why should I get a alienware

Guys, I'm looking to buy a new laptop. It's going to be either alienware or Sager. By my own research both seem to be based on clevo and I don't know how sturdy alienware is? Also wondering if alienware has taken a hit in quality by joining Dell? Seems to me that you also get much less for your buck. The only thing that it has going is good customer service and that alienware laptops have become slightly affordable. I would really appreciate any comments as to why I should or should not consider buying an alienware laptop.

 

Once I received my Alienware all the chicks wouldn't leave me alone.

 

It's got pretty lights.

 

For $2000 , there has to be an easier way

 

We'll compare the two best gaming laptop brands (since Asus/MSI does not offer SLI/Crossfire):

The key perk that AW has over Sager is the next-business-day on-site technician warranty coverage. With Sager, you either have to wait for parts sent by your reseller through USPS/Canada Post or if the damage is too much, weeks to ship it back and forth (and you pay out of your own pocket for sending it to them).

Sager is cheaper in price (for the same or better performance than AW), so it all depends. Can you live without a laptop for weeks if something were to happen? Ask yourself that question:
yes = Sager; no = AW.

AW also makes incredibly attractive laptops.

 

I had a feeling aw has better service. How sturdy IS the build?

 

Sager doesn't have a backlit keyboard. That's a dealbreaker for me.

 

Seems to me aw ships their rigs with bells and whistles but not much power for you money.

 

I'd say both the Sager and AW community are generally satisfied with the build.

If you're going to go with an AW, make sure to visit the Dell Outlet US first (that is, if you have a US address). You'll generally get a system -15 to -20% cheaper with the same warranty coverage. If you're interested in a Sager unit, GenTechPC is where I shop.

 

You're saying you don't get power for your money, but you get bells and whistles. You pretty much just answered your own question.

AW laptops are about looking good and having power under the hood at the same time, rounded off with a great warranty. If all you want is power and nothing more, then Sager is the best value.

If you want to save money and have a unit that looks like a typical laptop with a questionable warranty, buy Sager. Otherwise, Alienware is your best bet.

 

The power of a desktop in a "somewhat' portable form. Recently my friend got a new iMac and I couldn't help but check out his specs and it felt pretty good knowing my laptop had better specs than his new desktop. Besides that, I really love the lighting and just the overall look, even today after over a year of owning it, I still get that moment where I look at it and just think wow what a beautiful piece of tech. Also the customer service was great when my original graphics card got fried. No hassles and the tech knew what he was doing. It just has a certain wow factor to it. I'm very happy with the $2000 I spent.

 

in my opinion, alienware has more power for me than i need. I love the laptop, and besides, whats nice about the warranty is that lets say your cards break 3 years down the road, you will probably be upgraded with whatevers the newer card during that time.

From now on, ill always go Alienware. Not only do they look fantastic, still one of the best laptops out there when talking about power.

 

It really depends on what your preferences are.

Alienware has Dell backing them, so part availability is good. Also with many other Alienware owners out there, there is a good portion of OEM parts. Sager has a fair amount too but far less Sager/Clevo based laptops are sold compared to Alienware.

Also Clevo is a huge ODM for extreme gaming notebooks, I don't know who does Alienware design, Dell uses Quanta and I believe Compal.

Entry level Sager with single GPU are very very good for the price point, it rivals ASUS G series and MSI gaming series. Alienware because of the name, obviously are more expensive. Cheapest brand new Alienware that uses MXM is 1500 (directly through AW, but obviously can be had for cheaper) whereas Sager starts at 1100.

Alienware/Dell will always have coupons, whereas Sager doesn't have it as often, but Sager prices have always been pretty good. Alienware upgrades sometimes boggle the mind (700+ dollar upgrade to Extreme CPU from base quad core?), while Sager has VERY fair upgrade prices. Sager warranty is usually cheaper (149.99 for 3 years parts + labor) while Alienware warranty is exponentially more expensive..

 

just saying, an AW in public really attracts attention...

 

Alienware hands down. From the amazing, dense like a brick, build quality, to the sleek stealth design and soft touch finish, to the attractive lights and power house horse power behind the lid, and warranty and service support with the fact that they are now intertwined with such a large company as in Dell, it's a no brainer.

I was contemplating between laptop brands, and sure there are cheaper gaming laptops from Asus or Origin PC or sager/clevo like you say, and I was considering them.

But after getting my m14x, the cheaper $$$ of the other gaming laptops do no matter to me after getting the Alienware. Man, is it a fine piece of technology, from inside out.

