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Entered CNET Catalog: 06/12/2008
SKU: PC-LT-AREA51M17X-GC
Manufacturer: Alienware Corporation
Product summary
The good: Highest-end components; imposing design; fantastic performance.
The bad: Starting configurations are overpriced; touch controls are a bit wonky.
The bottom line: If you're looking to drop some major change on a show-off gaming laptop, it's hard to do better than the Alienware Area-51 m17x, a mean-looking, high-performance black slab.
CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 09/15/2008
We'll just come right out and say the Alienware m17x is about as powerful as a laptop gets, at least if it's as tricked-out as our $6,000-plus review unit was. More modest builds are available for as little as $1,999, but at that level, you get a fairly yawn-inducing set of midrange components, dressed up in a very attractive shell.
The Alienware really shines when packed out with dual Nvidia GeForce 9800 GPUs and an Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000 processor. Of course, few people, even serious gamers, need that much horsepower, but as a display of conspicuous consumption, it's hard to beat, with an illuminated keyboard, imposing new black-slab aesthetic, and a Blu-ray drive.
Alienware almost has a better case to make with this system's smaller cousin, the 15-inch m15x, which at least has the distinction of being one of the only mainstream-size gaming laptops out there. Gamers with more realistic budgets are encouraged to check out the Gateway P-7811FX, easily the best bang for your gaming buck. Still, excess has its fans, and if your gaming laptop is just as much about making a statement as playing games, few do it as well.
| Price as reviewed / Starting price | $6,118 / $1,999 |
| Processor | 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000 |
| Memory | 4GB, 667MHz DDR2 |
| Hard drive | 1TB 5,400rpm (500GB x2) |
| Chipset | Intel PM965 |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce 9800M GT (x2) |
| Operating System | Windows Vista Home Premium |
| Dimensions (WDH) | 16.1 x 11.5 x 2.1 inches |
| Screen size (diagonal) | 17.1 inches |
| System weight / Weight with AC adapter | 10.9/13.8 pounds |
| Category | Desktop Replacement |
The m17x's 15-inch cousin, the aptly named m15x, suffered from some awkward design cues--it was thicker than many desktop replacements and had a fingerprint-prone silver finish. The 17-inch version, however, does much better aesthetically, with a matte black all-over finish that makes the entire thing look like an imposing slab of high-frame-rate granite.
Like the m15x, instead of having a separate mousing surface, the touch pad sits flush with the remainder of the wrist rest and is made of the same material, delineated only by a backlit outline. It looks cool, but can be hard to use--you can't tell when your finger goes off the edge without looking. In a similar vein, there are a row of touch-sensitive system controls above the keyboard etched right into the chassis, for turning on the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi antennas, and for launching Alienware's lighting control app. We liked the look, but the buttons lacked tactile feedback, and you have to hold your finger on them for a few seconds to get a response.
There's nothing we like more these days than a backlit keyboard (see the Dell Latitude E6400), and the m17x goes several steps further, with a backlit keyboard, touch-pad border, Alienware logo, alien head, and strip of touch-control buttons. The Alienware Command Center is a software app used to control the lighting, and you can assign different colors to every section or use one color across all the lights. The same software package also provides a fairly comprehensive power control suite, which offers more detailed options than the basic Windows Vista power settings. You can get a nonbacklit keyboard $50 less, but that seems like a poor way to save a couple of bucks.
The 17-inch wide-screen LCD display offers a 1,920x1,200 native resolution, which is what we expect in a high-end desktop replacement. Interestingly, the 15-inch m15x had the same high resolution. A 1,440x900 resolution display is also available for $250 less, but again, if you need to pinch pennies, this may not be the laptop for you.
| Alienware Area-51 m17x | Average for category [desktop replacement] | |
| Video | S-video, HDMI | VGA-out, S-Video, HDMI |
| Audio | Stereo speakers with subwoofer, headphone/microphone jacks, optical audio | Stereo speakers with subwoofer, headphone/microphone jacks. |
| Data | 4 USB 2.0, 2 FireWire (1 mini, 1 full-size), SD card reader | 4 USB 2.0, mini-FireWire, SD card reader |
| Expansion | ExpressCard/54 | ExpressCard/54 |
| Networking | modem, Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | modem, Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, optional Bluetooth |
| Optical drive | Blu-ray DVD burner | DVD burner [high-end: HD DVD or Blu-Ray] |
Our Alienware m17x is tricked out with plenty of high-end components, including two 500GB 5,400rpm hard drives, for a whopping 1TB of total storage. We also got twin Nvidia GeForce 9800 graphics cards (which, unfortunately, do not appear to be currently available on the Alienware Web site) in an SLI configuration, a 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000 CPU, and 4GB of RAM. By way of comparison, our current favorite gaming laptop, the $1,449 Gateway P-7811FX, has a Core 2 Duo P8400, only 200GB of hard drive space (but it's a 7,200rpm drive), a single GeForce 9800 card, and the same 4GB of RAM. The Alienware is clearly more powerful, but also costs around four times as much.
