Alienware vs Digitalstorm

Here's the reason to not get alienware. They mark everything up from double to 4 times the original cost. I know with the digital storm desktop rigs you can't even get many desktop components from alienware that are high end that you can at ds. Also alienwares customization software and stuff they preinstall slows down the computer. I know because my friend has a alienware laptop and his is terrible. Basically at digital storm you can get more bang foryour buck.

fwiw alienwares m11x and the slightly larger ones are pretty decent overall considering the company isnt what it use to be. I would still choose digital storm every time for the customer service.

IMHO, no comparison when it comes to customer service and product customization. DS's customer service department has never failed to address reported issues, whether it be configuration mix-ups, shipping damage (happens rarely due to DS's care in packaging), etc. On product customization, I think Alienware tailors more to the high-end mainstream consumer, and isn't completely true to the extreme computing sector. DS is capable of installing crazy 5+Ghz processors, thermoelectric cooling systems (only one I know of that sells an actual unit), and massive liquid cooling loops, which Alienware cannot.
They'll also install virtually any aftermarket part compatible with systems, as well as do mods + free overclocking.

As for laptops though, I'm not sure whether Clevo/Sager has made a system that has backlit keys, need to look into that. I've seen some other laptop OEMs successfully mod keyboards though, so i don't think it's completely out of the question.

Update : No one's attempted a mod due to physica issues with power, however, there is some speculation that next year's Ivy Bridge models will be offered with backlit keyboards. The video here appears to show a laptop at this year's Computex with a backlit keyboard, which is promising.


Edited by ablahblah - 25 Sep 2011 at 3:00am

Hi arsing,

Welcome to the DS forum.

Keep in mind that DS computers are noted for their performance and the company is noted for its Customer Service. Pretty is nice but your first consideration should be performance and reliability. DS offers that and if there should be a problem they are there with great customer service. If you need help you talk to an English speaking technician in California. Unless Dell has changed their tech support is in India.

Since you are getting a new laptop how has your old Allenware been working for you? Why are you replacing it? Have you ever talked to their tech support? In case you don't know the old Allenware company was bought by Dell and a new Allenware computer may not be as good as your old one.

Arising, I think you must be a smart girl since you are asking questions. It seems you know that pretty is nice but shouldn't be the deciding factor in buying something like a computer. I hope you can get all of your questions answered and you get a great laptop for Christmas.

Frank

Edited by FrankW - 25 Sep 2011 at 12:52pm

Alienware laptop Pro's:
- Multi-color backlit keyboard
- Custom name plate
- Good looks


Alienware laptop Cons:
- Gets expensive very quick when customizing
- No option for a matte finished screen
- No option for premium thermal paste
- Only the m11x is portable
- If you want a number pad, you got to go with either m17x or m18x
- Tech support is in India
- Service center is somewhere out of the USA.
- Very little quality control

Digistorm (Clevo) laptop Pros:
- Option for matte screen
- Option for premium thermal paste
- Individual laptop quality testing
- Service center (Sager) is in City of Industry, California
- Tech support is here in California
- Clear line of communication
- Warranty is fairly priced
- Easy self-made-upgrades
- Option to decide where you want to put those Intel CPU sticker(?)

Digital Storm laptops Con's:
- No backlit keyboards (Clevo is working on this)
- No accidental warranty
- No 14" screens or 18" screens

Having owned a Alienware desktop that was around 6,000$ which I eventually got my money back on after they replaced every part over the course of a year and a half, I would say go with DS for sure. I currently have a desktop that is almost 1 year old and its have no problems at all and the cost was 1/3rd the price of alienware and the customer service is unrivaled at DS. I also have a DS xm15 laptop that I got a few weeks ago and it is running perfect so far. Honestly after dealing with all the crap alienware puts you through when something goes wrong with a part in your computer I would never deal with them again. DS is just plain higher quality all the way around, the parts, the service, the shipping, and the forums (cant go on alienware forums and ask your question :P, and the people here are great and will do anyithng they can to help. Jut=st get a digitalstorm, you wont regret it!

I have made my decision.
I'm going to go with a DS desktop and just buy myself a backlit keyboard. I think it's a good compromise!

Hi Arising,

What a great decision. A desktop is a much better choice for a computer, especially for gaming. We will be looking for your thread in the Configuration Forum.

Frank

Posted in configuration! I hope I filled it out right.