Alienware 17 R5 Review

If you’re looking to replace your laptop, should you buy the Alienware 17 R5?  It is a massive model that has a 17-inch display plus almost 10lbs of chassis that makes it one of the most massive on the market.   But it is not the only feature or characteristic of the laptop that makes it different. Keep reading to learn more.

Alienware 17 R5 Features 8/10

One of its best features is the Tobii Eye Tracker you can find below the laptop’s display that will let you do some fun things when playing games. You can also use it for Microsoft’s facial recognition and Windows Hello.   For example, you can use it to login to Windows Hello. All you need to do is to open your laptop and then look at the Tobii Eye Tracker. Definitely, this is a good feature that can save you some time.

Alienware 17 R5 Design and Build 8/10

At first look, you will notice its big size, as mentioned earlier. However, this unit also has soft-touch interior that makes it a combination of toughness and softness balanced. The soft interior will still be comfortable for the fingertips in each touch. The top and bottom of the Alienware 17 R5 has a metallic shell that makes it look sleek and classy.

But around its back, you will notice of its plastic and metal block housing the vents for heat dispersion coming from its hardware. While the design is nothing spectacular, it still looks good.

The brand is known for its futuristic, ambitious designs still. Their designs have futuristic angles and inlaid pattern on the display’s backside.   When it comes to the design finishing, Alienware used a dark metallic finish that looks just as nice and elegant.

When it comes to the bezel design, it is quite thick but not as noticeable to distract from everyday use.

The large chassis design gives plenty of rooms for the ports. Some of these include the ethernet port, mini-Display Port, HDMI port and USB-C port. You will also find a USB-A port on the right hand while a USB-A port and USB-C port.

Alienware 17 R5 Keyboard 9/10

The massive laptop also offers a good keystroke depth, and its keys are responsive and snappy. The keyboard does not feel mushy though, which is common among other membrane keyboards. Another thing notable about the unit is that it has great touchpad that offers smooth operation, offering silky touch that your fingertips will appreciate.

Alienware 17 R5 Processor and Technology 9/10

It is one of the fastest laptops when it comes to its processor. It makes use of the Intel’s Core i9, which is a premium-grade consumer processor known as one for gaming use. This processor is powerful to have on a laptop for everyday use, too.

Alienware 17 R5 Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Large screen
  • High refresh rate display
  • Solid and excellent build
  • Top gaming performance
  • Good video and audio quality

Cons

  • Lackluster battery life
  • Heavy

Final Thoughts

Should you buy the Alienware 17 R5? Yes, you should if you’re looking for one that has a fast processor, sleek design and top performance. Definitely, it will be worth your spending for a new laptop that keeps up with heavy abuse and use.

Alienware 17 R5

9

Features

9.0/10

Design and Build

8.7/10

Performance

9.3/10

Keyboard

9.1/10

Pros

  • Large screen
  • High refresh rate display
  • Solid and excellent build
  • Top gaming performance
  • Good video and audio quality

Cons

  • Lackluster battery life
  • Heavy
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CJ Brennan

Author: CJ

CJ Brennan is a former journalist hailing from San Jose and has been in featured in high-profile digital publications reporting on some of the biggest giants Silicon Valley has to offer. An avid podcast listener, CJ is known as the office tech junkie and prides himself on staying up to date on new innovations - watching venture capitalist movement like a hawk. He’s an invaluable well of information when it comes to new products, apps, streaming services, and software as well as upcoming trends. CJ lives in the rolling hills of Willow Glen in Northern California smack dab in the heart of the major technology hub with his wife and two daughters. When he’s not fact-checking Tech Crunch articles he’s either coaching his daughter’s soccer games or blowing up his friends in Call of Duty.

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