LoL at Alienware

[Pnoy02]

Pwned!!!

BTW WTF do you mean by different companies? they both deal with selling computer parts right? also, alienware talked about reliability then showed newegg.com as comparison when in reality newegg.com is alot more reliable then they. Don't bite if you can't handle being chewed.

From reading the reseller ratings, I am now convinced that Alienware is the same as Gateway, maybe even worse as they charge you up the ass in royalties and mostly bad service. Atleast Voodoo and Falcon actually are enthusiast although not as well known... If only more people were knowledgeable.

 

[ramj70]

Well one thing I am happy about AW is that they got me to start building and upgrading my own computers. I bought an overpriced AW and the customer/technical support was horrendous. For what you pay you should get excellent support, but you don't. Waiting over and hour for technical support and then when you I got through they said they will have to call me back because no one is available. Three hours later I get a call, but by that time I had posted a question on a technical forum and received the help I need from other folks. So what are you getting for all that money? A T-shirt and a case with a alien head logo on it, oh boy.

I also left a negative feedback on resellerratings for AW and they tried to have my rating removed because they said I did not have a valid invoice number. I still had my invoice though and told resellerratings I would be glad to send them a scanned copy, my reviewed stayed up. AW sucks people and gets their money and then they don't care. If someone does decide to buy a computer for gaming instead of building and they don't mind spending money, go with Voodoo or Northwest Falcon. Their ratings are much higher than AW's.

 

[Tarrant64]

Their not comparable in the sense that newegg.com doesn't specialist in selling pre-built systems. Newegg.com sells almost anything to do with computers and software, audio, networking products, etc. AW does not do that and that's why there different. It's like trying to compare Walmart and Best Buy. Just stupid.

 

[cmp1223]

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?

I CANT TRUST ANY OF YOU! GET AWAY FROM ME

 

[imported_Computer MAn]

They make it seem like having to reasearch componets is a bad thing, to me thats part of the fun. They make it seem like it's hassle tp put it all together thats fun for me too. And lastly they make it seem like public forums suck, you guys probably give better support then the Alienware forums

Well who can blame them all they are trying to do is make money

 

[DAPUNISHER]

My perspective on the topic is this; Alienware makes very good points if you are an inexperienced DIYer or are simply essaying your first attempt vs prebuilt. Honestly, I can't imagine most of us seriously perusing AW for a purchase, and I doubt AW does either, so I don't believe we are intended to be a segment of the target audience/market focus.

There are waves of n00bs pouring in to the message boards every month that have questions about what they should buy, rate their intended build specs, and the thousands of pleas for help because they are unable to troubleshoot issues with the new build due to lack of experience. Look, a monkey can build their own PC, it is when things go awry *which is quite often judging from post on tech forums around the net* when experience along with knowledge of platform and product specific issues becomes invaluable. A n00b could spend weeks trying to get a problem resolved through posting for help, searching, and installing and reinstalling software and hardware, and if all else fails, RMA time and shipping costs. It is enough to make these poor souls wish they just ordered that AW system to begin with.

In the end, for our crowd it amounts to satire and a cause for derisive laughter, but for the inexperienced, I believe it is a good check list of items that need to be evaluated and weighed. If time=money for the prospective buyer, and they have little to no experience with building and upgrading PCs, then the process of acquiring the knowledge about the hard&software that they will need, how to integrate all of it properly, and the potential for a time consuming and fustrating troubleshooting adventure, should all be carefully considered before going DIY over OEM. I think that is exactly what that AW propaganda attempts to do, albeit with a very proAW slant, and that the points are all valid for the n00b.

And we haven't even gotten to the DIY factors of using overclocking to enhance value, the many nuances involved with an overclock depending on the particular components or which to choose for that matter, bios flashing/editing, how to evaluate the stability of the overclock, the risks involved from voiding the warranty and being out the money spent on the hardware, ect. We all take it for granted because it is practically 2nd nature now, but when you started out was it that way?

