since some places are taking it out of their inventory..but there is NO shortage of Clevo.

 

If you are in no hurry to buy a laptop. i would wait for the ASUS W2j to come out it is basically the same spec but dual core. tv tuner, ati X1600 i believe with 256 megs ram. all alumium construction really gonna be a beautiful pc. just a better version of what i have. and it only weighs 7.5 lbs 1.2 in thick

 

I just wanted to say, unofficially, that AW has been delaying orders, from what I have seen in other forums, due to parts shortage. now I dont know specifics of what models and what parts but just something to consider if youre buying in next month or so.

 

they've been doing that since day 1...and they say it on the website when you config it

 

i will look into that pinned thread, thanks for the info yall. And as far as the orders being delayed, I called Alienware today on my lunch, to ask a few questions regarding their support. The woman I spoke with said there where some delays because of part shortages. Funny someone mentioned it.

 

O lol last time this happened they fired the guy that buys parts for them... anyone looking for a career?

 

lol, does anyone have any other recomendations as far as companies go. Other than HP or Dell. I know SRD said ASUS is good, I'll look into them.

 

Sagers

www.pctorque.com

 

Aleinrob look at the review on the front page for that SAGER looks like a sweet laptop i think it would meet your needs nicely. http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2758

 

myself owning a 5700 and a dell xps i can say that the alienware is a good machine.... i do like mine alot.

 

Hey, Fidge. How are you?

Didn't know you had a Dell and an AW. Geez, you could start your very own flame war with that combo.

 

hehe looks like he covered himself for any occasion

 

not too bad rob, the AW is for work and my dell.... well thats just for me...

uean i covered all the bases, and besides when your boss tells you to get a new laptop and suggests you pick up and alienware why not....

 

lol what line of work you in?

 

because i can

 

hehehe dont they ever go nuts and jump at eachothers throats hehehe

 

im now in the notebook industry, though i dont want to say what i actually do since it only leads to jealousy... (no i dont work for AW)

 

so howse the weather?

 

see your pm box veteran and you will understand

 

I told my story many many times. I have a Sentia 244 that is now just shy of turning twoyears old. I am extremely dissatisfied with the extemely poor technical support. The computer did not boot when it first arrived out of the box (that much for their testing), it required substantial software changes just to work brand new.
Basically every time that I got a problem and I called tech support they told me to reinstall windows; I consider that equivalent as not having any support at all . Also when you have a problem, their policy is to roll back everything to factory setting, a policy that is stupid given that the computer did not boot with the factory settings.

All in all, my next computer will not be an Alienware. I will make some research when the times come. I have been looking at FalconNW, Hypersonic, WidowPC and (yes) Dell

 

how many times did you have the problem?

 

Several.
I had multiple problems out of the box, and I had problems subsequently. All (actually, all minus one) of the problems had to do with the compatibility and the settings of the software that come with the computer (not software that I installed). For one of the problems I don't know whether it was hardware or software, because we changed the hardware (DVD player) but that was not enougth (I had to install a piece of software that made the DVD player a second master), therefore I don't know whether changing the hardware was also needed or not.

In all instances, the tech support has been unacceptably bad. By far, I have forgotten most of my complaints because most of my interactions with the tech support happened one year or more ago (I paid for 3 years support, but decided that talking to them was not worth my time).
Example of bad support (in addition to the continuous "reinstall windows, that just sent me over the edge) are:
1. spent tons of time pressing F2 to enter the BIOS even if my model requires you to press DEL+F2 and I was telling the tech support on and on, that I remembered that a combination of two keys was needed to enter the bios
2. keep on changing on whether it had to be windows or something else to manage the wirless connection card. Every technitian made me change the back and forth, although the problem turned out to be something else
3. the instructions that I got on testing the RAM were wrong
4. they said that the version of the PowerDVD I had was the most recent although it was not.
5. they insisted that I had to reinstall Nero from the disk that they provided with the purchase, although WinXP SP2 was telling me that that version had a compatibility issues and I should have loaded an update (I did not give in and was right)
6. When I bought it I asked specifically whether I could turn the eyes off, and they told me that there was an update to the bios available that allowed me to do that. It turned out that that was not true and no such update was available for my model. An update did became available months later and they never notified me; I found out on my own later on because I kept on asking and asking.
7. Once I had to reinstall a driver (I think it was the wireless card, but I am not sure), and there were several of them in the place to which the tech support directed me to go, so I asked which one and they told me a specific one. When I tried to install it, I got a warning message that it was not the right driver for my hardware

