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The Alienware M11x R3 really is an exceptional laptop and one we will be sorry to see leave our labs. The usual compromises which are generally accepted when purchasing a ‘super portable' laptop really don't apply with the M11x. Under real world situations it acts, and reacts like a powerful desktop computer.
On an appearance level, this is really going to stand out in the crowded marketplace and will suit people who want something both powerful yet attractively designed. The instantly recognisable Alienware angular sci-fi design has been streamlined and aerodynamically enhanced over the years, much like we see in the automotive industry.
Alienware have included enough connectivity to sate the demands of the digital oriented media enthusiast, with both DisplayPort and HDMI out ports offered. Unlike many other superportable laptops they have generously provided 3 USB ports, and dual headphone sockets, meaning you and a friend can watch the same movie when travelling, without annoying other commuters.
Internally, the hardware selection is very hard to fault. Our particular sample included a high performance, low power drain Core i7 2630UM which as testing indicates is capable of rolling with full power processors in delivering a responsive, and positive computing experience. You certainly won't be using the machine as a 3D rendering farm, but it is capable of handling a wide variety of duties while demanding only modest levels of power.
While no one could claim that the nVidia GT540M is a graphics powerhouse, at this modest resolution and by lowering some image quality settings, all the gaming engines we tested generated very positive frame rates throughout all our testing. When this is combined with the Core i7 processor, the M11x can be comfortably used as a gaming machine ‘on the go' without having to make many sacrifices. Within the confines of such a small machine, we can't help but feel impressed with the overall balancing.
The only area of this specific review machine that we didn't warm to was the hard drive performance, but we have gotten so accustomed to using machines with solid state drives that it seems an almost obvious statement now. As highlighted in our review we did test the M11x with a 256GB Samsung solid state drive and the differences were easily documented synthetically and more importantly felt within the real world. Boot time was dramatically decreased and overall system responsiveness reached a new plateau.
Hinting at the Apple design ethos many people might negatively comment on the concept of placing the battery internally. Personally, I don't have an issue with it, and the benefits are clear. Alienware can use a more substantial battery without having to worry about overhanging fitting issues … and our testing shows that this is a machine you could use for most of the day, without a recharge.
Keyboard and screen quality are both exceptional, and we always love a backlit keyboard, especially in poor ambient lit conditions, it makes it easier to find command and control keys. Lighting freaks will be playing with the Alienware software for some time to come, with an almost endless option for pulsating and glowing lights, all over the custom chassis design.
Pricing starts at £800, however this specific review machine is a higher specified model than the entry level model, costing £1473.99 inc vat. If you can afford it, we would recommend machine customisation with a solid state drive, or add one yourself later. This system really does come to life when you remove the mechanical drive limitations.
Customise and browse the Alienware range below.
Pros:
- stunning appearance
- screen quality is exceptionally good
- keyboard is a good size and has backlighting functionality
- very little keyboard flex
- track pad is great
- chassis design is well constructed.
- performance is class leading
Cons:
- It is costly.
KitGuru says: Stunning to look at, and equally as good to use.
wow, that is simply stunning !
I had planned to come in here and slate the machine, but im sold. Well my bank balance isn’t but I am. a core i7 cpu in a 11.6 inch machine, who would ever have thought it possible !
While I know some people have issues with alienware as a company, I gotta say this is really very impressive.
Damn thats really impressive, but its way out of my price league. must be the ultimate super portable machine. certainly nicer than my 200 quid netbook anyway :p
The paint work is nice, glad to see they sent out a sample in red, not black. thats dull as dishwater.
Their software looks good going on the screenshots, especially for the power saving options.
Lovely, not my cup of tea, im a mac man, but good to see one pc maker using backlit keyboards on a laptop, its a very uncommon thing, and I always use mine.
Am ordering one for my business work later 😉
I like the internal battery, I think its a lot more elegant than a big lump hanging out the back of the chassis.
I have read horror stories about these laptops falling apart. the older ones anyway, loads of threads on forums. Anyone here a current Alienware customer ? good or bad purchase decision?
It was all going great until the last page and I saw the price. clearly not even in the same market as a netbook ! Cant see too many of these selling.
Looks very nice indeed. Core i5 model would probably be more cost effective with less memory.
I know alienware get slated a lot, but I have the first revision of this and its still working great. its a bit chipped around the edges, due to me dropping it a few times, but I can’t complain. I love it. I would also love this, but the wife would have my head.
Thats an impressive build, but their pricing always gets me. they are always 200 quid over the odds. at least.
Good paintwork, like the keyboard a lot, my friend as a macbook air and it has a pink keyboard. cool the way the software can change it on this one.
Excellent, look forward to playing with my friends,. he owns about 10 alienware computers. he has more money than sense 🙂
Its expensive, but its a custom style machine, many manufacturers just use the same clevo chassis and put a sticker on them. its boring.
I am not sure I would buy one of these, but I like their styling and the effort they put into the builds. I would never spend more than 500 on a laptop, but when I see them at lan meetings and stuff, the alienware laptops always stand out. respect where it is due.
How much does this machine weight ?
around 2kg.
Its certainly very attractive and powerful, but it is a hell of a lot of money for a superportable like this.
Good review thank you, very detailed. Quick question, are Dell going to be selling batteries for this also?
I wouldnt think they would be selling batteries Steven cause its not easily changeable. I doubt people are going to remove the rear panel on a bus to replace the battery. way too many risks on the move for that.
m an electronics engg student n i need a notebook which can run a few simulation programs as well as can manage a few games too…….can any1 tell me if this one can hold its own??
It certainly can, read the review 🙂
i recently ordered the r3 m11x, and simply got the best options on it possible save for a ssd. I was wondering why your tester comes with a cpu that isn’t available on the dell website. It only goes to an i7 2617m, not the i7 2630um that came on yours.
Very good question. ill ask and try and find out.
“It only goes to an i7 2617m, not the i7 2630um that came on yours.”
I have the same M11x R3. Same processor. Intel changed their naming convention.