share your thoughts: the future of Alienware notebooks with the arrival of Windows 8

So Windows 8 is almost here, and like it or not Microsoft has given more supports to touch-friendly computers than the desktop replacement computers like Alienware in the effort of making Windows 8. And while we still cozy with our keyboard and mice, Asus and Samsung have shown us how future mobile computers will be: computers with touch screen, and detachable keyboard. Most manufacturers are set to welcome ARM-based computers, stealing the highlight of powerful x86 processors. No one seems to care about big screens and monstrous performance anymore, even most Windows 8 tablets did not announced with discrete graphics.

I'm asking this because I was about to get a new Alienware notebook since my M15x is getting older and tired. But with the Windows 8 announcement just weeks ahead, I wonder will Alienware make their move and join others? Have you ever wished your Alienware laptops screen to be touchable? how important is it to our gaming needs?

 

Well, when I think of touch screens, I think of finger prints. With that statement, I do not wish that my M17x had a touch screen. I still prefer the precision of a mouse. To me, tablets are just for recreational use and being able to pull up documents or web pages on the go on a bigger screen if you already have a smart phone. The reason I bring up tablets is because what is the difference between that and a touch screen on a computer?

Other than your Angry Birds and stuff, how would a touch screen work with gaming on a PC. I think that closes a touch screen will ever get to gaming will be what razer did, but maybe I' just narrow minded.

As of right now, I think it would hard to tell where everything is going to go. I think it would be hard for high performance notebooks to "go away" since they already cater to a group of people anyway.

To sum it up, I still want performance, touch screen on a screen where clarity and precision is important is dumb, and I have no idea what Alienware will do since Dell would probably take care of the generic touch screen computers.

 

Touch screens will never fully replace mice and keyboards, and tablets and thin hybrid laptops will never replace larger powerful laptops and work stations. The only thing we currently use that I see getting mostly phased out in the future is desktop towers. Eventually allinones will become viable and affordable replacements, and most consumers will dump the monitor + box approach in favor of the ease and space saving of all in ones on their desk.

 

well on a new version of the m18x id like to see a little touch screen thing on the right hand side of the palm rest.. i liked razors idea with that and it would be a neat feature to slap on are systems

 

well, how about any brand desktop or laptop + windows 8?

at first i considered all the naysayers to simply be those merely opposed to some improvements/modifications to the general windows platform.

then i installed windows 8 pro rtm.

:smh: wow...

#notoptimal

in all seriousness, i predict this is going to be worse for microsoft than vista...

if you've got a tablet purchase coming, maybe windows 8 rt will be an option - but realistically that's not going to be addressing the needs/requirements of most pc gamers any time soon.

for practical day to day desktop/laptop functionality (which most all of us still require in conjunction with our 'gaming' rigs), the hybridized windows 8 pro is horribly unintuitive and microsoft really needs to go back to the drawing board.

imho, windows 7 ultimate is going to remain the microsoft os of choice for some time to come...

 

I don't see Alienware changing anything for at least a few years. I usually upgrade the next OS that Windows releases, but I see nothing with 8 that impreasses me to much over 7 and 7 works perfect for me.

 

Yeah, most tech literate people can't get used to it/hate it. Think of the reaction average users will have, like grandpa, soccer mom, and office Dan, who barely knows how to work Microsoft Office 2007.

Public Relations nightmare incoming.

All could be fixed if metro was a completely optional part of the package, and the "normal" desktop screen had a start menu.

 

I certainly wish that this kind of hope-shattering chatter turns out to be nothing but silly speculation when all is said and done. It is really disturbing to even think that some of these novelty hardware downgrades could happen to our brand. All of those kiddie toy "features" (touch screens, detachable components, ARM processors, etc.) are... well... 100% pure MEH! Personally, I have zero interest in that kind of garbage. Alienware's bread and butter is the über-powerful, no-nonsense dual-GPU, aluminum chassis, portable gaming beasts like the M17x R2 and M18x R1/R2. If they ever lose sight of that they are going to immediately lose the clientele that has made their high performance laptop business insanely successful. I believe they are astute enough to recognize that... after all, it took people like us at Alienware to conceive these magnificent beasts in the first place. So, I remain very optimistic that that kind of psychotic fetish for awesomeness is still flourishing in the mothership and hope that none of them will be drinking the mediocrity kool-aid.

