Alienware got started in the mid-1990s and was named due to the founders being ”X-Files” fanatics. Many different models of computer and concepts generated from the company over the years have been named in similar extraterrestrial fashion. The machines themselves have an unmistakably similar motif as well. Despite Dell having owned Alienware for nearly a decade, the laptops have maintained their out-of-this-world style of sinisterly black molding, intimidating sharp corners, solemn display, and internal power that seems light years ahead of its time.
The customizable M-17x R3 also carries a potential price tag that seems meant for another universe. If you’re lucky you’ll find the as-is model for under $1500 and nothing less. Double up on memory, upgrade to AMD Radeon HD 6970M graphics, and opt for the Intel i7 2820QM processor, you could be spending a thousand dollars more easily. That’s all the stuff a serious gamer will want, by the way.
What I like about the M-17 the most from a strictly usage perspective is its lack of overheating, even when sitting on a desk for eight hours. Whether it’s the dual drives or the design of the ventilation I don’t know, but for the power of this laptop’s punch there should be a lot more heat generated from the undercarriage than there is. We’re talking about staying moderately cool even during the heat of online gaming battle.
A nifty trick I can’t help but mention is the ability to transform the M-17′s keyboard backlights into a surprisingly impressive rainbow array as demonstrated here. It really makes the machine pop and seems to delicately complement the otherwise Lord Vader-inspired design.
There are three things about the latest M-17 that make it officially a machine worth buying and not just an expensive novelty. One is the HDMI-in hookup which enables you to plug in a Blu-ray player, Xbox 360, or PS3 right into the laptop and use it as a high definition television. Two is the wireless display, which lets you transfer your computer functions to your television without cables and plugins. Three is 3D capability, which if you combine with one of the previous attributes successfully you could have a whole lot of fun with.
The Alienware M-17X R3 is a gaming laptop built for a cosmic scale of customization. Its price range certainly reflects that. If you think you’ll get a lot of gaming hours logged on such a machine, it’s certainly worth it. If you don’t, then it’s not. When it comes choosing a gaming laptop the choice is usually that simple even if the machines themselves are not.
Monday, September 12, 2011
The Alienware M-17x R3 is a Rainbow of Gaming Goodies with a Pot of Gold Price Tag
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