The combination of the Core 2 Extreme X9000 CPU and Nvidia GeForce 9800 makes the m17x nearly unstoppable in our benchmark tests, easily besting other high-end multimedia desktop replacements such as the HP Pavilion dv7-1025nr (and, of course, the Gateway P-7811FX). In all honesty, the difference will be hard to notice in casual Web surfing or office apps, but gaming performance is impressive. The twin GeForce 9800 graphics cards got us an amazing119.5 frames per second in Unreal Tournament 3 at the extremely high resolution of 1,920x1,200. The Gateway got about half that score (also, that's still nothing to sneer at).
With this much power under the hood, we weren't expecting much from the battery, and we were right. The Alienware Area-51 m17x ran for a mere 1 hour and 27 minutes on our video playback battery drain test. That's about average for a high-end desktop replacement, and explains why these systems spend most of their time plugged in.
Alienware includes an industry-standard one-year, parts-and-labor warranty with the system, which includes onsite service. Upgrading to a three-year plan will cost an extra $300, and Alienware includes its excellent binder that contains system and support info. Support is accessible through a 24-7 toll-free phone line, an online knowledge base, and driver downloads.
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1,920x1,200, 4X AA, 8X AF |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Find out more about how we test laptops.
System configurations:
Alienware Area-51 m17x
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1; 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000; 4096MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 512MB Nvidia GeForce 9800M GT (x2); 500GB Samsung 5,400rpm (x2)
Gateway P-7811FX
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit); 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400; 4096MB DDR3 SDRAM 667MHz; 512MB Nvidia GeFOrce 9800M GTS; 200GB Seagate 7,200rpm
HP Pavilion dv7-1025nr
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit); 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400; 4096MB DDR2 SDRAM 800MHz; 512MB Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT; 320GB Western Digital 5,400rpm
Toshiba Qosmio X305-Q701
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit); 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P7350; 4096MB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz; 512MB Nvidia GeForce 9700M GTS; 200GB Toshiba 7,200rpm
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 User Rating: 
10/10
very impressed
Pros: fast, beautiful graphics, neat accessories.
Cons: cost: $3,400
User Rating: 
5/10
selling custom laptops cases,we build real laptops.
Pros: TOO SLOW for us
Cons: TOO EXPENSIVE
User Rating: 10/10
I'll be happy with this computer for years
Pros: Fast, sturdy build, cool extras (lighting effects, camera, etc), a variety of ports, lots of customizable options (specifically power specifications), lots of build options, looks awesome
Cons: VERY heavy and thick for a laptop, huge AC/DC converter
The computer came well-packed with a full instruction book detailing all the features of the laptop. I had it up and running in no time. This computer is a replacement for my old Inspiron 9300, which was, at the time, the best laptop you could buy. But my M17x, without even getting all the top-of-the-line equipment, will certainly last me twice as long. The processor (an Intel Quad core 2.0 GHz) is 8 times faster, the graphics processor (just the single NVIDIA GeForce 9400M) is 4 times faster, the hard drive (500 GB) holds over 6 times as much data, and the memory (6 GB) is 6 times faster. There is no reason for me to assume that this computer won't keep up admirably with technology for another 10 years at least, and could last me for well upwards of 15 years.
The configuration I bought came out at around $3000 after tax and shipping costs. The full, no holds bared build costs upwards of $5000. This includes Intel's Extreme processor, the SLI duo video cards, and some other very pricey upgrades. Those, I've decided, are like putting cookies on a cake. Nice, but not so necessary. I am very satisfied with my configuration, and these claims of the M17x being overpriced are just pointing out the unrealistic. Few will really need all the extra overkill (this overkill which, buy the way, really does make the M17x one of the most powerful machines, in an efficient chassis, you can buy, if you have the bank)
The gaming experience, even without the optional SLI duo graphics card configuration, is fantastic. The computer can run Assassin's Creed with the most punishing video settings smoothly and beautifully. While there are some more advanced games out there, these settings on Assassin's Creed can be pretty taxing, and I'm impressed with the computer's ability to take it.
