Shop RadioShack for Great Gifts
Entered CNET Catalog: 12/09/2004
SKU: PC-BOT-CP:SKU-DEFAULT
Manufacturer: Alienware Corporation
Manufacturer description
Featuring the revolutionary Intel 915G chipset, the Alienware Bot system delivers innovative features and benefits for both business and home users. With support for the latest Intel chipset and processors, the Bot ensures platform longevity at a reasonable price. The Alienware Bot allows users to truly experience the performance of home computing. Featuring the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, High Definition Audio and high-speed Ethernet, Bot empowers home users to do more. With the Alienware Bot, business users can run the most demanding applications simultaneously while maintaining system responsiveness. With the capacity to meet today's needs and the scalability to support tomorrow's applications, users can rest assured the Bot is a practical long-term investment. Why hinder productivity with old out-dated hardware? Featuring the onboard Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, this system delivers one of the fastest integrated graphics cores ever available. With support for the latest LCD and widescreen displays, as well as hardware acceleration for Microsoft DirectX 9, the GMA900 delivers an intense and realistic visual experience without requiring a separate graphics card. Add video and images to text chat for a higher level of personal contact with family and friends. Learn more through rich digital libraries, and play games with people around the world; with the power of the GMA900, you can enjoy digital media to its fullest.User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
User Rating: 
2/10
Poorest Quality Computer I Have Ever Used
Pros: Worked well for a few months
Cons: Plagued by so many problems we had to donate and replace them
Review:
Bought a large number of them for our offices. The computers worked well for a few months and then they started to drop off like flys. Overheated, video cards went bad, motherboard problems. Alienware did not prove the on-site we purchased, nor did they do anything to help remedy the problems. They became so unreliable we had to donate them to charity and replace them.
User Rating: 
10/10
Great for the price!
Pros: Small, powerful, packed with features!
Cons: Loud, hot, small case...
Review:
I purchased the cheapest that i could, because i wanted to upgrade later with my own components, it cost me less than i could build one for. It is great, i added an ATI x700 Pro to it, a gig of ram, and a dvdrw drive. This baby screams, also added a side case fan, to help with cooling. This PC is awsome! Alienware has a winner with this design. I have called tech support a few times, they have always been helpful and easy to understand. Its a great pc for the money!
User Rating: 
9/10
good system
Pros: great value for the money
Cons: none in 7 mounths
Review:
I really dont understand the promblems with the bot or any of alienwares systems.I have owned my bot for 7 mouths and have had no prombles.Not even with the power supply,witch i will admit is a little whimpy.I am even running a radeon x700 pro 256mb,plays doom 3 just fine.one reason for getting a custom pc is so i will not get software bunndles,i would rather add my own.all in all i fell like the bot is a good choice for people on a budget.
User Rating: 
1/10
Horrible product/service
Pros: Keyboard/mouse, monitor
Cons: Horrific quality and terrible customer service - so loud it sounds like a jet engine.
Review:
DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT. When it's been on for any period of time, it's so loud it sounds like a jet engine. They had to jerry-rig a huge heat sink fan on top of the motherboard to fix the overheating problems. Unfortunately, it's so loud you can't think. I had to call tech support about 20 times - their tech support guys are obviously in India and each of the dozen or so guys I spoke with had horrible English skills. They sent the wrong replacement fan twice. When you ask to speak to someone in the United States, they stonewall you. THIS WAS AN ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE - DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT.
