Alienware M14x R2
Specifications
Pricecompare
Average of 11 scores (from 13 reviews)
Reviews for the Alienware M14x R2
Noisy and Fast. Classic gaming laptops too boring for you? The Alienware M14x could be an interesting alternative then: With current hardware from Intel and Nvidia, packaged in a unique case design, Alienware tries to woo customers. Is this enough to justify price and emissions?
Source: Comp Reviews Archive.org version
Alienware's 14-inch gaming laptop is in need a redesign. While it still features things like the customizable lighting and is more compact that many other gaming laptops, it still is quite heavy. The biggest problem it though has to be the lower resolution displays. Most game laptops strive for 1080p panels but here you either are at 720 or 900 vertical lines.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/02/2013
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Computer Shopper Archive.org version
There's certainly a lot to like about the Alienware M14x R2 in terms of portability, its productivity performance, and the build quality. It also has a great keyboard for a gaming rig, and it starts out at a modest $1,099, so you can nab the Alienware imprimatur, if that's all you want, without spending a mint. That being said, its gaming performance is limited by its sole-option Nvidia GeForce GT 650M graphics (albeit in either 1GB or 2GB choices).
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/23/2012
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Laptop Mag Archive.org version
An ideal compromise between power and portability, the $1,604 Alienware M14x R2 makes high-quality fragging on the go a very real possibility. Gamers with smaller wallets but stronger backs might want to check out the larger MSI GT60, which costs $200 less, and has more powerful Nvidia GeForce GTX 670M graphics. But, you'll have a hard time beating the style and substance of the M14x.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/20/2012
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Digital Versus Archive.org version
Gaming laptops and 14-inch chassis are rarely a good mix. Alienware made and won an ambitious gamble with the M14x: to house all the components needed for hardcore gaming, and everything that goes with it, all in a 14-inch chassis—without overheating issues. Despite the at-times noisy fan, the M14x is a great choice for gamers on the move.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/15/2012
Rating: Total score: 100%
Source: Hardwareheaven Archive.org version
When we reviewed the original M14x we noted it had a solid body and high quality, branded internal components. The slightly rubberised finish was exceptional and there is minimal flex to the keyboard which has good backlighting. The same can be said of the latest version with Ivy Bridge compatibility.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/30/2012
Rating: Total score: 100% price: 90% performance: 100% workmanship: 100%
Source: T3 Archive.org version
The Alienware M14X is a phenomenal laptop. As usual with Alienware, there's a lot of bling on the surface that grabs your attention. But thankfully, it's not just about the customizable neon and go-faster stripes. Under the bonnet there's an absolute monster of an engine and high-quality parts throughout.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 05/30/2012
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Good Gear Guide Archive.org version
Although the M14x looks the same as its predecessor – and still looks cool – it’s what's on the inside that counts here. For your hard-earned pounds, this Alienware offers high levels of gaming performance and plenty of connectivity inside a portable shell with a screen big enough for proper gaming sessions.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/28/2012
Rating: Total score: 95%
Foreign Reviews
Source: Notebookjournal DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/21/2012
Rating: performance: 95% features: 70% display: 70% mobility: 30% workmanship: 80% ergonomy: 50%
Source: PC Welt DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/08/2012
Rating: Total score: 78% performance: 98% features: 91% display: 86% mobility: 58% ergonomy: 89% emissions: 76%
Source: Tom's Hardware DE→EN Archive.org version
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/26/2012
Source: Notebookinfo DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/18/2012
Rating: Total score: 93% performance: 95% display: 85% mobility: 85% ergonomy: 100% emissions: 80%
Source: HardwareLuxx DE→EN Archive.org version
Positive: casing, illumination, gaming performace, bootable mSATA-SSD, battery runtime; negative: price, noise
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/25/2012
Source: Dinside NO→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/03/2012
Rating: Total score: 83%
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 GT 650M: A mid-range GPU and the fastest GeForce GT as part of the 600M series
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.
3720QM: An Ivy Bridge-based quad-core processor clocked at 2.6 GHz with Turbo Boost support up to 3.6 GHz. Offers an integrated HD Graphics 4000 GPU running at 650-1250 MHz on 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.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.2.94 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.
84.09%: 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.