Entered CNET Catalog: 05/22/2003
SKU: AREA51CANTERWOOD
Manufacturer: Alienware Corporation
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 04/10/2003
Editors' note: (4/17/03) The Serial ATA hard drives that were included in our Area-51 test system won't be available from Alienware until the end of this month.
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| Alienware must be going through its blue period. | |
On the outside, the Area-51 looks about as different from a standard, beige tower system as it possibly could. For one thing, the sleek, angry-looking case comes in seven custom colors with a matching keyboard and mouse. (You can save a little cash if you choose these devices in generic black.) But even more dramatic, Alienware has added a sculpted, plastic shell to the metal, full-tower case. While this flair may be aesthetically pleasing to some, it results in a hefty, unwieldy case. We also question the durability of the plastic latches and knobs on the outer shell.
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| Count 'em: 10 USB 2.0 ports in all. | |
On the inside, the system is more recognizable as a computer, but it sets itself apart from the competition in other ways. You'll need a screwdriver to remove the side panel, which is a bit awkward to take off because of its funky shape. Once you have the panel detached, you must disconnect the power cable from the cooling fan mounted in its side before you can remove it completely. Indeed, you'll find seven exhaust fans inside your Area-51, with room for at least one more. Surprisingly, noise isn't an issue, and neither is keeping this turbocharged system from overheating.
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 The full-tower case leaves you plenty of open space to expand. |
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You'll find plenty of connectivity options, as well. The Area-51's case features 10 USB 2.0 ports (4 are front-mounted), along with a full complement of legacy ports and full surround-sound audio connectors. This is the first system we've seen where the number of USB ports hit double digits. A single FireWire connector can be found around the back, but we'd also like to see one brought to the front of the case.
The Alienware Area-51 is one of the first systems we've tested with Intel's new 875P chipset (code-named Canterwood) and a 3GHz Pentium 4 processor. This new chipset features an 800MHz frontside bus that accommodates faster system memory, in this case, 400MHz PC3200 DDR SDRAM. Like Intel's previous P4 processors running at 3GHz, this chip features Hyper-Threading technology, which allows a processor to run two parts of an application at once.
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| A top-notch duo: the Lite-On CD-RW drive and the Pioneer DVD-recordable drive. |
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| Above the white PCI slots is ATI's best: the Radeon 9800 Pro. |
Beyond the Area-51's core processing and memory subsystems, the secondary components within are difficult to improve upon. The included 52X/24X/52X CD-RW drive and the Pioneer DVR-A05, a CNET Editors' Choice award winner, are the highest-quality optical combination you can find. Our test system also boasted dual Serial ATA 120GB Seagate hard drives, running through a new integrated RAID controller, which is built into the Canterwood board. (Alienware estimates that the Serial ATA hard drives won't be available for sale until the end of April.)
In terms of gaming, graphics, and video, it's no surprise that the Area-51 features the industry's newest and fastest graphics card, the 128MB ATI Radeon 9800 Pro. The Radeon 9800 Pro delivers huge frame rates and ultrasmooth video playback with rich, realistic colors. Match that with an Audigy 2 sound card, which supports DVD audio and 6.1 surround sound, hooked up to a killer set of Logitech Z-680 THX-certified speakers, and you have perhaps the best combination of multimedia components on the market today.
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| The small, flat red cables are evidence of the Serial ATA interface for the two hard drives. |
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| Bright, brighter, or brightest? You decide. |
Our system shipped with a black, 19-inch NEC 991SB CRT display with a flat DiamondTron screen. Graphics looked sharp and rich in our tests, even at the upscale 1,792x1,344 maximum resolution that the Radeon card supports. But while we liked the monitor's three ultrabright settings, which are great for bumping up the screen's luminance for working with fine text or graphics, we found its onscreen menu system totally unintuitive. We also found it odd that Alienware offers only one LCD panel choice--and an exorbitant 20-inch model, at that. Otherwise, you have to go the CRT route or buy your display somewhere else.
The company offers only Microsoft Works Suite 2003 or Office XP Professional as added-cost productivity software options, and our system came with neither. Alienware does not offer Alien Adrenaline--its proprietary video-optimizing software--for this system because it does not yet support overclocking with the Radeon 9800 card. Serious gamers will definitely want to be on the lookout for a new version of this utility, which offers pinpoint control of most aspects of your display hardware, even allowing you to set up a number of display presets specific to various programs.
Application performance
Comparing systems using the new Intel 875P chipset is like comparing a Porsche and a Ferrari. Any system using the new chipset will perform at incredible speeds, so you really can't go wrong. The Alienware Area-51 is no exception. Its application and Internet-content-creation performance proved outstanding, but when compared to the performance of other systems with the new chipset, the Alienware fell right in the middle of the pack. No matter your computing needs and desires, this system will be up to the task and more.
Application performance (Longer bars indicate better performance)
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To measure application performance, CNET Labs uses BAPCo's SysMark2002, an industry-standard benchmark. Using off-the-shelf applications, SysMark measures a desktop's performance using office-productivity applications (such as Microsoft Office and McAfee VirusScan) and Internet-content-creation applications (such as Adobe Photoshop and Macromedia Dreamweaver).
3D graphics and gaming performance
The Alienware Area-51 uses the new ATI Radeon 9800 Pro graphics card, which is all the 9700 Pro was and more. Its 3DMark2001 performance is among the fastest we've seen to date and beat Nvidia's new GeForce FX Ultra by a healthy margin. Quake III performance did not change significantly, but it didn't really need to since it was already running at ridiculously high frame rates. The 9800 Pro can handle anything and any game you can throw at it.
