Despite it’s small size the X51 will deliver an immersive experience when playing modern games and will also make a great entertainment hub, as you would expect there’s plenty of optional upgrades available to choose from, but as standard it will cost you $699.

The $699 model features an Intel Core i3 processor, the Intel H61 Express chipset, NVIDIA GeForce GT 545 (1GB GDDR5) graphics, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, a 1TB SATA HDD (7200 RPM), Windows 7 Home Premium, a dual-layer DVD burner, 7.1 audio, a 240 WATT Alienware PSU, Ethernet, WiFi b/g/n, 6 x USB 2.0 ports, 2 x USB 3.0 ports and HDMI 1.4 out. As previously mentioned the form-factor is very small, it measures in at 343mm x 95mm x 318mm and it weighs just 5.49KG – we have embedded a couple of images from Dell’s press release below.

In terms of optional hardware upgrades, there’s lots to choose from. Firstly if the Core i3 processor doesn’t meet your requirements there’s Core i5 and Core i7 options available (no-matter what you choose you will get a 2nd-gen Intel Core I processor), also you can get better smoother graphics by choosing the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 555 (1GB GDDR 5) GPU and improve overall performance by upgrading to a maximum of 8GB of DDR3 RAM. Finally it’s worth knowing that you can replace the DVD writer with a Blu-ray disc reader (there’s only one 5.25 inch bay for optical drives) and perhaps upgrade to a 330 WATT Alienware PSU.

If you head over to Dell.com you can take a closer look at the X51′s design and specifications, like other Alienware desktops there will be access to the Alienware Command Center software where you can configure power management, lighting effects and unique gaming profiles.

Do you think more gaming PCs should utilize smaller form-factors?

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The cheapest Alienware Aurora build will cost you $2,199.00, this gets you the Intel Core i7-3930K processor (6 cores overclocked up to 3.9Ghz), 8GB Quad Channel DDR3 1600MHz RAM, AMD Radeon HD 6870 graphics with 1GB GDDR5, a 1TB SATA 6Gb/s HDD and no monitor. However there are lots of options available to you if you have extra money to spend – in fact you could easily spend over $6,000 if you chose the top-end processor, video card, RAM and storage solutions. No-matter what option you choose there will be 2 x USB 3.0 ports, 6 x USB 2.0 ports, an 875 Watt Alienware approved PSU and Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (or better) operating system.

You can see full technical specifications here, alternatively you can configure your own Aurora desktop here to see just how much the Aurora would cost which matches your requirements.

The top-end processor option available is the Intel Core i7-3960X, this ‘Six Core Extreme’ processor boasts a 15MB cache and has cores which have been factory overclocked to up to 4.2Ghz. In terms of graphics the best option is to buy dual AMD Radeon HD 6950 2GB GDDR5 graphics cards which utilize AMD CrossFireX technology, but as you would expect these won’t come cheaply.

Something pretty unique about this new gaming rig is the special effects wizard, this allows you to customize lighting zones on all sides of the chassis and create programmable effects. Also something which the Alienware team has taken into consideration is noise, there will be thermal controls which allow you to control fan speed etc, one option allows you to open the gill-like vents which are situated on top of the case (see below).

How much will you spend on a gaming rig in 2012?

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Before we get into the pros and cons let’s tell you about the model which NotebookReview tested out, specs are customizable to suit your needs and their review unit featured an Intel Core i5-2537M (1.40GHz) processor, 4GB DDR3 (1333MHz) RAM, a 500GB SATA HDD, Nvidia GeForce GT 540M (1GB GDDR3) graphics, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, an 8-cell Li0-ion battery and an 11.6-inch LED backlit display which outputs at a maximum resolution of 1366×768. This configuration will set you back $1,99.99 (just $100 more than the standard configuration.

In terms of build quality and design there were no real surprises, it has the Alienware look which we are used to, and Alienware has decided to make a compromise in elegance in favor of battery life, cooling and performance, this in our opinion is a good thing and we think manufacturers have done well to fit everything into a chassis which is just 1.29 inches thick. The M11x is made from magnesium alloy and its exterior is covered in matte black plastic which helps it resist scratches, this model also has quite a rugged feel and does not flex when you are using the keyboard and touchpad. One thing which isn’t great about it is the fact that it weighs quite a lot for an 11-inch laptop.

The M11x’s real selling points are its “best-in-class” gaming performance, LED backlit keyboard and battery life. In testing the 2011 M11x delivered almost 8 hours usage from a single charge when carrying out pretty basic tasks, the battery also delivered 2 hours and 32 minutes of gaming whilst playing Mass Effect 2, this could have been even higher if the screen brightness was cranked down.

NotebookReview say that the hardware within delivered a snappy experience, you can see benchmark results here, it done very well and outperformaned larger, more expensive laptops. The M11x R3 came second to the ASUS G53SW-A1 in most tests, however this is a 15-inch laptop with a heftier price tag than the Alienware offering. One slightly bad thing about the laptop is the fact that the cooling fan is very loud, the reviewers say it sounds like a hair dryer, which is something which may be a dealbreaker to many.

There is one other bad thing about the M11x, this is its display, NotebookReview suggest that the lack of an alternative display option is frustrating as the standard glossy display is not ideal in all circumstances, a matte option with a higher resolution would be great for the end-user.

If you are considering purchasing the new M11x you should check out the fully detailed 5 page review over at NotebookReview, the general feeling seems to be that the display and loud cooling fans take the edge of what would be a great performing laptop which boasts long battery life.

