[alistaircampbell]

If I invested in an alienware on finance over 48 months would it be worth it? In 2 years time, wouldn't that computer be old and crap?

I really really want one, but they are so expensive! Is it true that laptops graphics cards are nowhere near as good as desktop ones!

p.s If there are any millionaires on this forum that wouldn't mind buying a poor little scotsman an alienware computer please let me know

[skinnyman9000]

In my opinion their computers are expensive for what they are, especially the desktops, you could build your own to the exact same spec for much less. They seem to add on more than most companies due to the ‘funky’ look of them. Take a look at other high end gaming computer companies that offer the same packages for less, but again building your own would be cheaper.

As for the desktop vs laptop graphics, I believe that desktop graphics are better, and the whole layout of the computer is much better for gaming. Desktops can handle the heat much better than laptops, which tend to over heat. Also, desktop RAM general runs a lot faster, desktop hard drives run at 7200rpm, whereas most laptop ones run at 5400rpm. Also, I’ve had a lot of trouble with the graphics cards in my laptop, the drivers just wont allow me to run certain games. I’ve had trouble with battle for middle earth 2, c&c3, and civilization, which is bad considering that game is actually older than my laptop.

[alex]

Alienware are owned by Dell. Enough said.

You also have to pay for recover disks, to the tune of around 30 quid. Which is rediculous on both points.

They also quote everything as 'Alienware' as in the 'Ice' cooling etc. You never see what brand you're buying except in the case of the cpu and gpu.

Customer service is also dire. And yeah, I know from personal experience.

[alistaircampbell]

so what would people suggest then? I thought alienware was the REAL deal! where can I buy something better for cheaper then?

Thanks

[mr_miller]

I like the look of the commodore gaming series, nice spec, nice builds customisable.

[skinnyman9000]

The REAL deal is building your own, to your own spec. If these companies use the exact same components that you can buy yourself, then how is it possible for them to build a better system?

But if you do want to buy elsewhere, take a look at:
http://www.vadim.co.uk/
http://www.arbico.co.uk/

But again, i can build the majority of the systems on those sites for £200-£400 less.

[buchanan]

my pc is alienware and i can confirm, while it is a nice computer, that i got totally ripped off because i didn't know anything. i could have built it for probably less than half what i paid for it.

i have spent probably whole days trying to talk to customer service: shocking. they run you through every possible ring before they will help you. some of the problems i had were very simple to resolve with even a little knowledge, they act dumb and make you run around spending more money until they have no option left but to help. very frustrating.

they don't specify most of the components: you don't know what you're getting until you look yourself.

truly a waste of money, i didn't know they were owned by dell though.

don't do it

[Rik]

Personally, i have only ever seen complaints about alienware pc's!

[alex]

If you don't want to go the self-build route (why not? we can help with issues).

Then I can recommend:

Vadim

Overclockers

Beast

PC Specialist

All great builders, all with great service.

[skinnyman9000]

For me PCspecialist seem to be by far the cheapest place. Their systems are usually very closely priced to doing the build yourself, they're usually within £50 of buying the components seperately, you wont find that with Alienware!