Alienware M11x (spring 2011) review: Alienware M11x (spring 2011)

Last year, we were extremely bullish about the Alienware M11x. The 11.6-inch ultraportable laptop offered a unique blend of compact size and performance, particularly in terms of graphics, a reasonable price. At the time, it was without equal in its category.

8.3

Alienware M11x (spring 2011)

The Good

This year's version of the <b>Alienware M11x</b> has markedly improved graphics performance and battery life, and the laptop's solid build, USB 3.0 ports, and impressive 5.1 surround-sound Klipsch speakers are also pluses.

The Bad

The M11x still has a chunky chassis; also, the lack of an optical drive isn't a dealbreaker, but can be frustrating when installing games.

The Bottom Line

Don't be fooled by its unchanged looks: the 2011 Alienware M11x makes big leaps forward in performance, graphics, and battery life, while keeping a reasonable price. Anyone looking for a portable gaming-ready laptop will have a hard time resisting the urge to pick one of these up.

Now, 2011 has brought us an update to the M11x, named the Alienware M11x R3. You'd be hard-pressed to notice any external differences, because there are none: the impact is all inside. New second-generation Core i5 and i7 ULV processors, Nvidia GeForce GT 540 graphics, USB 3.0 ports, and optional WiMax are all worthwhile updates. Our $1,099 configuration also beats last year's $1,299 review unit on price, while improving CPU and GPU performance and battery life.

If you were considering an M11x last year, then this year's version is a must-buy. Our only complaint is the lack of updates to the M11x's thick and weighty design--11-inch ultraportables are more plentiful now (see the HP dm1z and 11-inch MacBook Air), and are slimmer than ever. Still, in its size class, the Alienware M11x is still unparalleled. Those looking for a gaming-ready ultraportable laptop in the $1,000 range need look no further: this M11x gets the job done.