It's time to replace my PII 300MHz, and one option is a new Alienware box. Just wondering what people's opinion of them are.

 

They seem a bit too expensive to me. I always just make my own computer by buying parts separately from www.pricewatch.com and save tons of cash and get exactly what I want out of my computer.

After my experience with buying computers from companies like Alienware, I never buy computers from these type of companies anymore. Only from large companies who manufacture most of their own products such as gateway, ibm, compaq, dell and even those computers don't satsify me.

 

Just go with a Dell. I looked at pricewatch too...but there is just too much stuff to order from different places for it to be worthwhile.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by kadeshpa
[B]Just go with a Dell.

 

I'm also looking to replace my old computer.. Alienware was one of the computer I was looking at Model Area 51.. Anyone has one of these computers?

 

Pricewatch...hahahaha...that thing is such a joke nowadays

Check out Anandtech For Sale/ Want To Buy / Want To Trade For Forum


Some good deals. Make sure to look at their Heatware before making a decision.

If your into highend stuff, check out falcon comps (they use nothing but the best) (forgot URL)

static911

 

I don't know anyone who has an Alienware system, but I've never heard a bad thing about them. Alienware focuses heavily on the gamer market, and the computers are generally made of top-notch parts, which is why they are expensive. The only difference between an Alienware and a BYO computer is that alienware has tested the parts/system for compatibility (something that used to be a much bigger issue a few years back). If you're wary of building one yourself but want knock-your-socks-off speed, Alienware would be a good way to go.

Dell, Gateway, and the like generally cut a LOT of corners in order to be price competitive, even at the high end of their PC produce line. Low grade motherboards, memory, hard drives, etc. The cases are generally poorly designed, with a focus on good looks rather than being functional. They are a great first/second computer, but if you're really into computers, I'd suggest taking the time to learn about the internals and build your own - it's a rewarding experience, although it can be VERY frustrating when something doesn't work (thankfully not too often).

The saving money thing is debatable - it depends on your view of giving M$ large sums of your money, ultimately. Also, building a low-end (sub $1000) computer is virtually impossible unless you really skimp - I don't think this is an issue for you, because you're replacing a still decent computer. Another benefit of the BYOC route, is the ease of upgrading. Many of my friends (who almost all build their own) upgrade video cards pretty regularly, and mobo/processors once in a while too. Many parts of a self-built computer are investments - get a good case, a good 19"-21" monitor, good speakers - those are things you won't need to replace any time you feel the need for speed.

Sorry for rambling - hope I helped...

 

Oh, some good sites for getting into computers.

AnandTech
Firing Squad
Sharky Extreme
Tom's

Enjoy!

Forgot one:
ARS!

 

Alienware makes great stuff but you'll pay for it. It's one of the few places that you can find a high end, multimedia optimized system like that. Dell's are also very good but not really in the same category. Stay away from Gateway, they're horrible machines. I work for a software development company and we sell just about every kind of machine in the industry but we generally push Dell because the quality is outstanding, they stand behind their product and they are very price competitive. Unless you're interested in going with a nice UNIX box, I'm sure a nice DS20 would scream for you.

 

I'll second that.