Alienware Aurora m9700

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Reviews for the Alienware Aurora m9700

Alienware Aurora m9700 17-inch Notebook
Source: The Tech Lounge Archive.org version
The aesthetics and engineering quality of this piercing blue laptop precede any perceivable faults. It's heavy, but in a strong way. The display moves with resistance, but a smooth and calm kind of force. The keyboard feels right. This is the best-made laptop I have ever used. With the beautiful, thick, enamel-like paint job on it, no matter where it is, people will stop to talk to you about it. My criticisms washed away upon the realization that this pretty machine isn't a laptop at all. It doesn't belong on the road. Hell, it barely fits into a laptop bag--I had to pull pretty hard to get the zipper of my messenger bag all the way around it--and it's too heavy to sling over-shoulder for long. This portable desktop may be limited by its form-factor, performance-wise, but it makes up for it with usability, good looks, and top tier construction. It's an archetypal desktop replacement. And you know what else? It's not unaffordable.
Preis/Leistung gut, Leistung gut, Mobilität mangelhaft
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/25/2007
Rating: price: 80% performance: 80% mobility: 50%

90% Alienware Aurora m9700 Review
Source: Laptop Logic Archive.org version
In closing, I say that if you can afford this kind of a machine, go for it. There may not be a whole lot of you out there, but if this includes you, listen up. It’ll cost you an arm and a leg, but to have a mobile gaming machine that’ll give you an outstanding gaming experience time and again, I doubt you’ll be disappointed with the Alienware Aurora m9700.
ausführlicher Test mit Geräteaufbau und Testwerten und Bildern; online abrufbar

(von 5): 4.5, Leistung 5, Ausstattung 5, Mobilität 3, Display gut, Preis/Leistung schlecht
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/05/2007
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 40% performance: 100% features: 100% display: 80% mobility: 60%

Alienware M9700 Review
Source: Notebookreview.com Archive.org version
The Alienware M9700 is a full featured, high performance gaming notebook. It has handled every program I have thrown at it with ease, with only one GPU enabled mind you (Windows Vista does not support SLI graphics yet, a driver will be along shortly). Alienware showed us once again how a gaming notebook should be built through their design and performance. I am going to be a freshman in college come fall, and the 9700 just really seemed like a good choice for me. I have always wanted an Alienware, and the 9700 has not disappointed.
umfangreicher Erfahrungsbericht eines Benutzers; online abrufbar

Preis/Leistung schlecht, Leistung zufriedenstellend, Display sehr gut, Mobilität mangelhaft
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/30/2007
Rating: price: 40% performance: 70% display: 90% mobility: 50%

70% Alienware Aurora m9700
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
Aside from Yoda in Star Wars, you rarely see green aliens in science-fiction movies anymore—these days, the color is more often applied to machines. Enter the latest Alienware gaming laptop, the Aurora m9700 ($3,934 direct), and its fresh coat of metallic cyborg-green paint. The gaming rig will likely attract tons of attention, or at least turn everyone around you, uh, "green" with envy. And if that's not enough, its SLI nVidia graphics will tear apart all the latest 3D games. This cyborg-green gaming laptop is a must-have for its SLI nVidia graphics. It tops the Dell XPS M1710 (Core 2 Duo) in game play, but its single-core processor may hamper its overall performance.
ausführlicher Test mit Geräteaufbau und Testwerten und Bildern; online abrufbar

3.5 von 5, Leistung gut
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/07/2006
Rating: Total score: 70% performance: 80%

80% With two graphics cards, loads of A/V connections, and a built-in TV tuner, the Alienware Aurora m9700 is made to entertain.
Source: Laptop Mag Archive.org version
Alienware doubles down on the critical components and stocks up on features to deliver excellent gaming performance and superior multimedia functionality with the Aurora m9700, the first 17-inch laptop to simultaneously run two graphics processing units. The Cyborg Green m9700 overshoots Alienware's extraterrestrial design aspirations and lands in Kermit the Frog territory; we prefer the subtler Saucer Silver and Conspiracy Blue models. That said, the glowing alien-head ornament and rubber-grip embellishments are eye-catching, and the sturdy hinges and scratch-resistant case are built to last. Measuring 15.7 x 11.8 x 1.9 inches and weighing 9.5 pounds, the m9700 is too heavy for regular travel, though it's certainly compact enough for LAN parties and occasional trips.
eher kurz gehaltener Test; online abrufbar

4 von 5, Leistung gut
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/05/2006
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 80%

