- High Performance 3D Graphics
- Lots of Expansion Ports
- High Speed DDR2 Memory
- Very Heavy
- No DVD Burner in Base Configuration
- Lacks Productivity Software
- Intel Pentium 4 530 (3.0GHz 1MB Cache) Processor
- 512MB PC2-4200 DDR2 Memory (2GB Maximum)
- 40GB 5,400rpm Hard Drive
- 24x CD-RW Combo Optical Drive
- 17" WXGA+ (1440x900) LCD and GeForce 6800 Go Graphics with 256MB Memory
- Intel HD Audio
- v.92 56Kbps Modem, Gigabit Ethernet
- Four USB2, Two FireWire, One Type II PC Card Slot and 7-in-1 Media Reader
- 15.6" x 11.7" x 2.1" @ 12.5 lbs.
- Windows XP Home Operating System
1/17/05 - Alienware focused heavily on PCs designed for gamers and it is now trying to expand their market to include more mainstream customers. To meet this, they have started offering more variety of systems. Their latest desktop replacement is the new Area-51m 7700.
The Area-51m 7700 is still focused on the gaming market with its components. Powering the 7700 is the Intel Pentium 4 530 (3.0GHz) desktop processor. What is different is that this is the new LGA775 packaged processor. This allows it to use the new PC2-4200 DDR2 memory for increased performance capability.
Storage on the Area-51m is a bit below average for the price of the unit. The 40GB 5,400rpm hard drive is below average in size. It also only comes with a 24x CD-RW combo optical drive where many comparably priced systems come with a DVD burner. It makes up for this with a large number of expansion ports and a 7-in-1 media reader.
Graphics is the strong point of the 7700. The large 17" WXGA screen provides for a very expansive desktop area and high resolution graphics. The new NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Go with 256MB of memory using the PCI-Express interface is used to drive the display and allows for very fast 3D graphics. This makes the 7700 a great gaming system.
Overall, the Area-51m is still geared towards the gamer. Its large size and weight precludes the use of it as a portable computer system, but those wanting a great LAN party system may be pleased.
