Alienware

busarider54 · 12-17-2005, 10:32 AM

I am in the market for a new computer when I get out of Iraq in Jan. My wife is keeping my current desktop. What is this Alienware? I am looking for a system that will basically be setup mainly for gaming and downloading music. Any suggestions?

NOTE: I am computer stupid so lay off the esoteric terms like RAM and shit. Just tell me "GOOD" or "BAD"

Appreciate your help!

l3uddha · 12-17-2005, 10:56 AM

for what you want in a CPU- alienware +1

cesspenar · 12-17-2005, 10:57 AM

alienware = good BUT $$$
if you can afford it, go for it though, they're pure sex.

If its only for gaming and web and download, yeah def go for it, if you need a design/work platform id go with an apple.

OFFICER737 · 12-17-2005, 02:17 PM

+1 on the Alienware for gaming, music and the web. Kinda on the high end though but you get what you pay for. I still use my Dell though their customer service sucks ass.

Big04Pimpin · 12-17-2005, 02:25 PM

If you knew even a little you could build one hell of a computer on your own. Thats what I did but I also didn't have the money for an Alien. Man they make some good computers

Jackle1886 · 12-17-2005, 02:43 PM

I would suggest NOT buying an Alienware. They used to have great systems, with awesome tech support. But now things have changed, people wait months for a system. The tech support is out of india or somewhere where they can't hardly even fart in english. The systems are great, as long as they don't break down. because you'll never get it fixed. They pull out parts and throw them in a bin and pull parts out of the same bin to be put into new systems. I own an alienware laptop...very awesome machine...but once it breaks down that is the end of it. I'd suggest an Acer.

prodigal27 · 12-17-2005, 05:28 PM

Do NOT buy an alienware (laptops are good, pc's are better/cheaper custom). Pay a friend $50 to build one for you, and you buy the parts. Although the systems are good, you could build one equal for half the price. The warranty isn't that great because you're mostly having to box it up and pay for the shipping to have it sent out.
Now, I don't mind indian's, dated one for awhile. But their outsourced call centers HAVE to follow a script. Pay your friend $20 each time something goes wrong and he fixes it (It's cheaper and more reliable than sending it out every time).

prodigal27 · 12-17-2005, 05:55 PM

Custom Computer
windows xp pro, $136
pentium mobo - $114 (Athlon, $68)
pentium 3.2 800 fsb $289.00 (why, when you can get a 64bit Athlon 2.0 1g fsb for $325)
2g ddr2 $450
256 m pci express $569
dvd/rw $22.99
650 w power supply $149
250g ata hd $111
Case $100
Total:
$1941 ($1931 for athlon, my personal choice)

Alienware Eqiuvalent, $4,466.00 (DOES NOT INCLUDE MONITOR!)

Take either system and add a 2405FPW (24" KICKASS DELL MONITOR!!11!) $1100

These two systems are almost EXACTLY the same.

deathdealer · 12-17-2005, 06:24 PM

You could get a Dell XPS 600 for a lot less than a alienware box. Plus I gurantee you will get better service/support. I have worked in IT for several years and you cannot beat Dell.

ASCI_Blue · 12-17-2005, 09:15 PM

Way overpriced for what you get. If you'd like to pay me $4400 though I'll be more than happy to put a killer rig togeather. I'll let you know though I'll be keeping whatever I don't spend for the computer.

busarider54 · 12-18-2005, 12:23 AM

Damn guys, now I'm not sure what to do. I have a bunch of puter-freak friends that I'm sure I could cajole into building me something. Thanks for all the input!

Moses · 12-19-2005, 05:29 PM

This is what I tell anyone that asks me what kind of computer to get..."If I didn't know how to build my own, I'd buy a Dell". And I somewhat know what I'm talking about...I'm a Network Admin that supports 5 Dell servers and on any given day around 80 Dell PCs.

Yes, I agree that sometimes you get a tech at Dell that is right out of India and doesn't have a clue. But then sometimes you get lucky and get transfered to a call center outside of India and talk to someone that knows a thing or two...for instance, this morning I got this lucky.

I know nothing about Alienware's tech support, but I do know they make kick-ass PCs. But for the half the price you can build something just as good if not better...prodigal's breakdown for example.

dreesemonkey · 12-20-2005, 08:15 AM

I agree with the posts so far. Alienware is for lazy rich people. They're performers for sure, but you can build your own PC (or have someone do it for you) for about half of what you'd get from Alienware. You could even go with a high-end dell XPS system, I'd recommend that over the Alienware.

Still, building would be the best way to go...

Krazy Hawaiian · 12-20-2005, 08:27 AM

Alienware is Wayyyyy over priced. Dont even bother looking at them. For what one costs you could build 2 kick ass comps easy!

With the prices of stuff these days you just cannot compete with building it yourself.

At Comp USA they have a barebones deal for $299 that includes a abit mobo, a AMD 3.o 64 bit cpu or Pentium P4 2.8 512 DDR ram 500 watt PSU case about all you need to do is throw drives in it and go! Your getting a pretty fast system for under $500 if you buy a HD and a decent video card. Definatly one that will run any game at a high FPS.

Sure you could go uber top shelf but you really dont need to unless you just have to have the fastest shit on the block, but expect to pay for it....

I have a friend who put together a true dream system.... spent almost $60,000 doing it too.

He got a 4 gig P4, 2 gigs of DDR2 ram, 2 512 Mb dual output pro Invidia graphics cards that cost over a grand each. He has a rack of 300 gig drives totaling 3 terabytes of storage.

The box is connected to 4 60 inch Plasma displays that are arranged in a curved manner so they almost wrap around this gigantic desk he has.

He has this giant antique dark walnut or black oak or some exotic hardwood, desk that came from some Museum or something, it once belonged to the King of England or some high mucky muck, its all hand carved with jade and gold inlays just a beautiful piece of furniture from the late 1800's dam thing weighs almost 2 tons its like 12 feet long!

For sound its connected to a Nakamichi 7.1 Home theater reciever with 7 seperate amps and Advent Voice of the Theater speakers.... they alone are like $30,000 a pair! Giant speakers like 7 feet tall 5 feet wide made from some exotic hardwood, he has 6 of em! A giant sub unit that he had made by a custom cabinet maker with 6 15's in it that is built into the wall of his room.

All he does is watch movies and file share with it!!

fazer512 · 12-20-2005, 08:41 AM

i agree not to buy an alienware. to much $$$$, the box is sealed so you cant mod or fix it yourself without voiding the waranty. building your own is the way to go. pm me if you want details on how to go about building your own box or having someone else do it. i tell everyone to stay away from any computer built by a corporation. ie dell, hp, alien all have crap support and run like crap. my friend just got a brand new alien for $3000. its nice but my dual processer runing at 4.4 gigs with 1 gig of ram and a sick vid card with dual display and a sexy and cool thermaltake case cost me $2200 3 years ago, and i promise mine will still smoke an alien. im planing on selling it soon so if anyone or yourself is interested hit me up and make an offer. good luck not getting ripped of if you buy from a big company. building yourself is the best way to upgrade in the future and not have to toss your investment in the trash in 2 or 3 years.