3D graphics performance (Longer bars indicate better performance)
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To measure 3D graphics performance, CNET Labs uses Futuremark's 3DMark2001 Pro Second Edition, Build 330. We use 3DMark to measure a desktop's performance with the DirectX 8 (DX8) interface at both 16- and 32-bit color settings at a resolution of 1,024x768. A system that does not have DX8 hardware support will typically generate a lower score than one that has DX8 hardware support.
3D gaming performance in fps (Longer bars indicate better performance)
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To measure 3D gaming performance, CNET Labs uses Quake III Arena. Although Quake III is an older game, it is still widely used as an industry-standard tool. Quake III does not require DX8 hardware support--as 3DMark2001 does--and is therefore an excellent means of comparing the performance of low- to high-end graphics subsystems. Quake III performance is reported in frames per second (fps).
Find out more about how we test desktop systems.
System configurations:
ABS 1539 Ultimate X4
Windows XP Home; 3GHz Intel P4; 1024MB DDR SDRAM 400MHz; ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB; two Seagate ST380023AS 80BG 7,200rpm, Serial ATA; integrated Intel 82801ER Serial ATA RAID controller
Alienware Area-51
Windows XP Professional; 3GHz Intel P4; 512MB DDR SDRAM 400MHz; ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB; two Seagate ST3120023AS 120GB 7,200rpm, Serial ATA; integrated Intel 82801ER Serial ATA RAID controller
Gateway 700XL Digital Film Maker
Windows XP Home; 3GHz Intel P4; 512MB DDR SDRAM 400MHz; ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB; two Maxtor 6Y200P0 200GB 7,200rpm
Dell Dimension 8300
Windows XP Home; 3GHz Intel P4; 1024MB DDR SDRAM 400MHz; ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB; WDC WD2000JB-75DUA0 200GB 7,200rpm
Alienware distinguishes itself from many other PC companies in the service and support department. Most importantly, the company retains an in-house support staff trained specifically on its own systems, rather than outsourcing support calls to a third party. So, when you call with a problem, the technician on the other end of the line should know exactly what you're talking about.
Your calls are toll-free, and tech support is available 24/7. The Alienware support site is robust, featuring interactive customer forums, game patches, driver downloads, and instructional upgrade videos. The company also preloads its proprietary Alien Autopsy diagnostic software on every system it sells. In the event of a problem, the software provides the Alienware technical staff with an incident report, including more than 30,000 fields of data, which helps them diagnose the trouble.
At the quoted price, our system included only a one-year warranty with onsite service. You can upgrade to three years for $195 more, though we feel that systems priced in this range should include multiyear coverage. If you run into trouble under warranty, you can request that a technician come to your house or business to fix the problem, you can send the system back to the company, or you can request parts to be sent to you and fix it yourself. In any case, the service costs you nothing. And if a required part is out-of-date, Alienware will replace it with the newer model at no cost. The company even offers an upgrade policy, allowing PC customers to purchase new components at cost.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128out of 128 user reviews
pricey and not worth it since acquistion by major brand
Pros: was a great gaming machine
Cons: huge case; no real "in house service" on 3 yrs service contract as advertised
out of 128 user reviews
Very poor Technical Support/Customer Service
Pros: Looks, Options
Cons: Customer Service is the worst I have ever expeienced
out of 128 user reviews
Alienware the illusion of service
Pros: The website is really good
Cons: Alienware hates Canadians
I pick the machine up. Yay, I got my new Alienware 5500, let the good times roll... except it doesn’t work. Apparently in their 200 point quality inspection they failed to notice that the video card doesn’t work. Call tech support which is conveniently open 24 hours per day. Very scripted support I felt like the technician was reading a step through of how to troubleshoot a computer problem. 3 hours of wasted time later, he tells me the video card is broken and needs to be replaced. To get a new one though, I will have to pay for the shipping of the new video card; a piece that I already bought and had shipped but it didn't work.
I was not very happy about this and called everyone that would listen at Alienware to complain. Even up to the manager level all I got was scripted responses; fake empathy but ultimately sticking to the policy of me paying for the shipping.
I agree to have the part shipped to me at my expense, but ask the question “What if it wasn't the video card and it was actually the motherboard that is broken?” If that’s the case I will also have to pay for that piece to be shipped as well, and the real kicker I also have to pay the shipping to send the broken piece back to Alienware or I will be charged for the replacement part.
I pray it is just the video card and ask for it to be shipped. 12 days later, no video card has arrived yet. I call them again and ask where my card is. It hasn't been shipped yet and no one will tell me why.
I cancel the video card shipment and want to return the machine. No problem here I just have to pay for the shipping to get the machine back to Alienware and they will charge me a 15% restocking fee, not just on the parts of the machine either the restocking fee applies to the warranty and all other Alienware quality services I purchased. How do you restock a warranty I wonder.
I am very upset now and want to speak to anyone above the manager level. Again all I get are scripted responses with promises that someone will call me back, but no one ever did.
Today I spent an hour at Purolator filling out paperwork to send this thing back to the states. Try and guess how easy it is to send a computer into the states these days. Also 84lbs... the shipping was expensive, add the 15% restocking fee and I really got screwed, my wife is never going to let me buy anything again.
So roughly $400 later and I do not have the super gaming machine I was hoping for, but I do get to tell you this story. I hope you can now buy somewhere else and be happier for it.
YAY Karma
out of 128 user reviews
It is really an "X-File" experience...
Pros: Different Case Looking!!! Reliable if system works properly...
Cons: Heavy Case, Poor Technical Support Knowledge, Lots of Mislead Info from Technical Support Team, Sales & Customer Support Team Lack Of Telling The Truth, Lots Of Patience & Money to make it work!!!
