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Alienware M17x and M18x land new NVIDIA GTX680M graphics option
Never one to let high-powered mobile gaming hardware pass it by, Alienware has announced that its endlessly-tweaked M17x and M18x will both get the chance to dance with NVIDIA's latest GPU belle. The refreshed M17x can be augmented with the GeForce GTX 680M alongside an option for NVIDIA 3D Vision, while the M18x can sample the same Kepler delights in either single or dual-card SLI configurations. Both customization options are promised to arrive before the end of the month -- ready for all those games we've just seen at E3.
Alienware laptops to use Killer Wireless-N 1202 WiFi cards, guarantee a few frags at the coffee shop
You might recall that Killer Technology launched the Killer Wireless-N 1202 card as a bit of an orphan: without an immediate laptop partner or an aftermarket reseller, it wasn't clear how and when gamers would get their hands on the low-lag WiFi add-on. Alienware is stepping up and making that much easier as of today by planning to use the Qualcomm Atheros-owned technology across its laptop line. The PC builder didn't say which models are getting the treatment, although it made clear that more than one of the newly refreshed arsenal will tuck the 1202 inside. If you're the sort that needs to crush newbs with the lowest ping times, but don't want to leave the comfort of Starbucks WiFi to plug in an Ethernet cable, your solution now looks to be at hand.
Dell to upgrade unshipped Alienware orders to Ivy Bridge CPUs for free
Are you among the Alienware buyers who plunked down cold, hard cash for a new M14X, M17X, or M18X preceding the launch of Ivy Bridge, but can't stomach the thought of being stuck with Intel's second gen CPUs? Good news, gaming friends, because if your laptop was ordered, but hasn't yet shipped, Dell's doing you a solid by upgrading the chip automatically for you. Best part is, the company will swap in "comparably-priced" new silicon for free, which leaves you to spend your money elsewhere to prep for your forthcoming Diablo III launch party.
Alienware's new gaming laptops get matching Ivy Bridge processors
Alienware is crossing the Ivy Bridge, less than a week since announcing its refreshed family of gaming laptops. Intel's latest hardware will now lend itself to all three models, the M14x (from $1100) M17x (starting at $1500) and M18x (from $2000), replacing the existing Sandy Bridge architecture in the models we saw earlier this month. Starting with the smallest, the M14x will be powered by an Intel Core i7-3820QM (up to 2.7GHz), while larger models will get their processors nudged up to the 2.9 GHz Core i7-3920XM (M17x) and 2.9GHz Core i7-3920XM (M18x). Alienware reckons these new additions will lend a 15 percent increase to the rigs' performance (depending on use), augmenting improvements seen with new PCI Express 3.0 support, mSATA cached storage and the latest generation of NVIDIA graphics. Dell's now ready to take your order -- alongside a mind-boggling number of customization options -- at the source link below.
Ask Engadget: best 'money is no object' laptop?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Chris, who simply has too much money to blow on a super-laptop. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I sold my business and I want to replace my laptop [HP Pavilion G6] with a completely unreasonably expensive top of the line machine. I want it to do everything I do (gaming, coding, web design) all at the same time. Apart from the fact I need two hard drive bays, I'm completely open-minded, so what should I be buying? Thank you!" Quell your gnashing teeth, members of the 99 percent, he's done well for himself and now he needs our help. We were able to trick out an Alienware M18x to full capacity for $6,700 -- with an over-clocked 4GHz Intel Core i7 CPU, 32GB of RAM, two 2GB NVIDIA GTX 675M GPUs in SLI mode and 1.2TB of SSD RAID storage. That's the benchmark, folks: who out there can find something more powerful?
Alienware's M11x is no more, bigger is apparently better
While Alienware's revealed a trio of updated machines for its gaming laptop range, one device, the M11x, was conspicuously absent. Yes, the 11-inch gaming midget won't be getting the same attention and will be "phased out", according to Alienware at a recent press event. While the device was critically well-received when it launched, gamers were now apparently looking for greater keyboard space and a larger screen in their mobile gaming purchases -- and this went for battery-life too. Those looking for a small form-factor in their mobile gaming rig will have to step up to the hulking 14-inch M14x. Hey, don't get too upset -- at least there's now an optical drive option.
