"First time buyer and will buy again. Great company to work with. Was updated every step of the way. The computer itself is a work of art on the inside. I have always built my own systems, but with the way technology advances I realized I was behind and didn't want to invest the time to research every aspect of building one.
Alienware came through. Quick and easy ordering and once computer arrived was up and running in minutes. Great system!!"
"Do yourself a favor and stay away from this company...pay the extra and go to the 'other' company.
I work for Dept. of Defense and Discovery channel so the box purchased due to the reviews I read on AW. I needed something dependable and high end for some large data processing. Original purchase was over $2800. I guess if the machine worked I would be ok but it didn't. Plus the issues showed NO pre-shipping testing was done. First boot up, video card failed. Called to get "at home" support and was instructed to open box. Thats when I found the sound card 'lock' tab was broken off and lying on bottom of box. Was told it had to happen in shipping. Explain that one to me please. At that point I requested to execute my "In Home" repair as I also (call me dumb) payed extra fee for 3 year warranty...boy am I dumb. Was told that "In home" service applied to different situations. When I asked the question (I know I am looking real stupid now) I was told that only pertained to specific fixes. So I asked what exactly qualified...got no reply other than my situation did not apply. Requested a manager and was told the same. Was instructed to send back machine and they would send me a FedEx label I could print. I explained that I had no access as the computer I bought was my only 'running' machine. They told me FedEx would come by w/ pre-printed label. FedEx arrived and stated clearly that their instructions where customer would supply. At this point I called concerned about my 30 day return policy was going to expire. I was instructed that I would get a extended date. Well they lied. My computer is who knows where right now. They are stating that I am not able to return unless I get charged a "restocking fee". This all started July 14th and now its Sept. 10 2008...no machine and a $2800 charge on my credit card. Right now I am working thru AmerEx. to see if they can recover any of it. Also turned in a report to FTC...but I am seeing the print on the wall: I am hosed.
Conclusion: In todays computer market customer service is the deciding factor as there are many companies out there making the same thing for about the same price. AW customer service is terrible and once they have your $ you are not much of a concern to them. As noted, I am no working w/ my CCard company to get a full return as AW will not due to their statement that I missed the 30 day return policy. My only hope is my CCard company...thank you Visa? One last note: if you do decide to go w/ AW make sure your Credit card company will back your full money return on situations like mine. Not all do and some requires a extra fee to support.
Bottom line, if you purchase after reading this you have no reason to complain: you have been warned. Also, if you see my box on the "resale" list might want to not purchase: black AREA-51 7500-R5 but again, if you do go for the "deal of deals" realize a. it is junk. b. you end up w/ a high-tech paper weight...which it does make a very nice one if you don't mind the footprint (HUGE)."
"I ordered the Area-51 m9750 because it had been out for long enough for Alienware to have worked out all the kinks in the system, and they SUCCEEDED!! I also chose this laptop because I didn't want to deal with Dual Video Card problems, and it offered RAID, so it seemed perfect. This suprisingly beautiful laptop shipped earlier than expected, was packaged well, came exactly as ordered and I haven't had a single problem (software or hardware)!! This is my second purchase from them and I was equally extremely satisfied with my previous purchase also. The reviews are true that Alienware doesn't cut corners!!"
"I've always been hesitant to order an Alienware laptop simply because of the price. However, I recently took the plunge and could not be happier. Everything from the personalized features to the included extras to the expertly packaged computer just exudes a professional touch. There's a saying that I live by, and it's "You get what you pay for." This couldn't be more true when it comes to Alienware. In fact, I will only ever purchase Alienware laptops from now on. I highly recommend them!"
"I love this company!!! They make buying a computer so easy,from the frendly sales staff,to the easy order process. This is the second computer I have bought from Alienware and will only buy from Alienware. I have come out of the stone age into the future!!!! You can trust Alienware to make your coumputer buying fun and easy."
"I highly recommend Alienware to anyone that is tired of shopping for a computer that is good but doesn't have everything you are looking for. Alienware allows you to customize you order so you get exactly what you are looking for. They kept me highly informed aas they were constructing my computer and it was shipped to me within days after its completion. So if you were like me and tired of waiting to talk to someone at a megastore that doesn't really know about the product they were selling and you're looking to get exactly what you are looking for without all the extra junk you never use, then Alienware is the way to go."
