Has anyone here had a chance to try out the "console-esque" Alienware Alpha?
I've been wanting a way to liberate my Xbox-bound gaming (especially for Skyrim), but don't have the cash for a full blown gaming computer. Alienware seems to pledge that the Alpha is essentially a gaming PC in console format, complete with an Xbox 360 controller. In other words, right up my alley. The price isn't bad either, and I've had an Alienware laptop since 2006 and it is still my primary computer, so I'm not worried about the quality of the brand.
I do have a few concerns though. The biggest is the "customized Alienware UI" that sits on top of Windows 8.1. I wonder if that means I would need to "jailbreak" the console to get to the Windows interface, or if they designed the UI more as an app that can be activated when needed?
The next concern is how much of a dedicated gaming console is it designed to be? Since it is basically a compact Windows PC, I would want to be able to use a mouse and keyboard as well.
Finally, since 99% of my gaming time is spent on Skyrim, the primary reason I would want to move over to the PC version is the assumption I would then have access to the huge Skyrim mods community as well as console commands via keyboard. Again, since this would be a version of Skyrim downloaded from Steam, I assume this is exactly what Alienware intended, but I'd hate to spend 600 or 700 and find out I'm wrong. Also, there is a way to migrate Xbox Skyrim saves over to the PC, so that would be another concern/plan of action.
I have been running Skyrim on my PC for as long as its been out. probably a TB of mods over that time frame. As far as I know the xbox saves can not be used on PC but there are mods that will let you build a toon that matches what you had.
I have been running Skyrim on my PC for as long as its been out. probably a TB of mods over that time frame. As far as I know the xbox saves can not be used on PC but there are mods that will let you build a toon that matches what you had.
Me I would pass and buy a full computer.
I don't have the cash to buy a full computer, and looking at the specs, the Alpha seems like a good alternative.
My 06 laptop won't run Skyrim. It can hardly run Photoshop these days.
As for moving the saves from Xbox to PC, it can be done supposedly.
I haven't tried it, of course. It would be cool to insert characters I've played as NPCs for other character's I've played.
I've looked at them because I was looking for a gaming pc. You are able to run it as a regular computer if you want as it uses Windows 8, otherwise the interface looks pretty easy to just find a game and play it. The graphics card is similar in performance to the GeForce 750ti. Based on price, it seemed like a pretty good deal for the $500 model, but the higher priced models were not a big enough difference for the price.
Has anyone here had a chance to try out the "console-esque" Alienware Alpha?
I've been wanting a way to liberate my Xbox-bound gaming (especially for Skyrim), but don't have the cash for a full blown gaming computer. Alienware seems to pledge that the Alpha is essentially a gaming PC in console format, complete with an Xbox 360 controller. In other words, right up my alley. The price isn't bad either, and I've had an Alienware laptop since 2006 and it is still my primary computer, so I'm not worried about the quality of the brand.
I do have a few concerns though. The biggest is the "customized Alienware UI" that sits on top of Windows 8.1. I wonder if that means I would need to "jailbreak" the console to get to the Windows interface, or if they designed the UI more as an app that can be activated when needed?
The next concern is how much of a dedicated gaming console is it designed to be? Since it is basically a compact Windows PC, I would want to be able to use a mouse and keyboard as well.
Finally, since 99% of my gaming time is spent on Skyrim, the primary reason I would want to move over to the PC version is the assumption I would then have access to the huge Skyrim mods community as well as console commands via keyboard. Again, since this would be a version of Skyrim downloaded from Steam, I assume this is exactly what Alienware intended, but I'd hate to spend 600 or 700 and find out I'm wrong. Also, there is a way to migrate Xbox Skyrim saves over to the PC, so that would be another concern/plan of action.
Any thoughts?
While size factor is really cool and is hard to beat, I think you would be better off building a steam box. The reason I say this is at $550 your getting laptop lower tier parts which are just not going to compare to the desktop equivalent. GTX 860M which is outdated at this point even if Alienware has O.C.'ed it a little bit. A i3-4130T just won't cut it compared to cheaper desktops CPU's. I see you mentioned mods, Skyrim mods are crippling to even the best machines. A mobile GTX 860 isn't going to be pushing too many mods with an i3 behind it.
A lot of people think gaming PC means huge money, Honestly you can build a stout little steam box for $500. A simple Google search for $500 gaming PC will yield hundreds of different popular combinations. Also if you go steam OS, it doesn't cost anything, is linux based, has game room so it will mirror the Alienware home experience exactly, a console when you want it and a computer when you want it.
This videot shows off just what a $500 gaming PC will do.
[This message has been edited by Fiero_Fan_88 (edited 01-01-2015).]
I have done research into these Ultra-small form factor PCs.. And I think the Maingear Spark is a better machine, with more versatility than the Alpha, cheaper too.
You can build a very capable rig for $500. Seems a real waste.
I do want to try Steam OS. I'd be running Windows 7 dual boot though. Don't game like I used to. Been playing Golden Tee a lot lately though. Really enjoy it with friends over.
