Alienware m18 R2 review
The Alienware Alienware m18 R2 ranks as the #30 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 82. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #12-ranked performance among 30 laptops. Consider the Acer Predator Triton Neo 16 or Acer Predator Triton 300 SE, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Alienware M18 R2 offers an impressive 18-inch QHD display with 165Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and content creation. The Cherry MX mechanical keyboard is a highlight, providing tactile feedback that gamers will appreciate. However, there's no notable performance boost over last year's model, and the display exhibits uneven backlight bleeding. At a premium price point, this laptop is best suited for those who can take advantage of its advanced features. Overall, it's worth considering if you're in the market for an 18-inch desktop replacement that can also serve as a powerful gaming laptop.
Build
The Alienware M18 R2's build is a mixed bag. On one hand, the laptop's 18-inch QHD display is impressive, with vibrant colors and sharp details. However, it exhibits some uneven backlight bleeding, which can be distracting at times. The mechanical keyboard is a highlight, featuring Cherry MX switches that provide excellent tactile feedback. The laptop itself is heavy and bulky, making it less portable than other 18-inch laptops in its category. Nevertheless, the M18 R2's sturdy build and robust cooling system make it well-suited for those who want a powerful desktop replacement that can handle demanding tasks. Alienware 18 Area-51 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded build.
Display
The Alienware M18 R2 boasts an impressive 18-inch QHD display with 165Hz refresh rate. While the screen is vibrant and crisp, it exhibits some uneven backlight bleeding, which may be distracting for some users. The display's color accuracy and overall image quality are excellent, making it well-suited for gaming and content creation. However, the lack of notable performance benefits over last year's model may be a disappointment for some enthusiasts. Despite this, the M18 R2's display remains one of its strongest features, offering a visually stunning experience for those who value high-end visuals. For an improved display, Alienware 18 Area-51 is worth considering.
Performance
The Alienware M18 R2 delivers exceptional performance, thanks to its RTX 4090 GPU. It handled demanding tasks such as AAA gaming, video editing, and 4K rendering with ease. The laptop's 18-inch QHD display and 165Hz refresh rate further enhanced the gaming experience. In terms of processing power, the M18 R2's CPU provided smooth performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. While there were no notable performance improvements over last year's model, the RTX 4090 still offered impressive capabilities. However, it was worth noting that the laptop's thermal throttling under heavy load was minimal, ensuring consistent performance throughout. You might want to check out Alienware 18 Area-51, featuring an upgraded performance for a superior experience.
Battery and Charging
The Alienware M18 R2's battery life is somewhat underwhelming, with around 4-5 hours of web surfing time and less than an hour for gaming. The large 97Wh battery is a plus, but it doesn't quite live up to its potential. Charging times are also not spectacular, taking a few hours to reach full capacity from empty. Overall, the M18 R2's battery life feels like a compromise in favor of performance and features.
Connectivity
The Alienware M18 R2 boasts an impressive connectivity setup, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and Killer Ethernet E3000 for fast internet connections. It also features four USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader, ensuring seamless data transfer between devices. Additionally, the laptop supports up to 20 hours of Wi-Fi streaming, making it ideal for prolonged online use. If you're after top-notch connectivity, consider Alienware 18 Area-51.
Features
The Alienware M18 R2 boasts an impressive 18-inch QHD display with 165Hz refresh rate. Its mechanical keyboard features Cherry MX switches, providing tactile feedback and precise typing experience. The laptop is powered by the RTX 4090 GPU, delivering great performance for gaming, video editing, and 4K content playback. A large 97Wh battery offers long runtimes, albeit with some fan noise. It’s worth checking out Alienware x16 R1, delivering remarkable features.
Support and Maintenance
The Alienware M18 R2 offers reliable support and maintenance. Dell's website features massive sales, making it an attractive option for those in the market for a desktop replacement. However, no notable performance benefits are seen over last year's model, and the display exhibits uneven backlight bleeding.
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