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Best gaming laptop
- Top-of-the-line performance
- Optional 3D-capable display
- Numerous upgrade opportunities
- Runs hot
- Very short battery life
- Only 4 GB of RAM on base model
Reviewers say the current revision of the Alienware M17x is one of the most powerful laptops you can buy. The 17.3-inch gaming laptop posts incredible speeds and excellent frame rates that far exceed earlier versions (the current Alienware M17x is sometimes referred to as the R3 or "Revision 3" model). Dell offers a host of upgrade opportunities, but the base model ships with a 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7 2670QM CPU, 4 GB of memory, 500 GB hard drive and AMD Radeon HD 6870M graphics. Most reviewers test upgraded units that cost well over $3,000 and include faster processors, more memory, a solid-state drive, Blu-ray drive and top-of-the-line graphics.
The current Alienware M17x is notably more powerful than even its well-regarded predecessors. With an upgraded processor, frame rates are double or triple earlier versions of the Alienware M17x, even at native resolution and high detail settings, and it outperforms most current competitors in its class. The laptop also outperforms its competitors in video encoding and Photoshop tests. The optional 3D-capable display is a pretty cool feature, according to reviews, but it requires decreasing the resolution or settings for the most demanding games -- a trade-off some serious gamers might not be willing to make -- and it adds to the bottom line, of course. Reviewers also like the optional WirelessHD feature, which streams content to an external HDTV equipped with an accessory WirelessHD receiver.
However, the Alienware M17x runs hot, especially on the bottom, during intensive gaming sessions. Not surprisingly, battery life is very short and lasts less than three hours for mainstream tasks like surfing the web or watching videos. Some reviewers also complain that the base model comes with a paltry 4 GB of RAM (an additional 4 GB costs $120 on Dell's website). If you don't need a dedicated gaming laptop, the Dell XPS 15z (*Est. $1,000 and up) is a powerful desktop replacement with the latest Intel processors.
For serious gamers, AnandTech.com and Britain's HardwareHeaven.com have the best reviews of the Alienware M17x -- these sources have detailed analysis that is highly technical and covers every aspect of this gaming laptop, albeit in configurations that are seriously upgraded from the base version. Laptop Magazine, NotebookCheck.net, T3.com and NotebookReview.com also have useful reviews.
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Our Sources
The Alienware M17x earns a Silver Award from HardwareHeaven.com. Editors are particularly impressed with the laptop's durable design. It outperforms previous versions, and editors have no problems playing even the most demanding games. However, using the 3D-capable display requires reducing the resolution or detail settings.
Review: Alienware M17x R3 - 3D Vision Gaming Laptop Review, Editors of HardwareHeaven.com, Feb. 2, 2011
AnandTech.com has a very detailed review of the Alienware M17x R3, which culminates in an Editors' Choice award. "The M17x R3 has an awful lot to offer any consumer looking for a gaming notebook," says Dustin Sklavos. The site tests an upgraded version that adds over $1,000 to the base model.
Review: Alienware's M17x R3: An Antidote to Clevo, Dustin Sklavos, June 20, 2011
3. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Laptop Magazine gives the Alienware M17x an Editors' Choice award. Michael Prospero raves about the laptop, calling it a "dream laptop" and one of the speediest he's tested. Performance is excellent, and the laptop benefits from a host of new features like WirelessHD. However, heat can be a problem, especially on the bottom. Again, a significantly upgraded laptop is tested; this time one that prices out at about $3,300.
Review: Alienware M17x (2011) Review, Michael A. Prospero, Feb. 21, 2011
NotebookReview.com gives the Alienware M17x a 4.5-star rating (out of 5). Charles Jefferies raves about this laptop's performance, in addition to high-quality speakers and a roomy keyboard. However, the laptop can run loud during demanding tasks.
Review: Alienware M17x R3 Review, Charles P. Jefferies, July 8, 2011
The Alienware M17x earns a very good rating from Germany's NotebookCheck.net. Performance is a high point, as Sebastian Jentsch says it is "without a doubt the apex of what's currently available in the notebook world."
Review: Review Alienware M17x R3 (GTX 460M, i7-2630QM) Notebook, Sebastian Jentsch, Feb. 17, 2011
6. T3.com
Britain's T3.com gives the Alienware M17x a 4-star rating (out of 5). Spencer Dalziel's biggest complaint is that the base model only has 4 GB of RAM, but he is impressed with the overall performance, dazzling display and overall build quality.
Review: Alienware M17x Review, Spencer Dalziel, Sept. 8, 2011
The Alienware M17x receives an overall rating of 4 stars (out of 5) from Britain's What Laptop in a review hosted at TechRadar.com. Editors say it is "the best gaming laptop you can buy." Performance is excellent across the board, but editors report headaches when using the 3D glasses.
Review: Alienware M17x Review, Editors of TechRadar.com, March 8, 2011
8. About.com
About.com also gives the Alienware M17x a 4-star rating. Contributing writer Christine McKee calls it a "great desktop replacement" that has "excellent value for the price." However, like other reviewers, McKee is disappointed that the base model only includes 4 GB of RAM. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Alienware M17x R.3 17.3-inch Gaming Laptop PC, Christine McKee, Jan. 21, 2011
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