Alienware refreshes M14x, M17x and M18x with new graphics, same old processors
Sure, they may look the same, but Alienware's decided to give what's going on inside its glowing gaming laptops a thorough refresh. Starting with graphics support, the 2012 update of the M14x, M17x and M18x will all be able to handle NVIDIA's 600 series graphics with GDRR5 memory, bolstered by support for the new PCI Express 3.0 -- which Alienware reckons will give double the bandwidth seen on version 2.0. Memory has been given a kick with 1600MHz dual channel memory now the base standard on all three customizable machines, starting at 6GB, up from 4GB in the older models. Capacity for the smaller M14x is locked down at 16GB of RAM, while the large M17x and M18x will be able to utilize up to 32GB. Additionally, these freshened-up models will pack Intel Core i7 processors -- but it's the Sandy Bridge kind. While an Ivy Bridge version is logically the next step, it looks like we'll have to wait for Intel to let its new hardware out to play before we see it in these gaming laptops. On the storage side, Alienware's keen to trumpet new support for mSATA technology, with the new storage medium capable of acting as either a boot drive to optimize Windows or as a caching drive for improved gaming performance -- we reckon the latter sounds like more fun. In fact, with the options of standard SSD, mSATA and more pedestrian storage drives, there's up to 23 different HDD options on the M18x alone. Customization-wise, the M14x also gets the new option of a built-in Blu-ray drive. Audio hasn't been ignored either, with Creative's new Sound Blaster Recon3Di High-Definition hardware folded into each of the laptops, with the same built-in speakers that got the Klipsch seal of approval last time around. Overall, it looks like there should be plenty to chew over in benchmark comparisons between the 2012 update and the models it replaces. Still, we can't shake the feeling that Alienware must be at least planning to upgrade its laptops elsewhere -- perhaps its worth waiting a little bit longer.
Firefall video contest can get you to PAX East on Red 5's dime
Firefall is looking for a few aspiring video editors to shower with fame and fortune (mostly the fortune). If you have the skills and talent to cut together a captivating trailer for Firefall, you could be on the receiving end of a juiced-up laptop or a posh trip to PAX East. In the Firefall Battleframe Trailer Challenge, Red 5 Studios is rewarding creative editors with a good eye for taking raw Firefall gameplay footage and shaping it into an exciting commercial for the game. Entrants are instructed to post these on YouTube, as Red 5 will take into account the likes and views of each video when making its final decision. Videos have to be submitted by March 16th, at which time Red 5 will select the best three trailers for luxurious prizes. The first place winner will get a trip for two to PAX East -- along with hotel accommodations and $500 spending money. Second place nets a spiffy Alienware M14x laptop, and third place will enjoy a Firefall-themed ASTRO gaming headset.
Engadget goes hands on with the X51 gaming PC from Alienware
Alienware is looking to abduct a few console devotees with its new gaming PC, the X51. What separates it from Alienware's normal crop of powerful rigs, you ask? The X51 is all about form factor, cramming decent horsepower into a diminutive, console-like package. It features a slot-loading optical drive, front facing USB ports for controllers, lots of rear USB ports and plenty of output options.Engadget recently got some hands-on time with the X51, which ran Street Fighter IV swimmingly (and Portal 2, which isn't exactly a graphics showcase). The base configuration runs for $700, while the top-of-the-line model will set you back $1150.
Alienware X51 gaming PC: We go hands-on at the London launch event
Alienware's latest PC is an attempt to fire a salvo right across the bows of Sony and Microsoft's gaming flagships. It looks like the (slightly overweight) lovechild of the pair; like an alternate universe console. The X51 borrows liberally from the design schools of both the Xbox (matte sides) and the PlayStation 3 (slot-loading optical drive, front panel gloss). The Alienware logo rotates to suit both vertical and horizontal setups. The device is around the size of the original PS3, but it looked pretty petite in comparison to the rest of Alienware's gaming hardware. There's a litany of holes on the back of the X51, including plenty of USB ports and audio options. Reacquaint yourself with some technical specifics after the break, alongside our hands-on impressions with Super Street Fighter IV.