User Rating: 2/10
Customer Service = Disapointment
Pros: Unable to Rate the Bot - Don't have it yet
Cons: Do not have computer yet
Review:
I was a little disappointed to find the high number of customer service related reviews for Alienware. After all, people are more likely to write a poor review than they are a review full of praise. Unfortunetly, the poor reviews concerning customer service are exactly in line with what I am going through with Alienware. I ordered an Alienware Bot. Not what I would classify as a high-end system but no matter what system I ordered I expect a certain amount of consideration. My tale of woe begins with a missed expected ship date. Although I am disappointed that my new system is delayed a week but I am comforted by the reason. Alienware is doing their 200-point quality control check to ensure that the system I ordered is up to their high standards in both components and assembly. The day finally arrived when my system appeared at my doorstep. Longing and disappointment had been replaced by joy. Until?I opened the box to discover that the system I had in my awaiting computer room was not, in fact, the system I ordered. Disappointment again set in. Not an unreasonable man I discussed this issue with the kind customer service rep who apologies profusely. He explained that my Bot and another customer?s Bot had been swapped. At no cost to me, I sent the computer back to Alienware the next day via FedEx 2-day air with the promise that I would receive my computer via the same shipping method to reduce the time that my new system and I were apart. Now, the customer that had my computer was not so punctual and didn?t arrive at Alienware until ten days later. Not that I fault Alienware for this but I felt that I deserved some sort of compensation for their failure. They proclaim to hold themselves to a high standard when it comes to their quality control. So, Alienware, put your service where your mouth is. I was offered a $100 voucher to be used on Amazon.com. It has been over two weeks, no voucher. The day that my new system and I were finally to be united had come. I hadn?t heard a thing form Alienware about conformation of shipment, so I give them a call. I am told that my system just went out today and that it will be here in 6 days. Confused, I inquire how a 2-day air package can take 6 days. The customer service rep informed me that they shipped it via FedEx Ground and not the 2-Day air I was promised. Now, even this ,another in a long line of screw ups, would only raise my blood pressure slightly except for the fact that I will not be home next week due to a business trip. FedEx will attempt delivery 3 times then ship the system back to Alienware. I wonder when will I actually get my system? I decide that speaking to a supervisor is my only recourse. I am informed that the supervisor has just, at this very moment, stepped to a meeting and will return my call as soon as he gets back. Unconvinced of the reps claims I agree to wait with baited breath for this supervisor to call. To my surprise, based on the level of support I have received thus far, no call comes. My story ends here, no call to calm my fears, no compensation for Alienware?s obvious shortcomings and ? no computer. I will follow-up when I actually receive my computer and it works. Until then, if you decide to order a computer from Alienware, best of luck. Even a blind squirrel can find a nut. Maybe your experience will be a happy one. I will not rate this experience as a "1", not just yet. Perhaps it is a fault in my character but I believe that Alienware will make ammends.
Updated
As I mentioned in my first review, I would do a follow-up on the Alienware customer service issue. Just to get you up to date, Alienware called me told me that I would receive my computer in 2 days. 2 days later I call Alienware for shipping info because I had not received my computer. They tell me that it has been shipped and should arrive in 6 days. This is very confusing to me because I was told that I would get it in 2 days. Alienware made yet another mistake in the long line of mistakes. I am irritated because the day that the computer is suppose to arrive, I will be on a business trip for over a week. Do you see where this is going? Alienware intercepts the package and has it redirect back to Alienware to hold until I return then they will send it 2-day air. I call them, they tell me the computer will be to me in 34 hours. I get a confirmation today that the computer will get hear in 6 days. Alienware sent it ground AGAIN! I can only assume this is because they are incompetent. I purchased a computer from Alienware because of their reputation. I accepted a delayed arrival date compared to Dell because I believed their product was better. I ordered my system 2 months ago. I would rather have bought a Dell. It may be an inferior system but at least I would be using it!
As I mentioned in my first review, I would do a follow-up on the Alienware customer service issue. Just to get you up to date, Alienware called me told me that I would receive my computer in 2 days. 2 days later I call Alienware for shipping info because I had not received my computer. They tell me that it has been shipped and should arrive in 6 days. This is very confusing to me because I was told that I would get it in 2 days. Alienware made yet another mistake in the long line of mistakes. I am irritated because the day that the computer is suppose to arrive, I will be on a business trip for over a week. Do you see where this is going? Alienware intercepts the package and has it redirect back to Alienware to hold until I return then they will send it 2-day air. I call them, they tell me the computer will be to me in 34 hours. I get a confirmation today that the computer will get hear in 6 days. Alienware sent it ground AGAIN! I can only assume this is because they are incompetent. I purchased a computer from Alienware because of their reputation. I accepted a delayed arrival date compared to Dell because I believed their product was better. I ordered my system 2 months ago. I would rather have bought a Dell. It may be an inferior system but at least I would be using it!
Updated
I was not able to review the Bot as I had not recieved it. That however has changed. I finally received my Bot and I am happy to say that I am pleased with the computer. One of the things that I had read about was the noise that the Bot creates. Reviews indicated that the Bot was a little noisy but not distracting. Not quite true. After about 5 min of running the Bot was very loud. It was very distracting and I could hear it even in another room with the TV on. BUT, that only lasted a few days. Now my Bot runs about the same noise level as my old emachine if not quieter. So, if you just got your Bot and it is really loud, give it a few days before calling Alienware. This is not a gaming computer but it is more than capable of playing the games that I have to include MS Flight Sim. All in all I am very happy with the Bot. If you are looking for a really affordable computer that you aren't expecting to do serious gaming on then I recommend the Bot. It is both affordable and capable. As far as the Customer Service goes, well, I hope that Alienware gets it together. For all of my trouble Alienware offered me some compensation. I would have rather had my computer 2 months ago when I ordered it but at least they are trying to do the right thing. I give the Bot a thumbs-up!
