Where are the new models?

So what's the word on the "street"? are there any new models/significant changes to look forward to in the Alienware laptop line up?

I've had three AW laptops in the last 5 years I bought new and all of them are dead. Np, I'll still consider getting another AW, but I keep visiting the AW web site from time to time and I keep seeing what looks like essentially the same line up.

I think, the 14" was gone for a while but now it's back. Although I like the styling isn't it time for some more innovation?

Not trying to be critical here, In the past I've posted plenty of favorable posts about AW. So much so that the reps that were here sent me a bunch of trinkets like AW coffee mugs,pens, t-shirts and hats because they "wanted to thank me."

Just seems like they have been coasting for a while and I'd love to see some significantly redesigned laptops from AW.

 

Hey man, what happened to you? Haven't seen you in a long time.

Nice to have you back, have some welcoming rep!

 

I think AW has essentially found their permanent "look". In future they may be thinner, but basically the same design. Similar to how Asus has found its "Looks" with the Gseries. Those may get thinner over time, but the basic design will be the same.
What really matters is whats inside.
In the last 5 years, AW laptops, and gaming laptops in general have jumped by leaps and bounds. 5 years ago having a "gaming laptop" would have gotten you laughed out of lan party. Now days they can pack they power of fully fledged desktops.
AW just updated their line about a week ago with IVY bridge, new video cards, a bump up to a better starting ram amount and several other things.

 

Hey thanks War. I did an extended tour at sea and buying a new house etc. The wife doesn't know it yet but I'm itching to get a new laptop.Shhhhh. LOL

Oh I like the looks, but was hoping I'd see at least one model make a departure from the others. Yes, the gaming is great now and there are lots of laptops now that flat out kick yet I'm still partial to the AW's. If they can make gaming decent on a small rig then I would think it possible to make a ultra thin 17" with a really thoughtful design. Razer took a stab at this but I think AW/Dell can do better.

 

unfortunately it just isn't possible at this time to make a high end gaming laptop that's super thin (less than an inch thick) and has a comparable weight to non gaming laptops. Not if you want to crank up to ultra settings and not have it catch on fire.
The razor is what it is because it packs a lot of outdated/low end stuff into its small package. Seriously, a 555 graphics card and their charging 2500 dollars!?!? That makes even apple look like a deal. it will be several years before super powered gaming laptops go from being "mobile desk tops" to ultra book size. Thats just how it is unfortunately.

In the meantime though, if you need portability, the m11x and m14x are plenty small enough imo.

 

You missed the point slick. I wouldn't pay $2500 for that Razer and I don't know anybody who would.

My suggestion was not for a "super powered" ultra book, but rather a thin notebook with a nice large screen with AW throwing in their own brand of sizzle. I think the market is there for a thin, lightweight just able to game, long battery life AW.

Their current line up is successful but there is another market they could tap into.

A AA top fuel dragster with it's tall wing, massive blown engine and wheelie bars is bad , but so is the smooth and aerodynamic Corvette.

P.S. I'm an Engineer as well as a gamer so I understand the properties of thermal dynamics.

 

You want to know how to make a gaming ultra book?

Here is how.
Make ultrabook with a plug on the side for a external gpu.
Plug in external gpu when you want to game, unplug when you dont.
It could run off its own battery, or pull from the laptops battery.
Heat wouldnt be a issue since it would not even be inside the laptop.

 

That's already possible, provided the laptop meets a few requirements:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/gaming-software-graphics-cards/418851-diy-egpu-experiences.html

 

Yeah I know, but for alienware to make a ultra book with the gaming power needed. They will have to take the DIY version and make a nice packaged plug and play version for it.
GPU in a nice alienware styled case, selectable leds on it. I think they could make a pretty nice packaged thing here.

Stack 2 mxm cards on top of each other, have intake and exhaust cooling, a single cable to plug in. Make it nice and clean like.

Edit, here is the sony version

http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/sony-europe-unveils-vaio-z-with-external-gpu-28-06-2011/

 

wow, thats epic looking! The only issue is typically when getting a laptop people want as few wires and bits on the outside as possible. mouse and speakers/headet is usually all people want.

 

We can all be critical of Razer and the expensive blade but essentially they used the components of an M14x and put them in a super thin chassis, whilst the M14 is almost twice as thick!

We will likely see a new blade with Ivy Bridge and 650m, so if Razer can do it then why can't Alienware?

If you remove the disc drive then you have more room for heat sinks/fans and with ultrabooks now using the 640m we will see thin laptops capable of playing games.

I'm hoping the removal of the M11x will pave the way for a lower end Alienware laptop that will use a thinner design.

 

The problem is the "new blade" will still probably cost 2500 bucks. perhaps more since there are so many people out there willing to pay ridiculous amounts for a sub par system with "the first real gaming laptop" slapped on it (they have sold out and are now back ordered apparently...). the m14x may be twice as thick (actually its less than that), but its also a 14 inch system, which cuts several square inches off its surface area in comparison. I would say they are equally portable. I think they even weigh almost the same.

I don't think the m11x is done. Word on the street is that there was some spacing issues with the new model and either the R4 will appear later this year, or some sort of similar product will happen.

 

I'll take the twice as thick M14x, for half the price

 

Same.

In my opinion, purchasing the Razer Blade is like throwing a hand full of money in the wind.

I wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing I had spent 3k on a laptop that can't even max out games at 1080.

 

For serious. a 2k-2200 m17x r4 will net you over twice the performance and still be hundreds less.

If the blade could come to even near that performance level I might actually be interested, despite the price jump.

 

holy I just checked Razer's website and the blade is not even 2500 anymore. now its freaking 2799$.
The fact anyone would pay that much for the sub par hardware in that thing makes me lose a little bit of faith in humanity.

 

many i ask why are your last 3 alienware is all dead?

 

It was never $2500 to begin with. The starting price has always been $2.8k .

 

This thread has taken a wrong turn. If you want to discuss the new models, feel free to do so in the appropriate owner's lounges.

Thanks.