This version of the Alienware m16 R1 is a great laptop! In comparison to my previous m15 R6, this laptop runs quieter, cooler, and faster than the previous generation. I had originally considered purchasing a 17-inch laptop because when working with two applications side by side on these laptops outside of gaming, it felt like the screens might be too small; however, the small difference from a 15.6-inch laptop screen to a 16-inch size laptop screen, it is a nice increase.
Pros:
- The QHD+ screen is bright, crisp, and clear, and there is no stuttering or lag on the screen under heavy loads.
- The 4070 paired with the i7 in this laptop, alongside the 16GB of DDR5 RAM, performs very well across all games I have tested.
- The 1TB SSD has become the norm and should be the minimum when purchasing a gaming laptop. This hard drive performs very well. The added bonus of Windows 11 Pro is nice, as most computers typically come standard with Windows 11 Home.
- Both the RAM and M.2 Drives are expandable in these laptops, and Dell provides an easy-to-follow guide to upgrade these parts.
- Worth every penny if bought on sale. I purchased this laptop on sale and used it to replace an ASUS TUF book I bought on sale. The ASUS TUF book was terrible, and I started getting blue screens one to two times a week before replacing it.
- Dell customer service is amazing, I have used them before in the past year for another Alienware laptop and had a very positive experience. The Dell Premium Support + is worth every penny if anything happens, and Dell's customer service is easy to work with.
https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/alienware-m16-r1-amd-laptop/alienware-m16r1-amd-service-manual/solid-state-drive?guid=guid-42a997f5-329d-4712-8018-6c6114c5255f&lang=en-us
Cons:
- Alienware laptops can be pricey; however, in the past five years I have owned two. Both Alienware laptops are solid, and my previous generation, m15, is still running well.
- Alienware Premium Support + coverage can be expensive if you are looking for an extended warranty outside of BestBuy.
- 16GB of RAM, in my opinion, is the minimum for quality gaming and multitasking. However, Dell does offer parts through their store to upgrade their laptops, or you can go through third parties like Crucial (Note: If you buy the laptop on sale, it is way cheaper to upgrade the parts yourself post-purchase).
- This laptop is a little on the heavy side when carrying it around for long periods of time; however, what it lacks in portability, it makes up for in performance and cooling.
Overall, this Alienware laptop is well worth the price both on and off sale. If you are lucky enough to purchase this laptop on sale and you are in the market for a new gaming laptop, this is the laptop you want!