Digital Trends

Alienware Area-51 m15x May 11th, 2008 | by Josh Norem

Hi-Def Display

Even though it’s “just” a 15.4-inch display included, the m15x runs at a true HD resolution of 1920x1200 and has a matte coating to reduce glare. You can also opt for a 1440x900 resolution panel with Clearview (glossy) coating, and both panels feature a widescreen aspect ratio that’s ideal for games and movies.

Ports and Connectors

The m15x includes numerous expansion and connection ports. The right side includes a 7-in-1 card reader, a USB port, HDMI-out, FireWire and a Kensington lock. The left side boasts a Gigabit Ethernet port, two USB ports, headphone and mic jacks and the modular bay. The rear of the unit features just two exhaust ports for the CPU and the GPU and the front is barren with the exception of an IR receiver for the optional ExpressCard multimedia remote control.

Optical Options

Our review unit came with a pricey 2x Blu-ray burner, but you can also order it with a BD-ROM drive (for read only access) as well as a DVD-R/RW drive too, which reduces the price by several hundred dollars.

Special Extras

The boutique experience is often defined not only by the PC you receive, but all the goodies that come with it. Alienware provides several extras that include a hat, high-end mousing surface, several alien head stickers, a leather binder that holds the included software CDs and the manual, and there’s also a chrome plate on the bottom of the notebook with the customer’s name. Ours said, “Built for Digital Trends.”

The m15x is actually rather petite for a gaming notebook, weighing in at just 7lbs, and is only 1.3-inch thick.