I think Windows 8 has performance potential due to its ability to be run on lost-cost undesirably anemic hardware. But, implementation of the "Windows 8 Certified" program has potential to turn their new OS into a joke because of the draconian UEFI validation scheme needed to satisfy the terms of that silly program. This may cause the awesome hardware that performance enthusiasts are interested in to become crippled. As we have already seen issues with releases of the new BIOS needed to support that kind of Gestapo strategy, things might get a little bit interesting until that fatal error is recognized and reversed by the engineers rolling it out. Having the freedom to flash a locked or unlocked version of a system BIOS, downgrade or upgrade the system BIOS version, could soon become a thing of the past... at least temporarily.

If that actually comes to fruition as the norm, one of the major selling points of the flagship product may vanish. If you end up stuck with a locked-down BIOS there will be little or no reason to own an Extreme CPU and it will make more sense to save money by purchasing a crippled mickey mouse plastic machine from one of the competitors that sell so-called high performance gaming laptops. I trust that the executives making all of those decisions will recognize this and forego participation in the "Windows 8 Certified" program in favor of their fan base. As long as I can manage my machine the way I want to manage it, starting from the firmware level up, I really don't give a hoot about whether Microsoft can label my Alienware beast as being "certified" for Windows 8. I would consider that more of a value-detractor and a disincentive to purchasing new tech than something offering even a smidgen of value.

 

Mr. Fox, I consistently enjoy your ability to turn a phrase...

 

Oh I actually see what Alienware was doing in past few years. First they dumped the M15x which I thought was a perfect combination of mobile gaming and portability, then they welcomed M11x as the first ultraportable gaming laptop. They were so proud of it they put it on their main webpage for months and claimed it was their best seller that time. Then out of nowhere they discontinued it (see this), making it feels as worthless as M15x. So yes I guess Alienware does changing sometime though it may not be as drastic as we expected them to be.. Who knows they will drop support for M18x for being too big as a notebook..

But yes I'm agree with you on Windows 7.

Mr. Fox I think I stop reading on your second paragraph, but I'm sure as hell I get that feeling! After all Windows 8 are just made to impress novice users, not Alienware people

 

This would be a fatal error, for sure. It's near perfect as is. If they go down this road it would be curtains for the brand unless they bring back an M17x with an aluminum chassis and Crossfire/SLI, Extreme CPU, etc. I'd much rather have the larger 18" LCD, but I would not jump ship based on that kind of compromise. But, a flagship product with a single GPU and plastic chassis would be a death blow. They've got some smart people running things and I think they already know this.

 

I believe that it's important to take a long term holistic view regarding Windows 8. While it is very easy to pan it because of decisions that microsoft has made (some of which I disklike myself). I believe Microsoft's long term strategy of incorporating various devices into a unified computing system is their goal. Currently device often dictates functionality, in an information world that is increasingly on 24/7 and mobile touch based interfaces and operating systems that can range across devices will be a boon.

I like the idea, the presentation of it, the implementation of it is less than to be desired. While I understand the goal of integration and the ability to have software that works across a myriad of devices and offers familiarity and access I believe that you can make this goal happen without disruption of current workflow.

Right now adoption doesn't make a lot of sense, as Alienware owners it's puzzling to many of us why we care about a touch oriented and tablet/smartphone centric design. Again I think this is short sighted but I agree for our purposes the change isn't necessarily for the best as things currently stand.

 

the only use i can see with windows 8 as of the minute is the performance increase from the os when i was using it it had fast boot times it was also very smooth and with next years alienwares i can see dell putting dual GPUs back into the M17x range but i dont think they will ever use touch screens not only are they expensive for manufacturing but because you would be using the screen more touching etc it would be more prone to damage therefore increasing costs which isnt worth the advantages gain which is very little anyway.


i can also see dell going down the route of easy upgradable laptops for example making it much easier to update GPUS CPUS etc i know we can do this now but there are somethings that dont work like 3D in a m17x r3 using a GTX680 BETTER support would make them stand out from other gaming laptop manufactures

 

I agree it isn't necessary, even without the touchscreen capability, Windows 8 is still a better OS than 7 due to performance improvement.

