Alienware M17x-2857DSB 17-Inch Laptop (Black) Review
Well i was really leary about buying an alienware mostly because of the price and less expensive laptops you could get for a lesser price with the same or higher specs. Well here's the reason this is so worth it, and much better. First off all parts on the inside are intel genuine parts, Nvidia genuine parts and the whole laptop is build from the ground up with super top notch components. Lots of computers such as Acers, Gateway, HP, and even Sony use other companies to manufacture there motherboards graphic cards, screens etc etc. This thing is an absolute sherman tank, and just looks and feels down right indestructible. When i pulled it out of the box (which looked like is cost about 100$ itself i was like wow impressive). It was wrapped in a velvet black Alienware sleeve which was pretty unique, upon opening it i couldn't believe the weight(could be a con for some people), and then i realized this thing has METAL components, on the sides, bottom and the back of the screen. How often do you see that, never? So yes this thing is well worth the money. Now onto the specs. What it doesnt tell you(i'm writing about the Best Buy model) is that this unit is equipted with two yes two GPU's. One is the main Nvidia GTX 260, the other an Nvidia 9400, so basically the more powerful GPU feeds off the lesser one to give you extra graphical and gaming ability, and yes it shows, big time. The resolution may not be full 1080p(its 1440x900) but who really cares? Check on Xbox and Ps3 and you'll find there are very very few games that even run at full 1080p resolution, even upscaled the games look noting like on this thing. I've played Bioshock, Red Faction Guerilla, Resident Evil 5, and Crysis so far all without a hitch, even Crysis you can play at very high setting with a playable frame rate. The glossy screen really brings out the details and vibrant colors especially with antialiasing, even though its not the brightest in the world, its great. The slot loading DVD-RW is great, loads very quickly, and runs quietly. Don't be fooled by all the hype of the new I series intel chipsets, the i7 did not make that much of an impression on me, this thing has the Quad 2 Core running at 2.0 ghz, and the system rating for calculations per second are 6.9. The i7 in most of the other gaming machines is about 7.0 or 7.2, whoopi do, who really cares?? Also the overall look of this machine is just beautiful, the keys are atomatically set to blue, but you can change them to about any color you want using the Alienware Utility Console.
The battery can get up to 3 hours if you turn down the screen and don't really game TO heavy, so thats definitely a plus. I got fed up with Asus because of allll kinds of wireless issues, blue screens of death, disc read errors, squashed unresponsive keys, and just some overall major screwups with the machines themselves. So yes i payed the extra money figuring this would be better and it way surpassed my expectations, being that it blows the more modern but fading Asus G60 and G72 series laptops out of the water. The speakers in the front also glow the same color as the keys or a different variety if you want, which is really something. On another note i opened the box with the power adapter and its a flat box type shaped, not the usual box Xbox 360 type adapter you usually get with gaming machines. I will add another 2 gigs(to get 6) just to add it, but heck it doesnt even need it, this thing is still a multitasking beast. I think anything over 6 gigs is really uneeded sine most games require no more than 3 gigs anyways, and that would be a shock. So as i've praised this is the first REAL gaming laptop i've ever owned, all the rest were ok but nothing compared to this thing. When they say its made for heavy duty gaming and multitasking they weren't kidding. This beast will surely stand the test of time, and is also upgradable for any GPU out there, but i don't think i'll ever need anything more. If you have the cash don't waste your time with Asus, Cyperpower, or even Toshiba Qosmio, even it the specs are better this thing is specifically designed for heavy use. The sound quality is the loudest i've ever heard, and also has a subwoofer. The only one thing that is a slight small issue is when your playing games the fan is realllly loud, but i really could care less considering i know it will never overheat, umm thats what the fans and cooling system are for. I've had other laptops where the fan didn't even run, not good. So enough going on and on, if you have the cash or credit just get it, its not just for gamers its for anyone that ones a really awesome looking and performing laptop to last for many years. One last funny thing is you get an Alienware black hat, and a manual bound in leather that looks like a bible, and also an Alienware alienhead sticker for, well wherever you wanna stick it. HA.
Only two things, no blu ray, which i could care less since i have it on my PS3, and i wish in these units they would put a 16x or 18x DVD burner, instead of just 8x.
