I am sad about these news, I always liked Alienware. Even if they were sort of tacky, at least they were trying to make a difference in sheep land. I hate when big fugly companies buy smaller innovative companies. Its sort of like when Microsoft buyed Bungie, remember Bungie?
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Alienware - The Best Gaming PC Maker has Sold Out!
- Thread starter TEG
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I find it humourous that Michael "Apple would do it's shareholders a favor by shutting down" Dell is now running scared of that very same Apple. I think this buyout shows. It's a stupid move and here is why:
Apple has become sucessful in the consumer space partl because it's hardware is smooth and elegant. It fits in as much in the living room as a computer room. Add in software like iTunes, iMovie, iPhoto that is easy to use, something Windows doesn't offer.
On the other hand, Alienware is a Geek's Geek Machine. The only place Alienware desktops fit in are in the basement or a 15 year olds bedroom. It just doesn't have a broad appeal. I think Dell would have done much better to take the money and hire an industrial design firm to redesign all their cases i.e., copy Apple.
Moreover, while Alienware hardware is solid, Dell is surely going to screw that aspect up. Guaranteed in a years time Alienware hardware will be just as crappy as mainline Dell hardware.
Apple has become sucessful in the consumer space partl because it's hardware is smooth and elegant. It fits in as much in the living room as a computer room. Add in software like iTunes, iMovie, iPhoto that is easy to use, something Windows doesn't offer.
On the other hand, Alienware is a Geek's Geek Machine. The only place Alienware desktops fit in are in the basement or a 15 year olds bedroom. It just doesn't have a broad appeal. I think Dell would have done much better to take the money and hire an industrial design firm to redesign all their cases i.e., copy Apple.
Moreover, while Alienware hardware is solid, Dell is surely going to screw that aspect up. Guaranteed in a years time Alienware hardware will be just as crappy as mainline Dell hardware.
Get Over Yourself...who Cares
OMG. The self-righteousness and piety that is exhibited by some people is amazing. Who gives a ****, I am sure they don't, especially since you opened up by stating you were not a continued customer. What did they loose? Someone who already decided not to purchase Alienware Products? C'mon.
These guys build a successful business making great gaming PCs. Now we could all sit here and argue the merit of Alienware, but what’s the point. The market proves they were a success.
These founders got a chance to cash out for their own hard work and entrepreneurship and they took it. I say GREAT. The American Dream. They don't owe anybody anything, if you don't like the sell-off, then don't buy from Dell or Alienware...is that not simple enough.
The best way to show a company you don’t like what they are doing is simply by not purchasing their product.
To these Guys I say CHEERS, live up the good life.
cgmpowers said:
OMG. The self-righteousness and piety that is exhibited by some people is amazing. Who gives a ****, I am sure they don't, especially since you opened up by stating you were not a continued customer. What did they loose? Someone who already decided not to purchase Alienware Products? C'mon.
These guys build a successful business making great gaming PCs. Now we could all sit here and argue the merit of Alienware, but what’s the point. The market proves they were a success.
These founders got a chance to cash out for their own hard work and entrepreneurship and they took it. I say GREAT. The American Dream. They don't owe anybody anything, if you don't like the sell-off, then don't buy from Dell or Alienware...is that not simple enough.
The best way to show a company you don’t like what they are doing is simply by not purchasing their product.
To these Guys I say CHEERS, live up the good life.
This seems to be a classic case of an underground counterculture becoming mainstream.
People like to root for the underdog. Many people have said the same thing about Apple. Aside from making stellar products (I love my Macs), they benefit somewhat by being the "little guy" in the OS market. It adds a touch of charm.
In the case of Alienware being bought by Dell, we see a successful underdog company building superior (compared to Dell) products in a niche market, similar to Apple (iPod mania notwithstanding), getting swallowed whole by a massive company with a reputation for boredom.
I wish Alienware the best. However, it hurts somewhat to see a bright young underdog disappear in the fog of megacorp mediocrity.
I'd wager the names of the companies involved in this case are virtually inconsequential, when it comes to defining why this is a depressing event.
Little smart company 'x' is eaten by huge boring company 'y'.
