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Dell Alienware M11xR3 review

Our Rating :
Price when reviewed : £1499
inc VAT

The M11x is unique in its ability to play games and yet last for 11 hours away from the mains, but the screen lets it down and the SSD is expensive

Specifications

11.6 in 1,366×768 display, 2.0kg, 1.4GHz Intel Core i5-2537M, 4.00GB RAM, 256GB disk, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

http://www.dell.co.uk
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Build quality is generally good, although there was some flex in the keyboard. The flat keys were comfortable to type on, but each key has a white border, making the keyboard look far too busy. The touchpad is large enough and responsive, but its keys are flush with the case so you have to arch your thumb slightly to press them.

Dell Alienware M11xR3 right

It’s odd to find a FireWire port on laptops these days, but thankfully there are also two fast USB3 ports. Twin headphone jacks are also an anomaly, and video output is either via HDMI or DisplayPort, so you’ll need an adaptor for displays that only have a VGA or DVI input. Whether you choose the 3G modem option or not, you’ll still find a SIM card slot above the memory card slot.

Dell Alienware M11xR3 left

Sadly, the screen hasn’t changed from the original model. Colours are slightly more vibrant, but overall it’s dull and has a slight yellow cast that adds warmth but reduces accuracy. The glossy finish reflects overhead lights, and vertical viewing angles are tight, so you have to adjust the angle of the lid carefully to get the best picture.

Battery life and gaming performance is incredible from this laptop, but the screen quality really needs to be improved. If you really want this laptop you should think whether the SSD is essential, as it’s incredibly expensive.

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Basic Specifications

Rating ***
Processor Intel Core i5-2537M
Processor clock speed 1.4GHz
Memory 4.00GB
Memory slots 2
Memory slots free 0
Maximum memory 16GB
Size 35x286x233mm
Weight 2.0kg
Sound Realtek HD Audio
Pointing device touchpad

Display

Viewable size 11.6 in
Native resolution 1,366×768
Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce GT 540M
Graphics/video ports HDMI, DisplayPort
Graphics Memory 1,024MB

Storage

Total storage capacity 256GB
Optical drive type none

Ports and Expansion

USB ports 3
Total Firewire ports 1
Bluetooth yes
Wired network ports 1x 10/100/1000
Wireless networking support 802.11a/g/n
PC Card slots none
Supported memory cards SDHC, MMC, Memory Stick Pro/Duo
Other ports 2x minijack audio output, minijack microphone input, 2x USB 3.0

Miscellaneous

Carrying case No
Operating system Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Operating system restore option restore partition
Software included none
Optional extras £57

Buying Information

Warranty one year RTB
Price £1,499
Details www.dell.co.uk
Supplier http://www.dell.co.uk