Alienware M17x-2857DSB 17-Inch Laptop (Black) Feature
- 2.0GHz Intel Core2 Quad Q9000 Processor
- 4GB System Memory
- 320GB Hard Drive; Dual Layer DVD Burner
- 17.0" Display; Dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M - SLI Enabled
- Windows 7 Home Premium Operating System (64-bit)
Alienware M17x-2857DSB 17-Inch Laptop (Black) Overview
The Alienware M17x is the most powerful 17‐inch gaming notebook in the universe. With technology that includes a quad-core processor and next generation NVIDIA dual graphics solutions, gamers will enjoy an incredible gaming experience. Combine this power with the bold anodized aluminum case design and the M17x is a gaming notebook that any gamer would love to own.
Alienware M17x-2857DSB 17-Inch Laptop (Black) Specifications
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Alienware M17x: Bold, Aggressive and Rebellious
Take control of your gaming with the Alienware M17X multimedia laptop (model m17x-2857DSB), which features an all-new, thermally optimized case design with aggressive lines and an in-your-face attitude. It features a stunning, high-definition 17-inch display with edge-to-edge glass, which provides a sharper picture and richer colors so images pop off the screen whether playing immersive 3D games, watching HD movies, or editing your photo collection.
It's powered by an Intel Core 2 Quad processor--with four processing cores and Centrino 2 technology--which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q9000 includes a quick 1066 MHz front-side bus and 6 MB of L2 cache, providing an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multimedia and multitasking performance.
Additionally, it offers ultra-fast DDR3 system memory and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M graphics with 1 GB of video memory. Taken together, this combination of high-performance technologies allows you to rip through the latest 3D games at lightning-fast frame-rates.
Considering the amount of performance the M17x pumps out, a case that can manage thermals efficiently and has plenty of strength to help protect everything inside is essential. The M17x features an anodized aluminum case design with aggressive lines and an in-your-face attitude.
Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.
Key Features
 The Alienware M17X with anodized aluminum case design, aggressive lines, and an in your face attitude.. |
 The keyboard and control pad are illuminated by the dramatic AlienFX lighting control system (see larger image). |
- All-new, anodized aluminum case design with aggressive lines and in-your-face attitude that can manage your thermals and look good doing it.
- 17-inch high-definition display featuring dual CCFL backlit LCD for higher brightness and 8ms response time for fast action.
- 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q9000 processor
- 320 GB SATA hard drive
- 4 GB of installed DDR3 RAM
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M with 1 GB discrete graphics memory offers what gamers want most--hyper-realistic action with intense 3D visuals, plus vibrant, lifelike scenes and dynamic character effects--thanks to NVIDIA's PhysX technology. It goes beyond everyday gaming with built-in CUDA technology to speed demanding system tasks, like video playback and HD movie editing. You'll also enjoy up to a 50 percent improvement over previous generation mobile graphics processors, and a more rewarding Windows 7 experience with accelerated video and image processing.
- 8x multi-format DVD drive supports reading/writing of CD-R/RW, DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, and DVD-RAM
- Draft-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n)
- Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
- 2.0-megapixel webcam and digital microphone array lets you broadcast across the web
- AlienSense facial recognition software identifies numerous distinguishing features, utilizing the M17x’s webcam to read and verify biometric measurements that cannot be faked or stolen like a typed password.
- Alienware Command Center provides intuitive, user-friendly access to exclusive applications and controls, including AlienFX lighting effects software and AlienFusion power management system. Updates and new releases download directly into Command Center, creating a constantly evolving tool for modifying and personalizing your M17x.
- QuickTouch system control pad uses touch-capacitive sensors to access and manage power and volume controls, wireless connectivity, and Command Center and Stealth Mode launch functions. Illuminated by the dramatic AlienFX lighting control system, QuickTouch renders mechanical buttons and control knobs obsolete.
- 4 USB 2.0 ports
- Four total USB ports with one eSATA/USB combo port that also features PowerShare capabilities, allowing you to charge your mobile phone and other devices even when the notebook is asleep or off.
- HDMI output lets you connect to an HDTV for full 1080P high-definition video and sound. It also includes video outputs for DisplayPort and VGA.
- ExpressCard slot lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features.
- Built-in stereo speakers with high-definition 5.1 channel surround sound audio
- 8-in-1 memory card reader compatible with Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, and more
- Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
- Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process.
- 9-cell lithium battery for extended power
- Dimensions: 15.98 x 12.65 x 2.11 inches (WxDxH)
- Weight: 11.68 pounds
- Warranty: One-year with 24x7 technical support
What's in the Box
This package contains the Alienware M17x notebook PC (model m17x-2857DSB), rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions"
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Oct 28, 2010 17:33:31
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