 

I believe that all alienware users are not paying such a big amount money for just the power of this beast, but also the outer look, hardware, alienFX and the build quali... and this is also why there're lots of people saying that Alienware notebook is rich people's toy (atleast in Hong Kong) LOL.........
but i believe that this beast is like the Lamborghini In the industries
is a symbol ofc sagar to me is powerful as well and is like Toyota Supra with twin turbo and blow of value~ and stuff well ~ u will get what i mean when u search it on youtube for those two cars i mention haha

 

I don't know why I bother to respond anymore to these posts, but read more posts here and on the Sager boards. I see a lot of Alienware owners don't bother anymore to respond neither and if it takes a lot to convince you, just go Sager since that's where your mind/design wants to go.

There are tons of posts comparing the two. Click on my name and read my posts if you want as well. But main points are:

1st thing, and this is a HUGE REASON to go AW...price wise "IF" you are patient, Alienware is CHEAPER than Sager. I picked up my M14x for 30% off. Look at the Alienware shopping thread and a lot of other people just bought a machine for that much off as well whether it's an M18x, M17x R3, M14x, etc...The Sager will cost you more for the exact same config.

2nd thing, Alienware has better on-site next day support. It doesn't cost an arm and a leg neither since you can get a discount on it.

3rd thing, Alienware has better resale value. Look at old posts and check sale sites, Alienware has a better known name compared to Sager. Folks say they get similar resale value as compared to Apple.

4th thing, warranty. There are a plenty of folks who had Dell/Alienware upgrade their old busted machine after 2-3 years for a new or outlet model. Sager would never do that, ever.

5th thing, metal. The M18x is more metal than the Sager I believe.

The rest is configuration/design choices which is more personal preference.

I haven't read the Sager threads in a long long time, but before, the Sager machines didn't have backlit keyboards (coming I believe), no wireless HD, no HDMI in (maybe coming in new model?), ...

Aikimox resells both Sager and AW in Canada and maybe has more updated info on the Sager models in comparison since he knows the Sager pipeline coming soon.

 

SAGER is a BRIIIIIIIIICK!!!!!!...compared to AW...yes we all know performance wise..sager takes the cup..but its ugly...they need to hire some designers man...performance doesn't sell by itself any more these days..i want a DTR which is portable...and Sager is NOT Portable...AW looks stunning....do you know how difficult it is to make a thick laptop look good?? and really to be honest when it comes to price/performance...best buy alienware laptops stock configs and then upgrade it later on through the after-market...its much cheaper

 

I am going to just say "Unmatched warranty coverage". Otherwise, you choose based on personal preferences (ie: Gaming, You like the design over the others out there, features that Alienware pushes that may be of more interest to you than others, etc).

I want to try to go the next level up (Origin), however they don't offer things like RGB screens (not that anyone does anymore, but when I got my R2, even ORIGIN didn't have these screens available. Alienware was the only gaming laptop manufacturer to have them), crossfire mode, customizable color keyboard and other items, aluminum chassis, etc.

Nor do they have an 18" laptop which I think is nice to have, but that's a personal preference.....so I will stick with them until Dell goes under or something else happens.

 

I am almost sold on trying the m17x. Based on the price alone, i'd probably get the amd radeon. I wonder if it runs cooler than the NVIDIA 580.

 

The M17x and M18x are designed by Flextronics.

 

One point on the M17X (R3 anyway), I've heard the build quality is not as good as the M18X, mostly plastic with a rubberised finish. Think they did this to keep the weight down but I've heard it doesn't feel half as solid as the M18X or the M17X-R2 which are made nearly entirely from Aluminium (apart from the front speaker housing).

 

Can someone please direct me to some pics of m17x r3. I am particularly looking for pics from the underside to look at intake and out vents. Just need to get an idea of circulation. How bad is the flex issue in the r13.

 

Go to their website and look at the gallery.

 

And, personally, no matter how much "cooler" AW looks...Its a deal breaker for me that AW doesn't offer 1920x1080 with a decent GPu for less than 2 grand

 

Mine was.

 

Courtesy of Dookie- Pics

I've had both-M18x and M17x R3. The 18 is sturdier, but the 17 is still really solid. Yes it is plastic and the 18 is metal, but both are very solid still. I would've kept the 17 if I didn't get the 18 as a replacement.

 

the 6990 does run cooler than the 580 from what i gathered.

 

See sig.
Flex, I don't think I have this. More of a case to case basis.
If you get a lemon, have Dell replace it for you.