The 3-year warranty: 24/7 on-site, jajaja!!! A complete joke... At the beginning I took my system to a local company called "PC Professor" here in West Palm Beach, and they were the ones who helped me (For a nominal fee of course) get my Alienware to operate in optimal conditions!!! Alienware "SWEARS" that their systems undergo a 200-check point test... So when your computer arrives, they are 100% worry-free ready to perform... This is why it takes 4 to 6 weeks to get shipped!!!
After the long wait, you expect your system to work extremely well right??? Guess what, mine did not work when first plugged in... Have you ever been so happy in one minute, then to be so frustrated, sad, angry, and inconsolably dissatisfied… My first action was to return the “darn” thing… Well, guess what, they have a 15% re-stocking fee if you want to return your merchandise… Why? Because when you order a system from them is solely customized and tailored to your needs only; is a special item for you only!!! So, be aware, Alienware sells customized systems, and that’s why they get away with that 15% re-stocking fee… 15% re-stocking fee represented almost $550.00 for me… Did not have any choice but to die with my Alienware system… After a while, I got smarter than that, and I started solving problems instead of being a cry baby… This misfortune and incident, gave me the opportunity to negotiate a free MS Office XP Professional Edition with them in exchange of all the bad… I found a reliable third party repair-computer company that assisted me very well, and made friends with the repair techs… And now, when I have a problem with my Alienware, I take my system to my buddies (now) for a no-cost repair, upgrade, etc… Of course, I invested a lot in the beginning, but now, I am all right with this third-party company… Long time ago, in the beginning, I requested the 24/7 on-site tech-support, and two guys showed up (not at the same time), just to tell me they did not have any idea what was wrong with my system…
They suggested me to return the computer, based on the fact they were getting way to many calls from “Alienware” users… Of course, since they were coincidentally, third-party contractors, they ignored the 15% re-stocking fee rule by Alienware!!!!Hey, good luck for those willing to adventure buying an “ALIENWARE” system!!! One thing I can assure you folks, you will learn a lottttttttttttttttt from this experience!!! For instance, you will learn how not to buy from companies like these ones… You will learn how to do a more in depth research!!! You will research a local-trustable computer company, so you can build your own system, with the parts you want and for the purposes you need!!! The advantages: Talking “personally” to a real tech person: Priceless!!! If these little-bitty companies happened to fail you, at least you have the person to person pressure to force them do the right thing!!! Or get your money back ahhh??? No re-stocking fees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have really been so impartial when I wrote this article… My friends, coworkers, bosses, and business-like partners, know and qualify me as a trustable person!!! Hope the “ALIENWARE” people turn around the entire negative!!! They really possess a great idea and concept!!! In theory, these systems seemed pretty good!!! They only need to work when put together… That’s all…
Thank you for reading my opinion, and hope I have helped a lot of you!!!
Al Avila - West Palm Beach - Florida
out of 128 user reviews
''Alienation-ware'' or ''Alien-beware'' would be more accurate.
Pros: Never got the computer to find out
Cons: 30 days of lies and still no computer
12/20 Placed order and sent cashier’s check by express mail. Estimated ship date was January 2.
12/22 Check received. Phase 3.
12/30 Called to find out why still Phase 3. Told the silver cases had gone out of stock immediately after my order was placed. Fortunately, green had come in (the color I had really wanted anyway) and I changed the order. Told to check back on 1/3 to make sure of change.
Wait – Premium price ($3,500) should mean premium service. Why is it my job to make sure that customer support is doing their jobs correctly? Why hadn’t anyone contacted me as soon as the shortage was found so that I could at least know, and why did I have to ASK for a substitution of equal value?
1/3 Called and was told that change hadn’t gone through yet. I should check again the following day.
1/4 Called and was told that change still hadn’t been approved AND computer was now in production with silver case. By the time change would go up for approval, computer would be too far along.
1/4 Called again to speak with manager. Was forced to tell story to rep so she’d let me speak with manager, then she didn’t pass any info along. Had to tell story all over again to manager, who agreed to stop build so change could be approved. Would be 4-5 day delay.
1/4 Sent email to company expressing dissatisfaction with service thus far.
1/6 Received response to email with apology, statement that changes had been approved, and promise that I would from here forward receive “highest standard of service in the industry.”
1/9 Phase 8 already! Computer’s being tested.
1/10 Still phase 8. Called to find out why. Told had failed inspection and sent back, then returned to phase 8 two hours later. Promised would ship in 24-48 hours.
1/12 Still hadn’t shipped. Called and was told Billing & Finance had placed a block on it. Priscilla promised she’d get the block removed so it could ship on 1/13. I should call back then. (I paid by cashier’s check, remember. What possible reason could exist for this block?)
1/13 Called and block was still there. Was promised computer would ship next day. (Saturday? They’re not even open!) Finally had enough; informed rep I was starting recording of call and stated I wanted a refund. Rep “expressly forbade” me from recording. (Guess they’ve heard that sort of thing often – my question is, if the company has great service, why be afraid to be recorded?) Anyway, I’m in AZ and the law says only one party (me) needs to consent to the recording. Rep transferred me to refund department after long hold. New rep tried to save sale and promised that SHE would be my personal contact from here forward, even if I had technical problems in the future. I asked if she was qualified in technical support. No, but I should still call her and she would transfer me to their “best support person.” Like I can believe that. Insisted on canceling order, which she did. Due to stories on here about computers shipping after cancellation, I made sure this wouldn’t happen. Asked how long refund would take and was told I’d have my money in 24-48 hours. How? They don’t have a credit card for me, so would have to send a check. After another hold was told I’d receive the check late next week. I’ll believe it when I see it.