Alienware's Aurora m9700 SLI Notebook Rocks
Source: Mobility Guru Archive.org version
Alienware definitely knows how to make high powered graphics oriented notebooks. The SLI based Aurora m9700 did very well on our performance tests. On 3DMark05 it turned in scores as high as 10,000 3DMarks at 1024x768 and 8,400 3DMarks at 1600x1200. It also did well on our gaming tests and its hardware scored impressively on PCMark05. Though the m9700's display wasn't the best we've tested, it delivered good brightness and very good contrast. Add to this the notebook's cool Alienware styling and you've at least got to consider buying one if you need a solidly performing mobile gaming or graphics computer. It's not easy to compare the performance of graphically oriented notebook computers, because it's usually impossible to hold the components in each constant.
ausführlicher Test mit Geräteaufbau und Testwerten und Bildern; online abrufbar

Leistung sehr gut
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/10/2006
performance: 95%

Alienware Aurora m9700 Notebook with SLI and RAID
Source: PC Perspective Archive.org version
Alienware made a big splash in the headlines not long ago with their announcement of the world's first gaming laptop to support TWO GPUs. But that alone was not enough for Alienware, no sir! They also included RAID for increased performance and security. If there ever was a laptop to truly replace a desktop machine, the Aurora m9700 was the one to accomplish that. As you can exprect, the m9700 isn’t cheap, but there are a lot of features and perks that come with owning an Alienware system.
sehr umfangreicher und voll ausgestatteter Testbericht mit vielen Seiten

Leistung extrem schnell, Ausstattung umfangreich
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/19/2006
Rating: performance: 100% features: 90%

80% Alienware aurora m9700 laptop - EUROPE EXCLUSIVE Review
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
In our tests the m9700 performed very well and certainly held its own when it came to playing games. The combined 1GB cards certainly made the difference and our tests with one of the most demanding games on the market didn't seem to give it any problems what so ever. While the Alienware Aurora m9700 professes to be a desktop replacement and in size it is, we were pleasantly surprised that it didn't weight as much as a desktop machine -it's still 3.9Kg, but that's not bad for a 17-inch monster. If you are looking for a desktop replacement to go to the next LAN party with this could just be the solution, and better still it won't break the bank.
eher kurz gehaltener Test; online abrufbar

8 von 10
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/21/2006
Rating: Total score: 80%

Alienware Aurora m9700
Source: Bios Magazine Archive.org version
The Aurora m9700 (from £1198) is the first 17-inch (19-inch model also available) dual graphics card laptop from Alienware, giving you up to a 100 per cent increase in graphics performance over single graphics card systems. Want even more? How does 1GB of graphics memory sound? That’s enough power to pump out games at the highest resolutions without butchering your frame rate, and mobile enough to pick up and move closer to your next victim. And at just 3.90kg (398x299x470mm), it won’t break your back if you intend to use it frequently on the move. Alienware's new system unleashes a new level of graphics performance for mobile gamers, video production companies and university engineering departments seeking top-of-the-line performance, crystal-clear display, and an excellent range of connectivity options.
eher kurz gehaltener Test; online abrufbar

Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/13/2006

90% Alienware Aurora m9700
Source: Laptop Mag Archive.org version
The Aurora m9700 is for those who aren't independently wealthy yet who crave SLI-graphics and winning performance.Alienware takes the crown for packing SLI graphics into a 17-inch, sub ten-pound notebook; the Aurora is certainly more portable than Vigor and Voodoo’s giants and more powerful and affordable than the Dell XPS M1710. With SLI starting at $2,396, this should be the first choice for all but the wealthiest gamer.
eher kurz gehaltener Test; online abrufbar

4.5 von 5
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/28/2006
Rating: Total score: 90%

Alienware Aurora m9700 SLI laptop review
Source: Techspot Archive.org version
Rather, Alienware has fully engineered a masterpiece with the Aurora m9700. The cooling design is incredibly impressive, as the Aurora m9700 houses some serious plumbing. The biggest issue I find with gaming laptops is not the size, weight or performance, rather it is the heat which they generate. Overall, the Aurora m9700 really is the ultimate gaming notebook, with so many excellent features to speak of, it’s hard to name them all. The physical feel and look of this notebook is first class and even the most ham-fisted gamer will look like a pro when gaming with the Aurora m9700. Although it is not the cheapest gaming alternative, the Aurora m9700 is priced rather competitively. Given the fact that a similar powered desktop system would cost at least $2000, many will justify spending around $3000 on such an impressive gaming notebook.
sehr umfangreicher und voll ausgestatteter Testbericht mit vielen Seiten

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/10/2006

79% Alienware Aurora m9700
Source: CNet Archive.org version
With its acquisition of Alienware earlier this year, we've been wondering how Dell was going to keep its high-end XPS line separate and distinct from Alienware's luxurious offerings. The Aurora m9700 certainly makes a bold statement for the Alienware brand, serving up components not offered on its Dell counterpart, the XPS M1710, including an AMD processor, dual-SLI graphics, dual hard drives, and an integrated TV tuner. Like the M1710, the Alienware Aurora m9700 features a 17-inch wide-screen display and a black-and-glossy-silver exterior. Admittedly, we had high hopes for this $3,881 laptop, which is the first 17-inch SLI laptop we've reviewed; the only other SLI laptop to have graced CNET Labs to date, the 19-inch Eurocom M590K Emperor, owns claim to the fastest frame rates we've seen on our 3D gaming benchmarks.
ausführlicher Test mit Geräteaufbau und Testwerten und Bildern; online abrufbar