 

Great R2 vs. R3 review you have there. And I like the note at the end about the M18x! Funny!!

 

Alienware looks cooler!

 

Thanks
I'm in a sort of a love-hate situation with my M17X-R3.
I miss dual-cards

 

Here is a configuration I am looking at
17x r3
Intel Core i7 2720QM 2.02GHz (3.3gHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
Soft touch space black (no more aluminum )
6GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz (4DIMMS)
17.3-inch WideFHD1920 x 1080 60Hz WLED
2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 6990M (the sales rep was trying real hard to convince me to get the NVIDIA560, how is that card?)
320GB 7,200RPM SATA-II HDD
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit
Dvd/dvdrw
Intel Advanced N + WiMAX 6250 a/g/n 2x2 MIMO Technology
3 yr warranty

I am assuming Bluetooth is no longer included. My configuration costs $2430. I've been looking for coupons but can't find any. I'd appreciate any suggestions on where I can find coupons and my overall choice.

 

outlet store has a couple M17x R3's.

Looking at one with Win7 Ultimate, 2820qm, 8Gb 1333mhz, 500Gb hdd, 3D vision, internal wireless HD, and GTX 460m for only $1800

 

just got mine after i had a sager for years. I love this thing. It looks awesome and performs great!

 

Cut back the RAM to 4GB, does not make any sense to get 6GB from Dell.

560m is just a higher clocked 460m, the 6990m will destroy it.
For discount contact a rep. For even more discount wait for the discounts on site and then contact a rep.

 

After a long and tiring research, those are the reasons I found that you SHOULD BUY an Alienware,


1) You want a powerful machine that make all other lappy bow to u. The other lappy that can stand against Alienware is Clevo. But its look is a bit too business look and boring(Subjective). (Correct me if I am wrong, don't know whether MSI and ASUS can reach such high spec. )

2)You can have a laptop which can upgrade CPU and GPU in future, though it will cost some $$.

3)Its good ventilation system. With AMD 6990m, even sager is getting high temperature. But it is a breeze for Alienware, people have been using Amd 6990m for quite some time.

4)You want its Unique appearance, the appearance itself will draw a lot of attention ... hehe.... But be careful with thief.

5) It enhance your 6 senses and mind thinking, you will become very sharp and fast react to anything happening surrounding you. Because you have to guard your expensive laptop from those bad guys who trying to get a hand on your lappy.

6) You can win your dream girl's heart by showing them Alienware lighting effect which can cooperate with POP MUSIC and become a discotheque or some thing like laser show performance.

7)You want to prove yourself and ego. Alienware!!! Not a problem,... I still can get it. There is nothing can stop me.

8) You want to do fitness training or bodybuilding, but lazy to go gym, Alienware serves the purpose. You will become healthier and stronger in few months time. And may become Mr.Universe few years later.

9)It has a special, deadly weapon====> Power brink... With this lethal weapon and Alienware laptop well built and solid design, u can easily defend yourself from someone who try to harm you.


SERIOUS WARNING: DO NOT PLAY WITH YOUR POWER BRICK NEXT TO BALCONY/WINDOW. YOU MAY END UP IN JAIL BECAUSE OF MANSLAUGHTER.


Tell me, is there any lappy on Earth that can serve SO MANY PURPOSES. It is definitely a Best Buy. If you found an alternative, let us know.


(It is half truth and half jokes. Just feel to write something funny when I see this post. No offend. Add in more if u can. Cheers.)

 

You can't really compare Alienware to MSI/ASUS. Both of those companies offer a good "budget" gaming laptop, single GPU, quad core option, priced 1100-1500 dollars. To get an MXM new Alienware, you are looking at a minimum of 1500 (M17x R3). Cheapest Sager with MXM is the same price of ASUS G series/MSI Gaming series, though the powerful GPU option costs as much as M17x R3. Again the only thing I can see Alienware has an advantage is the massive fan base and parts are more easier to get vs Clevo/Sager rebrands.

 

Ohh.. i c.. so msi and asus can't upgrade the cpu and gpu in future. In my region, such as Australia and Asian, the price of g73 is quite high, it cost 2,408.76 USD and come with GTX 460 or GTX 560 only.

Th high spec sager is not much cheaper compare to Alienware m17x r3 and M18x. Especially for some countries in our region with coupons, If u lucky to grab a 12 -15% coupon. It may be cheaper than sager with similar spec in the end. And warranty wise, sager is in a disadvantage position. If anything serious occur, we have to ship it all the way back To USA for repair, may take 1 to 2 months. But I think Sager upgrade parts cost in future is cheaper compare to dell, I read that when I browse through the forum.

