Alienware M17x Laptop Review

Intel Core i7-920XM processor has a frequency speed of 2GHz which if needed can be pushed up to a single-core frequency of 3.2GHz. The real power of this processor is shown when playing games, great considering Alienware are completely aimed at being the best in gaming machines. Quake Wars runs impressively fast on the M17x even at high settings earning round about 85 frames per second.

The mobile Core i7 is similar to the desktop version in numerous ways meaning that Core i7 Mobile-based notebooks will see a number of the same benefits that Core i7 desktops already have, such as integrating the memory controller into the processor die, using a three-level cache hierarchy and taking advantage of Intel Turbo Boost Technology. To put it simply the Core i7 is the latest, greatest and fastest in Intel processor technology.

Alienware M17x: A Monstrous Machine

It doesn’t just stop there, the Dell Alienware M17x now ships with CrossFire™ Dual 1GB ATI® Mobility Radeon™ HD 4870 and best of all its included in the price. However, if you do decide to downgrade to the Single 1GB ATI® Mobility Radeon™ HD 5870 you will be saving £345.

However, considering the Dual 4870 performs very closely to the single 5870 for the money conscious user a downgrade maybe in order. However, the memory, obviously doubled in the dual 4870 and the 5870, is only an issue when running really high resolution. Nonetheless, this problem is uncommon in laptops unless running dual screens If you don’t wish to downgrade that drastically there is the option to downgrade from the CrossFire™ Dual 1GB ATI® Mobility Radeon™ HD 5870 to the Dual 1GB ATI® RADEON™ HD 4870 Graphics Card saving £155. The CrossFire option simply allows multiple graphics cards to be used in a single computer and thus improving graphics performance but the single Dual 1GB ATI Radeon HD 5870 will be more than enough and is able to play just about all of the latest games.

Alienware M17x: Great Graphics

Another great thing about this monster machine is its design. It is certainly a step in the right direction beyond the Alienware M15x, the creaky box that felt it was held together with duct tape. The solid chassis contrasts starkly with the creaky shortcut buttons above the Dell Alienware M17x’s keyboard. Even though they did launch a variety of applications yet it still required a rather hard push for anything to occur. The Alienware also comes with an LED keyboard and touchpad, whilst Alienware’s software will allow you to customize all the lights and make the thing look like a decoration for Chinese New Year yet neither of them feel that appealing, especially considering both will be under heavy usage whilst playing games. The buttons are too big and even though good for word documents or other such activities it isn’t all to helpful when playing games and wanting to quickly jump from one button to the other without having to worry about pressing the wrong button, a matter that could be a matter of life or death. The touchpad too has some serious faults. Its series of rubber grips catch the finger and complicate even simple movements.

Alienware M17x: The Christmas Lights effect

Just like any other desktop replacement the Dell Alienware M17x uses its gigantic size, weighing in at 5.5kg and measuring at 40x32x4.5cm, to accommodate an entire plethora of ports. The Dell Alienware M17x comes with a FireWire port, four USB ports, an eSATA/USB combo port, an ExpressCard slot, an eight-in-one Media Card reader, HDMI and VGA video output ports along with a set of audio-out jacks for external surround sound indicating that you won’t be tempted to stick with the two built-in speakers. However, you may be to out of pocket to be able to pay the electric bill let alone any form of external speakers.

However, in the short term the set of internal speakers provide decent sound, good mids, nothing too tinny but nothing that’s ear-pleasuring either.

Not that you would ever lug this monster 5.5kg laptop around but if you had it unplugged from the mains it would last nearly three hours, considering the hardware its powering it’s quite impressive.

The Alienware comes with the options to customise the lighting effects, as already mentioned, but it also comes with Aliensense this facial recognition software identifies numerous distinguishing features, utilising the M17x’s webcam to read and verify biometric measurements that cannot be faked or stolen like a typed password.

Quite simply this laptop is more than a desktop replacement. Its price may set you back a few buck if you go all out but you will certainly not be let done the internals are more than adequate and will satisfy even the keenest of gamers. Even though all of the latest add ons and modifications will cost you a little less than £4,000 there are numerous downgrades which can save a whole load of cash such as downgrading from 8GB to 6GB, saving £120, or even down to 4GB saving a huge £300.

If it wasn’t so expensive the Dell Alienware M17x would have received the highest rating yet, a 9.5. However, considering the spec and the price the Alienware is given a respectable 9.0 out of 10.