When not gaming, the computer is very quiet. The complaints I've read about excessive fan noise really only applies to the computer while gaming, which can get pretty loud. But that really just means that there is very little danger of any loss of performance due to overheating. The computer kept running efficiently through several hours of playing and only the back of the computer, where the "exhaust" vents are located, got warm. The bottom stayed impressively cool. This, like other things people don't consider, is something you're paying that extra amount for. Good design.
The variety of ports on the sides is impressive. My favorite is the HDMI port, which I've connected to a TV with no trouble at all. The computer recognized the extra display instantly and allowed me to choose if it is an extension of the desktop or if it should take the place of the laptop's screen (which looks fantastic anyway).
The Alienware Command Center, which features all of the Alienware-exclusive extras, is just fun. You can adjust the lighting effects (which backlights the keyboard, the speakers, etc) to hundreds of customizable configurations, program the webcam to automatically log you in by recognizing you face (which works very well), adjust power settings in tens of ways, and customize how the touchpad responds. You would expect some of these features to be gimicky, like I did, but I love all of them.
As far as portability is concerned, it isn't. This is really a desktop with the option of transporting it, which is exactly what I need, so the weight and size issue really doesn't concern me. Nor should it be an issue for buyers. If you need a more portable laptop, don't buy this one! It's not meant to travel the world. Plain and simple. Part of the weight and size come from the computer's sturdiness. The screen almost does not jiggle when the desk is shook and the whole computer seems as if it could take an artillery round, given the nice metal shell.
As a side note, I think that Alienware has made several improvements to the design since the M17x came out. The ports are better placed and the types make more sense and the keyboard doesn't do that bendy thing that early reviews remarked upon.
So there it is. There are more things that I would like to comment on but I'm out of space. Basically, the whole computer just makes sense for what I want/need. The ports make sense, it has more power than I might ever need, and It is just too cool to look at. I hope that people will read this review by someone who actually owns the M17x and decide that there is more to the machine than other shallow reviews would suggest. It is an awesome piece of technology and I'm happy to have it.
User Rating: 
1/10
Overpriced and still doesn't perform
Pros: Nice design and for the first 3 minutes has to be the fastest computer ever.
Cons: overpriced, overpriced, overpriced. (1GB RAM upgrade= $200 whereas less than $100 everywhere else) DONT BE FOOLED TO THINKING THAT BECAUSE THEY ARE EXPENSIVE THEY ARE THE BEST!! I GOT AN HP WITH BETTER SPECS FOR 5X LESS!!
User Rating: 1/10
Laptop failed and sent back twice to Alienware
Pros: Nice design
Cons: Overheats and shuts down constantly, I have to use cooling fans to keep it on.
Bad customer service from Alienware
The new model did not failed as before but after one month started to shut down for overheat from the processor, so I have always to carry my cooling fans with me. Not really portable anymore.
User Rating: 
4/10
Alienware customer service flops
Pros: online ordering was great,the whole process is cool and fun
Cons: Don't make any changes, or you will be in Alienware limbo
On the other hand, I am glad to inform you that your order is currently in Phase 5 (Assembly). Once an order enters Assembly, it usually takes around 5-7 business days for it to be finished and ready to be shipped." Ok so back on the phone I speak to Mike he tells me he sees the new GPU but not the HD he says he,ll handel it he assures me it wont be a problem. I say ok I will call tomarro to ck on it . and I get this email from Maria L "According to your account information, your order PO+++++ was shipped today, December 30.
Unfortunately, we have been informed by our Order Change Department that the changes you requested were rejected, and they were not able to process them due to the advanced stage in which the order was." I made the change on the 2nd working day of my order bieng placed they got the GPU but not the HD ? I call the change dept he says its up to customer service now. sorry for the trouble you'll need to pull the HD out and send it back then will send you another one . as buisnes ownwer I have never considered "REJECTING" my customers plans to spend more money with me . Sorry for length and I know this is more about the company then the laptop but when your spending over 3k you need the whole package unless there is a major shift in there customer service this will be a 1 time purchase if I even accept the package. I so wanted to be amazed by this product. when you pay a premium for a brand like Alienware its for the service and if they dont provide that there is no point. You can buy the same components without the name for much less .
User Rating: 
6/10
This is a good laptop, but there are better
Pros: carbine68 is right. Alienware is a great company for the image, but if you want performance, Clevo is the way to go. I picked up a NP9262 from www.factorgaming.com and couldn't be happier with it.