I'd go so far as to submit spending more on the AW is a better investment for the aforementioned crowd, why? Because they won't get caught up in this highly infectuous DIY game of constant costly upgrades and fads that drain their wallets through out the year after year after year Instead they will have an expensive one time cost system that since they are blissfully unaware isn't up to our crowds snooty standards, will likely satisfy their computing needs for years to come

 

[Polishwonder74]

Originally posted by: AWhackWhiteBoy
WTF!. "A time consuming,unrealiable shopping experience. There are many less-than-reputable distributors that are only interested in a quick sale rather than in your satisfaction."

AND THEY SHOW A PICTURE OF NEWEGG!

SUE SUE SUE!

pwned!!11!1

Those Alienware punk-asses. . . . .

 

[Gurck]

Originally posted by: Tarrant64
Their not comparable in the sense that newegg.com doesn't specialist in selling pre-built systems. Newegg.com sells almost anything to do with computers and software, audio, networking products, etc. AW does not do that and that's why there different. It's like trying to compare Walmart and Best Buy. Just stupid.

I disagree, we'll leave it at that. If you must compare them to other prebuilt sellers, have a look at ABS or Monarch

 

[Pnoy02]

"I'd go so far as to submit spending more on the AW is a better investment for the aforementioned crowd, why? Because they won't get caught up in this highly infectuous DIY game of constant costly upgrades and fads that drain their wallets through out the year after year after year Instead they will have an expensive one time cost system that since they are blissfully unaware isn't up to our crowds snooty standards, will likely satisfy their computing needs for years to come"

~This has got to be one of the dumbest(no offense) thing I've ever read. The amount of time you have to wait(if you catch the wrong end of the stick) is much more than the RMA you have to do and the amount of money you spend on an alienware is much more than you'll end up spending initially + upgrades. I can understand sticking up for a company, but damn, they have to get their act together. Its a huge responsibility when retaining customers, they simply aren't doing it correctly, atleast most of them. ALso that website can be turned in as False advertising for a # of reasons, not to mention mocking newegg's name.

Overall, those nubs who don't take the time to actually learn what they get themselves into deserve the Alienware they get. They basically pay about 10-30% more for performance not noticeable compared to DIY, heck I've built a DIY and it will probly smoke a comparably equipped Alienware. Heck I remember Alienware had that "bench mark your PC and compare to an Area 51 and it was nothing short of a joke. I Guess some people deserve to have an alienware, just like those who like to customize their dell.

 

[Jittos]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
There are waves of n00bs pouring in to the message boards every month that have questions about what they should buy, rate their intended build specs, and the thousands of pleas for help because they are unable to troubleshoot issues with the new build due to lack of experience. Look, a monkey can build their own PC, it is when things go awry *which is quite often judging from post on tech forums around the net* when experience along with knowledge of platform and product specific issues becomes invaluable. A n00b could spend weeks trying to get a problem resolved through posting for help, searching, and installing and reinstalling software and hardware, and if all else fails, RMA time and shipping costs. It is enough to make these poor souls wish they just ordered that AW system to begin with.

I think those 'n00bs' are better off with a Dell when it come to cost effectiveness.

u'll have plenty of spare money to buy all those expensive new games..

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Pnoy02,

fvck off. If you couldn't properly interpret what the wink and tongue icons symbolize when added to a post then you are as obtuse as those you deride for failing to do the necessary research.

 

[ponyo]

This kind of thread just shows the ignorance of many here at AnandTech. Unfortunately this "DIY is always best no matter what" mentality exists on every computer forums.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: Jittos

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
There are waves of n00bs pouring in to the message boards every month that have questions about what they should buy, rate their intended build specs, and the thousands of pleas for help because they are unable to troubleshoot issues with the new build due to lack of experience. Look, a monkey can build their own PC, it is when things go awry *which is quite often judging from post on tech forums around the net* when experience along with knowledge of platform and product specific issues becomes invaluable. A n00b could spend weeks trying to get a problem resolved through posting for help, searching, and installing and reinstalling software and hardware, and if all else fails, RMA time and shipping costs. It is enough to make these poor souls wish they just ordered that AW system to begin with.