7.9 von 10
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/29/2006
Rating: Total score: 79%

Alienware Aurora m9700
Source: Hot Hardware Archive.org version
Overall, it is hard to be anything but impressed by Alienware's latest gaming notebook. The Aurora m9700 is the world's first 17" SLI capable notebook and offers an unprecedented level of performance. Until Intel's Conroe comes out, AMD is the gaming platform of choice and Alienware has done well to select the components it did for this gaming notebook. The Turion64 ML-44 processor is a potent CPU which runs cool and has some excellent power management features. Pairing this CPU to the proven NVIDIA nForce4 SLI chipset results in a stable and powerful foundation. Adding two GeForce Go 7900 GPU's to the mix is the critical ingredient to have an exceptional gaming notebook.
sehr umfangreicher und voll ausgestatteter Testbericht mit vielen Seiten

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/01/2006

Alienware: Does Mobile Workstations Coolly
Source: Mobility Guru Archive.org version
Things are getting pretty exciting at MobilityGuru these days. My rant asking if gaming notebook vendors were afraid of the site brought some positive responses from hot players in the field. It also elicited lots of suggestions from you guys. Between the responses and your input, things are moving quickly on the gaming notebook front. In fact, I'm discovering that many so called "gaming notebooks" have blossomed out into a new breed of very high powered mobile workstations that offer endless opportunities for graphically oriented users.
ausführlicher Test mit Geräteaufbau und Testwerten und Bildern; online abrufbar

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/12/2006

Foreign Reviews

89% Edel-Notebooks
Source: PC Professionell DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/05/2007
Rating: Total score: 89% performance: 100% features: 78% ergonomy: 89%

90% Die ultimative Zocker-Maschine
Source: Notebookjournal DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/31/2006
Rating: Total score: 90% performance: 55% features: 90% display: 50% mobility: 10%

84% Test Alienware Aurora m9700 Notebook
Source: Notebookcheck DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 12/06/2006
Rating: Total score: 84% performance: 92% display: 81% mobility: 46% workmanship: 80% ergonomy: 78% emissions: 65%

69% Alienware Aurora m9700 17-Zoll SLI-Notebook
Source: Hartware DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/15/2006
Rating: Total score: 69% price: 30% performance: 100% features: 80% mobility: 40%

Ganz etwas Großes
Source: Notebook / Organizer / Handy DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 11/15/2006
Rating: performance: 90% display: 90%

Schnelles Spielmobil
Source: PC Praxis DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 09/15/2006

95% Außerirdischer Kraftprotz
Source: PC Professionell DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 09/13/2006
Rating: Total score: 95% performance: 95% features: 95%

Alienware Aurora m9700
Source: c't DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/05/2006
Rating: performance: 75% display: 40%

Comment

NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900 GS: This is the smaller version of the 7900 GTX with less shader- and vertex-pipelines and less current consumption. Nevertheless it is not apt for small notebooks. The performance is near to the 7800 GTX, but needs clearly less energy. It was used in 17" notebooks, because of heat issues.

Non demanding games should be playable with these graphics cards.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.

AMD Turion 64: This is a derivative of the Athlon 64 with SSE3 with nx storage protection, 32 and 64 bit support, integrated memory controller for PC3200 memory, mode for low capacity, HT800 and 2 variants ML with 35 Watt and MB with 25 Watt consumption. Regarding the consumption MT might be very similar to a Pentium M. The speed is moderate and approximately as fast as an Pentium M with equivalent clock speed.

ML-44: » Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.

17.10": This display size is a standard format for desktop replacements (DTR). The DTR laptops are heavier to carry, need more power, but texts are easy to read and high resolutions are no problem. DTR are mainly intended for stationary desk use, where weight and energy hunger don't matter. In return, you enjoy the advantages of high resolutions (more details, better legibility).» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.

3.9 kg:

Only a few laptops are in this weight class because the mobility is rather limited due to the high weight. 

Alienware: Alienware was founded in the USA in 1996. The European headquarters is located in Ireland. Alienware has been part of the Dell Group since 2006. The product range mainly focuses on gaming laptops and desktops, which are developed and manufactured by Dell. The trademark is a slightly futuristic design with an Alien as the logo. Additionally, workstations for private and business customers are sold.

As with every brand, there are also some points of criticism with Alienware. Some customers have complained about the high prices of the products, while others have criticized the quality of customer services. There have also been some reports of problems with the reliability and durability of some Alienware products. However, many customers have also had positive experiences with the brand and appreciate the powerful gaming computers.

83.27%: This rating is slightly above average, there are somewhat more devices with worse ratings. However, clear purchase recommendations look different.

» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.