I recently purchased an Alienware Area 51-7500. It arrived on the date that was estimated, which was a plus. Out of the box, I have had no problems. I love the sleek design and the finish is silky smooth. It plays all games including WoW and Call of Duty 4, on high graphics, max everything. :D. I have always wanted one of these computers, built custom for the last 6 years, and decided to just go all out this time. I have to say I'm thoroughly impressed and will make another purchase from Alienware in the future! Damien

Purchased Amienware m15x. Very pleased with the performance, build, and styling of this computer. The graphics are amazing on this machine, and the glossy screen has excellent color and contrast. Everything has worked so far, although the media controls can be difficult (lack of feedback, and occasionally unresponsive, which can be difficult to discover because there is no feedback to tell if it has tried to change settings or not). Overall the best laptop I have ever used. My second Alienware, and my next computer will also be an Alienware.

I sent an Alienware M15X Laptop back to Alienware for lid replacement due to some discoloration on the upper corners and after talking to a Support Supervisor I was able to get info regarding the status of the repair and it was fixed as estimated and shipped back in a timely fashion as I was informed by Customer support.  

I used to build PCs on my own, but a few years ago I took Alienware for a spin and they built a marvelous machine. It has been running for 4 years, and is still going good now.  
 
I just picked up a new machine from them a month ago from them and I am very satisfied with the machine. It had a few kinks in it that a quick Windows Update seemed to fix. I am looking forward to another 4-5 year old machine before I get a new one. It is so quiet when compared to the one I bought years ago.  
 
I recommend Alienware to a lot of my friends who have purchased systems from them as well.

I normally purchase the components and build my own computers, but recently I wanted a surprise for my son's birthday. I was feeling particularly lazy, so I started looking around to see how the prices compared for pre-built systems. I was shocked to discover that Alienware had a system available for less than I could build myself and having always admired the appearance decided to try them.  
 
I realized after placing the order that it would not be available in time, so I submitted a support ticket asking if I could have the order shipped overnight. Unfortunately, it was too late to change the order status without the entire process starting over, but they still managed to get the system to me in time for his birthday.  
 
The system itself just oozes quality. The way the components are packaged in the box, the way the cables are arranged to maximize airflow, even the "extras" they sent along such as a nice cap and mouse pad it all just screams quality.  
 
You can certainly tell the people at Alienware put their hearts into what they do, and as a software developer that's something I can appreciate. I will continue to shop Alienware in the future.

I ordered an M15x about a month ago and it was delivered a little under 3 weeks later. It's a very impressive machine that runs faster than any other computer I've used and has one of the nicest displays I've used. I use photoshop a lot and other video editing programs so the 1920x1200 monitor really adds some real estate to your working area. you can always change the resolution to make everything bigger if you worry about straining your eyes on the sometimes small font used in some programs. the only hitch I had with my computer was that it blue screened on me on the first day I had it. When i booted it back up Windows found that I needed an updated driver for my LAN card and once I downloaded that everything worked fine. The reason this was a gripe of mine is because I feel that the driver should have been installed by Alienware a few days beforehand since I spent so much on their computer. Other than that it has been a great machine and I would definitely recommend buying one to anyone I know

I got my Alienware17 inch Area 51 m9750 as a gift. The graphic on this laptop is sick. WOW runs great and the graphics are super sharp. The design of the laptop is great too. Its way lighter than my previous laptop and has scratch and fingerprint resistant, which is a plus for on the go gamers. If you are looking for a high quality and performance gaming laptop, Alienware is the way to go. It the best of the best and I would recommend it to anyone.

Ok, this PC is freakin sweet. Laptop: mx17. Based on the quality of the parts, functionality, usability, and overall "cool factor", you cant get any better than this. Sure I had to wait 10 weeks, but I didn't mind one bit because the FX Lighting is out of this world. I personally opted for decking mine out. Dual 512 vids, raid 0, blu ray, 4gigs of ram (it is vista), etc.,but it runs like a champ. I highly recommend alienware to anyone who is serious about quality pc's for high end business / gaming needs. Besides, why play WoW (ugh) when you can play EQ2 and see everythign clear as day without the cartoon factor. Its freakin amazing looking (oops, i just hacked off a bunch of WoW'ers. Anyways, great product. My 2nd purchase.

i was very pleased with the laptop. i have always wanted an alienware laptop just because its...an alienware. i needed a laptop for going to college and still be able to game on it. although the laptop took about 2 weeks to build, the estimated shipping date was very accurate. once i got the laptop, it completely exceeded my expectations. the lighting and alien fx command center looks insanely cool. the graphics are better than any computer i have ever seen and it isnt even an SLI graphics card. one gripe i have is that the battery life while not plugged in is only about an hour and 45 minutes, but as long as it is mostly plugged in, its amazing. i can play any game i want very smoothly and turn the graphics settings all the way up with no problems at all. when ordering the computer, i had a few questions, and the live chat was more than happy to answer them all, as well as during the order i emailed them a few times to see what was going on, and they were very prompt in their response times. overall, an amazing computer as well as buying experience.

More Than pleased with the product and the service.The performance of my Area 51-7500 is awesome.From placing the order to recieving the desktop and the LCD monitor it took only 5 days. Bravo to Alienware!

My Computer was held up for a few weeks at the factory but when it was shipped it came within 24 hrs.The computer is fast and the graphics are amazing. I would definetly recommend Alienware to my family and friends.