I was not able to review the Bot as I had not recieved it. That however has changed. I finally received my Bot and I am happy to say that I am pleased with the computer. One of the things that I had read about was the noise that the Bot creates. Reviews indicated that the Bot was a little noisy but not distracting. Not quite true. After about 5 min of running the Bot was very loud. It was very distracting and I could hear it even in another room with the TV on. BUT, that only lasted a few days. Now my Bot runs about the same noise level as my old emachine if not quieter. So, if you just got your Bot and it is really loud, give it a few days before calling Alienware. This is not a gaming computer but it is more than capable of playing the games that I have to include MS Flight Sim. All in all I am very happy with the Bot. If you are looking for a really affordable computer that you aren't expecting to do serious gaming on then I recommend the Bot. It is both affordable and capable. As far as the Customer Service goes, well, I hope that Alienware gets it together. For all of my trouble Alienware offered me some compensation. I would have rather had my computer 2 months ago when I ordered it but at least they are trying to do the right thing. I give the Bot a thumbs-up!
User Rating: 1/10
Alienware Bot Design Flaw
Pros: Good internal components (other than power supply)
Cons: 270W power supply will fail eventually
Review:
Alienware has designed a real stinker. I recieved my Bot and within 1 hour of use the power supply failed on it. It was so hot I burned my finger on it. I sent it back to them and they replaced the power supply, but the cursor would not move and I had to restore my hard drive with the image DVD using Norton Ghost. When I popped it open, they neglected to put the frame screw back on the housing of the optical drive. The computer is noisy, vibrates my desk and the power supply still heats up. I called Alienware for a refund and they said I would have to pay shipping and a 15% restocking fee and I am still within their 30 day "money back guarantee" time frame. They were really nasty to me, too, not allowing me to talk to anyone higher than an immediate supervisor and wouldn't give any last names. I solved the problem by buying a $40 tower with three fans (to alienware's one with poor ventilation) and gutted the alienware tower, reinstalling everything in the other tower. Now it runs quiet and very good. No more problems. I still have to pay alienware a monthly credit bill, though. DONT BUY ALIENWARE!
User Rating: 
4/10
Bad experience with the Bot
Pros: Small size
Cons: Poorly built
Review:
Alienware claims that their computers go through a 200 point inspection, plus a full system test prior to shipping. My Bot arrived with the operating system not fully installed, the door that covers the cd-rom cracked and the operating system cd's loose in the shipping carton which resulted in several getting scratched. In adition, when I started to load my personal programs like Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office, and several others the system crashed.
There is the expectation that when one purchases a custon built system it should be 100% right from the start. Since nothing that I did caused any of the problems I felt entitled to return the system for a full refund. After talking to Alienware customer service I was promtly told that I would have to pay the shipping charges both ways plus the 15% restocking fee.
If you are looking for a small form factor computer look elsewhere.
There is the expectation that when one purchases a custon built system it should be 100% right from the start. Since nothing that I did caused any of the problems I felt entitled to return the system for a full refund. After talking to Alienware customer service I was promtly told that I would have to pay the shipping charges both ways plus the 15% restocking fee.
If you are looking for a small form factor computer look elsewhere.
User Rating: 2/10
Another peice of junk by Alienware
Pros: are you kidding NONE
Cons: A TON, EVERYTHING
Review:
A nother product way overpriced. Like they said in the review you can get way better machines for the price of this one. Just not worth it get something else JUNK
User Rating: 2/10
Poor Customer Support
Pros: None yet - have not passed the ordering process...
Cons: Their hype does not live up to their "so called" self professed reputation
Review:
I have sent this e-mail to every available e-mail address Alienware provides...to no avail. If this is what their customer support is like while trying to purchase from them, I hate to think what it will be after I receive my order....
Just a little feedback:
This is my first order with Alienware.com and so far I am not very satisfied.
While I understand you commitment to avoid fraudulent credit card orders, it is quite frustrating to legitimate customers. Below is the timeline of my first experience with Alienware:
1) Placed my order on 02/22/05 with an estimated ship date of 03/03/05.
2) Received confirmation just minutes later.
3) On 02/23/05 my order status was at "phase 1" -(Order Received) and then "phase 2" - (Awaiting Payment Processing).
4) On 02/24/05 @ approx. 9:30 am my order status was at "phase 3" - (Payment Received).
5) On 02/24/05 @ 10:30 am EST I called and requested a change from XP Home to XP Pro and 512 mb to 1G..(what I thought was a simple change given I was only at phase 3 of a 14 step process) I talked to someone who identified himself as "Jay". After the order change I asked him to forward me an e-mail confirming the order change. I never received an e-mail.