When you make any luxury purchase, you expect to receive top quality product and top level service. $3,500 for a desktop computer IS a luxury purchase. Their site claims “first-class customer service and support,” but I received terrible customer service and in many cases had to do the reps’ jobs for them. And all of this was before I’d even received the computer. I shudder to imagine what things would be like once the computer arrived, much less after the 90 day warranty expired. Except that after reading the reviews on this site I don’t have to imagine and am glad I quit when I did. Honestly, I should have known better just from the warranty. 90 days standard? They either don't believe their computers are going to last very long or they're out to make even more money by charging through the nose for warranties. Either way, it's not a good deal for us customers.
I really wanted this to work; my friends were all jealous over the computer I was going to be getting. Now a month later I’m just going to be happy to get my money back so I can shop someplace else.
out of 128 user reviews
Great computer, great customer service
Pros: Called customer service twice for a problem with the dvd drive. A rep picked up after a few rings both times, they were courteous and helpful. Computer works beautifully even after 2.5 years.
Cons: Big and heavy case
out of 128 user reviews
don't buy this pc
Pros: doesnt have any
Cons: piece of crap
out of 128 user reviews
dissatisfied
Pros: system was very stable
Cons: good luck with any support.
I wish I had know before I ever shelled out that kind of money for one of their systems.
out of 128 user reviews
Alienware never honour mail-in rebates
Pros: Machine works well enough
Cons: Mail-in rebates are never honoured
out of 128 user reviews
VERY over-rated
Pros: seems stable/powerful enough, O.K. looks
Cons: the cost of that mediocre stabality and those O.K. looks
out of 128 user reviews
Not bad. Fast.
Pros: Fast--Awesome tower--Easy to mod
Cons: EXPENSIVE--noisy fans--tower bit too big--crappy indian tech service
Any way everythings cool except for tech support, noisy fans,and bulky tower.
-bloodclot
out of 128 user reviews
STAY AWAY !! Rip off !!
Pros: none none none
Cons: customer support, screen colors, $$$, not as advertised
[Edited by: admin]
out of 128 user reviews
Bad purchasing experience
Pros: Laptop had great reviews
Cons: Lacking in sales and customer service
out of 128 user reviews
An Expensive Joke
Pros: nice looking
Cons: Policies are anti-customer, low end parts
out of 128 user reviews
What a rip off
Pros: There are NO pros to this machine as it doesn't work and alienware wont fix it
Cons: Terrible tech support, customer service, non-functional machine
out of 128 user reviews
REBATE RIPOFF
Pros: GreatComputer,WorksGreat,VeryF ast
Cons: VeryBig,Runs Noise!!!,REBATERIPOFF
out of 128 user reviews
Outstanding
Pros: Looks, Speed, Power
Cons: None found so far.
out of 128 user reviews
Rebate scam
Pros: $5200 for a $2500 machine with a fancy case
Cons: rebate scam, expensive,software conflicts
out of 128 user reviews
Upset Alienware Customer - $500 Rebate WARNING
Pros: Received merchandise correctly
Cons: Rebate TRAP
I have just got off the phone with Customer Service representative Sandro,
and he informs me that due to a missing invoice that I will not receive my
rebate. I filled out all information as stated on the rebate form at the
time, and mailed it in. I really need the rebate now, and was
counting on Alienware to send it to me. I was referred an e-mail address
as the last step of appeal, and they would not route me up to higher levels of escalation. I have not gotten a response from the appeal e-mail address. All I want is my rebate, Alienware is doing instant rebates now, but will still not mail me my rebate check.
They did not even give me notice like some rebate companies do that they needed more information. They just let it lapse, and then told me that I could not get it regardless.
My final option now is to just warn future potential customers of this faux pas.
The wait times are long, you spend a lot of money, with a promise of getting a fraction of it back (if you consider $500 a fraction), and then get told that you will not receive it because of something stupid such as a missing invoice. (WHO KNOWS WHAT IT MAY BE WITH YOUR ORDER, MAYBE A MISSING PHONE NUMBER?)
OVERALL: IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING BUYING AN ALIENWARE WITH A REBATE, I WOULD ADVISE GOING TO COMPETITORS WITH NO REBATE TRAPS AND FASTER SERVICE!
out of 128 user reviews
Great Computer
Pros: Worked terrific right out of the box and looks good too.
Cons: The cable management snap on doesn't fit when you have the monitor adapter.
out of 128 user reviews
Name Brand Parts, Good Price
Pros: Name Brand Parts, Nearly Flawless
Cons: No good deals on LCD monitors
out of 128 user reviews
PHENOMENAL SYSTEM! TERRIBLE SUPPORT!
Pros: I bought this system approximately 16 months ago (search for my posts beginning in October, 2003) and boy I tell ya it is a phenomenal gaming and video editing machine. I have had no problems with it at all. Although, there was a glitch in the Windows C
Cons: Read the above post and my past posts in Oct 2003 -- its all about customer service with Alienware, put Alienware systems in Dell's hands and you would have the next Cowboys legacy :).
out of 128 user reviews
I own 1
Pros: I recently purchased an alienware area-51, by far the best computer i have ever played on...from awsome framerates is games like half life 2, a spectacular sound system, you really cant ask for a better PC if your a gamer
Cons: None
out of 128 user reviews
good for gaming, easy to use + long lasting
Pros: the best gaming feature ive seen before and amazing sound quality. also good clear LCD screens + a new intresting design.
Cons: its a little big and heavy, but its not meant to be portable so thats not that much of a problem.
out of 128 user reviews
Below Average Product..Poor Service Overall!
Pros: Latest Hardware, Neato Case!
Cons: Paint on the case was less than average quality, poor CS, poor TS, almost unintelligable English, one power cord wiring problem, etc.
out of 128 user reviews
Unbelievable Gaming Power!!!!!