Play three Nexon MMOs, get this car
Did that grab your attention? Nexon is sure hoping it did, as the company is in the throes of its "Get a Hat Trick!" promotion. For the next month and a half, players who dive into Vindictus, Dragon Nest, and Dungeon Fighter Online and get to level 20 in all three games will have a shot at several nice prizes -- including the above 2012 BMW M3. So, in effect, just by playing MMOs, you could be netting yourself one of the sweetest rides in town. While Nexon has already handed out awards for the third and fourth place winners, there are still prizes left for aspiring gamers. First of all, everyone who gets a hat trick (as defined by achieving level 20 in the above three titles) will be treated to $20 worth of in-game items. Additionally, three players will get an Alienware Aurora desktop computer, and 30 people will win $50 "Karma Koins." As for the Beemer, the prize will only be unlocked if 30,000 players achieve hat tricks by March 15th -- and even then, only one car will be given away after that. So good luck and may the game be with you!
Cryptic and Alienware giving away free Star Trek Online goodies
Alienware has partnered with Cryptic Studios to create an interesting promotion designed to draw you back to Star Trek Online. The newly free-to-play sci-fi title is the focus of an item giveaway that features 10 days of subscription time, a 22nd century Enterprise-era uniform, an NX class starship, and an 8-hour XP boost. What's the catch? Well, the deal is restricted to new accounts only and it also requires you to sign up on the Alienware Arena website. Once you've met those requirements, it's as easy as clicking on the big blue "get key" button and copy/pasting the digits to your Cryptic or Perfect World account. As of press time, over 2,200 keys were still available.
Alienware announces X51 small form factor gaming PC, starting at $699
Alienware may have just upgraded its Aurora gaming rig, but that's not to keep the company from giving more diminutive form factors some love. Just this evening, the subsidiary of Dell announced the X51, a slim gaming PC that's designed to orient itself either vertically or horizontally on the desktop -- complete with an Alienware logo that properly rotates depending on positioning. The system includes both Core i3 and i5 options, and features a slot-loading optical drive with an option for Blu-ray. While it's no shocker, the X51 can be upgraded to 8GB of RAM and a full 1TB of storage. Further, the case accommodates a single, full size NVIDIA GeForce GT 545 graphics card, (with the GTX 555 available as an upgrade), and features an external power supply that's available in 240W or 330W versions. Users can also expect HDMI 1.4, on-board WiFi, USB 3.0 and digital 7.1 surround sound. As a nifty trick, the computer's accent colors can be conveniently modified with the Alienware Command Center software. Touting immediate availability, customers can place orders for the X51 right away, with configurations starting as low as $699. For the complete set of specs that make up this Mini-ITX gamer, just follow the break.
Dell unveils Alienware Aurora gaming rig, will serenade you for $2,200
Dell has just taken the wraps off a brand new addition to the Alienware family, hailing it, rather poetically, as "a serenade to raw gaming power." It's called the Alienware Aurora, and it's staring at you with a Cylon-like grin in the image above. Beneath its menacing veneer lurks Intel's six-core, 3000 series Core i7 CPU, an X79 Express chipset and quad-channel DDR3 memory, all of which are kept in check by Dell's liquid cooling and active venting technologies. The gaming rig also supports both multi-display and 3D configurations, with GDDR5 memory-laced graphics cards. In case you're not satisfied, you can always get under the hood and tinker with it yourself, without even busting out your tool belt. The Alienware Aurora is available now for prices starting at $2,200, so hit up the source link for more details.
