Alienware M11x R3 review (Core i7 2630UM)

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.

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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.

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