Best Reviewed
Laptops
- Desktop-replacement laptop Dell XPS 15z *Est. $1000
- Best-value laptop HP Envy 14 *Est. $1000
- Best ultraportable laptop Asus Zenbook UX31E *Est. $1100
- Best-value gaming laptop Alienware M11x *Est. $900
- Best gaming laptop Alienware M17x *Est. $1500
- Best laptop for business HP EliteBook 2560p *Est. $1100
Get info about new reports and updates
Best-value gaming laptop
- Lightweight
- Affordable for a gaming laptop
- High-quality speakers
- Discrete Nvidia graphics and Optimus technology
- Cooling fan is loud
- Short battery life
- No optical drive
Reviewers rave about the Alienware M11x, an 11.6-inch gaming laptop that weighs just 4.4 pounds. According to reviews, this is the first laptop under 5 pounds than can accommodate serious gamers, though not without some compromises. The current R3 (or Revision 3) base model comes with a 1.4 GHz Intel Core i5-2537M CPU, 4 GB of RAM, a 320 GB hard drive and Nvidia GeForce GT 540M graphics. Most reviewers test slightly or greatly upgraded versions, some of which include an i7 core processor.
The Alienware M11x R3 has excellent performance, and the laptop can play nearly every modern 3D game. Testers achieve very playable frame rates in modern games like "Bulletstorm" and "Dragon Age 2." Unlike larger gaming laptops, however, you might have to decrease the resolution to get acceptable frame rates. Other pluses include a durable frame and surprisingly good speakers for such a small laptop. Reviewers are also impressed by the backlit keyboard and customizable lighting system.
However, the 1,366-by-768-pixel display is very glossy and reflective, which reduces the viewing angles and can be annoying during games with dark scenes. The cooling fan is very loud. Experts say the Alienware M17x (*Est. $1,500 and up) has better overall performance, but it is expensive when optimized for high-level gaming and heavy at more than 10 pounds.
A number of reviewers have tested and evaluated the Alienware M11x, but the best review comes from HardwareHeaven.com. This gaming site has incredibly detailed reviews of gaming laptops, covering anything and everything you would want to know about the M11x laptop. Detailed reviews at Laptop Magazine, NotebookReview.com and NotebookCheck.net are also helpful.
Alienware M17X 17.3" Black Laptop
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
Our Sources
HardwareHeaven.com has the best review of the Alienware M11x R3. The laptop earns the site's Gold Award and a perfect overall rating of 10 out of 10. "The original M11x was a great system, the latest revision takes the product to an entirely new level," the editors say.
Review: Alienware M11x R3 Laptop Review, Editors of HardwareHeaven.com, April 19, 2011
2. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Laptop Magazine gives the Alienware M11x an Editors' Choice award. Avram Piltch says the gaming laptop is stylish and offers great performance in a portable package. However, he is disappointed in the laptop's wireless performance.
Review: Alienware M11x R3 Review, Avram Piltch, June 23, 2011
The Alienware M11x earns a 4-star rating (out of 5) from NotebookReview.com. Jerry Jackson is impressed with the laptop's gaming performance and comfortable backlit keyboard, but the cooling fans are loud.
Review: Alienware M11x R3 Review, Jerry Jackson, June 27, 2011
4. CNET
CNET gives the Alienware M11x R3 an excellent rating. High points include top-notch graphics performance and improved battery life, although Scott Stein would like to see an optical drive.
Review: Alienware M11x (Spring 2011), Scott Stein, June 14, 2011
Germany's NotebookCheck.net tests the new Alienware M11x R3 and gives it a positive review. Performance is better than previous versions, and the laptop also boasts better battery life and cooler running temperatures. However, the display still disappoints.
Review: Review Alienware M11x R3 Gaming Notebook, Florian Glaser, April 19, 2011
Editors give the Alienware M11x a 4-star rating (out of 5) in this brief review from Britain's What Laptop hosted at TechRadar.com. Hands-on benchmark tests are conducted and results are discussed. "If you're serious about gaming and need an entertainment machine to take on the road whenever you want, the Alienware M11x is a great solution," the editors write in conclusion.
Review: Alienware M11x Review, Editors of TechRadar.com, May 22, 2011
7. PCPro.co.uk
PC Pro, a British computer magazine, gives the Alienware M11x R3 a Recommended award and adds the laptop to its "A" List. "Few laptops are capable of treading that line between portability and gaming power with such panache," says Sasha Muller. Like other reviewers, Muller is disappointed in the display.
Review: Alienware M11x R3 Review, Sasha Muller, May 13, 2011
Laptops Runners Up:
9 picks by top review sites.
7 picks including: Engadget.com, Laptop Magazine…
7 picks by top review sites.
6 picks by top review sites.
6 picks by top review sites.
5 picks by top review sites.
5 picks by top review sites.
3 picks including: Engadget.com, Laptop Magazine…
 |
||
|
|
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 (129127U) 13.3" LED Notebook - Core i5 i5-2520M 2.50GHz - 4G DDR3 160G SSD (Windows 7 Professional) - Black
In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
 |
||
|
|
Alienware M14X 14" Laptop (2.0 GHz Intel Core i7-2630QM Processor, 8 GB RAM, 750 GB Hard Drive, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit) Black
In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
 |
||
|
|
 |
||
|
|
 |
||
|
|
Thinkpad X220 12.5" 320GB 4G
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