I think those 'n00bs' are better off with a Dell when it come to cost effectiveness.

u'll have plenty of spare money to buy all those expensive new games..

Are they? Do you realize how many people that order Dells have no idea that 5200 or X300SE they chose can't play D3 or HL2 for shat? It is the typical failing of a experienced DIYer to not understand just how uninformed most the public is about what hardware is capable of what, or why. I have been building systems for people for years and am intimately acquainted with just how ignorant they are in this area. What difference does it make that they saved money@DEll if they end up with a system that bonks trying to run the game they just bought? Lets say they grabbed that snazzy 20" LCD while they were at it, man is that game gonna look like shat playing@8x6 on that badboy.

My point is, you give these people way too much credit. They simply don't have the foundation necessary to make informed purchasing decisions. It may seem like no BFD to do the necessary research to you, but believe it or not many would rather not spend their time reading what to them amounts to highly technical, confusing industry jargon. Hell, they can't even make heads or tails of what the benchmarks mean! So what do they do? They trust the employee of the OEM or store to guide them which as most 'round here know, can often be a very big mistake.

Most my biz comes from referals because I don't dick them over or make terrible recommendations that poorly suit there budget and needs. I have heard so many horror stories from them about their previous computer purchases and how they paid more than expected after including all the overpriced connection cables and such the employee stuck them with that it is truly sad. YMMV of course, but since that is my experience it is the facts AFAIC.

 

[Jeff7]

Alienware ensures that your system only includes components of the highest quality and reliability, and makes upgrading to future technology simple through advanced system architecture.

Graphics Processor
Integrated Intel® Graphics
Media Accelerator 900

From Anandtech's review of the GMA900:

While some games are actually playable, and performance is head and shoulders above that of Intel Extreme Graphics 2, performance is too abysmal for us to recommend the GMA900 for anything beyond 2D computing and extremely rudimentary 3D.

What the hell are you talking about? Those are the 3 items likely to survive through multiple upgrades if you buy high quality the first time! The PSU is the single most important component in the build. While I don't agree with Zebos' picks because they don't match my personal preferences, he picked high quality components that could be around for years after the rest of the system gets sold off.

$78.50 will get you a 430W Antec Truepower, which should do just fine. For $107, you can get a 550W Antec.
Case - I love Antec's SLK3700, which runs around $75 shipped.
Monitor....well, that 22" thing looks nice, and it has an AG screen, but I'm sure there are slightly cheaper options.

Originally posted by: cmp1223

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?

I CANT TRUST ANY OF YOU! GET AWAY FROM ME

It's a shame. You shouldn't have said that. One dark night, you and your family will vanish. You can trust that.

And anyway, like Alienware has your interests in mind. They have profit margins in mind.

I think those 'n00bs' are better off with a Dell when it come to cost effectiveness.

u'll have plenty of spare money to buy all those expensive new games..

Except that most Dell's come with pathetic integrated graphics that can't even run any of the expensive new games, much less play them well.

If you couldn't properly interpret what the wink and tongue icons symbolize when added to a post then you are as obtuse as those you deride for failing to do the necessary research.

His sarcasm meter must be faulty.

 

[ramj70]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER

Originally posted by: Jittos

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
There are waves of n00bs pouring in to the message boards every month that have questions about what they should buy, rate their intended build specs, and the thousands of pleas for help because they are unable to troubleshoot issues with the new build due to lack of experience. Look, a monkey can build their own PC, it is when things go awry *which is quite often judging from post on tech forums around the net* when experience along with knowledge of platform and product specific issues becomes invaluable. A n00b could spend weeks trying to get a problem resolved through posting for help, searching, and installing and reinstalling software and hardware, and if all else fails, RMA time and shipping costs. It is enough to make these poor souls wish they just ordered that AW system to begin with.