But if one day Alienware refresh their entire notebook lineups into touch screen and they charge extra $500 for the touch screen panel, would you still be interested in it?

Speaking of Dell, they are also going down the route of Windows 8 era see this.

 

1) Touchscreen
2) High resolution (don't mess this up with 1920 x 1080 make it enough for proper scaling WQHD only).
WQHD resolution IPS or OLED screen IZGO or LTPS. 2560x1440 (16x9) 10 point multi touch screen. Switchblade UI on keyboard like Razor's beast. OLED keys above it as well.
Smaller power supply like Razor's. Built in dock for n-trig or wacom stylus. Return of the M11x or M13x with WQHD as well. The Switchblade UI should be Oled if the main screen isn't.

 

I think one day it will be phased out, but to be honest I am SURE Windows 8 has the quality equivalent of Vista. I think it's a long, long way off. Also, wouldn't maybe a stylus that comes with the laptop fix the fingerprint problem?

Bear in mind that the M18X is a niche product. It isn't nor is its purpose to appeal to every user.

Edit* meant to quote what someone said about how they might get rid o the M18x.

 

touch screens would not cost $500 more ever... look at all the ultrabooks emerging with touch screen ... the delta on them is not $500 compared to non-touch ultrabooks. If we have to pay $500 more we're getting royally ripped off.

 

To answer the question: No, I wouldn't be interested in a touch screen laptop, even if the touchscreen option was considerably less than $500.

If I want a touch screen style device, I'll get a tablet.

 

Personally, I would abhor a touch screen option even if it were free. There's no value in that on a high performance gaming system. Having used several models of touch screen laptops in my employment, I dislike them even in a production environment. Unless you are using it for a kiosk, point of sale device, or have some sort of physical impairment that prevents typing with two hands and all of your digits, it is a very inefficient and slower interface. Reaching across a keyboard to put fingerprints on a display panel is not my idea of a value-added option. And, a stylus... really? So, instead of fingerprints, something to accidentally get lost and add indelible marks to the display panel. No thank you. But, to each his own.

Yes, the M18x is a niche product that makes Alienware famous for offering the best built, and most powerful gaming laptop that money can buy. It is what they do best and nobody else is doing. The M17x is also superior in its class, although somewhat less unique. It is those two niche products that make Alienware most relevant. The M18x does not appeal to everyone, nor is it within the reach of everyone based on price. As long as they don't mess it up I'll be happy. Dell has plenty of other nice consumer product options to choose from if people want tablets or ultra-portable lower power devices... there are no lack of options in their product line.

 

Technically they already have with a new windows key

 

While I dont think that touch screens are going to make it into most of the alienware laptops, I do think that alienware is going to be releasing a touch enabled small laptop/tablet type device.
Based on either of the new xps 12 convertible or the xps 10 tablet.

If they do so, then I think win 8 will be a great thing. There are alot of people who use alienware computers for things other than just gaming. I like to do alot of media on mine and a touch screen could be usefull over the use of the track pad.

 

And so it begins...

I am of the firm opinion that Windows 8 will do to the PC what iOS has done to the iPad and iPhone. As much as I am impressed by the iPad and iPhone, you have no access to the NAND memory. You can't just open a document in another app if you want and the only way to get your data off of the tablet is to use the backup function in iTunes. With Android, you can just use a file browser app to manage your file, and plug it into any system and retrieve your data like it was on a flash drive. I'm sorry, but I think iOS is cancerous tumor housed within the beautiful shells of the iPhone and iPad.

And that is the way I see PCs going if the OEMs give into the Windows 8 hype. Next thing we know, windows explorer will be gone in Windows 9...poof! Press release from Microsoft, "Oh, you won't miss it. We figured you got used to not having a file browser like in iOS so we thunk you didn't really need it anymore."