Pros: Top of the line components and breathtaking graphics rendering powe. the ATI radeon x850xt is outstanding!!!
Cons: alittle noisy. but nothing my headphones cover up
out of 128 user reviews
Great Look, Poor Reliability
Pros: Case, features, quality of construction
Cons: Poor reliability, horrible customer service/technical support. I had the unit sent back to corporate twice for the same problem and had onsite techs out twice for a faulty motherboard. Entire experience was a nightmare. Too bad as I really liked the sy
out of 128 user reviews
Pretty Case - Ugly Tech Support
Pros: Pretty Case, looks really cool.
Cons: Tech Support is staffed by morons with scripts. These people have no clue when it comes to computers and you can tell by talking to them for just five minutes, and you will be talking to them for a lot more than five minutes. I figured out that all that
out of 128 user reviews
Believe Da Hype!
Pros: This is the sexiest, fastest, computer on the market. Yes, you have to wait for awhile but didn't someone say, if you wait they'll come. oh sorry "Field of Dreams", anyway there are alot of people out there who have bad experiences but what company doesn'
Cons: Price, wait time and be careful about that onsite warranty and customer support. Yes support is adequate but if they have to send you a part they'll charge you until you send old part back. So you'll need a credit card of some form.
out of 128 user reviews
Top quality components, terrible support
Pros: You get the best components available in a good looking package.
Cons: Service and support is terrible if you have a component failure. A recorded message that said "leave us alone, we don't care" would save the frustration of staying on hold or battling the "you must click here or your complaint is closed" e-mails.
out of 128 user reviews
Service sucks, no support
Pros: Good features, when and if they work.
Cons: OS apparently so stripped that even explorer won't work right and any service is non-existant.
out of 128 user reviews
Good Things are worth the wait
Pros: Awesome machine...clock rates are through the roof...will use these at business site because of speed and quality. This is the 3rd Alien I have bought, and no I don't work for them !!
Cons: Big case, little noisy, but hey if you had everything ...where would you put it ?
out of 128 user reviews
amazing big comp
Pros: amazing, the system is flawless, alien cooling system = huge plus, the computer is just really great
Cons: very LARGE CASE
out of 128 user reviews
Alienware AREA 51 5550 BEST PC
Pros: Got to me early by 3 days and is the best looking PC in my oppinion. Nuthing comes close to the preformance for the price.
Cons:
out of 128 user reviews
Best PC I've Ever Used!!
Pros: Fantastic components in a fantastic tower. The on-line ordering system won't let you configure a machine that won't work. I got the top of line system but when my system is a year or so old, I plan on upgrading the graphics card, adding more memory, and g
Cons: NONE. BEST machines ever...
out of 128 user reviews
Best System To Date
Pros: Well Ballanced. Fastest Graphics in its class. Always on the leading edge.
Cons: Price, Price, Price. A home built system can save you money.
out of 128 user reviews
Unreal service Unreal performance
Pros: How many other companies will fly someone out to fix your computer when your in a bind? Great service. Also have their first laptop and it is still stable and runs as fast as most newer laptops.
Cons: big case but those who buy the macs to match their curtains oughta like it because it is beautiful
out of 128 user reviews
All show...no go
Pros: It looks good.
Cons: It doesn't seem that their expertise is on par with their demands. I actually had the chance to cancel mine after 4 months of waiting for it to ship. The company puts up a lot of B.S. but doesn't deliver.
out of 128 user reviews
Wish I could Review it!
Pros: none
Cons: Ordered my Alienware PC over a month ago and it still has not been delivered. Called the company and they said it would take another month until it was completed. They charged my creditcard 2 days after I ordered it and in 2 months I still don't have a co
out of 128 user reviews
If you get one that works then you are lucky!
Pros: If it works its great!
Cons: I got my rig about 2 years ago. I had major issues with my pc. Tech support only figured out the problem after about 20 calls. Im not kidding!! I got three wrong diagnoses. Three part exchanges! Which by the way they charge you for before hand. You
out of 128 user reviews
Very, very, very slow.
Pros: I'm sure it will be a great system if I ever get it.
Cons: Well, I have not even got my alienware system yet. I ordered it exactly 4 weeks a go today, and it is still on phase 6 out of 14... thats 28 days. At the rate they are making it I should get it in 64 days total which is really really really slow.
out of 128 user reviews
Best of bread - Two thumbs up!
Pros: Alienware has taken extreme care to match components that work exceptionally well together. Their years of tweaking systems show! And in AMD 64 bit mode -- the WOW factor is almost to much for even the most serious gamer!!!
Cons: The case looks cool, but is a major pain to access the drives behind the door. Most of time it is either stuck open or won't open at all.
out of 128 user reviews
A lil over priced but a must get for the hardcore gamers..
Pros: Sexy looking case. The cooling fans look good and keep the hardware safe, not letting anything overheat. Can be upgraded a lot more than any other PC.
Cons: Way too expensive. Case a lil too big.
out of 128 user reviews
forget it
Pros: nice hardware if they send you what you ask for.
Cons: They dont send you exactly what you ordered. Poor substitutes.
out of 128 user reviews
nice computer we love dell
Pros: this is the vbest computer ia have ever see in my life me and my parents are lovingit
Cons: making all games a better game and songs are not like songs they arre like the wind
out of 128 user reviews
This is on Awsome PC
Pros: Alienware gives you alot of band for your buck. Period. Alienware allows you to have the most customized extreme PC possible without the incredibly high prices on gaming componets that Dell has. Also inside this PC everything is neat and organized, eve
Cons: It's a bit bulky although since I'm not a hardcore LAN gamer that isnt a problem at all. Bit hard to tweak the insides though as it requires so much effort to open.
out of 128 user reviews
Outstanding if you know comps
Pros: Outstanding design and part integration. The parts on my Aurora work seamlessly together. My AMD 64 3500+ processor kills every game I throw at it. Just a freaking great computer
Cons: None....as long as you buy an AMD, but then again, why would any true gamer wand an Intel processor?????
out of 128 user reviews
Great System with Great Components, if they work, but horrible customer service and tech support!!
