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Are laptops the new desktops? Dell's highest-end gaming laptops go head to head with desktop power -- and with the exorbitant cost of RAM and associated hardware, the price gap isn't as big as it once was. I've been using Dell's Alienware 16 Area-51 for the past few weeks and have felt completely spoiled by all the power.
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Everything about this laptop is fast. Apps load instantly, the device starts up in mere seconds, and it exudes power. The fans above each side of the keyboard move a palpable amount of air and aren't just visible -- they're illuminated, a statement about the sophisticated cooling system.
Physically, the laptop is nearly identical to last year's Alienware 16, with the biggest changes under the hood -- upgraded Intel processors (up to the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus), a fantastic CherryMX keyboard, and something totally new: an OLED display.
Physical build
This device is solid, with the stalwart, future-forward build you'd come to expect from Alienware. The "Liquid Teal" colorway, with rounded edges, creates a slick, xenomorphic aesthetic that's unique to the brand. Unfortunately, the top cover is also a fingerprint magnet.
All the ports are located on the back -- except the SD card slot and headphone jack. Clocking in at 7.5 pounds, the 16-inch Area-51 is at the limit of what you'd consider portable. With the 2.2-pound, 360-watt power brick, you're looking at a total package of 9.7 pounds -- doable for occasional transport, but probably not something you'll want to lug around daily.
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Dell has cited consumer feedback as a driving force behind its design approach this year, and one of the biggest requests from Alienware users was for an OLED display. It's finally here on the 16-inch Area-51 with a 240Hz refresh, 620-nit peak HDR brightness, and 0.2ms response time. The matte finish is good at mitigating glare, and although the display doesn't have the eye-popping contrast of a glossy display, games and media look fantastic on it.
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