 

I have to agree with this in principle. Android and other open source tech is superior in concept even when it is not polished in application yet. The moment we let any entity start deciding what is best for us, whether that be a government, service provider or manufacturer, there is going to be a huge problem in my view. Unfortunately, there are a fair number of people that ascribe to the notion that it's OK, and a greater number that just go with the flow because they are enamoured with shiny objects, LOL. It's very sad.

I can see an indication of some similarities here with Windows 8, and I am watching closely to decide whether to resist based on ethics and principle. Even if it's an improvement over Windows 7, if it takes us that direction I am going to balk at it. I need to see more before I cry foul on it, but it has my attention because of the firmware level certification nonsense. Who knows... maybe we will need to "jail break" Windows before long to make it do what we want it to do. If it comes down to that, it will really suck.

 

Windows 8 is just further evidence that the cancer is spreading.

 

For those eager to "upgrade" to Windows 8, here are a couple of good videos...

 

there is too much command (as opposed to market) mentality going on (even reflected in stocks), and it seems that windows 8 is simply a product of more of this command mentality:

Steven Sinofsky: Microsoft's controversial Mr. Windows 8 | Microsoft - CNET News

 

The whole Alienware name is niche.

 

This is a true statement. The brand, look and feel that contributes to the ownership experience is truly amazing in and of itself.

Where the M18x (specifically) is of critical importance is in the fact that it is Dell/Alienware's flagship laptop. It is the pinnacle of power and excellence and stands apart as unique in the industry. Having the Alienware look and feel is extraordinary, even with something more sedate in terms of power. However, the M18x has no rival. There is no other high performance gaming laptop available with an anodized aluminum chassis, overclockable XM CPU options and SLI/Crossfire configurations. In contrast, I can buy an ordinary "gaming laptop" with one GPU, a downgraded CPU and plastic chassis from quite a few places.

 

While not impressed by win8 from those videos, I think it will be a good platform for touch devices... (not really us)

But, tomorrow is release date, so I guess we can see if alienware has anything to offer.

 

After watching those videos, I feel like if they kept the Windows 7 start menu and keep the search system the same, they would have one hell of an OS.

 

Still don't like the fact they got rid of Aero and are forcing that UEFI/firmware certification.

 

I'm gonna buy the upgrade as I used the consumer preview and after a week I was completely conformable using it. I probably won't use metro all that much and wish I could toggle it on and off, but other than that it's not all that bad of an operating system. Another reason for upgrading is that I do tech support for a lot of friends and such, so I need to know how to use it when they need something fixed.

 

Good tech support would be to not recommend Windows 8 until Micro$oft fixes all the shortcomings.

 

Well, it is hard to "not recommend" an OS if it comes preinstalled on a new system, LOL. But, yeah, telling people to not upgrade from Windows 7 is my idea of good tech support, too. If Tony's friends and relatives are anything like mine, they ask for advice and then go right out do the opposite of what I told them... and, then, coming crawling back begging for help fixing what happened because they didn't listen.

 

exactly, people will upgrade to it because its newer. It must be better right?

 

Again, they said the same thing with Windows Vista.

 

Think I'm gonna save my 15 bucks. Planned obsolescence is a ripoff.

 

Windows, Revamped and Split in 2 - NY Times

Good article. Responded to it already. Hoping there are more non-conformists out there.

 

Thanks for the link, Brother Viking...

This smells like a an example of what happens when high-powered executives make decisions based on their own ideals and then force what they think is best on their workforce. We see this all the time in corporate world, where edicts are handed down from an ivory tower to employees to implement like good little robots without allowing them to weigh in on the decisions. The difference here, of course, is Windows is a consumer product and not a workflow process, so all that really matters is what customers think is best.

Oh, but wait! They had a consumer preview for how long? I wonder how many were kool-aid drinkers that were eager to accept change on the premise that change only for the sake of change is somehow a good thing, versus how many told them that TileWorld really sucked and was an impediment to using Windows 8. Do we have consumers to blame, at least in part, for how this turned out? This reminds me of the story of the naked emperor. Or, to put it in a political context, people that complain about the decisions of elected politicians, but never vote. I'm holding myself partially to blame for not getting involved in the consumer preview and telling them it sucked. At the least, I would then be able to say, "see, I told you so" if they didn't listen.

