7 Responses to “Are Alienware computers worth the big price tag?”

1. Car and Driver says:

   May 22, 2010 at 5:30 am

   Build your own computer, much cheaper.
2. R. T. says:

   May 22, 2010 at 5:30 am

   If you are a hard core gamer and you regularly participate in LAN parties playing against others, yes. Alienware computers tend to give you a split second advantage over other users. If you play online at home and your connection speed is good, you may see that fraction of a second advantage that lets you get the drop on them before they get it on you.

   Otherwise, no. You can get a good computer for a fraction of the price.

   Oh looky here. Thumbs down from guys I probably creamed online. Sorry fellas, don’t take it personal. I’m just good at first person shooter games.
3. Peter G says:

   May 22, 2010 at 5:30 am

   If you have the knowledge then build your own computer. You”ll save about 30-40% compared to one with the same parts and built by Alienware.
   If you dont know what parts to buy, go into your local PC shop and discuss what you’re after with someone there and get them to build it for you. Tell them your budget and they’ll build a nice one for you and you’ll STILL save heaps compared to Alienware.
   When you buy Alienware, you’re buying a computer PLUS a brand name.

   If you build your own or get your local PC guy to build it you still will get at least 1 year warranty on all your parts.

   Personally, i build my own ’cause i like the experience and its WAY cheaper than buying a name brand. Especially if its a high performance brand like Alienware.
4. Horndog says:

   May 22, 2010 at 5:30 am

   Those computers are built to outperform off the shelf systems.
   They will cost more due to the use of "high end" components, such as dual or quad core CPUs that may be overclocked to provide further gains. Those processors will remaining very stable due to the use of exotic methods of cooling such as larger fans, bigger heat sinks, and even liquid cooling. The motherboards will be more likely to be capable of using two or more video cards, and the physical memory will generally also be faster and be in a larger quantity then those off the shelf systems, taking advantage of the 64 bit capabilities of the new generation of processor chips.
   Basically, these are "hot rodded" right out of the box. You do not need to spend a lot of time tweaking settings, swapping hardware and finding drivers that are compatible.
   There really wouldn’t be anything even close to what those machines are capable of in Staples or Wal-Mart out in the aisles or even in the office areas. The big electronics stores may have a few units with that level of performance in mind (and those will be had for a price). Ultimate performance is generally available for a premium price.
   You can take a mid-grade system and spend a few dollars (actually several hundred) to make a mid-high performer by changing the power supply, adding the memory, upgrading the graphics cards, adding faster drives, audio cards and speakers that rival home theaters in sound quality, and monitors that have more viewing area, keyboards, mice, and even get that import tuner car look with some internal lighting.
   I’ve been to a few places where people had underspec’ed rigs and I was able to play my game and do research for them while they were still waiting to boot up and log in.
   Sometimes it is worth it to see the frustration on someones face when they realize what a couple extra bucks could have gotten them.
5. hydroxiridum says:

   May 22, 2010 at 5:30 am

   If you are gaming at home, build your own PC. You are gonna save BIG bucks by doing so as alienware computers are WAYY overpriced. People buy it because it is alienware.

   You don’t need to know how to build one to build one. Just run down to any more reputable custom PC shops and they can recommend you good components for your needs and budget.

   However if you are gaming on the go or you frequent LAN parties, you may consider an alienware laptop. This would give you a big advantage in terms of hardware over your competitors as at present, Alienware produces the best gaming laptops.

   So unless you are gaming on the go, build your own desktop.

   Hope this helped.Cheers!
6. Jerry W says:

   May 22, 2010 at 5:30 am

   DAMN That’s a lot of money WOW! It’ll probably be the only thing you get for Christmas besides clothes, and candy because of the big damn price. If you want aview things then just one thing then I recommend you get something that cost less less.
7. mick f says:

   May 22, 2010 at 5:30 am

   well for 1400 bucks u can have a gateway P 7800 FX
   same specs as alienware computershopper nov issue for review –page 76