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I cant belive alienware

No matter how much effort you put into perfecting the interior configurations of your self-built system, you could very well end up with a generic and bland off-the-shelf case that poorly reflects all your hard work.
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Instead, you can buy their system that looks fruity and reflects all of your hard work :p
 
Talonz said:
Instead, you can buy their system that looks fruity and reflects all of your hard work :p
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Instead, you can buy their system that looks shiny and reflects all of your rich money thrown at it.

-J.
 
Marklar said:
I just went to alienware and built a systeem and it came to $2500 went to new egg and built the same system for $1500 I guess that makes thier special cases worth $1000

/me gives alienware the finger
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That alone pisses me off. Marklar is just an idiot. He doesn't get why they charge $1000 extra. It's the labor, it's the service, it's just about everything, including those fancy stuff they give you all completed with the PC. In fact, that extra thousand is useful to many illiterate and even tech savvy people I believe. It's that sort of comfort and the community is strong there. But, it's just my opinion of course. But the service thing still remains true.

-J.
 
GeForceX said:
That alone pisses me off. Marklar is just an idiot. He doesn't get why they charge $1000 extra. It's the labor, it's the service, it's just about everything, including those fancy stuff they give you all completed with the PC. In fact, that extra thousand is useful to many illiterate and even tech savvy people I believe. It's that sort of comfort and the community is strong there. But, it's just my opinion of course. But the service thing still remains true.

-J.
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For someone like me, I can't justify Alienware's "Superior" service for $1000. Hell, I bet you Alienware's assembly techs are no more or less educated than Dell's. The only thing that differs between Alienware and Dell is volume, Alienware's lower volume helps them avoid fuckups more easily. That $1000 on that system is almost PURE margin as alienware more than likeley gets a wholesale price on their components that's better than any of us can get. Yes, the boutiques have excellent tech support, but when you service computers for a living like me tech support is as worthless as tits on a bull. You only call them to get a Return Authorization or to get parts, and that can be like pulling teeth sometimes. Which is why I prefer to work with retailers, a fair portion of them will handle RMA's for you and just hand you a new part over the counter without a fuss.
 
Alienware is poop.

I'm the head technician in a very large arcade, and we have a game that uses 10 Alienware PCs. We've had the game for about a year, and already had to replace 3 power supplies, a motherboard, and a display that got fried by one of the failed power supplies.

I don't consider a 30% failure rate within 1 year to be worth paying extra for.
 
And imagine the profit newegg makes on that $1500 worth of parts, So for Alienware they would get there $1000.00 + neweggs profit.. :p Rich Rich Rich!

Mr_Evil said:
For someone like me, I can't justify Alienware's "Superior" service for $1000. Hell, I bet you Alienware's assembly techs are no more or less educated than Dell's. The only thing that differs between Alienware and Dell is volume, Alienware's lower volume helps them avoid fuckups more easily. That $1000 on that system is almost PURE margin as alienware more than likeley gets a wholesale price on their components that's better than any of us can get. Yes, the boutiques have excellent tech support, but when you service computers for a living like me tech support is as worthless as tits on a bull. You only call them to get a Return Authorization or to get parts, and that can be like pulling teeth sometimes. Which is why I prefer to work with retailers, a fair portion of them will handle RMA's for you and just hand you a new part over the counter without a fuss.
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I agree, they are now getting a little overpriced but again, it's what they call "service" or... superfluous service.

As for Jicks, wow, you've gotten into some serious bad luck. It must be a coincidence. I doubt Alienware would allow such a thing happen. It didn't happen to me, so I'm happy.

-J.
 
That is the only way they can convince stupid people who know nothing about computers to buy their stuff. No self-respecting computer enthusiast or gamer would ever let somebody else build their system. They're way off in their steps though, there are only 5 steps for us:

1. Research
2. Order Parts
3. Build
4. Install Everything / Tweak
5. Working System

...Dan
 
And there's also no way anybody would buy a "Generic Grey Box" for their high-performance computer.
 
