Update: Alienware Steam Box Will Be Upgradable, Released Annually

For those that have not already seen it...

Alienware Steam Box Not Upgradable, Released Annually

Thoughts? Comments?

Edit: Thanks to TBoneSan for providing a link to an update. There is some good news to share... Mr. Azor has provided clarity on the ability to upgrade.

See this article: Alienware's Steam Machine Won't Be Upgradable, New Version Releasing Every Year [Update: WILL Be Upgradable]

 

Thanks for keeping us up to date. +rep

 

You're welcome. Discovering something like this after already spending money on it is never a pleasant experience. It is good that Alienware has disclosed this early on so customers can make an informed buying decision. I don't know if most customers care about this or not, but I know it is critical to me.

 

Wow, that is some rather disappointing news...Not that I was looking at buying one to begin with as I don't see the point over just HDMI out to my TV but I can see this pushing people to other brands as it is conceivably cheaper to upgrade vs buy a new unit. The only thing I can see this possibly doing for them is allowing them to bring the Alienware in a lower price point which could possibly draw in some more people if they can buy a new one for far less then buying a competitor and then upgrading it down the line, but lets face it Alienware isn't know for cheap systems.

Honestly to me this is just another console now :S and I don't use my consoles as it is so there is no appeal to me at all. I would rather stick an X51 beside my TV and use it as a steam box/media console.

 

Disappointing, to say the least. It's ridiculous how the General Manager of Alienware addressed the greatest weakness of this Steam Box, basically putting it off as though they don't even care about the sales of this specific product:

All I can do is laugh at this statement and hope they know what they're doing. This could be one of the best things Alienware has done or one of the worst, and I doubt it was a cheap venture into this market. I originally thought the idea of a customizable "Steam Box / Console" was a brilliant idea. However, I suppose now that they're entering into a market where customization isn't common, it may not be an issue. We'll see how it turns out...

P.S. Hopefully this "Steam Box" has more functionality hidden within than just gaming. If this Steam Box can be used in conjunction with their other products (i.e. a wireless HDMI hub for Alienware laptops) it may be a worth while investment for those who own other Alienware products. Giving it features and uses aside from gaming may be beneficial for sales.

 

This would be my most optimistic view. I hope that this kind of locking down is for a good reason. But I'm not liking the sound of this. I was hoping for so much more from this little box. Lets hope this attitude and design philosophy isn't going to be a regular thing with Alienware.

UPDATE:

Alienware's Frank Azor has clarified the upgradability of its forthcoming line of Steam Machines. "According to the Alienware boss, gamers will be able to upgrade the box, it just won't be as easy as working with a standard PC. "

source

 

Thanks for sharing the update! +1

 

Oh, that's good. I was gonna say...

 

Considering how easy you can make a notebook upgradable then there is simply no excuse for it being an exercise.

 

I started reading the comments on the story that has the update and I just have to laugh...It amazes me how many people are under the impression that you will HAVE to buy a new one every year. They compare them to consoles like steam will just quit working if you don't buy a new one.

 

We don't really know what components it will have or whether the term "upgradable" means full-on CPU and GPU swappable, or simply the ability to change RAM and swap drives. If the CPU and GPU are soldered to the mainboard then it is only partially upgradable. Not sure what "not as easy" means either. With enough effort, talent and special tools I suppose even BGA parts can be called upgradable.

 

Been a while, thought I'd bump this thread with the launch video:



If it's affordable, it'll be a great thing for college students the world over. That controller, though...lol.

 

The only problem I have with it is the fact that I cannot imagine any controller, no matter how good, replacing a keyboard and mouse for hardcore PC gamers. I'd be willing to tinker with it, but controllers are one of the things that make console gaming suck. They say it's accurate... I guess we will find out. There's a first time for everything, I suppose.

The potential that most big-budget games that are all the rage for Windows could become compatible with Linux is what I find most attractive. I'd love to replace Micro$lop Windows with Linux eventually, but the game and benchmark assortment is downright crappy... mostly a bunch of Indie garbage that I won't play.

 

I agree with you. A wireless keyboard or something would be ideal... I'm definitely not a fan of that controller. I understand it coming with some form of device/controller, but that thing? It will definitely take some getting used to, lol.

 

Maybe with the release of the steam box, we can finally get wireless tactx gear?

 

That would certainly be nice. Wires are so old school. I don't like wired accessories much. Would nice to have a new TactX wireless mouse, especially.

 

Im not a fan of wireless, but I would love to have wireless for my laptops.