People like to root for the underdog. Many people have said the same thing about Apple. Aside from making stellar products (I love my Macs), they benefit somewhat by being the "little guy" in the OS market. It adds a touch of charm.
In the case of Alienware being bought by Dell, we see a successful underdog company building superior (compared to Dell) products in a niche market, similar to Apple (iPod mania notwithstanding), getting swallowed whole by a massive company with a reputation for boredom.
I wish Alienware the best. However, it hurts somewhat to see a bright young underdog disappear in the fog of megacorp mediocrity.
I'd wager the names of the companies involved in this case are virtually inconsequential, when it comes to defining why this is a depressing event.
Little smart company 'x' is eaten by huge boring company 'y'.
PowerMac G5
Specifications :
2.5GHz Quad-core PowerPC G5
16GB 533 DDR2 ECC SDRAM- 8x2GB
2x500GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm
QUADRO FX 4500 512MB SDRAM
Apple Cinema HD Display (30" flat panel)
AirPort Extreme + Bluetooth built-in
16x SuperDrive DL (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Apple Keyboard & Mighty Mouse - U.S English
Mac OS X - U.S. English
Total price: $18,722.00
:|
Specifications :
2.5GHz Quad-core PowerPC G5
16GB 533 DDR2 ECC SDRAM- 8x2GB
2x500GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm
QUADRO FX 4500 512MB SDRAM
Apple Cinema HD Display (30" flat panel)
AirPort Extreme + Bluetooth built-in
16x SuperDrive DL (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Apple Keyboard & Mighty Mouse - U.S English
Mac OS X - U.S. English
Total price: $18,722.00
:|
thejedipunk said:
Thanks for copying some information off the Apple Store. I can do that too. What's your point?
That's where a substantial amount of that total comes from I bet. 2GB sticks of Apple fitted RAM aint cheap!thejedipunk said:
For those who are crying about Alienware's overpriced boxes: You're not complaining about Apple boxes because Jobs is crackin the whip.
haha, I always love the fact that Alienwares and large windows based laptops come with a power supply that weighs more than the laptop.
and I'm not sure why they even call them laptops they run hot as hell, and have to be plugged into the wall to do any gaming.
and I'm not sure why some of the mac sites are saying this is competition to apple. last time I checked I didnt buy my mac to blast through the latest games or want a lime green childish piece of plastic taking up my desk real estate.
and I'm not sure why they even call them laptops they run hot as hell, and have to be plugged into the wall to do any gaming.
and I'm not sure why some of the mac sites are saying this is competition to apple. last time I checked I didnt buy my mac to blast through the latest games or want a lime green childish piece of plastic taking up my desk real estate.
Why is Alienware doomed just because they are now owned by Dell? Dell can continue using run-of-the-mill parts in their Dell labled computers and continue the trend of Alienware using high-quality components. This would be similar to Ford & Lincoln, Gap & Banana Republic, or PF Chang & Pei Wei. Its the good, better, and best structure.
Quite a few people buy laptops for portability and not mobility. I have a laptop so that I can use the same computer at work, at job sites, in hotels and at home. I rarely need my computer where I do not have access to an electrical outlet. For me, it is a moot point since I have 4 hours of battery life but I wouldn't have a problem with an Alienware laptop with only 90 minutes of battery life.thestaton said:
Anytime you have a custom PC manufacturer of the scale of Alienware that puts an emphasis on design (whether the design appeals to you or not), it will be considered competition to Apple.thestaton said:
I always thought of Alienware as the ultimate gamers rigs for lazy people who can't be arsed building their own machine.
I'm not a gamer, the Alienware syling doesn't appeal to me at all. I assume hardcore PC gamers think the exact same thing about macs, I don't imagine too many of these people are trying to decide between an Alienware PC and an Intel Imac....
I'm not a gamer, the Alienware syling doesn't appeal to me at all. I assume hardcore PC gamers think the exact same thing about macs, I don't imagine too many of these people are trying to decide between an Alienware PC and an Intel Imac....
thejedipunk said:
2x500GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm adds $875
QUADRO FX 4500 512MB SDRAM adds $1,650
Apple Cinema HD Display (30" flat panel) adds $2,499
16GB 533 DDR2 ECC SDRAM- 8x2GB adds $10,300
If you got the memory from Crucial it would run you about $6,660 (also not using ECC saves you a lot). Interestingly Apple is charging on average less then other independent resellers for the Quadro card (PC Connection lists it for over 2 thousand).