On the good side, my order was done over the phone my order was handled in an excellent manner and my computer came to my home in under a week. The only problem was the video cards or the diver's for the video cards did not work. I called up and the cards were replaced.

I have recently ordered & received the Area 51 m15x Notebook. This notebook is one of the best high end notebooks I have encountered & it completely went beyond my expectations. Alienware's customer support was very helpful when I had specific questions about my order & there was barely a wait time on the phone. I love the customization that was offered such as the lighting effects and casing. Besides the customization, the laptop functions at a high speed rate & remains at normal temperature which is very unique as well as a key factor for those gamers out there like myself. I will order from them again in the future.

This review was modified by its author, Tarebear, on 8/5/08 5:08 PM.

I had always wanted an Alienware laptop since they first began producing them. But, I am glad that I held out this long to get one.  
Alienware is about creating a unique product that has premium components to match. The Alienware Area-51 M15X laptop that I purchased was no exception.  
 
Briefly, the specs of my m15x:  
Design & Display: Silver Ripley Design  
Display: 15.4" WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD (1200p)  
Video/Graphics Card: 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTX  
Processor: Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000 2.8GHz (6MB Cache 800MHz FSB) 45nm (not overclockable)  
Operating System (Office software not included): Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1  
Memory: 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz – 2 x 2048MB  
Turbo Cache Memory: Intel Turbo Memory (1GB)  
System Drive: 320GB 7,200RPM (16MB Cache) w/ Free Fall Protection  
Optical Drives : 8x Dual Layer Burner (DVD±RW, CD-RW) w/ LightScribe Technology  
Wireless: Internal Intel Wireless 4965 a/b/g/Draft-N Mini-Card  
Keyboard Options: AlienFX Illuminated Keyboard  
 
I am a professional software designer. I use very intense applications to create my visions. I needed a laptop that would enable me to bring those visions to fruition. The M15X does the job nicely.  
 
My only two gripes about the system: plastic body, track pad.  
 
Plastic body  
 
This is somewhat of a conundrum. I have difficulty understanding why a laptop could cost so much (over $4500 in my case) and yet have a body made of plastic. But after having using this laptop extensively, and exclusively for the past month, I am glad it is plastic as opposed to aluminum (although carbon-fiber would have been nice). The chassis is designed to maximize the air-flow of the internal components. These materials where wisely chosen by the Alienware design staff to maximize the dissipation of heat. It still gets a little toasty under the right palm rest, though never uncomfortable. I would not recommend using this laptop on your lap for prolonged periods of time while using the dedicated graphics card (albeit, the unit remains very cool when the integrated graphics card is engaged).  
 
Track pad  
 
The M15X features an adequately sized track pad with a seemingly single mouse button (the mouse functions as a two button mouse as the cover is only for cleaner aesthetics). The body of the laptop is painted in silver with a clear coat finish (very fragile and fingerprint prone). The problem with the track pad is that it is covered in the same material, the same clear coat, which poses a problem for me and probably everyone with pores on their fingers. When your hands get hot or sweaty, it renders the track pad useless. Your fingers stick to the pad, instead of seamless and smooth mouse control, you end up with jagged and difficult to use interface. Alienware’s saving grace comes prepackaged with the laptop in the form of two adhesive track pad covers. Place them on top of the track pad surface for a strong, acceptable, tactile finish.  
 
Alienware’s mobile flagship  
 
Build and Design  
Flawless and clean. The moment that you lay your finger on this machine you instantly realize that it is a premium, luxury laptop. I have to give appraisal to the Alienware design team as they did a flawless job. Ports are conveniently located on the left and right sides of the machine, nothing in the rear.  
 
Screen  
Magnificent. I have read various blogs of users complaining about the screen resolution, that it is far too large for a fifteen inch screen (but interestingly enough none of them actually owned the laptop M15X). I can tell you from firsthand experience that the LCD screen is flawless, no dead pixels, excellent viewing angles, and a soft matte finish attribute to this perfection. My recommendation is that you set the DPI to 120 for easy text readability.  
 
Speakers  
You can’t expect much from any laptop. Typical tinny sound.  
 
Keyboard  
Excellent key placement and full size. Each key on the keyboard is finished with a durable rubber coating thus providing two key benefits: excellent tactile response (similar to my Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard) and long term durability.  
 
Ports  
Everything that I need for support of my peripherals USB, FireWire 800 (I use an adapter to use my 6-pin FireWire 400 devices), gigabit Ethernet, HDMI (Max resolution of 1920 X 1200), Express 54, card reader. This variety is expected for this tier of laptop.  
 
Wireless  
N Wireless (Airport Extreme compatible) and Bluetooth 2.0 as expected. Wireless reception is excellent.  
 
Battery  
Amazing and flexible. Gaming at full-tilt will only yield about an hour and a half. But, using the integrated graphics can yield up to three hours with the appropriate power profile. Simply amazing and versitle.  
 
Software  
No crap-ware installed. Just the OS, some Alienware utilities, and Nero Essentials. That’s it. What more can you ask for?  
 
I highly recommend this laptop for mobile (power) users and gamers alike. It is an amazing versatile machine that is rigged for silent running, but when the pedal hits the metal, it can bring out the big guns!  
 

I ordered The Alienware M15X and so far, so good. This is the first high end notebook computer that I have owned. I love the look and responsiveness when I open and run my video games and AV editing software. Although the computer feels a bit fragile, I'm still pleased with my purchase.