Pros: Take away the customer service and tech support for a minute, pretend you have a system that is fully functional, and you have yourself one awesome computer that not only performs well but looks pretty cool too. Yes you have to wait a little while for it
Cons: Now, back to reality where you have to deal with tech support and customer service when you have a problem, and the system is just not as nice. Because when you pay as much as you have to for an Alienware, you would expect a certain high level of good cu
out of 128 user reviews
okay service, poor hardwire reliability
Pros: well designed system, looks nice inside, high powered and all that jazz if you are really going to use it to its capability.
Cons: My system arrived to my door DOA (Dead On Arrival). Out of book and connected, it could not boot up into windows the very first time i turned it on. SPent a while on the phone trouble shooting, had to send it back to them to fix. Got it back, was worki
out of 128 user reviews
Alienware Works for Me........
Pros: Clean looking, eye catching System. 1 year old and no problem. Play's any game's with max-out settings on the market. You get what you pay for. For the Extreme Gamer.
Cons: None
out of 128 user reviews
An Expensive Piece Of Crap !!!
Pros: None
Cons: Barely able to understand broken English Support. Problems from day 1. Had to re-install Windows on 2 occasions. Sent back to factory to fix? When rec. back they attached side cover w/ two different odd-ball screws that were far inferior to the ones that
out of 128 user reviews
Lots of problems and poor aftersales
Pros: Great looking system and when it works the best PC I have ever used.
Cons: Very problematic system delivered with motherboard fault, faulty keyboard and eyes that didn't light up. After 5 months motherboard died, had to return the system which takes ages to get it back. For the money you'd expect more, better off sticking with
out of 128 user reviews
Alienware AKA El Chupacabras
Pros: nothing good here !
Cons: I am trying to relay people who have been wrong by this company in Florida I have already file a complain with the Better Business Bureau and would like to invite you to take action against this company by submitting a formal complain to about this compan
out of 128 user reviews
Awesome but expensive!!
Pros: Looks sexy, superb features, lots of expansions, reliably and outstanding performance.
Cons: Uses too much power, too expensive
out of 128 user reviews
Not a Dream System a Nightmare system
Pros: Cool Case.
Cons: Worse Service EVER!! Will Take your Money Right away, and will not do warrenty work unless you give them a credit card. I have been dealing with Customer service, they sent a tech out, to install a new motherboard, Comptuer Still not working. Promised a
out of 128 user reviews
Good Value...Lousy Support
Pros: Unique case, great gaming machine
Cons: Do not offer (or did not when bought 11/03)ergonomic keyboard; noisy cooling fans; should tell prospective buyers your tech support is in India and be prepared to wait a long time, then have your "tech" read from a prepared script. NO HELP AT ALL!
out of 128 user reviews
Very happy Alienware owner!
Pros: Very fast, great case, cool image. I ordered my Area 51 on Monday and it was on the Fed Ex truck the next Monday. After reading all the bad reports i was very happy with Alienware service. The service has been better then Dell so far.
Cons: Sale rep that called me was hard to understand but you get that with all the big PC builders these days. To be fair he was very friendly (a lot better then the Indian people i have delt with at Dell). So far so good!
out of 128 user reviews
Chicks love the looks Friends Green w/ envy lol
Pros: The whole damn thing. Took 25 to get, but when you get that BIG black box, you understand the wait. This is the fastest prettiest Gaming comp period. Dont be fooled by the nay sayers if you have the $$$ go for the Alienware it is well worth the wait.
Cons: Its a little pricey, but you pay for what you get. so there are No cons
out of 128 user reviews
I read the reviews and...
Pros: alienware is a good computer and it has great performance
Cons: feeling lucky?... you gotta have some because if you dont youre gonna have a lot of trouble getting it
out of 128 user reviews
Reliability Issues
Pros: Every option you could ever want, fast, looks great
Cons: huge & loud machine, unreliable company, helpline people say what you "want to hear". They never got my system to work correctly after sending it back twice. Beware, could be a great system, most likely not.
out of 128 user reviews
Waste of Hard Earned Money
Pros: Like any other fast machine, the hardware performs once upgraded with latest drivers, which Alienware didn't do as promised.
Cons: Customer service is a joke. After three months of fighting with their Costa Rica customer support center, I finally talked to "The" manager Leo Inirio about poor quality, poor service, (loose connector in case on arrival, no keyboard shipped, broken heads
out of 128 user reviews
Build a computer yourself
Pros: This computer is good and professionally build. It works great.
Cons: But i think that everyone should build their own computers, becasue then you can put the parts you want not some cheap parts that manufacturer puts in the computer. I build my own p4.2.4ghz and it is great. I have 1gb of ram and i am pretty sure that it i
out of 128 user reviews
This Company Does Not Know The Term Customer Support
Pros: -smooth running cpu
Cons: -long long long wait time for computer(1 month wait is average) -tech support will make you wait long periods of times with no results in the end -a comapny that doesnt know how to properly produce a product that will satisfy customers expectations
out of 128 user reviews
3 Grand down the drain :(
Pros: System was the latest and greatest and was fast. Met my expectations... for a while
Cons: system was dead out of the box. took me from ordering date to having a working system almost 2 months. now 4 months later i am having troubles again. i'm returning this, i got a piece of crap and can't get back the hours I've lost trying to get it to w
out of 128 user reviews
WOW.. A amazing system.
