Alienware Introduces M17 Gaming Notebook

Alienware's new M17 features a Core 2 Extreme processor, ATI CrossFireX graphics, dual hard drives...and prices starting at $1,399.

Dell subsidiary Alienware has announced its new M17 gaming notebook, marking the first time an Alienware notebook has offered ATI CrossFireX technology, offering dual ATI mobility Radeon HD 3870 graphics controllers to push those pixels around. The system also sports a Intel Core 2 Duo or Intel Core 2 Extreme QX93000 processors, DDR memory, and a 17-inch 1,920 by 1,200 pixel display.

“By incorporating the all-out performance of CrossFireX graphics and quad-core processing into Alienware’s award-winning notebook lineup, the M17 delivers an impressive feature set at a price point that doesn’t break the bank,” said Alienware product and marketing VP Frank Azor, in a statement.

The M17 is available in a wide range configurations to satisfy gamer cravings, but the highlights are either Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Extreme quad-core processors, up to 4 GB of DDR3 memory, single and dual-graphics options using ATi Mobility Radeon HD 3870 controllers, single and dual hard drive options, ATSC TV in with an optional TV tuner, HDMI and VGA video output, 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth wireless networking, gigabit Ethernet, and a 17-inch display sporting either a 1,920 by 1,200-pixel resolution, or 1,440 by 900 pixels. The notebook also features 7.1 audio support, three USB 2.0 ports, one combined eSATA/USB port, an ExpressCard slot, a four-pin IEEE 1394a port, a 7-in-1 media card reader, and a full-sized illuminated keyboard with numeric keypad. The M17 measures about 1.7 inches thick, 15.65 inches across, and 11.8 inches deep, with a base weight of 9.5 pounds. The M17 features Alienware’s stealth black matte finish, along with Alienware’s Skullcap case design. The unit is available with a dual layer DVD burner (with or without LightScribe), or a burner that can also read Blu-ray media.

Prices for the M17 start at $1,399, although, of course, prices go up as you add components. Still, a Core 2 Extreme config with 3 GB of RAM, CrossFireX, and that 1,920 by 1,200-pixel screen is (barely) under $2,000.