Dell To Drop XPS Game Rigs for Alienware?
May 13, 2008 | by Geoff Duncan
Reports have Dell shelving its high-end gaming-oriented XPS computers in favor of systems from boutique subsidiary Alienware.
According to reports in the Wall Street Journal (subscription required) and elsewhere, Dell is planning to slim down its XPS line of high-performance desktop and notebook systems by stripping out systems specifically aimed at high-end gamers. Instead, Dell will cede the performance gaming business to its in-house boutique subsidiary Alienware, which Dell acquired in 2006 as a way to bolster its then-sagging reputation for offering high-performance systems.
Many industry watchers have wondered at Dell's strategy in regard to Alienware and the XPS line, since gaming-centric XPS systems seemed to compete directly with Dell's own Alienware products. (Similarly, many have wondered at the wisdom of HP producing high-end gaming rigs that compete with its own VoodooPC subsidiary.) Dell offers extensive support programs with the XPS line designed to make non-technical users feel comfortable that they'll be supported if they buy high-performance systems; however, those programs aren't wildly popular amongst the power gaming crowd, who are likely to tweak their systems to wring the last bit of LAN party performance out of them regardless of whether it voids a warranty.
According to reports, Dell will not be killing off the XPS line entirely, just eliminate gamer-focused offerings. XPS systems aimed at mainstream computing users—like the M1550 notebook—have proven to be strong sellers. No dates have been given for when gaming-centric XPS systems might be phased out, or if Alienware rigs will be granted more prominent placement on Dell's site and retail efforts.
Post Your Comment...Comments
Christy on May 13th, 2008 at 11:49 AM:
Most people can't afford the Alienware anyways, and they know they can build a system faster than the Blackbird. They should check out Uberclock.
Joseph on May 13th, 2008 at 5:45 PM:
I never thought it made sense for the two companies to compete since they are under the same ownership.
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Peter Beeter on May 13th, 2008 at 8:59 AM:
I would be dissapointed to see this. Alienware systems are nice, but they just cost way too much money. Maybe they see HP and their Blackbird and think "Hey if we all start selling our gaming systems for a lot more, we will all make money". It will be hard to find a cheap gaming system if companies keep moving in this direction.