More expensive, but much more powerful

Feb 20, 2008 09:44 GMT  ·  By

Dell's boutique PC division, Alienware, has announced an updated version of its popular and powerful Area-51 m15x notebook computer. The new m15x will come with Intel's 45-nanometer Core 2 Extreme mobile processor X9000 CPU, which makes it the first and only 15.4-inch notebook system to be powered by an Intel Mobile quad-core.

"When we launched the Area-51 m15x in January with the original CPUs and the NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTX GPU, we knew we had crammed in more power than anyone had ever seen in this size system," said Bryan de Zayas, Associate Director for Product Marketing at Alienware. "Now, with the addition of an Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000, we've made the world's most powerful 15.4-inch notebook even more powerful."

The 800MHz front side bus crowns the m15x model as world's most powerful 15.4-inch notebook that is currently available on the market. The processor's power is complemented by a super-fast Nvidia GeForce 8800M GTX graphics processor. The Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000 CPU is using the 45-nanometer process technology infused with Hafnium, which improves both computing performance and thermal management.

"Intel's Core 2 Extreme X9000 represents an incredible achievement in mobile processing," said Erik Reid, Director of Marketing, Mobile Computing Group, Intel. "By merging revolutionary 45nm technology with the awesome performance of the Area-51 m15x, users of this system have at their fingertips one of the most sophisticated mobile systems imaginable."

The Area-51 m15x notebook will be available in two configurations, with a choice of T- and X-series Core 2 Duo processors. The standard 2.5GHz T9300 can be upgraded to the newer 2.6GHz T9500 for some extra $275, or even to the 2.8GHz X9000 Core 2 Extreme option, that will cost you $650.

"We're excited that the Area-51 m15x is the only 15.4-inch system available with a 45nm Extreme processor," said de Zayas. "It reinforces Alienware's philosophy of providing our users with only the most current, most advanced components integrated into our superior architecture and stunning system designs."