I think those 'n00bs' are better off with a Dell when it come to cost effectiveness.

u'll have plenty of spare money to buy all those expensive new games..

Are they? Do you realize how many people that order Dells have no idea that 5200 or X300SE they chose can't play D3 or HL2 for shat? It is the typical failing of a experienced DIYer to not understand just how uninformed most the public is about what hardware is capable of what, or why. I have been building systems for people for years and am intimately acquainted with just how ignorant they are in this area. What difference does it make that they saved money@DEll if they end up with a system that bonks trying to run the game they just bought? Lets say they grabbed that snazzy 20" LCD while they were at it, man is that game gonna look like shat playing@8x6 on that badboy.

My point is, you give these people way too much credit. They simply don't have the foundation necessary to make informed purchasing decisions. It may seem like no BFD to do the necessary research to you, but believe it or not many would rather not spend their time reading what to them amounts to highly technical, confusing industry jargon. Hell, they can't even make heads or tails of what the benchmarks mean! So what do they do? They trust the employee of the OEM or store to guide them which as most 'round here know, can often be a very big mistake.

Most my biz comes from referals because I don't dick them over or make terrible recommendations that poorly suit there budget and needs. I have heard so many horror stories from them about their previous computer purchases and how they paid more than expected after including all the overpriced connection cables and such the employee stuck them with that it is truly sad. YMMV of course, but since that is my experience it is the facts AFAIC.

I agree with you punisher that there are many people that don't have the time or knowledge to build their own, a great many people and there is nothing wrong with buying pre-made systems. However if one is going to spend a great deal of money on a computer they should get some excellent support, which AW does not provide. They are really not that much better than Dell when it comes to that, which is unfortunate because AW does make some good computers, but their customer & technical support is seriously lacking, and for what you are paying for their systems it should not be like that.

 

[Jittos]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
My point is, you give these people way too much credit. They simply don't have the foundation necessary to make informed purchasing decisions. It may seem like no BFD to do the necessary research to you, but believe it or not many would rather not spend their time reading what to them amounts to highly technical, confusing industry jargon. Hell, they can't even make heads or tails of what the benchmarks mean! So what do they do? They trust the employee of the OEM or store to guide them which as most 'round here know, can often be a very big mistake.

Most my biz comes from referals because I don't dick them over or make terrible recommendations that poorly suit there budget and needs. I have heard so many horror stories from them about their previous computer purchases and how they paid more than expected after including all the overpriced connection cables and such the employee stuck them with that it is truly sad. YMMV of course, but since that is my experience it is the facts AFAIC.

I got your point, and I agree.

But I don't see how AW helps guide buyers to understand what they buy any better than Dell. Both company describe their systems with words like "superior" or "cutting-edge" which don't mean much.

I'm never the type that's all pro-DIY. I always recommend ppl ('n00bs') to buy pre-assembled computers (with me help picking the spec). Just that there are better options than AW out there. OK, maybe not Dell for hardcore gaming, but casual gaming, Dell is not bad.

 

[Pnoy02]

I do my research TY very much, fvck what's to research when basically all is laid out in front of your eyes? Trying to hard to get a point, also I understood what you said perfectly, and that was to basically recommend to people who don't know much about PCs alienware and give a good recommendation cause they "might get into PC building too much" Your little smileys can't cover that you tried to create a stupid statement, sorry but I just pointed that out, don't tell me to fvck off. Also people say DIY cause its the best solution in terms of what you can create over the money you have to spend and total control of what you input, what's left to say? Unless you're a terrible builder, I can't think of any reasons to spend that much more for potential very unreliable service at a skyrocket price. If you wanna be one of the people who end up complaining at resellers.com then go ahead. This "DIY CRAZE" will continue cause those who go to PC enthusiast sites usually have better knowledge in PCs so you deal with mostly DIYers on internet forums cause those who bought expensive prebuilts are busy on hold on the phone waiting for tech support.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

ramj70,

You will get no arguments from me on those points I am glad most companies have terrible S&S though, or I'd have to find a different side job

