Question:
Anyone have an alienware notebook?
Does anybody here have, or no somebody who has, an alienware laptop? If so, what are the specs, and was it worth the money? Any complaints?
Answer:
I know a few...the reasons for buying Alienware are usually sometihng like a gamer needs big time specs and doesn't mind paying through the nose for them and the Alienware branding. If you want a mobile gaming rig, fine...but for anything else I don't think Alien is a good fit.
Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com
Answer:
Up until this last month, I would say Alienware is a great PC. Now … I wouldn't buy another one (third and last - first two worked fine, but were desktops - they are currently having issues with laptops, especially the wireless cards). They are a great PC if they arrive working, or if there is a minor issue to work out. Keep in mind they don't really check the system prior to shipment, so you may need to have a computer handy to download drivers and such to get it working – they may say they test it, but my laptop is evidence they do not. They load the image, turn it off, and ship. Only explanation for how it was delivered to me in the condition it was. On their support site, there are many people having the same delivery issues. I could kick myself for this purchase.
If you have a minor issue (such as tweaks to work around known issues), their Tech Support is great – they will take as long as it takes on the phone to work it out. You need to keep notes – they do, but for some reason either the person writing or the person reading is screwed up and can’t pick up where they left off – assuming it wasn’t fixed in one sitting. Major issues will have you wondering why you bought from them.
If you have a hardware issue, you are looking to maybe get a fixed laptop back 2+ months after you first received it. They tend to drag out having you send it back until you have had it for at least 30days, then take 5 days to decide that it should be shipped back - which will be by the slowest method they have (ground). Then 3 weeks is their standard fix time - not when they receive it, but when they start working on it. Then slow ship back.
If you buy one and it works fine, visit your local deity. If you have a major issue, skip the deity and get your money back (minus the 15% restock), or hit your head on the wall for buying an expensive doorstop. I’m currently doing the later, but it is a nice looking doorstop. The eyes let you know where the door is in a dark room..
Howeln
Answer:
Actually Alienware does test their systems, I used to work for them in assembly and integration and their software and OS are installed manually, well I worked there like a year and a half ago but i think they still follow same procedure. I always thought their systems were overprice but lately their prices dont seem to look too bad for what you are getting, many manufacturers sell laptops for over $2000 that dont even come close to an Area-51m, the Sentia on the other hand is ridiculously over price for the specs.