Alienware M18x Laptop Review (with i7-2960XM Extreme Edition)

I was immediately impressed with the appearance of the M18x, especially in the ‘Nebula Red' scheme. We analysed the surface for any flaws or marks and we are pleased to report a perfect finish. The starting weight of the machine is 5.41kg, ours was 5.65kg.

This is not the kind of laptop you would carry with you on a regular basis, due to the weight. It is 55mm thick at the rear and could easily eat the Macbook Air as a snack. The underside of the machine has a whole array of vents to ensure adequate airflow.

In the middle of the M18x is a metal plaque which highlights the name of the machine. The onboard audio uses Klipsch components, a well known company who produce a wide range of quality desktop speaker systems. The sound quality is very impressive, with even a reasonable level of bass response delivered. One of the best audio systems we have heard on a laptop, to date.

The M18x has an immensely impressive range of connectivity. Along the left side of the machine is a security lock, GB lan port, VGA connector, HDMI (1.4) out, mini Displayport, two USB 3.0 ports, SPDIF, microphone and two headphone connectors … so you and a friend can listen at the same time.

Along the right side is an HDMI in port. This means you can connect a device such as a Playstation 3 and use the M18x screen for display. Next to this is an eSATA/USB combo port as well as two USB 2.0 ports. Finally, there is a DVD RW or Bluray drive and a 7 in 1 media card reader.

As a quick recap here is a list of the ports on both sides:
(1x) Power/DC-in Jack
(1x) RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet IPv6
(2x) SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Ports
(2x) Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Port
(1x) eSATA 3Gb/s + USB 2.0 Combo port (with PowerShare Technology)
(1x) Mini-Display Port
(1x) HDMI 1.4 Audio and Video Output
(1x) HDMI 1.3 Audio and Video Input
(1x) VGA Port
(1x) 9-in-1 Media Card Reader
(2x) Audio Out 1/8″ Ports
(1x) Combo S/PDIF Optical output / Analog Headphone Line Out (7.1 digital audio output via S/PDIF)
(1x) Line In Microphone 1/8″ Port (retaskable for 5.1 analog audio output)
(1x) Security Lock port

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