 

[jterrell]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER

Originally posted by: Pciber

Originally posted by: Zebo
For example this confiqured at newegg was $2453
http://secure.newegg.com/app/W...it=VIEW&ID=1178472

$212 on a case?
$600 on a 22" CRT monitor?
$130 on a power supply?

Your spending money in all the wrong places.

What the hell are you talking about? Those are the 3 items likely to survive through multiple upgrades if you buy high quality the first time! The PSU is the single most important component in the build. While I don't agree with Zebos' picks because they don't match my personal preferences, he picked high quality components that could be around for years after the rest of the system gets sold off.

This is a comparison of a prebuilt high-end system and a high-end DIY system for you, not a customer build you are trying to maximize profit on. The 3 parts in question are where you absolutely must be willing to pony up! Otherwise your high-end system is nothing of the sort IMHO.

You missed the obvious point that AW isn't giving you a 130 dollar psu, a case worth 212 dollars or a 600 monitor at the price he lists. Perhaps you were merely backing up a buddy but he is being a serious fanboy. I have a good friend who has an AW and he suggested I buy from ibuypower for chrissakes(which is much lower in qaulity) because he doesn't feel he got his money's worth out of AW.

You can build a very high quality box with a 75 dollar 530 watt FSP psu, a 100 dollar Lian Li case, and a 350 LCD or CRT that you can actually lift without a dolly.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Pnoy02,

You have your opinion and you are entitled to it, but don't presume to put words in my mouth. Others obviously understood my sarcasm and quasi-facetiousness. It was even suggested your sarcasm meter is broken I have been posting here consistantly for years, so many are familiar with my style, you obviously are not, you made a mistake, now move on please

BTW, your easily shaken demeanor will serve you poorly here, water off a ducks' back is my advice to you, or I can assure you, your stay will be short.

 

[jterrell]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
My perspective on the topic is this; Alienware makes very good points if you are an inexperienced DIYer or are simply essaying your first attempt vs prebuilt. Honestly, I can't imagine most of us seriously perusing AW for a purchase, and I doubt AW does either, so I don't believe we are intended to be a segment of the target audience/market focus.

There are waves of n00bs pouring in to the message boards every month that have questions about what they should buy, rate their intended build specs, and the thousands of pleas for help because they are unable to troubleshoot issues with the new build due to lack of experience. Look, a monkey can build their own PC, it is when things go awry *which is quite often judging from post on tech forums around the net* when experience along with knowledge of platform and product specific issues becomes invaluable. A n00b could spend weeks trying to get a problem resolved through posting for help, searching, and installing and reinstalling software and hardware, and if all else fails, RMA time and shipping costs. It is enough to make these poor souls wish they just ordered that AW system to begin with.

In the end, for our crowd it amounts to satire and a cause for derisive laughter, but for the inexperienced, I believe it is a good check list of items that need to be evaluated and weighed. If time=money for the prospective buyer, and they have little to no experience with building and upgrading PCs, then the process of acquiring the knowledge about the hard&software that they will need, how to integrate all of it properly, and the potential for a time consuming and fustrating troubleshooting adventure, should all be carefully considered before going DIY over OEM. I think that is exactly what that AW propaganda attempts to do, albeit with a very proAW slant, and that the points are all valid for the n00b.

And we haven't even gotten to the DIY factors of using overclocking to enhance value, the many nuances involved with an overclock depending on the particular components or which to choose for that matter, bios flashing/editing, how to evaluate the stability of the overclock, the risks involved from voiding the warranty and being out the money spent on the hardware, ect. We all take it for granted because it is practically 2nd nature now, but when you started out was it that way?

