Tag: Alienware

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Alienware 18 – Unboxing and first impressions

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I just picked up the new Alienware 18 today. It is a pre production unit, and I’ll be testing it out for a couple of days or so. Already I’ve installed the games I’m currently playing, and some other essential programs. BUT, let’s start with the unboxing…

Here is the beauty in the box. The weight is not funny to lug around by public transport, but if I managed, you’ll be just fine.
I do suggest getting a really good carrying bag for this fella though. Something that will distribute the weight on both shoulders.
I like my equipment sturdy and knock-around-able, and this laptop definitely feels like it can take some of my abuse. It’s not recommended that you abuse it though!

The box is well padded, and the compartment on the left contains the power adaptor.
First look at the laptop and all I could say was “wah….” I was so busy ogling at it that I almost forgot to touch it.
The laptop is now made of magnesium alloy, and the LCD is housed in an anodized aluminum shell, which promises to be lighter and hardier than its predecessors.

Speaking of adaptors, here’s a comparison picture for you. The m17x adapter on the left and the Alienware 18 on the right.
For the long time followers of Alienware, the Alienware 18’s power adapter size is closer to their original range of Area 51 laptops.

Another change I discovered is that the power plugs into the left hand side of the laptop. Good for people dealing with shallow table spaces, because now you can push it right back to the wall.

Here’s another comparison pic between the m17x (left) and the Alienware 18 (right)
the look is definitely sleeker, and reminds me of my Area 51 m9750.

Here’s a comparison of the thickness of the laptops. m17x on the left.
I also definitely liked that they changed the angle of the front edge, even though some people might complain that the edge now digs into their wrists. It’s fine for me because there’s a large area to rest on to type.

And a final pic with both laptops on, open and side by side.
The Alienware 18 really makes the m17x look tiny!

***
This is just an initial impressions post about the laptop, I haven’t tested the performance yet, but will be doing so as soon as I sign off here…
I CAN’T WAIT!!!

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Unboxing my DELL ST 2429L monitor, Photos taken with my LG Optimus G

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I’ve been playing a lot using my laptop and even though its a 17 inch Alienware laptop, I’ve been finding the monitor too small. Not that 17 inches is SMALL, but because I put my SteelSeries 6GV2 infront of it, so the screen is super far away.
SO, I decided to hook it up to the DELL 24 inch LED monitor and use the laptop to power everything and as a second screen
Here’s the set up process! It was really painless and idiot proof and would have been dome in 2 minutes if I hadn’t been so obsessed with taking photos of it with my new LG Optimus G.
Still in the box, you can see my Alienware m17x peeking over from the back.
peeking at me tantalisingly after i slit open the top of the box.
Well padded in recyclable material so there was no damage to the monitor after I towed it home unceremoniously klonking it against random objects.
The stuff that comes with the monitor.
From left to right – DVI (white) cable, round monitor base, neck stand (for the lack of knowing what to call this part) that has to be fastened to the round base.
The monitor arrives attached to the blue VGA cable, which I ended up using because my Alienware doesn’t have a DVI port and I don’t have a HDMI cable on hand. The monitor DOES have a HDMI port, and I presume this would be the preferred port to use. Unfortunately the monitor doesn’t come with a HDMI cable.
For more information on the DVI and VGA cables, read this http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/04/KCS/KcsArticles/ArticleView?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&docid=DSN_E5A47058AF97BCD7E0301E0A55175EA8
Screwing the neck onto the round base was probably the most complicated step, and even that was very easily accomplished. The screw is fixed into the base, and you need to fit the neck on nicely and just make sure the screw is straight.
Then it’s a simple matter of fastening the neck onto the screen.
That’s how it looks after it’s been fastened on from the back. Nice and neat.
The monitor from the front with all the sticky plastic still on.
I removed every single bit of that, btw, except for the bit covering the round base. I find it easier to clean dust off the base that way.
My completed set up! This shows the same display on both screens, but I later switched it to extended display mode so that I can use the whole screen. (My laptop is 1920×1200, but the monitor is 1920×1080.)
In case you don’t know how, read this http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100530222739AAknopd
or you can leave me a comment and I’ll try to help.
=D