For a Mac community there sure seems to be a lot of interest on this subject. For Muscle & gaming the stuff is great, i mean Apple still doesnt have anything that can match the frames in any modern fps Game that my old Amd powered Aurora can pump out. Thats the bottom line sure it does itunes and picassa and net etc. No its not a Mac but if i could throw the Mac OS on this machine i would.
The dvd/cd drive has another door over it cutting down that spin up sound. I have used Macs for 20 years and this was my first PC, i have not been disappointed plus i must admit i had to call tech support one time after my 1 yr was up and they helped me out as a courtesey,. I was re installing the os and had a couple of questions. You should see Doom3,Fear,Quake4,IL2/Pacific fighters a fantastic WW2 flight sim. I spend much more time on my Aurora then i do my Macs. Sure Windows bites but it works as long as you keep up all your walls and virus etc stuff and even with that all running in the background it still can spank any Mac in gaming. Anyways i guess its Dell history, reminds me of Microstink.
edit. my complete system is all silver & black,keyboard,mouse,joystick,monitor. People say wow when they see it.
The dvd/cd drive has another door over it cutting down that spin up sound. I have used Macs for 20 years and this was my first PC, i have not been disappointed plus i must admit i had to call tech support one time after my 1 yr was up and they helped me out as a courtesey,. I was re installing the os and had a couple of questions. You should see Doom3,Fear,Quake4,IL2/Pacific fighters a fantastic WW2 flight sim. I spend much more time on my Aurora then i do my Macs. Sure Windows bites but it works as long as you keep up all your walls and virus etc stuff and even with that all running in the background it still can spank any Mac in gaming. Anyways i guess its Dell history, reminds me of Microstink.
edit. my complete system is all silver & black,keyboard,mouse,joystick,monitor. People say wow when they see it.
I'm not convinced that the Alienware deal was a Dell reaction to Apple. That might be the Apple-centric view of the world, but I'd bet that Dell already had plans for expansion in the gaming market, from before Apple moved to Intel.
Alienware Workstation
[1] MJ-12® 7550i
Processor/s: Dual Processor - Dual Intel® Xeon Processors 3.8GHz w/ EM64T 800 MHz FSB w/2MB Cache
Operating System (Office software not included): Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional with Service Pack 2
Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support w/ Onsite Service
Case: Alienware® Professional Workstation Chassis - Black
Power Supply: Enermax EG651P-VE 24P 550 Watt Power Supply
Motherboard: Alienware® X2 Dual Xeon Motherboard
Memory: 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 Registered ECC SDRAM at 400MHz - 4 x 1024MB
Graphics Accelerators: Dual NVIDIA® Quadro FX 4500 PCI-E 512MB DDR3 - SLI Ready
Chassis Upgrades: Standard Cooling
System Drive: High Performance - 500GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7,200 RPM w/16MB Cache
A/V Work Drives: Extreme Performance (RAID 0) - 1TB RAID0 (2 x 500GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7,200 RPM w/16MB Cache)
Removable Storage : Alienware® 28-in-1 Digital Media Reader / Writer
Primary Optical Drive: 16x Dual Layer DVD±R/W Drive w/LightScribe Technology
Secondary Optical Drive: 16x Dual Layer DVD±R/W Drive w/LightScribe Technology
Network Connection: Integrated High Performance Gigabit Ethernet
Additional Input / Output Controller: SIIG® Firewire 800 3-Port PCI Controller
Digital Audio Hardware: Integrated 5.1 Digital Audio with Optical Out
Monitor: 24" wide screen 6ms LCD - Silver/Black - Single Display
Keyboard: Microsoft® Basic Keyboard Black
Mouse: Microsoft® Basic Optical Mouse Black
Free Alienware Mousepad: Free Alienware® Mousepad
$ 9471.oo
PowerMac G5 Quad
2.5GHz Quad-core PowerPC G5
4GB 533 DDR2 Non ECC SDRAM- 4x1GB
2x500GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm
QUADRO FX 4500 512MB SDRAM
Apple Cinema HD Display (30" flat panel)
AirPort Extreme + Bluetooth built-in
