Complaint Review: Alienware

We purchased a 7700 Area 51 gaming laptop after we read in PC Magazine that is was recommended as one of the best mobile gaming systems for a PC platform. After we waited over a month for Alienware to build it, we received it and discovered that it had a tendency to have video and audio "stutter" periodically when playing games and or music. My wife and I thought the problem would go away and perhaps was a glitch in certain software packages, but the problem persisted and essentially made any graphics application "stutter" and freeze up when the frame rate was high.

We called Alienware to inform them of our problem within 30 days of receiving the computer, but we did not ship it back to them until after the 90 day warranty had expired. We did inform Alienware of the defective sound and graphics before the 90 day warranty expired, but since Alienware did not receive the PC back to their factory within the 90 day warranty period, they made us pay $275 to have repairs made which included shipping and two hours of labor only. If parts were needed, that would be extra.

My main beef with Alienware is that they sent us a lemon computer with a defective motherboard which took them two vsits to the factory and a on site service technician to determine, and then has the gall to make us pay for the parts and shipping. Their customer service acknowledged their mistakes, but had no authority to fix it at their cost since it was not returned in 90 days per their warranty. The fact it was not returned in 90 days should not matter, since Alienware was advised of the problem before the 90 days was up.

I will never buy another Alienware product or recommend their products to anyone. I also do not recommend anyone believing reviews on PC Magazines. Use the internet to reseach PC manufacturers to see if there is any negative (or positive) info on your purchase. We are still waiting to get our laptop back...so I will let you know if the Laptop works after this latest $330.00 motherboard fix.

Bottom line. Alienware does not have decent quality control and is not worth the money..Do not buy Alienware...or just be advised, thoroughly check your machine to make sure it works or you will be the next one to write a rip off blog like me on this site about Alienware.!

Thomas
Waldorf, Maryland
U.S.A.