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Alienware CE-IV 1GB MP3 Player and Docking Hub

Overview

Alienware CE-IV 1GB MP3 Player
Alienware Docking System

Reasons for Buying

I was looking for an MP3 player, I wanted something small, and not too much money. An iPod is too expensie, and I don't like proprietary hardware formats. Most other MP3 players are high priced, and I'm not one of those people who needs access to eleventy billion songs all the time. I decided to purchase the Alienware CE-IV (Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind) 1GB player. Already being and Alienware owner, and knowing the quality of Alienware products, it was an easy choice. I started reading the rumours of Dell aquiring Alienware, and thought to myself I should get one while I still had the chance. (Of course we know now that the rumour was true, but it appears Alienware will still be Alienware so good news there). It also allows you to insert an SD card for more storage. I've read several other peoples reviews stating that you can only use up to 512MB card, and that's what I'm using in mine, but I've recently read of others using 2GB cards with no problems, giving the CE-IV the potential of at least three GB of storage, possibly more.


Where Purchased

http://www.alienware.com

It arrived well packaged, although due to a recent change in address, it took a while for them to verify my information, and took a little longer to ship than Alienware usually does. Rather than the plain black box with the Alienware logos and web address on them, the MP3 player was packaged in an alien head shaped blister pack, a continuance of the Alienware coolness factor, just one of those little extra things that make Alienware what it is. The Docking Hub was also well packaged.






Build and Design

Once I opened the package I wasn't disappointed. I've seen several people complain that they thought the MP3 player was all metal, but I knew it was partially plastic to start out with. It's not as if it's thin plastic. I do admit dropping this unit from a good height is probably gonna hurt it, but I'm pretty careful, so hopefully I won't have that problem. To me the fit and finish of the player are great, the docking hub is even better. This thing is a sturdy, well built piece of equipment. I have the MP3 player pictured with my RAZr phone for size comparison.







It has the SRS WOW HD technology and the sound through the noise reduction earbuds is crystal clear, and free of distortion, white noise or any other unwanted sound.



The ear buds fit perfectly in your ears, and I've been blasting good stuff through them already, blues, Joe Satriani, Pantera and Metallica.



The interface is easy to use, and pretty much self explanatory. There are EQ settings in the MP3 player , which all sounded great with different music. The only drawbacks are that the MP3 player is powered by a single AAA battery, although I'm still on the first battery I put in it, and the lack of folder support, which I can only hope will be fixed with a future firmware upgrade. Unlike reported elsewhere, the screen is backlit, and very easy to read. The FM tuner and voice recorder functions both work well. You can also record from FM. Paired with a Belkin F8V3080 FM transmitter it sounded great in my car.



The hub is equally easy to use. Alienware advertises that the hub is compatible with most other MP3 players, and if so I would recommend it for each one. It includes the cradle for the CE-IV, which can be removed to use the hub with other MP3 players. It includes an AC adapter and can also run on a whopping 8 D batteries. It also includes a remote, though the remote lacks the desired functionality. The remote controls only volume, and the WOW technology.









The hub also has SRS WOW HD technology, and has it's own controls for SRS TruBass, SRS 3D audio, and SRS Focus, in addition to the MP3 players controls. This of course lends it for use with other MP3 players. It has it's own headphone jack, auxiliary input, and A/V line output.



The CE-IV is placed into its cradle, which is in turn placed into the hub. The cradle is also good for using the MP3 player at your desktop.







When I finally turned on the hub, the sound was unbelievable. I would even dare to say the sound rivals some of the Bose systems I've heard. It has a bottom firing subwoofer, which I forgot to take a pic of (if you've seen one speaker grille you've seen them all), and you definitely know it's there. Everything on the table the hub sat on shook. I might just be ditching the big stereo I have in the entertainment center in my living room in favor of the hub, the sound is that big and rich and full. The whole package is easy on the eyes too, at least to me, I know all the Alienware haters out there will complain about the continued alien theme like they do with the Predator cases. Also, since I didn't have the hub turned on for the pics, it doesn't show that the alien eyes light up red when powered on.










Conclusion

Great sound, great package, and a great price.

Pros:
• Great looking, both the hub and the CE-IV
• VERY easy to use, right outta the box
• Solid interface
• Very solid build on both items
• Very thin, very light - CE-IV
• Sound that rivals MUCH more expensive systems
• Easy to read display
• Potential for large amount of storage at low cost

Cons
• Lack of remote functionality on the remote for the hub
• Lack of folder support

Overall I'm totally surpised at the high quality of sound from both the MP3 player and the hub, especially the HUGE RICH LOUD sound of the hub. I'm sure there are things I forgot to include here, if so let me know or post here with any questions.

Great review.... let us know what kind of battery life you get. I know some mp3 players don't get avertised battery life if you change the equalizer settings. Alienware probably overcame this. Any idea who built the system or speakers? You said it rivaled Bose sound so I'm thinking its not "Rinky Dink Speakers of America".

Very nice review hillie16, it's great to see from a first hand user that AW continues to offer superior products even when expanding into new territory.

I was about to get ipod Nanos for my wife and I, but I'm going to have to consider this unit now. Pretty soon you won't be able to walk into any room in my house without seeing several alienheads glowing in the background...

When, oh when is Alienware going to make a beer maker that fits into a 5 1/2" drive bay?

why oh why did i get an ipod

I want one of those puppies.

Nice review and equipment!

nice hillie how much songs does it hold? also can you use itunes on it

no for the itunes, itunes is ipod only

I don't want iTunes anyway. iTunes makes you install quicktime.....BLYEEECH!!!

nice review, stickied

Great review, thanks for taking the time to do it.

Said it before ..... say it again ...... gotta get one of those ...... absolutely great review ....

Nice review and nice equipment, congrats.

2 questions on the HUB. You mention "other MP3 players" Will itwork with iPod? Also, is there an option for AC power on the HUB?

-Mark

The HUB does have inputs for other devices such as a ipod.

The AC adapter is included.