Pros: +Lightning Fast Speed +Case Fans Keep Your Beast At Bay +Alienice cooling looks sweet. +Massive Case.. The thing is huge. +Workmanship inside of the case with wiring is outstanding. +Free Alienware T-Shirt If you are looking for a gaming system this is it
Cons: -Price -Long Wait Times -Screwdriver To Open Case -A window option would be nice.
out of 128 user reviews
Good Computer, High Cost for Case
Pros: This Product has nearly every feature you'd want... Fast Video Card, High-End Audio Card Lots of Ram even the new Extreme Edition Pentium 4 Processor.
Cons: The "Alien Head Case" Does not come in the "Transparent" or "Clear" option. Alienware states that "Transparent cases promote modding and they do not support any modifications under their warranty." When all is said and done, You can't just buy the "Alie
out of 128 user reviews
WAY OVERPRICED
Pros: Looks good
Cons: Twice as much as a VAIO with the same stuff!!!!!!!VAIO=$1150 Alienware=$2670
out of 128 user reviews
Sale force and customer service are retards
Pros: Great computer... once you get it. I recommend ordering one if you are willing to put up with a lot of exasperation and waiting.
Cons: I bought an Alienware four years ago back when they were a tiny company. Back then, not only were the computers cutting edge but the service was also awesome and prompt, and they had a phone system that worked (how many of you have been on hold when thei
out of 128 user reviews
High Speed Gaming Machine
Pros: This computer has everything a hardcore gamer could want. High speed with incredible graphics. This system is highly stable and I would buy another one without hesitation. As for the Service and Shipping. Awsome. 3 year warranty + 24/7 tech support, what
Cons: There were only a few things that were pretty much stupid. The cable management system wasn't really a good feature (especially if you have a lot of wires) and for some reason, they enable the Hibernation mode when they send the system to you. And since I
out of 128 user reviews
Great Computer, Surprisingly awful customer service
Pros: Speed! Run games with all features set to max! Build Quality and design. Price, this was $1000 less than the closest competitor. Great support wesite. The Forums are monitored by Alienware techs and updated with replies often. The Driver and game patc
Cons: Horrendous Customer Service!!! There is always a 40 minute hold for anything, but sales. When they finally do answer they have put you on hold to "Research" every little thing. This isn’t just the one person I talked to I have had to call about 10 time
out of 128 user reviews
I love my Area 51
Pros: Ordered on Oct 30, Arrived Dec 2. I got the fully loaded Area 51. It set up easy out of the box, its fast as can be, and the case is beautiful. I love mine to death
Cons: The thing is huge..dont let pictures deceive you. Its enormous. Its also very expensive, but you get what you pay for in life.
out of 128 user reviews
Area 51-m is Hot, but Tech Support is NOT
Pros: Great system, 2.4Ghz, 533FSB, 1GB DDR333, Chameleon paint job, 15.1" LCD, runs SCREAMINGLY fast, no probs hooking up.
Cons: Screen has always flickered, NIC port was a tad to big and caused LAN disconnects...(horrible @ LAN parties...killed my stats!). Ordered on 11/24/2002, got on 1/08/2003. Bought the 3 year warranty. Got tired of the flickering and loose NIC, so I sent i
out of 128 user reviews
Area 51 GTG!
Pros: Mega Video Card, Great sound if you get the Logitech Z-680 speakers, blazing fast all around and you cant beat a 52x CD burner its insane.
Cons: I have troubles powering off and restarting the system often having to unplug it from the wall and draining the charge from the power supply? Its a monster of a box make sur eyou have plenty of room to hold the cpu.
out of 128 user reviews
I HATE THEIR SERVICE
Pros: good system
Cons: waited 2 months fo rit to get here... I swear their service is so slow and the lie to you all the time about the status of your order.. butwhen it comes it is good..if it comes..
out of 128 user reviews
Awesome Manchine.....
Pros: Very Fast, very slick looking, very high quality product!!! Didn't have a problem with shipping like some of you guys, once I sent my signed CC receipt in I had the thing a week later. Everything worked right out of the boxes and I am overall impressed.
Cons:
out of 128 user reviews
Excellent Gaming Machine
Pros: It's Fast. Excellent for Gamers. Great warranty with 24/7 tech support. Great looks with excellent features. Very stable. It got to my house less than 7 days after payment has been received. Love the alien ice cooling system and alien autopsy.
Cons: For some odd reason, it didn't come with the power supply chord. But I'm pretty sure that it doesn't happen alot with other people. Lucky enough I had an extra one.
out of 128 user reviews
On Time, Top of the Line
Pros: Upon reading the numerous thumbs down in regards to the delivery time i held my breath and placed my order. 10 days later my Area 51-extreme was at my door which is exactly what they promised. This computer is amazing. It booted up and has been running pe
Cons: The only critisim i can say is the noise level of the fans because of the P4 chips running so hot. In the next year i'm sure we'll all see this issue taken care of but for now any gaming maching you buy you will be dealing with a constant humming. Small p
out of 128 user reviews
solid
Pros: definitely one of the best computers on the market, but i did wait a long time for the system, IT IS UNBELIEVEABLE IF YOU CUSTOMIZE IT RIGHT! if you customize it wrong and it breaks down or something doesnt work right, thats your issue deal with it
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out of 128 user reviews
This is one Mean Machine!
Pros: Smooth as can be graphics on halo with all settings cranked up. this machine absolutely blazes, it is easily the best pc i've ever touched. It only took them 8 days to deliver it and their tech support is excellent if you don't mind being on hold. i to
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out of 128 user reviews
UPDATE!!!!!
