Alienware M14x, Haswell

Specifications

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Reviews for the Alienware M14x, Haswell

70% Alienware 14 Review
Source: Laptop Mag Archive.org version
With its powerful Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, combination mSATA SSD and HDD setup, and Nvidia GTX 765M GPU, the Alienware 14 is a powerful gaming notebook packed into a transportable package. This laptop's gaming performance is nothing short of impressive, and its design is otherworldly.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/10/2013
Rating: Total score: 70%

Foreign Reviews

Alienware 14
Source: HardwareLuxx DE→EN Archive.org version
Positive: good first impression; extraordinary performance
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/11/2013

Comment

Series:

With all the hype for ultrabooks and tablets, many have forgotten the true meaning of performance/gaming laptops. At least there is one brand that still thinks of those gamers who depend on their laptop for gaming. Alienware is currently the only laptop brand that focuses only on gaming laptops and PCs.

The iteration remains the same as the previous ones. With the M11x gone, the M14x is supposed to be their most portable laptop but this year’s Ivy Bridge-wielding Alienware M14x has an unchanged exterior from the last batch. Nothing much was done in terms of weight and chunkiness too. It is still on the heavy side and has a chassis that resembles an industrial grade laptop.

We still love that aggressive design and sleek lines that warns people about its seriousness. The rubber finish feels nice to touch and gives the laptop a surface a firm grip. Keyboard and trackpad are both of a decent size and perfect for gaming. The light around the laptop is customisable including the section underneath the keyboard and surrounding the trackpad.

Obviously by being an Alienware, it won’t be short of any hardware. One of the advantages of getting an Alienware is the wide range of customizable hardware it offers. However, even the minimum specs will blow any other 14 inch laptops out of its way.

Another plus side is the screen quality. It’s no retina display but manages to impress our eyes with the crisp details and high resolution. However, the very glossy glass panel is a letdown. Using it outdoors is next to impossible but considering its weight, it isn’t really appropriate for carrying around anyways. We definitely can’t say that the M14x is a bargain or value buy. It is pricey but premium. 

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 765M:

High-End Graphics cards as part of the Geforce 700M series based on the Kepler architecture.

Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.

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

Intel Core i7: The Intel Core i7 for laptops is based on the LG1156 Core i5/i7 CPU for desktops. The base clock speed of the CPUs is relatively low, but because of a huge Turbo mode, the cores can dynamically overclock to up to 3.2 GHz (920XM). Therefore, the CPU can be as fast as high clocked dual-core CPUs (using single threaded applications) but still offer the advantage of 4 cores. Because of the large TDP of 45 W / 55 W, the CPU is only intended for large laptops.  

4900MQ: Haswell-based quad-core processor clocked at 2.8 GHz with Turbo Boost support up to 3.8 GHz. Offers an integrated HD Graphics 4600 GPU and a dual channel DDR3 memory controller.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.

14.00":

There are hardly any tablets in this display size range anymore. For subnotebooks, on the other hand, it is the standard format.

The advantage of subnotebooks is that the entire laptop can be small and therefore easily portable. The smaller display also has the advantage of requiring less power, which further improves battery life and thus mobility. The disadvantage is that reading texts is more strenuous on the eyes. High resolutions are more likely to be found in standard laptops.

2.8 kg:

With this weight, a laptop is rather heavier than average. Devices in this range shine more with screen size and performance than with mobility.

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.

70%: This rating is poor. More than three quarters of the models are rated better. That is rather not a purchase recommendation. Even if verbal ratings in this area do not sound that bad ("sufficient" or "satisfactory"), they are usually euphemisms that disguise a classification as a below-average laptop.

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

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