ALIENWARE M17X REVIEW

Alienware claims that its m17x is the fastest gaming notebook on the market. This monster is built mostly of aluminum and comes with a customizable lighting system.

Specifications of the laptop under review
Display: 17-inch WUXGA (1920x1200) edge-to-edge display
Operating system: Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
Processor: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9300 (2.53GHz/12MB/1066MHz) quad-core processor (overclockable)
Graphics: Dual Nvidia GeForce GTX 280M 1GB graphics cards in SLI/integrated Nvidia GeForce 9400M 256MB graphics card
Memory: 8GB DDR3-1333 RAM (2x 4GB)
Storage: 1TB RAID 0 (500GB 7200RPM x2) hard drive array
The base configuration can be bought for a modest $1,799. A fully decked up machine, on the other hand, will cost a lofty $4,649.

Build and Design
The Alienware M17x has a ‘stealth’ design. In looks and feel this machine is quite unique. It is constructed of high-quality aluminum so build quality is good. The M17x is available in 3 colors – Black, silver and red. While the aluminum offers good build quality, it isn’t without its share of disadvantages. All the metal used in the construction adds up to over 13 pounds. The m17x is actually one of the heaviest notebooks in the market.

A distinct feature of this notebook is its fully customizable LED lighting system called AlienFX which allows users to create lighting themes to suit every occasion. Another design element that needs to be mentioned is the screw-less design of this notebook – there are no visible screws on M17x.

Screen and Speakers
The edge to edge display is covered by a large piece of glass. The M17x is available in two resolutions - WXGA+ (1440x900) and WUXGA (1920x1200). The display has an aspect ratio of 16: 10.

The display is OK. It has dual lighting lamps, but it isn’t particularly bright or vivid. Horizontal viewing angles are good; vertical viewing angles are average. The backlighting isn’t very even because some areas appear brighter than others.
There are two full-range speakers beneath the palm rest. The speakers produce very good quality audio. The m17x comes with several audio output options including two headphone jacks, HDMI, and surround sound out.

Keyboard and Touchpad
The backlit keyboard is full-sized. It comes with a dedicated number pad. The keyboard is comfortable to use. The touchpad has a textured matte finish. It can be used with both dry and damp fingers. The touchpad is automatically switched off when you plug in an external mouse.

Ports and Features
There are two video output options. With HDMI you can connect to external HDTVs and with Display Port you can connect to monitors that support that feature.

Other features include VGA, Ethernet, 4x USB, e-SATA, IEEE 1394 mini Firewire, ExpressCard/54 slot, memory card reader, slot-loading Blu-ray drive, headphone, surround sound center speakers, surround sound rear speakers and microphone.
M17x runs on the Windows Vista 64-bit operating system. Alienware also offers free Windows 7 upgrade coupons.

Heat and Noise
A good cooling system is extremely essential for a gaming notebook. Alienware has done a good job in this regard. The heat and noise levels remain well within normal limits.

Battery
The M17x has a Stealth Mode feature which turns off the high performance GTX 280M GPU and turns on the integrated GeForce 9400M graphics card. At a little above 2 hours, the battery life is good for a gaming notebook of this size and capacity.

Conclusion
The M17x is an extremely good gaming notebook. It has a cool lighting system which enhances the gaming flavor of this notebook. Performance is good. The only downside of this notebook is its display which is subpar.

Pros:
Good build quality and design
Snappy gaming performance
Customizable AlienFX lighting system
Good cooling system

Cons:
Not-so-great screen
Pricey