That maybe be marketing (well, it is I guess) But quite a few points they really took too far. Like the gray box and upgradeing. But as a new person to building my own, I can also understand what someone less knowlageable might be thinking. I was worried about getting stuff that works together, installing the operating system, haveing no real waranty that anyting would actualy work. But I did some hardcore researching and alot of forum reading and thought I'd give it a try. Considering the money involved with computers, it can be a very big step most people may not be ready to take. I'm glad I did, but that may just be to the fact that it was a good experience.

Just in case you wanted to see it one more time.
generic and bland off-the-shelf case
 
The funniest part is the "Future Upgradeability." With alienware do you mail in your whole system or something? Now apparently everything alienware ever stocks will be compatible with what came before it, or at least more than a self-built system... :D
 
I actually like the "generic grey box" a lot better than that Alienware case. I prefer the minimalist look.
 
Dan17 said:
And there's also no way anybody would buy a "Generic Grey Box" for their high-performance computer.
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*looks around sheepishly*




Well it was high-performance when I bought it.

2 years ago :eek:
 
LOL

Building your own system means you will have to rely on public forums for answers to questions or problems you may have. Participants from other forums are not likely to have your interests at heart, and may not be as knowledgeable. Can you trust them?
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I trust you guys :p

EDIT: Hey, I'd trust a "Dec 2004" n00b here, rather anyone at Alienware ;)
 
Funny, Alienware doesn't seem to be aware that not all third-party computer cases were manufactured before 1996.....They would have a point about building your own system costing more than a pre-built if their prices weren't so inflated...I would sooner get a better bargain if I bought a gaming rig from Michael's Computers...

Propaganda!
 
I admit I did not read this whole thread so my apologies if this has been mentioned

I found it very amusing that they would berate build it yourself and then contradict themselves by saying they train their staff as if they were building thier own.
 
Dan17 said:
And there's also no way anybody would buy a "Generic Grey Box" for their high-performance computer.
Click to expand...

Actually, yes I would. I've had my hands on several "Generic Grey Boxes" that met my criteria for ease of installation, room for expansion and enough room to make use of every drive bay.

I really don't care what the box looks like for the most part. I think that boring old boxes very often look better than most of the ones that come premodded or have a lot of visual addons. To me, the sparse look is better. Besides, I prefer to save the money on a boring box and put that money towards better parts inside which I believe is what counts.
 
All kidding aside, Alienware has its place, the very fact that they are successful demonstrates that there are a substantial amount of well healed people that want a powerfull and (in their eyes) elegant system that fts into thier art deco appointments in thier high rise condos.


We can berate Alenware all we want but its paramount to a bunch of hot rodders berating Chrysler for providing off the shelf somewhat reliable yet overpriced vehicles.

Both Chrysler and Alienware have a successful business formula.
 
The part that made me laugh is at the bottom of the page: http://www.alienware.com/build_vs_buy_pages/style.aspx ...where it said:
the custom-built system of your dreams without the aggravating hassles that come from building a system on your own.
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Aggravating?... Aggravating??... What a laugh. The custom built system of my dreams is building a system on my own. No aggravation at all. I just have to laugh at the marketing tactics they use.
They give the pitch with "doom and gloom" tactics to try and scare people into buying their product. They make it sound like they are gods with the all knowning capacity to build a computer and we (meaning the consumers) are just cowering little sheep that couldn't possibly have any knowledge of how to build a system. Now, that's aggravating.

Unless their product suddenly gave me psychic powers or guaranteed I would win the lottery, I think I would prefer to build my own and save some money while I do it. No aggravation to it.

...just my $0.02... :cool:
 
LMAO...Can't blame them though...It's just marketing. I would probably do the same thing if it sold me more computers :D
 
jacuzz1 said:
All kidding aside, Alienware has its place, the very fact that they are successful demonstrates that there are a substantial amount of well healed people that want a powerfull and (in their eyes) elegant system that fts into thier art deco appointments in thier high rise condos.