In my region, I think Alienware have 2 major advantage, one is dell warranty, although not as good as USA with new machine given if run out of old model's part. But it's onsite repair is pretty amazing.

Second is their resale value in Asian pacific region. I think it is even better than USA since our region do not have much coupon and price is a bit ridiculously high. If you are lucky to grab good discount, it may be able to cover the cost even after using it for a year and then sell it away.

Now, my only regret( not sure yet) is I did not order M18x and the price difference is AUD550 with similar specs. But on the other hand, the countries where I spend most of the time do not sell M18x so no warranty service for M18x. Hope that I did not make a wrong decision in getting M17x r3.

Cheers.

 

Hrm well I suppose in your part of the world, ASUS doesn't make sense. That's pretty expensive for the G series, it's supposed to be a cheaper alternative to Alienware. The newest ASUS G74 series has a soldered on GPU, no more proprietary reverse ASUS MXM. MSI still follows MXM standard in their Gaming series. Strange how ASUS is so expensive in Asia, I was in Taiwan a few weeks ago, albeit the G series was a little more pricier in Taiwan where the factories are, it wasn't double the cost.

In the US (where most people are from on Noteboook Review), ASUS is popular because many people have 1100-1300 dollar price range, so ASUS G series is very popular. MSI isn't as well known here in the States, ASUS wasn't only until just a few years ago. Alienware has always been grossly overpriced in the US, though prices have been better since Dell acquired them. Doesn't beat Falcon Northwest prices.

 

cause it's like a lambo in da house!

 

hahahahahhaahaha

 

Because Alienware look cool!

 

Haha, perfect!

 

"In my region, such as Australia and Asian," Dude....do u mean Asia?

"Asian pacific region" = Asia pacific region?

 

Funny, I asked this same question almost 3 years ago.

I decided on the Sager, even though I still wanted the m15x (Older version).

I sent the Sager back, got another Sager under the brand Killer Notebooks, sent it back, got an Asus, sent it back 2 different HPs, sent both back and finally bought the Alienware m15x.

If you are anything like me and you really want the AW, you will never be happy until you get it. So save your self the trouble. I have bought 2 other AWs since then, a desktop and the m11x, and I don't ever see myself buying a different brand.

 

Yup it is what you want the most. I have a Clevo P150HM and it look stunning. It look more expensive than a Macbook Pro.

 

I mean Asia pacific region, including Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan and others in Asia. Those countries have same warranty and no need to transfer ownership if you buy and claim warranty within those countries. And the the price is very high compare to USA. IF you are lucky enough to get a big discount coupon(12 -15%) in one of those countries which have coupon. You end up with a laptop being much cheaper than those countries without coupon (example like S$100 off only, for m17x r3 =$3400 base spec. in Singapore.) Thus better resale value if u want to sell it later.

 

Where is your review of your P150HM ???, still busy building gaming desktop? I am waiting....

 

I saw G73 in Singapore IT mall Funan center -shop Challenger, and g53 in another retail store. I think that was the only 2 g-series in whole shopping center, Normally, if i am not wrong, g-series do not sell in local retail store, I think people need to get reseller to import them. And the price is much higher compare to USA.


Asus in Taiwan is cheaper I think is because it is their own brand and electronic in Taiwan is generally cheaper. Price of Asus in US is very good though especially it comes with 2 yr global warranty. With US$1300 price range, I think we can only get dv6, N-seris and may be XPS(Singapore, Malaysia).


Recently, I browsed though China dell Alienware price, as we know that Alienware parts or whole laptop come from china nowaday, the price of M18x with 2720, 8gb, 750gbx2, bigfoot 1103, dvd drive and Amd 6990m CF selling there is......=USD$4,699 lol .... I ran away as quickly as possible.. haha..

Thus, so many people try to import Alienware, Asus G-series, Sager from USA through reseller. But there is always risk. Alienware have to transfer region ownership, Sager have to send back to US if serious problem like motherboard. Time may take 1 to 2 months. Asus is the safer bet, but it only come with gtx 460 and gtx 560.


And I also read in Singapore forum hardwarezone.com.sg , Asus service center in Singapore always has a long queue(I saw it b4 when I tried to claim free USB antenna when I purchased n61jq last year), and they do not pick up phone.

My current N61jq overheated few months ago. I just used compressed air as temporary remedy. Until I get my new laptop from my sister in the end of September, I do not dare to send N61jq for servicing.

Cheers,