Check this out... Free Windows 8 Start Menu and Bring back the Windows® "Start" menu with Start8™! - the fact that these two utilities even exist suggests to me that people using the consumer preview have complained, Mr. Sinofsky didn't care what they thought, and a both of these third party vendors did listen. It's interesting that outside entities need to fix what is broken in the design and functionality of Windows 8 before it is even released to the public.

Maybe they'll provide a way to disable or uninstall TileWorld, bring back Aero-like transparency and the Start menu in Windows 8 SP1.

 

...continued from above post (due to 2 video limit)





Either those testing Windows 8 on something that was not a tablet were too eager to drink the kool-aid and didn't give the right feedback to Microsoft, or Microsoft simply didn't listen to them. Perhaps there were just too many users of the consumer preview that were dazzled by the pretty pastel tiles that lacked the objectivity be be harsh critics of its clunkiness.

 

Glad I just picked up 3 fresh new copies of win7 pro for future computers

 

I got windows 8 for free with dreamspark (which was an upgrade from 7 home), but yes it isn't even worth it for free unless you are planning on reinstall.

To be fair, there are a number of rather great features, just not enough to warrant an upgrade over it. Especially since you have to deal with the new start screen.

 

When is dell going to update their AW computer customization pages to W8?

 

Hopefully later rather than sooner.

 

thanks right back at ya for the pirillo yt links there brother fox!~

think i may have even read a comparison article about this somewhere recently, but have witnessed several similar reactions to windows 8 as quipped by pirillo's father @00:25 regarding os x 10.8 - you awake/listening ms? :smh:

imho, based on everything i've read, it's the latter...

there is chatter amongst aw's management that you might not be seeing windows 8 shipping on aw until after the first of the year (dell/ms may feel differently), and even then plans to only support it on the latest system (ivy bridge +) revisions...

 

I don't actually understand in which part the Aero is gone? We still have the cool-looking see-through glass. Though it may not be as clear as Windows 7, but it's the same idea.

With the help of Soluto, I'm bypassing the metro UI once I start my computer, it does come with pretty handy start button too. So don't worry you won't miss your Windows 7

This is very true. And not only Microsoft, manufacturers are also in charge of all this Windows 8 thing. I've seen many people struggling with driver compatibility in Windows 8.

As for me and my M15x, I got graphic card compatibility issue see here.

I got it from DreamSpark too since last month (Along with Visual Studio 2012), indeed there are new remarkable features. But if they ask me to pay $80 for it, I would stick with my 7.

Oh no I wouldn't , because the new damn Visual Studio will only work on Windows 8.

I think neither Alienware is actually interested in Windows 8. Most of manufacturers have already introduced their new computer lineups with Windows 8 pre-installed in their so-called homepage. Even dell see this.

But not alienware, not yet maybe.

 

Dell / AW should start uploading their freaking driver on their site.

Win 8 is out since yesterday at midnight,and i still get 404 errors while trying to download AW OSD , Command center and such for Win8 on their website.

Nice we have to wait for drivers that are already out but not uploaded ...

 

All of the existing Windows 7 drivers for the M18x R1 are Windows 8 compatible except for the Dell 375 Bluetooth driver. The native Windows Bluetooth driver will install and a Windows 8 version of the Dell 375 driver will be available from the Windows Update catalog.

 

Sorry if this feel dumb but ... If all drivers are compatible, why did they released new version of them ? The drivers version and rev is newer , so they have made a few change / fix / Improvements for win 8 right ? That's why it's boring to download old drivers, especially if they put them back online in a week or two , uninstalling previous drivers or upgrading them ... i just freshed install , that bother me to install them twice cause they are LATE ( yes , 404 errors on drivers download 2 days after the release of on OS, it's not about being hardcore to have them at midnight, it's just late :/ )

 

they're more updated, and some don't support (like intel RST). Apparently Dell only allow US download, but you can circumvent by going to the download screen, and check your link and change the arguments at the end of the link from:

link......link&isUSDownload=false

to

link......link&isUSDownload=true

Hit enter then press download.


which would allow you to download.