We can berate Alenware all we want but its paramount to a bunch of hot rodders berating Chrysler for providing off the shelf somewhat reliable yet overpriced vehicles.

Both Chrysler and Alienware have a successful business formula.
Click to expand...


Your analogy is flawed though. Building a high performance PC is like putting a round peg in a round hole compared to building a high performance car. If you're building a Hot rod in your spare time it can take YEARS to finish it. Hell, my '61 F100's going on 4 years in progress now. It is in fact easier (and in some cases cheaper) to just go to the dealer and buy a performance car off the lot. The longest it's EVER taken me to build a PC was 2 months and that was just because I was waiting for the stupid case to come in stock. It also takes a TON more knowledge and mechanical skill to put together a high performance vehicle. Building a PC does not require in-depth knowledge of electronics and what each little component on the PCB does, nor does it require the knowledge of soldering to just put a PC together. Hell, to put together a Hotrod, knowledge of engine construction, specifications and welding are MUST haves.

Not only is your analogy flawed, but Alienware is just flat out spouting bullshit throughout this whole marketing shpiel. The quality of their tech support after normal business hours is no better than Dell's from what I've read (Indian outsourcing). Not to mention the fact that the SFF PC they sell on their site is like $1000 more than what it would cost you to buy a Shuttle and put it together yourself and have the EXACT same thing. As far as warranty goes, the ONLY components I've had fail on me under warranty were hard drives and they were easy to RMA.
 
DustMite said:
The part that made me laugh is at the bottom of the page: http://www.alienware.com/build_vs_buy_pages/style.aspx ...where it said: Aggravating?... Aggravating??... What a laugh. The custom built system of my dreams is building a system on my own. No aggravation at all. I just have to laugh at the marketing tactics they use.
They give the pitch with "doom and gloom" tactics to try and scare people into buying their product. They make it sound like they are gods with the all knowning capacity to build a computer and we (meaning the consumers) are just cowering little sheep that couldn't possibly have any knowledge of how to build a system. Now, that's aggravating.

Unless their product suddenly gave me psychic powers or guaranteed I would win the lottery, I think I would prefer to build my own and save some money while I do it. No aggravation to it.

...just my $0.02... :cool:
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You've gotta be shitting me right? So you are telling me, every single time you have ever built a computer, everything, 100% has gone perfectly? If anyone can say that, then they haven't used computers much. Computers are both the most aggravating and enjoyable things out there. I don't know about you guys, but I certainly have had my share of BSOD's, failure to recognize drives, screw ups on installs etc. etc.

With pre-built, all of that is gone. As for the people who are bashing, Alienware is built for people who don't have the time, knowledge, or effort to build their own. If you think you are ub3r 1337 because you can build your own computer, great, but don't bash them just beacuse they have marketing. Guarenteed, Alienware systems will look cleaner inside, will have great tech support, warranty etc. Not to mention, the badass looking case.

And really, it does take less time to order from them. I don't see where they went wrong with that...

Anyways, I don't think you guys should be thinking you are high and mighty cause Alienware is "n00b" and you are somehow uber 1337, cause when it comes down to it, who's making the money here? You or them?
 
I built plenty of machines and becuase I choose the good parts, I haven't had any problems with any of the systems I've built. I think I've built over 50 machines in the past 10 years, if not more.
And I make some decent money building them for people. I made $800 on a $3500 machine I built 6 months ago and the client was very happy with the machine and the price and it hasn't had a problem yet, knock on wood. Also, I ordered all those parts for that $3500 machine on a Sunday from newegg.com and got them on Wednesday and it was built and operating Wednesday evening.
 