6) On 02/25/05 @ 9:00 am EST I checked my order status again only to find I was back at "phase 2" - (Awaiting Payment Processing). I thought having all my credit info verified the first time would be sufficient, with most companies it would be, but not with yours.
7) On 02/25/05 @ 3:57 pm EST I called customer service again to find the status of my order.
8) I talked with someone who identified themselves as "Ivan". I asked Ivan what the status of my order was. He told me my order was being processed but would now have a ship date of 03/05/05, which, by the way, is a Saturday, so I am doubtful. He told me that no matter how minor the order change was it would automatically add two days to the ship date.
9) Ivan then informed me that shipping would take three days since I lived in Ohio. I asked him if there were any other shipping options to get my order from Florida all the way to Ohio in less than 3 days. He ensured me there were no other options...B.S. What legitimate business does not offer alternate, expedited, shipping options?
The bottom line is this. You have plastered all over your website your commitment to customer service and satisfaction, and yet you have failed to provide me the most basic level of service - (a confirmation e-mail). I understand that my order is probably not very significant to you because it is only $1050, but it is very significant to me! I do at least 75% of my major purchases over the internet and am associated with many vendor rating and feedback sites. I will update them as necessary. You must understand..there are many companies offering high-end, customized PC's. The only difference is the level of support offered.
I have a feeling you, at best,you won't see or respond to this e-mail until some time next week, or at worse, ever. If the latter is the case, rest assured many others will..............
Just a little feedback:
This is my first order with Alienware.com and so far I am not very satisfied.
While I understand you commitment to avoid fraudulent credit card orders, it is quite frustrating to legitimate customers. Below is the timeline of my first experience with Alienware:
1) Placed my order on 02/22/05 with an estimated ship date of 03/03/05.
2) Received confirmation just minutes later.
3) On 02/23/05 my order status was at "phase 1" -(Order Received) and then "phase 2" - (Awaiting Payment Processing).
4) On 02/24/05 @ approx. 9:30 am my order status was at "phase 3" - (Payment Received).
5) On 02/24/05 @ 10:30 am EST I called and requested a change from XP Home to XP Pro and 512 mb to 1G..(what I thought was a simple change given I was only at phase 3 of a 14 step process) I talked to someone who identified himself as "Jay". After the order change I asked him to forward me an e-mail confirming the order change. I never received an e-mail.
6) On 02/25/05 @ 9:00 am EST I checked my order status again only to find I was back at "phase 2" - (Awaiting Payment Processing). I thought having all my credit info verified the first time would be sufficient, with most companies it would be, but not with yours.
7) On 02/25/05 @ 3:57 pm EST I called customer service again to find the status of my order.
8) I talked with someone who identified themselves as "Ivan". I asked Ivan what the status of my order was. He told me my order was being processed but would now have a ship date of 03/05/05, which, by the way, is a Saturday, so I am doubtful. He told me that no matter how minor the order change was it would automatically add two days to the ship date.
9) Ivan then informed me that shipping would take three days since I lived in Ohio. I asked him if there were any other shipping options to get my order from Florida all the way to Ohio in less than 3 days. He ensured me there were no other options...B.S. What legitimate business does not offer alternate, expedited, shipping options?
The bottom line is this. You have plastered all over your website your commitment to customer service and satisfaction, and yet you have failed to provide me the most basic level of service - (a confirmation e-mail). I understand that my order is probably not very significant to you because it is only $1050, but it is very significant to me! I do at least 75% of my major purchases over the internet and am associated with many vendor rating and feedback sites. I will update them as necessary. You must understand..there are many companies offering high-end, customized PC's. The only difference is the level of support offered.
I have a feeling you, at best,you won't see or respond to this e-mail until some time next week, or at worse, ever. If the latter is the case, rest assured many others will..............
User Rating: 1/10
Horrible Quality and Service
Pros: I wanted a simple system for basic home use. System uses good components and offers enough power for the money
Cons: After 5 weeks the problems started. Had to reinstall XP, would then then only boot in safe mode, won't load intel video drivers. Finally failed completely and wouldn't boot up. Returned to Alienware for repairs, after 4 weeks they replaced hard drive.
Review:
User Rating: 
8/10
Great for the price, with the Alienware brand!
Pros: Its great, fast little beast, would definatly get the upgraded ram at least 512+, integrated video card is alrigt for office, but PCIe slot is great for beginner gamers. Overall i would definatly purchase another one!
Cons: A little loud, compaired to dell and gateway, but then again its got a 3.02 gig processor.
Review:
