Hey everyone,
Its been really helpful to read through all the comments regarding my issue and just general stuff on everyone’s experiences. Hope I'm not annoying anyone by dragging up an old issue but some of us are still stuck out in the cold thanks to Alienware discontinuing support for the pre-7700 Area 51m graphics cards.
My Go5600 broke nearly four months ago and I've been unable to get a replacement since. The fact Alienware is referring me to sites that clearly have no parts (this even mystified some of the site owners who didn't have a clue why Alienware was doing this) just aggravates me further. I totally understand Alienware has moved on the the pci express format however messing around with customers (some who have only had their laptops for just over a year) is worse service than would be expected by dell. In the desktop arena most enthusiasts are only tempted to stay with such 'premium' manufacturers due to the added value of service and support. As a laptop standard becomes a reality and we move towards thin clients running of workstations this will occur in the mobile sector too. I'm too tired with my problem to start a rant but I do hope Alienware realizes that by generating this much conflict their 'brand name', the only really compelling reason to buy and AW, will be tarnished in the enthusiast and then mid to high end areas.
Because of my experience and the repeated abuse of AW I'm also working on getting PC Gamer and a couple other mags to publish an article about the whole mess. PM me if you had a similar experience as I'm sure they'll like more input/experiences.
The real 'bad times' kicker is that AW do make great machines. 'Upgradeable graphics' was a great unique idea. If only they delivered on their admirable attempts then many would sing their praises for pushing the envelope. Basically I miss playing HL2 wherever and whenever. I'm also stuck without a computer until I can get a replacement graphics card or save up to build a shuttle gaming rig.
If anyone has got any ideas about getting a part from Alienware, 3rd parties or people still under warranty I'd love to hear them. Hate to have my great machine reduced to a $2500 paperweight simply due to a 200 dollar part that needs replacing. Where do you think gaming is going? More thin and light machines, or more workstations with thin clients? Also how do you guys see alienware and other companys remaining competitive as enthusiasts and mid to high level consumers move towards bare bones and DIY setups?
Sorry for the long post, just thought I'd raise some questions. I'd love some interesting posts from both sides. Cheers.
Adam
Its been really helpful to read through all the comments regarding my issue and just general stuff on everyone’s experiences. Hope I'm not annoying anyone by dragging up an old issue but some of us are still stuck out in the cold thanks to Alienware discontinuing support for the pre-7700 Area 51m graphics cards.
My Go5600 broke nearly four months ago and I've been unable to get a replacement since. The fact Alienware is referring me to sites that clearly have no parts (this even mystified some of the site owners who didn't have a clue why Alienware was doing this) just aggravates me further. I totally understand Alienware has moved on the the pci express format however messing around with customers (some who have only had their laptops for just over a year) is worse service than would be expected by dell. In the desktop arena most enthusiasts are only tempted to stay with such 'premium' manufacturers due to the added value of service and support. As a laptop standard becomes a reality and we move towards thin clients running of workstations this will occur in the mobile sector too. I'm too tired with my problem to start a rant but I do hope Alienware realizes that by generating this much conflict their 'brand name', the only really compelling reason to buy and AW, will be tarnished in the enthusiast and then mid to high end areas.
Because of my experience and the repeated abuse of AW I'm also working on getting PC Gamer and a couple other mags to publish an article about the whole mess. PM me if you had a similar experience as I'm sure they'll like more input/experiences.
The real 'bad times' kicker is that AW do make great machines. 'Upgradeable graphics' was a great unique idea. If only they delivered on their admirable attempts then many would sing their praises for pushing the envelope. Basically I miss playing HL2 wherever and whenever. I'm also stuck without a computer until I can get a replacement graphics card or save up to build a shuttle gaming rig.
If anyone has got any ideas about getting a part from Alienware, 3rd parties or people still under warranty I'd love to hear them. Hate to have my great machine reduced to a $2500 paperweight simply due to a 200 dollar part that needs replacing. Where do you think gaming is going? More thin and light machines, or more workstations with thin clients? Also how do you guys see alienware and other companys remaining competitive as enthusiasts and mid to high level consumers move towards bare bones and DIY setups?
Sorry for the long post, just thought I'd raise some questions. I'd love some interesting posts from both sides. Cheers.
Adam
