Could "not so high end" gaming systems tarnish Alienware's reputation?
Just as it seems that Dell is exiting the high-end gaming PC market by ditching the XPS line, Alienware announced its entry into the "not so high end" gaming market. Is this a good move for Alienware or could it dilute a brand considered to represent extreme gaming?
- AMD 9550 Phenom X4 (2.2GHz)
- 4GB RAM
- ATI HD 3870 X2
And the price is good too - $1,699.
But here's the problem - the stink of compromise. Sure, the 9550 Phenom X4 and the 3870 X2 are nice parts, and they'll deliver good performance for the price, but gamers know that the best gaming rigs contain Intel processors and NVIDIA GPUs. Alienware has always stood for no compromises, so it's a little disturbing to see the company all of a sudden embracing compromise so enthusiastically.
This could be an attempt on Dell's part to push Alienware into the mainstream market, but that is comes with a risk of devaluing the whole Alienware brand name.
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Thoughts?