And in all this, and much more, I never reinstalled Windows even once and my computer works fine now

 

I have a q as to your DVD problem, what was the issue ? (Im having one now that noone solved and hopefuly your experience could help me) thanx

 

dissatisfied....

your issues are indeed valid ones, but having worked in customer service at several companies before there are some things you gotta remember about calling a company for tech support. im not saying they apply to your situation, i dont really know what caused the experience you had but...

remember that tech support is still phone tech support. there are all sorts of reasons for experiences such as yours. some of which can be attributed to such things as:
1)new staff
2)sometimes they can be looking at the wrong instructions on their end (bringing up instructions for the wrong system when they are looking them up)
3) sometimes such as in the case of your powerdvd issues they can actually not have the same info you do having not been instantly informed of new developments

there are many reasons for things going wrong in terms of customer service but at the same time eternally ****ing the whole brand based on your bad experience is not exactly a great idea. yes it sucks that you did have issues and it is fair to bring them up but dont make it seema as if all machines from the company have those same ones.

 

If a company screws up on customer support (especially for such high priced machines) MULTIPLE times then I think a customer would definitely have every right to be pissed.

funny that you do not seem even a little concerned given all negative press AW receives - and first hand experiences from people here.

 

Hmmmm...I was unaware that having an opinion based on experience was "not exactly a great idea". ::shrug:: Just old-fashioned, I guess.

 

Just a suggestion...I wouldn't get to argumentative in here. Chaz has already threatened to close the threads that do. Just a suggestion...Chaz kinda has low-tolerance for things like that.

Thanks.

 

Yeah please, no fights. You want to discuss something. Here... I have decided to go with Alienware from my new Lappy. *Fears getting stoned by the villagers* Anyway, my decision was based on several people I have talked to. I understand that a lot of you don't like Alienware for their rep, and think I am making a mistake. Well that is my choice. The only problem is I can't make a descision on which system. I orginaly wanted to go with the m5700, but after reviewing the m5500, the little brother seems to have just as much to offer. I am somewhat fearful that the m5500 will run to hot.
I saw that the 5500 had MXM, where as the m5700 does not. I could save a few hundred and have the option to upgrade my GPU later. My only fear is that the new GF7800 they are planing to release for MXM will run to hot.

specs:
m5500
Processor: Intel® Pentium® M 760 2.0GHz 2MB L2 Cache 533MHz FSB
Operating System (Office software not included): Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2
Display: Alienware® m5700 15.4" WideXGA 1280 x 800 LCD - Xeno Grey
Motherboard: Alienware® Intel® 915PM + ICH6 Chipset
Wireless Network: Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200 b/g Wireless Card
Memory: 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 533MHz - 2 x 512MB
Hard Drive: Single Drive Configuration - 60GB 5400 RPM SATA
Video Card: 256MB NVidia® GeForce™ Go 6600
Sound Card: Intel® High-Definition Audio
Optical Drive: 24x10x24 CD-RW / 8X DVD Combo w/Software MPEG2 Decoder
Ethernet NIC: Integrated High Performance Gigabit Ethernet
Modem: 56K Modem with V.90 Technology

m5700
Processor: Intel® Pentium® M 760 2.0GHz 2MB L2 Cache 533MHz FSB
Operating System (Office software not included): Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2
Display: Alienware® m5700 17" WideXGA 1280 x 800 LCD - Xeno Grey
Motherboard: Alienware® Intel® 915PM + ICH6 Chipset
Wireless Network: Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200 b/g Wireless Card
Memory: 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 533MHz - 2 x 512MB
Hard Drive: Single Drive Configuration - 60GB 5400 RPM SATA
Video Card: 256MB NVidia® GeForce™ Go 6800
Sound Card: Intel® High-Definition Audio
Optical Drive: 24x10x24 CD-RW / 8X DVD Combo w/Software MPEG2 Decoder
Ethernet NIC: Integrated High Performance Gigabit Ethernet
Modem: 56K Modem with V.90 Technology

 

Yeah - all I'm asking is to keep it appropriate, somewhat civilized, which I know you can do.

What you want to discuss is up to you.

