Alienware's Area-51 m15x and m17x specs laid bare

Man, that Google cache is really something -- Alienware apparently set the upcoming Area-51 m17x's BTO page live for a short time a couple days ago and then took it down, but the Big G's hive has kept it perfectly preserved for your eager eyes. Looks like those rumors about NVIDIA 8800M graphics were true -- and an extra grand will actually get you two of the 512MB cards running in SLI. The processor list is similarly hot, topping out with a 2.8GHz Core 2 Extreme for another $800, and Alienware isn't even trying to keep the pricetag subtle with a $1000 64GB SSD option. All maxed out, you're looking at an easy $5500 with Vista Ultimate -- and we can't believe we're saying this, but that actually seems somewhat reasonable. Better start dancing for change right away, though, because these bad boys should hit on Monday.

[Thanks, Brad]

[Richard @ Nov 16th 2007 4:06PM]

I can't wait! I'm all set to place my order! Not going to get that SSD though, too expensive for the capacity it provides.

[Charles @ Nov 16th 2007 4:14PM]

I dont think thats not right. The new systems are going to be different, those are the "old" cases.

But here is a little secret. if you order an alienware system through:

http://www.alienware.com/dadeland

you get free shipping and the system arrives a little faster than usual.

great tip for buyers !!

[Richard @ Nov 16th 2007 4:29PM]

You are right, those are the old cases. Someone on Notebook review had posted this cache page, I checked it out last night and got excited about the availability of the blue case. From the looks of those "leaked" press shots that cnet has, I'd say the new case looks like brushed aluminum, possibly with led lighting around the edge.

[Steven @ Nov 16th 2007 4:17PM]

Yeah thats right ! the webpage works !

i got my free shipping !
and expedited my order !!

AWESOME !

[Hollywood Ron @ Nov 16th 2007 4:22PM]

Why must you taunt me?!

[Digilante @ Nov 16th 2007 4:50PM]

I imagine that to put that second 8800M in there they just leave out the battery... it'd only last for a few minutes anyway.

Seriously, if you're going to sink that kind of money into a gaming system, why wouldn't you get a desktop and get more (and upgradable!) bang for your buck?

[Richard @ Nov 16th 2007 5:06PM]

For me, it's the portability of the thing. I can't cart a desktop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers/headphones with me when I travel. But I CAN take this laptop with me. Sure the battery life won't be very good, but I'm never going to be too far from an outlet anyway. Even airplanes have those power sockets available now.

So, why get a desktop? Alienware will upgrade their laptops too if they are under warranty. So that's another plus :)

[Tim @ Nov 16th 2007 5:25PM]

Are you guys serious you buy alienware computers? This is a joke. Engadget you shouldnt even be posting that crap on this website. Poor customer services the price for there machines are a joke and they rely on good-ish looking casing to sell there computers. Just because when you type in on google "performance pc" and alienware comes up doesnt mean there good.

[derred @ Nov 16th 2007 5:43PM]

Tim, I respect ur opinion but sorry to say the benchies saying the other way around. So it's either you take it too personally or Alienware just put their price a little too high. Nah it's not Alienware, it's you. I have to agree with Engadget, it is somewhat reasonable.

I mean seriously when I am one of the first to sell new technology in the market, I guess i will be doing the same.

[Richard @ Nov 16th 2007 6:51PM]

Actually, most customers are pretty happy with Alienware. About 99% of the Alienware owners I've spoken to have been satisfied, and my dad (he works for General Dynamics) sees tons of government contractors using their laptops too. It's just the vocal minority that gives Alienware a bad name.

[Deuz Augustine @ Nov 16th 2007 8:41PM]

Alienware relies on their cases looking good?

The rest of your argument falls apart if you believe that.

[Tim @ Nov 17th 2007 6:55AM]

well the hardware inside is nothing you couldnt get from a custom builder cheaper. Custom builds are better too in my opinion.

[wrabbit @ Nov 16th 2007 5:28PM]

I think when a laptop is too heavy and too hot to put on a lap it kinda looses the point, doesn't it?

[Charles @ Nov 16th 2007 5:34PM]

its a notebook, or portable desktop. the power it has is perfect for the gamer on the go. like to different kind of lan parties, friends houses and get togethers with no need to take your ultra big desktop. instead, you take an alienware notebook, plug it to the wall and PRESTO ! desktop performance on a notebook ! cant ask for something better than that.

ps: I cant wait for the new machines !!!

[derred @ Nov 16th 2007 5:34PM]

I truly agree. But don't know if you realize this, that's why they called it notebook on their site when it's too heavy and hot (for instance for the SLi version).

http://www.alienware.com/Product_Pages/notebook_all_default.aspx

[derred @ Nov 16th 2007 5:35PM]

ah cmon charles, u got me by seconds.

[Ledskof @ Nov 25th 2007 10:24PM]

Loses the point of what? You mean we need to stop using the term laptop? Alienware barely even uses the word laptop.

Or do you mean any mobile computer should be confined to sitting in a lap? I hope not cause I would really hate having to break my work computer down every day, pack it up in my car, take it home and so forth. Plus I'd either need 2 monitors, disconnect my home monitor, or take my work monitor home every day too.

[Tim @ Nov 16th 2007 5:58PM]

Derred I am biased against alienware because they phail.

[Mizzery85 @ Nov 16th 2007 7:24PM]

Are they going to release these for the DELL XPS laptop? since alienware and dell are the same company?

[Charles @ Nov 16th 2007 7:55PM]

they are not the same company. Its a subsidiary company like Toyota and lexus. dell's xps will be smoked outta the ground when this new Alienware system comes !

and also all the people i will play against !! hehehe

[nikster @ Nov 17th 2007 1:53AM]

not so hot on the alienware gear but i really want to have that 320GB laptop drive that comes as an option in these. i need it.

[Charles @ Nov 17th 2007 6:57PM]

You can put DUAL 320gigs in it. oh yeah !

[Don Wheeler @ Dec 3rd 2007 8:36PM]

I purchased an Area 51 m7700 along with a 3 yr. warranty when they first came out in the Spring of 2005. At the time of the order, the sales rep. stated that the unit would be upgradable. Starting in mid 2006, I tried to have the factory upgrade the CPU and GPU. They stated they cannot. Also, from what I can tell, Alienware is not posting driver upgrades for the unit on "My Hive" (and hasn't for sometime, perhaps as long as a year). When I contacted Alienware about video card driver updates and such, they stated that the ones listed are fine (even though they are over a year old). As you can imagine, this doesn't make for a very satisfied customer.

[ranven82sk @ Jan 9th 2008 12:06AM]

I know that I can't wait for these new machines to be available, but for those of you that can't wait, there are companies already out there offering laptops with the new nvidia gpus in them. Just check out www.nvidia.com and search around for a bit. Here is a link that you can use to check out who is already offering the 8800gt/gtx m cards, http://www.nvidia.com/object/wtb_notebooks.html

enjoy