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With great build quality, fast performance and a 1080p display the m15x was a formidable gaming laptop, now it seems as if the m11x, m14x and m18x are Alienware’s preferred offerings.

NotebookReview claim that the m15x has completely disappeared and can no-longer be found on Dell’s international websites, perhaps a new 15-inch model will be revealed soon, but with 11.6, 14, 17.3 and 18.4-inch all listed on their website there is not a huge need for this in our opinion.

We managed to find a listing on Dell India (here), with first-gen Intel Core processor options and nVidia GeForce GT 240M / GTX 260M graphics the m15x could not cut it as a gaming laptop this year, with 18-24 month old hardware it was in desperate need of a refresh, but it looks like Dell decided against it.

The newest Alienware laptops are far superior to the m15x, therefore it is no surprise to see it disappear of the Dell site, we just wonder whether laptop gamers have a demand for this size laptop anymore.

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This model is not yet available to buy therefore there is still some uncertainty surrounding its price and the hardware options that will be available, however we do have a rough idea of what will be on offer.

Let’s start with the display, according to Dell it will feature a massive 18.4-inch FHD display which supports a whopping resolution of 1920 x 1200. There will also be wireless HD and 3D options along with HDMI-in.

Apparently the m18x will give gamers up to 200 watts of graphics horsepower and it will feature a choice of processors including “the industry’s only” Intel Core i7 Extreme processor overclocked to 4GHz. Things are a little unclear but it looks like there will be both nVidia and ATI graphic options.

Hopefully we will hear more about this powerhouse soon, we can’t wait to see what has been crammed into the laptop’s aluminium chassis, however we don’t think it will come cheaply.

Below we have embedded a photo of the Alienware m18x Laptop, do you like its design?

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Like the M14x you can fully customize the M11x, for $999.99 you get the 11.6″ High Def 1366 x 768 WLED backlight display, the Intel Core i5 2537M (1.4GHz) processor, 4GB of DDR 1333MHz RAM, a 320GB SATA 3Gb/s hard drive, NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M (1GB) graphics and Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit). As you expect you will get USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, WiFi b/g/n connectivity, 5.1 surround sound and a 1 year warranty.

If this spec does not cut it for you there are plenty of available upgrades, for an additional $200 you can upgrade to an Intel Core i7 2617M (1.5GHz) processor with VIDIA GeForce GT 540M (2GB) graphics, also there are 6GB, 8GB and 16GB RAM upgrade options, higher capacity SATA hard drives to choose (or SSD) and sound and wireless card alternatives. One thing worth noting is that this model does feature an internal optical drive, therefore if you wish to read and burn CDs and DVDs you will need an external drive.

As with most Alienware offerings there are plenty of design aspects which you can customize, whether it be the laptop’s color, the personalized plate, the color of the AlienFX or software settings there is lots to choose from, why not check out the website for yourself here.

Below we have embedded a photo of the Alienware M11x, to give you an idea of size it measures in at 32.7mm x 233.3mm x 285.7mm and weighs 4.4lbs (depending on the options you choose). Will you consider buying this model?

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As standard you get an Intel Core i7 2630QM (2.0GHz) processor, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, a 500GB SATA 3Gb/s hard drive, GeForce GT 555M (1.5GB) graphics, Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit), a 14-inch high def display supporting a resolution of 1366×768, WiFi b/g/n, an 8x dual-layer slot-loading DVD writer and 5.1 surround sound.

If you spend more you get a much faster laptop, for an extra $350.00 you can get the Intel Core i7 2820QM (2.3GHz) processor, an extra $200.00 gets you 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 RAM and an extra $100.00 gets you double the amount of DDR3 memory for your graphics.

You can full customize the Alienware M14x here, we chose some of the upgrades and the price easily reached over $3000, also you can also choose a wide-range of aesthetic customizations which make your laptop truly unique.

One thing you can’t question is the M14x’s good looks, we have embedded a photo of this impressive gaming rig below, we are sure gamers will love its design. Do you think it is a good-looking laptop?

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This so far unannounced portable computer is called the M11X R3 and is expected to look a lot like the M17x 3D model. Although we can’t see what it looks like we can admire the beauty it is promising to offer on the inside which is set to feature some interesting specs.

The M11X R3 will have three options to choose from when it comes to CPU with a Core i7-2675M, Core i7-2617M and Core i5-2537M being available. It will also have a range of RAM options available to it that are 1GB-8GB all DDR3 and run at 1333MHz.

Also set to feature is its LED backlit TrueLife glossy panel that has a 1366 x 768 resolution all contained in its 11.6” screen. These specs combined with its 256GB SSD or 750GB max HDD options plus 4G/3G LTE/WiMax equals an impressive product.

The specs can be found listed at Dell-Lab by clicking the link where you will also find that it is listed to be released early April. What do you think of this ‘mini beast’? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Although Klipsch speakers tend to be aimed at the higher priced buyers, Alienware are also responsible for some of the most expensive notebooks out there so the target market won’t change that much. Adding high-end speakers to match the high-end hardware that the company normally features in their notebooks, makes sense to me.

Also with the M17x being the world’s first 3D notebook adding a superior sound quality would make up for an area that is normally lacking when it comes to portable computers such as these. This comes from an article at Klipsch.com where they say the company is no stranger to the gaming industry having provided THX certified sound to it for nearly ten years.

The Alienware notebook is available this month and will cost $1499. For more details about the Klipsch speakers being included in the computer check out the full article at the link above.

What do you think of this news? Are Klipsch speakers something you would have wanted in a notebook of this quality? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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