Pros: So... those of you who have followed along... Roger... obviously forgot he was off the next day LMAO! Did I get the call? NO! However, I did speak with yet another sales rep who was phenomenal. She went through everything step by step and low and be
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out of 128 user reviews
OKAY OKAY HEAR YE HEAR YE
Pros: Its now October 13th, 3 weeks and 2 days past order date, and its still in phase 2!!!!!!! I have called these guys at least 2 times every week, been given solid answers that everything is good to go for production, but still NOTHING! Bottom line on the
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out of 128 user reviews
HORRIBLE DECISION- INFLATED PRICE
Pros: The case looks great
Cons: Welp I got mine for my birthday and it broke down within 4 months. The screen is way too bright it kinda hurts ur eyes. The speakers (logitech) have constant hissing and the volume control is sensitive. its also hard to see the lcd screen. Playing unre
out of 128 user reviews
OK EVERYONE LISTEN UP!
Pros: I am about to give you the most unbiased review ever on the ALIENWARE pc. I submitted my order for a custom pc a week ago Friday (thats Sep 19th for the calendar challenged). Now... the responses and assistance I have received from Alienware has been ou
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out of 128 user reviews
Got to me on time.
Pros: As opposed to other complaints, they had no problem getting my computer to me as promised
Cons: I don't have enough money to buy a better one
out of 128 user reviews
Awesome-Awesome.
Pros: Good customer service(I did a recon on this). Good hardware components. Awesome gaming machine ever. Handles everything we throw at here in the army infantry. Should have called it paratrooperware!! Highly recomended from the US Army Airborne Troopers h
Cons: none what so ever.Airborne!
out of 128 user reviews
Not worth your time or money.
Pros: The installed equipment is manufactured by companies you know and trust.
Cons: The case isn't. Tech support and customer service is the worst you'll find in the industry.
out of 128 user reviews
No Conspiracy Here. A must have for the hardcore gamer.
Pros: - Great design. I just set it up at work (we're a major software company), and people are constantly asking, "What is that thing?!" Extremely satifying. Sexier than a Dell XPS and the Voodoo. - Top of the line components. Everything screams quality--from
Cons: - Intel motherboard isn't very over-clockable - Need a screwdriver to open up the case. Not the most friendly for people who like to tweak their hardware - Case is a little over-sized if you're used to mini-towers that are the standard these days. - Compu
out of 128 user reviews
Fast-Production, Great Perf.
Pros: I ordered my alienware on July 7th, and received it on July 17th. I was very suprised, because lots of the reviews here said slow production time. Phase 3 took less then one day for me. I guess Alienware got all their parts in stock. The LEDs are fantasti
Cons: Side-door a little hard to get off. Big case
out of 128 user reviews
Oleg, you're a putz
Pros: Best gaming system going with the best components at the best price. I own thre, and my new one arrives next week. Mine only took two weeks Oleg. Oleg, you bought an inferior box full of wires with proprietary components, including a motherboard with f
Cons: These computers are built to order to your specs. It's just a fact of life that sometimes inventory runs low with the current world situation. Is it really too much of an imposition for you to understand you'll have to wait while they build you a comput
out of 128 user reviews
Forget about getting one now.
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out of 128 user reviews
faster than a Lamborghini
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out of 128 user reviews
The BEST PC I have ever owned!
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out of 128 user reviews
It's got it on the inside too.
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out of 128 user reviews
Your Crazy
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out of 128 user reviews
Gamers Paradise
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out of 128 user reviews
Absolute Gamers Dream
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out of 128 user reviews
ALIENWARE IS DOING JUST FINE.
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out of 128 user reviews
just a terrible company.
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out of 128 user reviews
For price paid expected better service...
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out of 128 user reviews
Great system, untouchable CS, FORGET PRICEWATCH!
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out of 128 user reviews
The outside is foreshadowing for the beast that lay within.
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out of 128 user reviews
Very hot box
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out of 128 user reviews
Great machine... If you can get one.
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out of 128 user reviews
Good computer, Slow production
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out of 128 user reviews
Four time customer
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out of 128 user reviews
Great system. Would recommend.
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out of 128 user reviews
Components Inside!
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out of 128 user reviews
BEST COMPUTER I HAVE EVER SEEN...
Pros: with their unique case that looks so cool, and the best latest parts out ALIENWARE is hottt!!! i juss ordered an area 51 from them in may 27th and i juss got the system and it is great and so fast i can play my games smoothly now without a single problem
Cons: none
out of 128 user reviews
Oh Yeah!
Pros: Fast,really fast. running all my games w/ everything maxed, and this PC doesn't even blink. anyone who say's they build a better custom PC is on crack.
Cons: took almost about a month to get. Alienware claimed there was a promblem w/ the new cases they recieved from Asia.
out of 128 user reviews
Unbeleivable PC - Customer Service less than stellar
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out of 128 user reviews
elite systems
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out of 128 user reviews
why not
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out of 128 user reviews
Alienware will rise again
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out of 128 user reviews
Cheaper to build your own eh? Well let’s just see shall we?
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out of 128 user reviews
BEST. COMPUTER. EVER.
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out of 128 user reviews
There support lies
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out of 128 user reviews
Its worth it
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out of 128 user reviews
The Best Computer...EVER
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out of 128 user reviews
Lan parties they get toasted
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out of 128 user reviews
The Best PC Ever
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out of 128 user reviews
Not what they used to be
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out of 128 user reviews
Nothing out of the ordinary
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out of 128 user reviews
They "used-to-be-the-one"...
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out of 128 user reviews
BIY - Build it yourself!!
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out of 128 user reviews
Nice case but...
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out of 128 user reviews
boutique PC's turned high priced Dell clones, Alienware's gone soft.
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out of 128 user reviews
The SUV of computers
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out of 128 user reviews
i'm ordering on this week
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