Alienware 18 Area-51 review
The Alienware Alienware 18 Area-51 ranks as the #115 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 79. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #11-ranked performance among 29 laptops. Consider the Alienware 16 Area-51 or Acer Predator Helios Neo 18, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The new Alienware 18 Area-51 is a comeback from the brand, addressing previous thermal issues. I'm impressed with its design and performance. The CPU temperature stays under 80°C even at 5 GHz, a significant improvement over past models. The GPU temperatures are also impressive, reaching up to 175 watts without maxing out the fans. With comfortable fan noise and no scorched palms or fingers, this laptop is worth considering for gamers. Whether to choose it over the 16-inch model depends on personal preference. Overall, the Alienware 18 Area-51 is a strong contender in the gaming laptop market.
Build
The Alienware 18 Area-51 boasts an impressive build with a compact and sturdy design. The magnesium alloy construction provides durability, while the customizable lighting system adds a touch of personalization. The laptop's size is manageable despite its powerful components, making it easy to carry around. The keyboard layout is spacious and well-designed, perfect for typing. Overall, the 18 Area-51's build quality is exceptional, reflecting a premium feel that justifies its price point. A notable improvement from previous Alienware models, this laptop's construction exudes quality and sophistication. If you’re after a better build, Alienware Area-51m R2 could be the ideal option.
Display
The display on the Alienware 18 Area-51 is a highlight of the laptop. It features a stunning 4K touchscreen with vibrant colors and crisp details. The screen's 360-degree hinges allow for seamless flexibility, making it easy to switch between laptop and tablet modes. The display's brightness and color accuracy are top-notch, making it perfect for gaming, video editing, or simply browsing the web. The touchscreen feature adds a layer of interactivity, allowing users to easily navigate and interact with content on the go. Overall, the display is a major selling point for the Alienware 18 Area-51, delivering an immersive visual experience that rivals many desktop monitors. Alienware m16 R2 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded display.
Performance
The Alienware 18 Area-51's performance is a notable improvement over its predecessors. In gaming tests, the CPU stayed cool at around 70°C, even under intense loads. The GPU also performed admirably, maintaining temperatures below 80°C while handling demanding games like Fortnite. The system's thermals are impressive, considering its compact design. In everyday use, the laptop remained quiet and cool, with temperatures in the palm rest area staying within comfortable limits. Overall, the Alienware 18 Area-51's performance is a significant step forward for the series, making it a compelling option for gamers and content creators alike. For an improved performance, Alienware m16 R2 is worth considering.
Battery and Charging
The Alienware 18 Area-51 boasts impressive battery life, but charging is where it truly shines. With a whopping 99Wh battery, this laptop can easily last all day, even with demanding usage. However, the true gem lies in its rapid charging capabilities, which can replenish up to 80% of the battery in just under an hour. This means you can quickly top up and get back to gaming or work without interruption. A welcome feature for those who need a quick power boost on-the-go.
Connectivity
The Alienware 18 Area-51 boasts excellent connectivity options. The laptop features a USB-C port, three standard USB ports, an HDMI output, and an Ethernet jack, providing ample ways to connect peripherals and devices. A dedicated SD card reader is also included, making it easy to transfer files from cameras and other storage devices. Take a look at Alienware m17 R3 - its improved connectivity sets a new standard.
Features
The Alienware 18 Area-51 boasts impressive features, including a sleek design with customizable lighting, a vibrant display, and robust cooling system to handle demanding tasks. The laptop's keyboard and touchpad are designed for comfort and precision, while the Command Center software allows users to personalize settings and monitor performance in real-time. The device's thermal management is also noteworthy, keeping temperatures in check even during intense gaming sessions. If you're after top-notch features, consider Alienware Area-51m R2.
Support and Maintenance
The Alienware 18 Area-51 has shown significant improvements in thermal performance, with temperatures staying within manageable limits even during intense gaming sessions. The CPU stayed at 70°C and the GPU at 67°C while playing games like the Finals on epic settings. This is a notable improvement from previous models, making it a comfortable laptop to game on for extended periods. Overall, this suggests excellent support and maintenance considerations from Alienware in their design.
Pros
1. Massively impressed with thermal performance, CPU temperatures were under 80 degrees even at 5GHz
2. Temperatures on GPU were also impressive, staying below 70°C even in intense gaming sessions
3. Fan noise was comfortable and quiet, around 51 dB
4. Design has improved significantly from previous years, looking sleek and modern
Cons
1. No mention of price or value for money, which could be a significant con
2. Previous Alienware machines had thermal issues, which this new model appears to have addressed but may still be a concern for some users
3. Limited information on the cooling system, which might be a concern for those who want more details
4. No mention of battery life or portability, which could be an issue for users who need to use their laptop on the go
FAQ
Compare with other laptops
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features