Chaz

 

Actually the 7800 GTX I heard doesn't heat up all that much. As long as the cooling keeps up. In the most of the computers that I have seen they have heatspreaders to help.

If you are going to be concerned with heat, just get a laptop cooler...they are great...I lowered my temps up to 10C. Which is unbelievable.

I will agree with you...if the M5500 has MXM then I would go with that. Really the difference in the display isn't that much...if you like more mobility stick with the 15.4. Since they are the same resolution you should be good to go.

The only big thing is the video card and that you said you are going to upgrade...so I think you made the right choice.

Good luck! Let us know how you like it. I know AW had problems with the desktop CPU's in the laptops, but the P-M should be great for you.

Edit: Shortened quote so that it didn't look like a novel.

 

You can do that; just make sure that you can get the card.

The M5500 is MXM II - there are different classes of MXM modules - MXM I is for ultraportables, MXM II for thin and lights such as the M5500, and MXM III for larger notebooks [chiefly 17"].

The Go7800 is only going to be MXM III. The Go7600 is MXM II. That is what you should be able to upgrade to.

 

I use to call my DVD problem "the magically disappearing DVD" becase when I clicked on My Computer (or any dropdown menue where the DVD plsyrt should have been listed) sometimes it was there and sometimes it was not. When there was no link in my computer (or the drop down menue) the DVD player was completely unresponsive: it would not open if you clicked on the exject button. It was enough to reboot a couple of times for the DVD player to majically reappear.
As said, they changed the hardware (add rant about not shipping the second one until I sent mine back here), but that did not improve things.
What solved the problem has been a little piece of software that defined the DVD player as a second master.
I think I understood at the time that that was not a perfect fix because the DVD player was not supposed to be a second master in order to leave the second master "slot" available in case I needed a second master, but since I never ended up needing a second master, I don't regret this fix (yet)

 

Yes, you are right that sometimes the staff was grossely undertrained, and very often I understood that they were looking at the instructions for the Area-m, but what I am really angry at is the company's policy of reformatting and reinstalling windows and repristinating the computer "as shipped". A policy that is now crowned in the alien respawn.

Maybe sometimes reformatting and putting back factory settings is the right thing to do. But I mad at the utter disregard that AW shows for customer's data. They never warn you that you might loose some or all of your data. They never warn you to back up what is important to you before you follow their instructions. I of course was aware of the potential for data loss, but I was alarmed by their disregard for it nonetheless. The last straw came when (on one occasion) I had 99% agreed to send my computer back. They had never mentioned that the first step that they take ALWAYS is to reformat the hard disk. I am not sure anymore how I found out; I think I might have asked something like "how can I be sure that all my files will be there when the computer is shipped back?" Only then they discharged the bombshell that they reformat all machines that are sent to them NO EXCEPTION. I was so angry that I am still angry now when I think about it. Angry that they reformat, but even more angry that THEY DON'T WARN YOU AT ALL.
I did not sent it back. I seem to remember that in response to my anger I got to talk to a better technician who actually solved the problem over the phone, but that to me is not the point. The point is that the information on my machine is enourmously more valuable to me than the cost of the machine itself. Of course I have tons of backups, but we all know that files are scattered here and there and that those who (like me) back up their things on CDs have a hard time piecing it all back together and (truth to be told) it is unlikely to ever manage to recover 100% of the information on the pc

 

You should not fear to be stoned.
I don't think buying AW is a good idea on average, but I understand that all of us make (all the time) decision involving some risk - decisions in which we hope not to be the unlucky one. I am sure that AW does make some good machines some of the time, it would not take the chance a second time, but I think that it is your right to buy one if you so like.

Let us know how it turns out!!

 

the 5700 has mxm as well

 

i can agree that warning of that would be nice, however for alot of users that use external hard drives for backups (like me) it doesnt matter much. still yes it would be nice to have the warning though.

 

the 5700 has an mxm2 card we well.... and yes the 7800 is great, i have one in my dell xps, its a nice card for sure.

 

I didn't see that the m5700 was mxm2, that's great. I saw somewhere that it wasn't and never checked into it. My bad. Thanks everyone. Hey, just curious, your info says you live in Canada, how much was your shipping for AW?

 

I found this kinda funny. I was using the AW chat system to ask about the MXM and a few other things. The name was Ini dta F.

 

shipping wasnt cheap but when you go to click buy it will show you the shipping price everything is included in that.