Introduced in June 2009, the Alienware M17x is the first product to come out of the union between Dell and Alienware. The entry of the Alienware M17x into the market shows that Dell, through Alienware, now has a new line of premium performance machines that is targeted at non-business or consumer market, specifically gaming. The union between these two companies has given Alienware a global market as it expands its presence in about 35 countries.
Founded a decade ago, Alienware specialized in high performance workstations, laptops and desktops. It originally targeted what major manufacturers like Dell then considered insignificant, the high performance gaming market. But as the years passed and the demand for high performance gaming laptops rose, Dell took notice and in 2002, Dell showed interest in Alienware. In 2006, Alienware became a subsidiary of Dell.
The name Alienware comes from its founders’ attachment to the X-Files TV show. Such influence is evident in its products like Area-51 and Hangar18, and even extends to the obviously gamer-influenced designs of its machines.
By combining with Dell, Alienware gained more leverage as it maintained its autonomy in the design and marketing of its machines while getting access to Dell’s production capabilities, supply chain and purchasing power.
A quick glance at the Alienware M17x shows that it is indeed a gamer’s machine. The device showcases metals and it seems as if every nook and cranny has LED lights. The Alienware M17x, as one of the few Quad Core laptops, thus designs its machines according to what is happening in gaming laptops. Did you know for example that the device has an option that lets you choose your own lighting combo?
The laptop is heavy but this should be expected with its robust design, metal garnishes, internals and even chassis. If weight is an issue, you may use this to be a desktop replacement instead of something that you carry everyday.
Aside from its lid, its keyboard also appears heavy. The various keys that control the Alienware M17x’s media and wireless features are located atop the keyboard. The touchpad has a good response time and even has a wrist rest. It’s just what you would expect from a gaming machine. The 17” display has a 1920×1200 high-definition resolution complemented by excellent speakers.
The Alienware M17x claims to be “the most powerful laptop in the universe.” And why shouldn’t it? It contains two of Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 280M graphics cards and a 2.53-GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad QX9300 CPU. With the combination, playing even the most demanding games would pose no difficulty.
The M17x also comes with FireWire port, Ethernet, HDMI, VGA, four USB 2.0, eSATA, DisplayPort and FireWire ports, plus, an ExpressCard/54 slot and a memory card reader.
| SPECS | AVAILABLE OPTIONS (From Dell’s website) |
| CPU | Intel Core 2 Suo P8600 (3MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB)up to Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad QX9300 (12MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB) |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, 8GB DDR31 |
| Screen Size | 17-inch WideXGA+ 1440 x 900 – (900p) LCD17-inch WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 – (1200p) LCD |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit) |
| Battery Life | About 3 hours |
| Graphics | Single 1GB GDDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260MSLI Dual 1GB GDDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260MSLI Dual 1GB GDDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280M |
PROS
The Alienware M17x is highly configurable which makes it really good for gamers. It offers, among others: sturdy design, customization options, powerful graphics and excellent performance.
CONS
Weight is the Alienware M17x’s main problem. If you decide to upgrade it, it becomes heavier. Price is another consideration. The more you upgrade, the steeper the price gets. Its low battery life is also another cause for concern.
CONCLUSION
The Alienware M17x is likely found at the top of the list of gaming laptops. It is one of the best gaming laptops that money can buy.
| Store Rating | Store Name | Price | Visit Store |
|---|---|---|---|---|
   2057 Store Reviews |  Dell | $ 1999.00 | 
| |
2057 Store Reviews | Dell | $ 2024.00 |
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Tags: ALIENWARE M17X, AMING NOTEBOOK, Area-51, Core 2 Extreme Quad, FireWire, GeForce, Hangar18, NVIDIA, X-Files TV
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