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Dell Alienware M11x - Honey I Shrunk the Gaming Notebook!

By Aloysius Low - 10 May 2010
Launch SRP: S$1999

Shrunk Down Powerhouse

Shrunk Down Powerhouse

We've been busy trying out Dell's various Alienware models since they were launched for the local region and we have yet to be disappointed by their build or performance. Their latest machine to sport the Alienware branding is the 11-inch Dell Alienware M11x and its small stature hides a very portable and powerful notebook.

Compared to the other Alienware branded notebooks though, the M11x doesn't pack a quad-core Intel Core i7 processor like its 15-inch cousin. Instead, it runs on Intel's more power efficient Consumer Ultra Low Voltage (CULV) processor, the Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 (1.3GHz).

Now, you're probably thinking, an Intel CULV processor isn't probably a good idea for gaming. Has Alienware finally snapped? Well, no. While the M11x does run on the CULV processor, it also packs a pretty decent NVIDIA GeForce 335M processor, which is an upgraded NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT for those who are getting confused by the NVIDIA's re-branding exercise.

Since the unit features switchable graphics, users will be able to milk the long lasting battery life features of the CULV processor and that of the Intel IGP for productivity needs while also benefiting from heavy action gaming thanks to its decent mid-range discrete graphics engine. We'll find out exactly if this potential lethal combo can fare well in our benchmarking section later in the review. For now, let's start off with the exterior and interior of this gorgeous looking notebook.

Like most Alienware designs, you'll find the design of the M11x to look futuristic and 'out-of-the-world' like. It's also quite thick when compared against the usual "thin and light" designs of other notebooks that run on Intel CULV processors.

The usual ports on the side are there, but what's missing is an optical drive. Unfortunately, there's no bundled external drive, so installing games can be troublesome unless you get your own external drive.

The right side too has your usual connectivity ports such as VGA, USB, LAN port, HDMI, DisplayPort, card reader and a mini-DV FireWire port.

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9.0
  • Design 8.5
  • Features 9
  • Performance 9.5
  • Value 9
  • Mobility 9
The Good
Excellent performance
Good battery life
The Bad
Chunky for a 11-inch notebook
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