I'd go so far as to submit spending more on the AW is a better investment for the aforementioned crowd, why? Because they won't get caught up in this highly infectuous DIY game of constant costly upgrades and fads that drain their wallets through out the year after year after year Instead they will have an expensive one time cost system that since they are blissfully unaware isn't up to our crowds snooty standards, will likely satisfy their computing needs for years to come

AW is clearly trying to target would be DIY's. Thats the purpose of the ad. Otherwise they wouldn't bother and would target merely other companies like Dell.

How hard is it exactly to find Jpeyton's guide here on ATforums and order the parts he lists (complete with links) then put the pc together?

Bottom line is when all is said and done you are paying 30 bucks an hour to AW for stuff you can do yourself AND that most people enjoy doing. Tech Support? Try posting in techincal support here and see how long it takes ot get a response? Never has taken me long at all. Mechbgon is better than any of the techies these places employ.

And buying a dead end system is absolutely the biggest reason NOT to use a manufacturer. I wouldn't touch a year old AW box right now. It would have next to no resale value compared to price paid.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

jterrell, let me elaborate for you. No where other than in my jocular suggestion that they were better off with AW did I suggest buying from them. I thought I made it slear I was joking for the confused so let this serve as a 2nd notice on that.

What I was pointing out is the check list in that AW comparison is a valid one that n00bs should consider before venturing into DIY. OEM isn't a bad choice for many, and that is the gist of my position. I haven't used or serviced one so I can't even comment on their products first hand. I have no post in over 12000 here promoting AW, but I have many stating I will not do biz with a vendor with a reseller rating less than 8.x, as AW does not have one that is that on my insinuated AW loving.

Now, unless there is something you believe is incorrect about stating those are 3 very important components of a DIY build, I don't think there is anything between you and I but a misunderstanding of my stance in this thread.

One more time, that check list should be considered by n00bs before they jump in the game. Should it disuade them? Only if they don't have the time, effort, and patience to see it through. Otherwise, posting here or another message board and getting us to shoe you the ropes of how to use reseller ratings when choosing merchants, what hardware to pick for your needs, and hwo best to go about everything by reading all the helpful guides stickied is all you need to make a great go of it

 

[thorin]

Hmmmm my process goes like this:

1) Buy locally.
2) Assemble.
3) Use.

And it'll all takes less then a day.

Thorin

 

[DAPUNISHER]

jterrell,

You seem bitter, why? Regardless, they are targeting the many new DIYers not the experienced ones. Do you honestkly believe they are foolish enough to think we will buy that rubbish? Come on! They know damned well more people are joining the DIY crowd every day and they are trying to intimidate them into staying with a "special" pre-built and not do it themselves. If you really believe that they are trying to get DIYers that have been rolling their own for years to buy an AW then I have some realestate you would be interested in

 

[doublejbass]

The fact is, they should just come out and say "All you glamer-kiddies aren't smart enough to succeed building your own system." The Punisher is correct about that, people are idiots. That doesn't make AW's snake oil any more appetizing. If time is in fact money, it better be a hell of a lot of money to justify what you're spending on that shit, considering how many free resources are available to figure out what the hell you're doing, and quickly. Anyone who doesn't have time to spend with that, frankly, has no business buying a marked up enthusiast machine.

What does Alienware have over Dell? A quick look over their sales pitch shows a whole lot of "Blast Processing" level advances, and naturally they cultivate the snake oil image as the "hardcore gaming" company. To the "Alienware has a niche, leave them alone" argument, they DO have a niche. Pimply-faced losers who WANT to belong to the enthusiast-gamer community, and take a second to consider how pathetic being too much of a loser for the gamers must be, but these kiddies possess neither the knowledge or the motivation to leave their parents' basement and do it themselves. That is the target market, and Alienware seems to be succeeding with it. All I'm saying is that if you spend your money on that, you know what you're getting, and you know where you belong.