Alienware updates Area-51 laptop line with size and price cuts
posted October 31st 2005 7:30PM
Well Alienware is throwing down some new widescreen Area-51 laptops, and it looks like these might not cause the same sticker shock — or hernias — as some other Alienware "desktop replacement" types might have done. We're not talking ultra light here, the 15.4-inch m5500 weighs in at 6 pounds, and though the starting prices are low ($1399 for 17-inch glory and $1049 for 15.4-inch portability) the bare bone configurations available at that price pretty much define the term. Luckily this is Alienware, and they're not going to let you get away without offering you the goods, including up to 2.13GHz Intel 770 Pentium M processors, dual SATA hard drive Raid 0 Raid 1 support on the 17-inchers, and an option for WUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD displays on both models. Graphics choices range from Intel Extreme Graphics 3 up to NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Go with 256MB of memory, so there should be an option in there for the gamers, along with the spreadsheet lovers, among us. These lapsters are available for pre-order now, and should be shipping this December.
they may have gotten lighter, but you would still have to be one way hardcore gamer to be willing to lug one of those around. its way to bulky fo me.
I configured a pretty nice laptop for ~$2000.
Now people can't say Alienwares are overpriced; Alienwares are now 'sort of' overpriced.
hey anyone have any good tips on nice whirebooks, high end gaming whitebooks?
thanks
It's a shame they don't offer them in colors anymore. It's also a crime that they offer a $1400 base line laptop w/ 90 day warrenty, a $130 upgrade to the better LCD, no built in wireless, 256MB ram, a 40gig hdd, no dvd burner and a measly 90 day warrenty.
You're right, its going to cost at least 2 grand to get something thats even worth using, or more.
hmmm.... imho get a PowerBook lol
i have external speaker problems with an alienware computer, does anyone know where i can find a forum or something?
I actually laughed aloud when I saw 256mb of ram and the lack of wireless networking. So now, not only is Alienware destroying their reputation for building expensive computers, but also their reputation for building good computers.
so they finally came to their senses and put the Pentium-M in their gaming laptop model instead of those crappy battery eating p4's, rather have a dell xps m170 myself though
I was hoping they wouldn't come to this.
no built in wireless? kind of weak. anyone have any experience with abs laptops btw? have one of their desktops and quite happy, it's a tank (was like $100 more than what I specced out building my own, was kind of a no brainer)... little more leery on laptop purchases however. wasn't worried about customer service on a desktop as I can service it myself if necessary... laptops are a little different story.
"up to NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Go with 256MB of memory."
Incorrect. It's the GeForce 6600 Go with 256MB. They have two 6600 card options, but no 6800 card.
While a Dell is capable of a 7800Go, always a shame when Dell can have one up on Alienware.
In other news, I would MUCH rather have a P4 3.8Ghz than a 2.2GHz Pentium M. Dont bash the desktop power :p
Hmm...Battery life anyone?
Looks like one of Uniwill's 259 models
http://www.uniwill.com/products/performance/259ia3/259ia.php?HL=1&P=1
probably cheaper here:
http://www.gen-x-pc.com/note_AU259IA.htm
I've heard great things about Alienware's machines on paper, but have talked to many owners who have had nothing but problems when it comes to getting what they ordered, or customer service...anyone have a good story on those fronts?
I ordered an Alienware Area-51m laptop a few years ago and it took 5 weeks longer to ship than they told me when I paid, then when it finally did show up, they forgot to include the speakers.
Every time I called customer service I would get transferred around between tech support and billing every single time, each claiming I needed to talk to the other. After my problem was diagnosed, it took a good hour and a half to get all the information correct to send me a new part.
"12. Posted Oct 31, 2005, 10:12 PM ET by Jazzay
While a Dell is capable of a 7800Go, always a shame when Dell can have one up on Alienware."
Not to shill, but we offer the 6800, 6800U and (as of very recently) 7800 GTX.
Maybe this article will shed some light:
Who really makes Laptops?
http://www.gen-x-pc.com/laptopmanu.htm
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