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA now thats funny :D hey who wants an ugly alienware case? ..... shotgun anyone?
 
pduan87 said:
Guarenteed, Alienware systems will look cleaner inside, will have great tech support, warranty etc. Not to mention, the badass looking case.
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I have great tech support. It's called my personal knowledge, not to mention all the knowledgeable folks I can ask if I don't happen to have the information already. All new parts have warranties, and anybody who's ever seen one of my rigs knows how clean they are on the inside. And that case is anything but "badass looking." "Ass looking" is much more like it.
 
keep in mind if you build your own system EACH part has it's own warrenty not just the whole pc alone having a warrenty which is void if you upgrade it yourself, or change/part out anything in it.
 
i completly agree with wanamingo tech support ppl are complete retards, personal knowledge owns any tech support retard. Keep in mind your calling some dumbass (probably some A+ cert retard that doesnt know his ass from a hole in the ground)
and trying to explain a problem to him that you can obviously fix yourself
 
Any good shopper will realize that the 12 year old down the block can do all but one of those steps at a significantly lower price. Any good shopper will realize that this is the better deal, and buy from the 12 year old.

Any good computer enthusiast will realize that alienware isn't for them, and simply move along.
 
kleptophobiac said:
Any good shopper will realize that the 12 year old down the block can do all but one of those steps at a significantly lower price. Any good shopper will realize that this is the better deal, and buy from the 12 year old.

Any good computer enthusiast will realize that alienware isn't for them, and simply move along.
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Back from the dead :eek:
 
They're not marketing towards us, the enthusiasts obviously...

so yeah I can imagine it would be aggrevating for my mom to build her own box...

I'm pretty sure we all buy stuff that we could probably make ourselves for cheaper. I like having a choice personally.
 
Alienware prides itself on developing systems that offer customers the opportunity to fully upgrade each component of their system. The exclusive Alienware chassis features a fully upgradeable architecture to extend the life of each system, keeping you ahead of the curve of rapidly changing computer technology. Alienware’s advanced architecture saves you money in the long-run by negating the need to buy a completely new system each time technology advances.
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This sounds like BS to me.

I've never owned an Alienware PC before, but I've owned many other OEM machines and I can tell you that they are NOT upgradeable. Most OEMs use proprietary motheboards that not only make OC'ing impossible (due to a bastardized BIOS) but they often use integrated CPUs that can't be removed. Furthermore, back up discs provided by OEMs are not compatible with any motherboard other than the one provided with the PC. So because upgrading anything usually also involves buying a new mobo, you will have no choice but to purchase a new OS as well as whatever stupid software package that came with the system.

From what I've seen Alienware is crap. I would never waste my hard earned money on such trash.
 
Maybe they mean their chassis is fully upgradeable, but with only their parts?

I've never owned one either, but for some reason I want to say that they use mostly third-party components, but I don't know and don't quote me on that. And if I'm wrong, quietly utter to yourself that I'm a babbling idiot, and don't let your fingers repeat it.
 
kleptophobiac said:
Any good shopper will realize that the 12 year old down the block can do all but one of those steps at a significantly lower price. Any good shopper will realize that this is the better deal, and buy from the 12 year old.
Any good computer enthusiast will realize that alienware isn't for them, and simply move along.
Click to expand...

As a person that ran a shop i can tell you that very few 12 year olds can build a system right. Key word being "right". I got alot of business form kids who played CS who 'thought' they could build a PC right. Subtle things are important like driver install order. Bios tweaking. If overclocked buring on with P95 and other apps. Voltage tweaks. Mosfets HS add 'ons for overclocked systems. Water cooling mods. Alternate bios (hacked) installations or just regular bios flashing 'properly' .. and tweaking from said. Properly setting sinc/vs async or using dividers. Setting up raid properly and efficiently. Setting up storage drives and ghosting all apps and the OS. Slipstreaming. Monitoring PSU voltages correctly.


And more .. but you get the point. Very few 12 year olds let alone 15-18 year olds that i have met either at lan parties, in the shop, in other shops, or anywhere else really had all of the basics and advanced basics, and advanced performance tweaking down pat. Most of your better builders are 25 and above imo. At least the ones i have met. Picture a 12 year old building systems for Voodoo or Falcon Northwest. I think not.
 
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