International Courant
The Alienware m16 R2 is a rarity amongst fashionable laptops. That is as a result of usually after a significant revamp, gadget makers wish to preserve new fashions in the marketplace for so long as potential to reduce manufacturing prices. Nevertheless, after its predecessor launched final 12 months sporting a recent design, the corporate reengineered all the system once more for 2024 whereas additionally limiting how large a GPU can match inside. So what offers? The trick is that by trying on the configurations individuals truly purchased, Alienware was capable of rework the m16 right into a gaming laptop computer with a sleeker design, higher battery life and a extra approachable beginning value, which is a superb recipe for a well-balanced pocket book .
Design
There are such a lot of modifications on the m16 R2’s chassis it is exhausting to consider it is from the identical line. Not solely has Alienware gotten rid of the massive bezels and chin from the R1, however the machine can be far more moveable now. Weight is down greater than 20 % to five.75 kilos (from 7.28 kilos) and it is also considerably extra compact with a depth of 9.8 inches (versus 11.4 inches earlier than). For some type factors, Alienware added RGB lighting across the perimeter of the touchpad. This result’s a significant improve for anybody who desires to take the laptop computer on the go. It basically modifications the system from one thing extra like a desktop substitute to a transportable all-rounder.
Engadget
The Alienware m16 R2 is a superb instance of a laptop computer designed to go well with its clients, as a result of whereas it isn’t as highly effective as its predecessor, it is extra compact, has longer battery life and a extra inexpensive beginning value than earlier than.
ProstSpeedy 240Hz screenBetter than anticipated battery lifeUnique designGood port selectionSolid worthConsNo HDR supportDisplay could possibly be brighterToasty vents$1,499 at Dell
Critically, regardless of being smaller, the m16 R2 nonetheless has an amazing array of connectivity choices. On its sides are two USB 3.2 Sort-A ports, a microSD card reader, an Ethernet jack and a 3.5mm audio socket. Round again, there are two USB-C slots (one helps Thunderbolt 4 whereas the opposite has DisplayPort 1.4), a full-size HDMI 2.1 connector and a proprietary barrel plug for energy. Typically, I like this association as transferring some ports to the rear of the laptop computer helps preserve muddle down. That stated, I want Alienware had switched the location of the Ethernet jack and one of many USB-C ports, as I discover myself reaching for the latter far more usually.
Show
Picture by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
The m16 R2 has a single show possibility: a 16-inch 240Hz panel with a QHD+ decision (2,560 x 1,600). It’s very serviceable and for aggressive avid gamers, that prime refresh charge could possibly be helpful throughout matches the place potential benefit issues. However you aren’t getting any assist for HDR, so colours do not pop as a lot as they might on a system with an OLED display screen. Moreover, brightness is simply OK at round 300 nits, which could not be a giant deal for those who choose gaming at evening or in darker environments. However for those who plan on lugging this round to a spot with large home windows or a number of daylight, video games and flicks might look a bit subdued. That stated, it isn’t a deal breaker, I simply want this mannequin had another show choices just like the earlier one.
Efficiency
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Alienware m16 R2 keyboard
The m16 R2’s keyboard may be upgraded with per-key RGB lighting.
Whereas the m16 R2’s sleeker design is a significant plus, the trade-off is much less area for a beefy GPU. So not like its predecessor, the most important card that matches is an NVIDIA RTX 4070. This may increasingly come as a downer for efficiency fanatics, however Alienware stated it made this transformation after seeing solely a small fraction of patrons go for RTX 4080 graphics on the outdated mannequin . Even so, the R2 can nonetheless maintain its personal when enjoying AAA titles. In Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p and extremely graphics, it hit 94 fps, barely behind what we noticed from the ASUS ROG G16 (95 fps) with a extra highly effective 4080. And whereas the efficiency hole grew barely once I turned ray tracing on, the m16 nonetheless pumped out a really playable framerate of 62 fps (versus 69 fps for the G16).
Battery life
One of many greatest advantages of the m16 R2’s redesign is that it allowed Alienware to put in a bigger 90Wh battery versus the 84Wh pack in its predecessor. Whenever you mix that with elements and followers higher tailor-made to the form of efficiency this machine delivers, you get improved longevity. On our rundown check, the m16 R2 lasted 7 hours and 51 minutes, which is longer than each the Razer Blade 14 (6:46) and the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (7:29) and simply shy of what we bought from an identical specced XPS 16 (8:31). That stated, it is nonetheless not so good as the ASUS G16’s time of 9:17. Regardless, the power to go longer between fees is rarely a foul factor. In the meantime, for individuals who need to pack tremendous gentle, one of many m16 R2’s USB-C ports within the again helps energy enter, though you will not get the total 240 watts such as you do with Alienware’s included brick.
Wrap-up
Picture by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
For 2024, it could have been really easy for Alienware to present the m16 a fundamental spec refresh and name it a day. However it did not. As an alternative, the corporate checked out its clients’ preferences and gave it a revamp to match. So regardless of not having the identical top-end efficiency as earlier than, the R2 continues to be a really succesful gaming laptop computer with a extra compact chassis, improved battery life and a decrease beginning value of $1,500 with an RTX 4050. Certain, I want its show was brighter and that there was one other panel possibility, however getting 240Hz commonplace is fairly good.
Actually, the most important argument in opposition to the m16 R2 is that for higher-specced techniques like our $1,850 overview unit with an RTX 4070, you possibly can spend one other $150 for an ASUS ROG G16 with the identical GPU, a brighter and extra colourful OLED show and an excellent lighter design that weighs a full pound much less. However for individuals searching for a well-priced gaming machine that may do a little bit of every part, there’s a number of worth within the m16 R2.
When much less energy makes for a greater laptop computer
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