"My Alienware M17X laptop has already far exceded my expectations as well did thier customer service before and after my purchase. I asked numerous questions through email and their online chat and recieved all the answers promptly and accurately. They did not try to "sell" me anything just gave me the information I wanted and let me make my own decisions. I have already reccomended Alienware to a few people and will continue to do so."
"Excellent updates on the build process and shipping information. System arrived on time with good packaging."
"I love this computer but here is my review:
Alienware Area-51 m15x.
Positive:
+Easy customization.
+Simple process order.
+Good presentation (Alienware Extras)
+High Performance, fastest computer
+switch from dedicated to integrated graphics possible
+Good batery life
Negative:
-touch pad hard to use
-wobbling and squeaking display hinges
-external volume control (imposible to manage)
+++On my Alienware I run Crysys with all video settings in high mode, and I run Unreal Tournament with all settings in high mode.
*Here is my hardware configuration
Design & Display: Silver Skullcap Design
Display: 15.4" WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD (1200p)
System Lighting: Alienware® AlienFX® System Lighting - Blue
Video/Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® Series - 512MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800M GTX
Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz (6MB Cache 800MHz FSB)
Windows Vista® Ultimate with Service Pack 1
Notebook Tuners and Remotes: Without Media Center Remote Control or TV Tuner
Memory: 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz – 2 x 2048MB
Turbo Cache Memory: Intel® Turbo Memory (1GB) –
System Drive: 160GB 7,200RPM (8MB Cache) w/ Free Fall Protection
Optical Drives : 8x Dual Layer Burner (DVD±RW, CD-RW)
Wireless: Internal Intel® Wireless 4965 a/b/g/Draft-N Mini-Card
Sound Card : Internal High-Definition Audio with surround sound
Keyboard Options: AlienFX® Illuminated Keyboard – Exclusive Design "
"Excellant service on my order. It was fast and I was informed every step of the way. Highly recommended."
"The m15x laptop I ordered is great. It does everything that I wanted it to do from play games at top speeds to moving it around my house with ease to even doing schoolwork. I'm satisfied with my purchase and would certainly buy another Alienware. The style of the computers with the lights and custom designs is rare and very interesting. I recommend this computer if you can pay the hefty price."
"The Alienware M17X is one awesome laptop. I ordered mine equipped with:
Video/Graphics Card: Dual 512MB NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 8800M GTX – SLI Enabled
Display: 17" WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD with Clearview Technology – Black
AlienFX® Illuminated Keyboard
Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme X9000 2.8GHz (6MB Cache 800MHz FSB)
Memory: 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz – 2 x 2048MB
Operating System: Windows Vista® Ultimate with Service Pack 1
Notebook Tuners and Remotes: Internal Digital/Analog (ATSC) MiniCard TV Tuner with Express Card Media Center Remote Control
System Drive: Single Drive Configuration - 320GB 7,200RPM (16MB Cache)
Smart Bay: 120GB 7,200RPM (8MB Cache) Smart Bay
Optical Drives : 8x Dual Layer Burner (DVD±RW, CD-RW) w/ LightScribe Technology - View Demo
Turbo Cache Memory: Intel® Turbo Memory (1GB)Wireless: Internal Intel® Wireless 4965 a/b/g/Draft-N Mini-Card
Sound Card : External Creative X-Fi Xtreme Audio Card
Campus Essentials: Mobility Bundle:
Alienware® Orion Backpack and 160GB USB 2.0 Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini Portable Hard Drive
So far, it's a blast!! Plays Bioshock + Crysis max graphics smoothly. It's very well worth it. Also, the AlienFX console for power + lighting settings is very good, no complaints there! Battery is good for what it powers. It looks great too.
The only cons are that it runs hotter than most but thats to be explected with sli. Also its a bit heavy, more of a portable desktop than a laptop.
Overall, i love it!"
"I would recommend this company to everyone. The computer I got from them came on time and the packaging was perfect. No complaints so far and I've had the computer for a little over a month."
"I really really like the computer i ordered. I ordered at the perfect time as well, free shipping & the model was on-sale.
I'm a gamer, so i wanted a "gaming" computer. Look no further because this machine has to be my all time favorite. Run beautifully, it quiet, and damn it looks good in the game room :)
I've had zero issues thus far. And looking forward towards my next purchase from them.
Good job Alienware! keep it up!"
"Excellent buying experience. Fast shipping, well built machine with excellent performance and quality. Complete satisfaction with alienware and highly reccomended."