Enter to win an Alienware MX14 laptop from Origins of Malu
Who doesn't love free things? We know we do! Burning Dog Media knows it, too. In order to promote its upcoming MMO, Origins of Malu, the company is giving away a shiny new Alienware MX14 gaming laptop. To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is head over to Origins of Malu's official Facebook page, like it, and register on the game's forums. It's as simple as that! So if you want a shot at winning a free laptop, get on over to the official Origins of Malu website. And while you're at it, be sure to head on over and check out our interview with the folks behind this promising upcoming sandbox title. We'll be keeping our eye on this one; we suggest you do the same.
Burning Dog announces cross-platform plans for Origins of Malu
We've got some more Origins of Malu news today courtesy of the team at Burning Dog Media. A new press release on the sandbox MMORPG's official website is touting a partnership with Dell and Alienware that will generate awareness of the sci-fi title as it heads into its beta phase and eyes a 2012 launch. The release also mentions cross-platform functionality, and though it doesn't elaborate, we contacted lead developer Michael Dunham for clarification. As it turns out, the Origins team is aiming for both PC and Mac clients, and some sort of mobile/tablet functionality is in the works as well. We'll keep you up to date on that as we learn more, and in the meantime you can head to the Origins website to read up on the game. Before you go, be sure and check out Massively's exclusive interview with the dev team.
LotRO dares you to photograph the White Hand of Saruman
Rise of Isengard launches next week for Lord of the Rings Online, and Turbine is trumpeting the expansion the best way it knows how: by encouraging players to dip their hands in white paint and slap everything in the world around them. OK, maybe not that extreme, but close enough! With the studio's White Hand of Saruman contest, LotRO players are tasked with photographing people, objects or environments plastered with the iconic sigil of Isengard's key bad guy. Turbine's not encouraging players to flirt with the wrong side of the law, as it adds the disclaimer "Permanently defacing property or committing illegal acts is not permitted" to the contest rules. Players can download the white hand template from the contest website, set up an interesting picture, and then submit it for a chance at one of several prizes. These prizes include a custom-built Alienware PC, lifetime memberships to LotRO, and in-game Turbine Points. The contest will end on November 15th, after which the winners will be declared.
Dell to fix faulty M11x hinges the world over regardless of warranty status
Are you one of the unlucky Alienware M11x owners who had hinge issues with the laptop, but feared you'd be stuck with a faulty folding mechanism due to an out of date warranty? Well, worry no more, because Dell has extended its hinge replacement program to include owners anywhere on earth with an R1 or R2 M11x regardless of warranty status. Getting those busted bits replaced is easy peasy, as affected parties need only contact Dell Tech support to get the repair process started. For full details about getting your afflicted alien fixed hit the source below -- and feel free to give Dell some daps for doing the right thing while you're at it.
Massively's guide to PAX 2011
What can be said about PAX Prime in Seattle, Washington that hasn't been said already? Everyone knows that it is the largest public gaming event in North America. Attendance totaled 67,600 last year, not including press and exhibitors. And this year, even more gamers will descend on the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. The latest and greatest games -- released and unreleased -- will be available for public consumption. Developers will mill around the showroom floor, answering your questions. Not to mention that no one will look at you funny because you play video games! This year, MMORPGs really stand out in the crowd. Seattle native NCsoft has a huge presence at the convention, borrowing a theater just to showcase its games. BioWare comes armed with its heavy-hitter, Star Wars: The Old Republic. And free-to-play titles like Firefall, Lord of the Rings Online, and Wakfu promise to strut their stuff at this year's PAX. Punch past the break as Massively outlines the must-see booths for MMO fans. And don't forget the panels, including a couple of MMO spotlights for PAX Dev, the gathering of fans and developers at Sheraton Seattle Hotel on the 24th and 25th.
Cryptic giving away 60-day Star Trek Online codes
Looking to captain your own starship on the cheap? If so you'll want to check out a new offer from Cryptic and Alienware that will net you the Star Trek Online retail client as well as 60 days of subscription time for free. The promotion is available to registered users on the Alienware Arena website, and bonus items include a Tribble pet, eight hours of bonus XP, and an Enterprise Era Bundle from Cryptic's cash shop. Anyone can sign up for Alienware Arena, but it's worth noting that the promotion will not work with existing STO accounts per a developer post on the game's official boards.