16x SuperDrive DL (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Fibre Channel PCI Express Card (w/ SFP-SFP cable)
Apple Keyboard & Mighty Mouse - U.S English
Mac OS X - U.S. English
Accessory kit
$ 9721.oo
[1] MJ-12® 7550i
Processor/s: Dual Processor - Dual Intel® Xeon Processors 3.8GHz w/ EM64T 800 MHz FSB w/2MB Cache
Operating System (Office software not included): Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional with Service Pack 2
Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support w/ Onsite Service
Case: Alienware® Professional Workstation Chassis - Black
Power Supply: Enermax EG651P-VE 24P 550 Watt Power Supply
Motherboard: Alienware® X2 Dual Xeon Motherboard
Memory: 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 Registered ECC SDRAM at 400MHz - 4 x 1024MB
Graphics Accelerators: Dual NVIDIA® Quadro FX 4500 PCI-E 512MB DDR3 - SLI Ready
Chassis Upgrades: Standard Cooling
System Drive: High Performance - 500GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7,200 RPM w/16MB Cache
A/V Work Drives: Extreme Performance (RAID 0) - 1TB RAID0 (2 x 500GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7,200 RPM w/16MB Cache)
Removable Storage : Alienware® 28-in-1 Digital Media Reader / Writer
Primary Optical Drive: 16x Dual Layer DVD±R/W Drive w/LightScribe Technology
Secondary Optical Drive: 16x Dual Layer DVD±R/W Drive w/LightScribe Technology
Network Connection: Integrated High Performance Gigabit Ethernet
Additional Input / Output Controller: SIIG® Firewire 800 3-Port PCI Controller
Digital Audio Hardware: Integrated 5.1 Digital Audio with Optical Out
Monitor: 24" wide screen 6ms LCD - Silver/Black - Single Display
Keyboard: Microsoft® Basic Keyboard Black
Mouse: Microsoft® Basic Optical Mouse Black
Free Alienware Mousepad: Free Alienware® Mousepad
$ 9471.oo
PowerMac G5 Quad
2.5GHz Quad-core PowerPC G5
4GB 533 DDR2 Non ECC SDRAM- 4x1GB
2x500GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm
QUADRO FX 4500 512MB SDRAM
Apple Cinema HD Display (30" flat panel)
AirPort Extreme + Bluetooth built-in
16x SuperDrive DL (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Fibre Channel PCI Express Card (w/ SFP-SFP cable)
Apple Keyboard & Mighty Mouse - U.S English
Mac OS X - U.S. English
Accessory kit
$ 9721.oo
The seems to be more like it. In this article the head of WidowPC says that his company was also approached by Dell, and the competitive target was Alienware. Apparently the goal was to prevent Alienware from becoming a big name in the server market. With Alienware in hand, their servers are no longer competition.Doctor Q said:
Man we sure have some wealthy gamers out there, that can spend that kind of money for a gaming system, that will be obsolete in a couple of years.
I can understand someone buying this for their work and using it to play games on ocasion; but to spend that kind of money just for games is another story in itself.
I can understand someone buying this for their work and using it to play games on ocasion; but to spend that kind of money just for games is another story in itself.
emaja said:
sushi said:Or daddy who likes serious gaming!
Consumer Electronics Association study: Adults spend more time playing games than kidsCadkiller said:
baleensavage said:
I totally disagree. I think the PC gamer market is much smaller than you think and what is Apple going to do to concentrate effort on the gamer market? They already make great hardware (see MacBook Pro benchmarks vs. other Core Duo laptops). Unless you want Apple to write the games themselves, isn't it really up to the game developers to put out more games for the Mac? But if it is not profitable to do so, then why put them out?
It is a double-edged sword that we, as Mac users, created. Nobody puts out games for the Mac because they cannot sell enough of them to be profitable. But everyone (here at least) thinks that more games = more Mac users. This is true, but I would bet that it wouldn't even make up 1 percentage point in marketshare.
Question: What can Apple do to make it "cheaper" to develop games for the Mac, other than subsidize the game development?
There are no Mac games because people don't buy them. Period.