Alienware launches VR-ready laptops

By Digital News Asia October 7, 2016

Compatible with both Oculus and HTC Vive VR headsets
Hinge-forward designs use GeForce GTX 10-series GPUs

ALIENWARE is celebrating its 20th anniversary - and they want you to know it. The company has launched its first ever VR-ready notebooks in Malaysia. Powered by Nvidia's GTX 10-series GPUs, the laptops include the integration of new construction materials to improve thermal management as well as add durability and rigidity.

“Gaming is in a time of renaissance right now; awesome games and development, amazing resolutions and technology, plus the pure excitement around VR experiences – it’s an incredible driving force and it feels similar to the energy that started Alienware 20 years ago,” said Raymond Wah, senior vice president, Consumer Product Marketing, Dell. “These new notebooks are a product of that history and approach, but also of the demands and expectations of gamers today. Being true to both is what Alienware is about and we’re proud to bring these notebooks to gamers.”

The new laptops integrate new materials such as anodised aluminium, magnesium alloy, steel reinforcement and copper. According to Alienware, adding copper to the unique thermal solution improves cooling capabilities across both the CPU and GPU. Combined with the new hinge-forward design, notebook ventilation can increase performance as most thermal dissipation flows up and out the rear.

The all-new Alienware TactX keyboard introduces an optimised RGB LED for better key lighting, plus a full 2.2mm of gaming-grade travel that is steel-reinforced for durability. Aluminum and magnesium alloys improve design quality and rigidity, while anti-smudge finishes add to the aggressive new look of these notebooks.

To improve audio output, a new speaker design includes internal smart-amps that monitor audio waveforms, enabling the use of the entire thermal margin of the speaker for stronger sound.

The new Alienware 17 flagship notebook gains more power with overclocked Intel Core i7 k-series processors and DDR4 memory running up to 2667Mhz. There is optional support for IR Tobii eye-tracking technology. It allows gamers to fine tune their skills with a new Overwolf app that can replay your gaze pattern so gamers can track where they were looking during gameplay. Gamers can then learn from their mistakes and be sure to focus their attention on the best opportunities to crush the competition.

Alienware says Tobii partnered with them to add exclusive features including enhanced presence detection tied to AlienFX ighting zones. The LED system illuminates and changes based on where you look.

The Tobii camera can detect your gaze, allow you to record and export your gaze pattern as a coaching tool to help improve your gameplay. It can also sense your presence and attention to understand when you engage with various elements of the device or lock your system when you walk away.

The Alienware 15 is for gamers that want the best of both worlds. With more power in a thinner frame, it comes with GPU options from AMD and Nvidia. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display can run at 120Hz and supports anti-glare and Nvidia's G-Sync for smooth, synchronised frame rates.

The new Alienware 13 is the brand’s smallest notebook and one of the most compact VR-ready laptops. The Alienware Aurora, launched in June, is a mid-tower desktop. Despite a smaller footprint than the previous Aurora, it boasts even more dedicated graphics and overclocking potential, including the latest generation Nvidia GeForce cards for 4K gaming.

The Aurora’s innovations also include Alienware’s first chassis with tool-less access for easy swapping of GPUs and as many as 3 of the 5 potential storage drives. The PC also includes Alienware software including custom lighting with AlienFX and total control with Alienware Command Center.

All the new Alienware laptops are available from Dell immediately.

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