Cons: My friend has a m17x and it gets lower scores in 3DMark06 compared to my 9262, even though he paid more for his.
User Rating: 
9/10
m17x is the quick
Pros: any color lite keyboard, 1200p display, full upgradable and alienware sends you the do-it-yourself kit if you choose, fast with the duo core, never had a problem with any game, oh yeaa and best of all SLI
Cons: big, kinda heavy, had some keyboard lighting issues for a while, expensive, touch controls are kinda touchy
User Rating: 1/10
Alienware is not worth it.
Pros: decent laptop at best
Cons: severely overpriced
User Rating: 
7/10
Needs to update to Centrino 2
Pros: Smart Bay, backlit keyboard
Cons: Forced to get SLI
User Rating: 1/10
Cnet never heard of Clevo?
Pros: Nothing at all...
Cons: Alienware is overpriced for what you get.
User Rating: 7/10
NOT!! the best gaming laptop CLEVO is faster
Pros: Fast but not quite there check out my cons.
Cons: Although they claim to have the fastest, Alienware fails to let its customers know that they sometimes resale from a company called CLEVO. Check em out they have the fastest laptops and Sager Notebooks is there number 1 reseller.
User Rating: 1/10
Underpowerd and Overpriced
Pros: Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch.
Cons: Underpowerd and overpriced, the Gateway P-7811FX beats this thing on almost every level at only 1500 dollars for it, underpowered video card at the 2,000 dollar price level, small hard drive at the 2,000 dollar price level.... need I go on
User Rating: 9/10
Best Laptop I've owned yet
Pros: Extreme Proccessor, 4GB Memory, Blu-Ray, up to 1TB HDD space, dual graphics cards
Cons: Big and Bulky, $5500 for top end system, No Windows XP option
Of course most people know that Alienware's customer service is terrible but I ordered online and never had to deal with them.
I ordered:
X9000 2.8 Ghz Extreme Processor
4GB Memory
Lighted keyboard
Dual 512MB GO 8800M GTX video cards in SLI
Vista Ultimate
Internal TV Tuner W/Remote
Single 7,200rpm 320GB HDD
320BG 7,200rpm "smart Bay" HHD
Blu-Ray Player/Burner
1GB of "Turbo Memory"
a/b/g/n wireless
While no laptop can, at least not yet, beat a top end desktop this one comes very close. I use it for 12-14 hours every day and have not seen so much as a flicker or jump in any program. It is cooler and quieter than it's m7700 cousin and with the vents on the back instead of the bottom stays much cooler whn used on a lap.
It is a big laptop to sat the least, I had to order a new carrying bag just for it because it is thicker and of course larger than most other laptops out there. It is quieter and cooler than it's closest competitor the Sager 9262 which I also own but no longer use. The Sager was $450 less than the AW but has a slower processor and no Blu-ray drives. Aslo no Smart bay option.
Styling: There is no competition, the sleek black case and customizable lighting ont he alienware put it above any other laptop I have seen or used. If you want to make a statement it is definitely a top pick. Incidentally I use this laptop in my office as well, you can disable the lighting and it looks like a sleek business notebook instead of a top end gaming machine. AW got the new styling just right for both office laptops and Gamers.
Bottom Line, If you have $5500 and are looking for the best overall desktop replacement notebook out there right now you will not be disappointed witht he Alienware area 51m 17x.
User Rating: 9/10
Fast, Sleek, and Powerful.
Pros: Fast, Excellent design, Solid construction, Powerful, Awesome performance
Cons: Price, Too large for some computer bags.
It IS an Alienware, so of course it is cutting-edge. The dual graphics cards perform flawlessly, the RAID 0 drive configuration I have on mine is fantastic, and the upgrade to the 2.4ghz processor was definitely worth it. I only have 2GB of ram, and it runs Vista Premium without a hitch. I also got the Lightscribe CD drive on mine- for only 35 bucks, it is well worth the money. Lazer-etching your labels into discs; I love it! The AlienFX lighting system is very sophisticated, I would reccomend that as well.
I have seen Alienware get some bad customer-service reviews in the past, and I didn't see what the problem was. They were very helpful when I made my order over the phone, to be sure that I got my student discount. After I got the computer, there was a problem with a driver for the Lightscribe software. Customer Support took remote control of my computer and I sat back and watched while they fixed everything for me! I am very impressed, and will definitely be coming back for my next notebook. Congrats, Alienware. You've done it again!
