Alienware 15 Gaming Laptop Review: Hedging Its Bets
Many of the best gaming laptops cost hundreds of dollars more than they did six months ago. Back then, you could get a decent budget-tier
Many of the best gaming laptops cost hundreds of dollars more than they did six months ago. Back then, you could get a decent budget-tier gaming laptop with an RTX 5050 for $700 or $800. Sadly, that’s no longer the case. In the current landscape of expensive hardware, the new entry-level gaming laptop from Dell’s Alienware line—the Alienware 15—offers just enough performance capability and quality specs to make it worth the price.
When Simple Is Better Photograph: Luke Larsen The Alienware 15 doesn’t seek to be overly flashy or impressive in its design. With gaming gear, though, I tend to count simplicity as a positive. No overdone RGB lighting or aggressive edges. This model takes visual DNA from the Alienware Aurora laptops, with a similar-looking keyboard and chassis materials. I especially appreciated the gentle curve of the vents just below the lid.
Though the Alienware 15 is a notable 0.9 inches thick, a lot of that heft is in the lid, meaning the device doesn’t feel clunky while open. Its screen is chunky, but I like that the top-heavy design means the laptop doesn’t sit as high up off the table when I’m using it. On the other hand, it’s not much thicker than the more expensive Alienware 16 Aurora. The Alienware 15 has some flex in the lid and keyboard deck, but nothing egregious.
You won’t even notice it unless you start really pressing down where you shouldn’t. I enjoyed typing on the keyboard and also found it to fill its space nicely. The touchpad is large and feels OK to use; it’s not the best touchpad I’ve used on a cheap gaming laptop, but it’s also far from the worst.
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