Alienware Area-51 mm15x

Alienware is a name synonymous with high-end gaming rigs and are a favorite among gamers across the globe. Gaming laptops are generally in desktop replacement category ie. having 17″ screen but Alienware has come out with a high-end gaming laptop in the 15″ category. You can now enjoy gaming on the move with Alienware Area-51 m15x.

Alienware Area-51 m15x specifications :

• 
• Dimensions : 14.6″ x 10.7″ x 1.3″
• Processor : Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 2.1 GHz
• Chipset : Mobile Intel GM965 Express
• Display : 15.4″ TFT with 1440 x 900 resolution
• RAM : 2GB DDR II SDRAM 667 MHz
• Hard Disk : 250GB SATA-150 7200 rpm
• Optical drive : DVD±RW 8x Dual Layer
• Graphics : 512MB Nvidia GeForce 8800GTX
• OS : Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
• Battery : 6-cell Lithium-ion
• Approx. price : $2175

With a base price of just $1499, it will attract a lot more buyers apart from hardcore gamers. It can be customized which leaves room for balance your budget and performance. Customizing it to the extreme leaves you with the best configuration you can get in any 15.4″ notebook PC. The exterior of the laptop is made of metal and has a silver finish but the body is prone to fingerprints. The overall exterior look of the laptop is average which isn’t what you expect from a high-end laptop.

The touchpad is a bit different as it runs in line with the body and there is no demarcation except for the border which is backlit. Although it does look cool, but it reduces the functionality. Above the keyboard, you can find a row of touch sensitive buttons for controlling various radios in the laptop and applications.

The best part is the backlit keyboard which not only adds look but also makes the keyboard usable in low light conditions. The 15.4″ display has a resolution of 1440 x 900, although it can be upgraded to 1920 x 1200 resolution for full HD capability. Blu-ray drive is an additional component for $300.

HDMI is the only display output port, which is surprising. RAM can be bumped up to 4GB and the processor to Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000 2.8 GHz for a whopping $900. There is also an option to add solid state drives. The overall hard disk capacity can be increased to 1TB. If Nvidia 8800 GTX doesn’t satisfy you, then you can opt for Nvidia Quadro FX series for an additional $100.

The performance of the laptop is amazing. It notched up high scores in gaming. URT III notched up 100fps at 1280 x 800 resolution. The display quality is great with the sharpness, brightness etc. all perfect. RAM is ample to support various applications and games. Overall gaming performance is impressive.

Pros :

• Extensive customization options
• Backlit keyboard
• Great display
• Excellent performance
• Aggressively priced

Cons :

• Average build quality
• Thick
• Touchpad awkward

Final Thoughts

The Alienware Area-51 mm15x is one hell of a laptop which offers extreme high-end configuration options. The performance is not an issue and being a 15 inch laptop, it can be carried around also. Build quality isn’t the greatest around along with an awkward keypad are its two major disadvantages. Overall a very good buy.

My Rating : 4.25/5