Alienware m16 R2 review

Trade in Alienware m16 R2

(Image credit: Dell)

The Alienware m16 R2 finds a balance between gaming prowess and productivity, offering a redesign of the previous Alienware m16 with a focus on versatility. Boasting a 16-inch display, an Nvidia RTX 40-series GPU, and the highlight of an Intel Core Ultra “Meteor Lake” processor, this laptop is engineered for both gaming and everyday computing tasks. The inclusion of the Intel Core Ultra chip with its Neural Processing Unit (NPU) enhances AI-driven tasks, while the “Stealth” mode, activated by the F2 key, optimizes power consumption. The Alienware m16 R2’s subdued design, compared to other Alienware models, contributes to its overall appeal as a gaming and productivity hybrid.

ALIENWARE M16 R2 HANDS-ON REVIEW: SPECS

ALIENWARE M16 R2 HANDS-ON REVIEW: PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The Alienware m16 R2 is set to be available for purchase starting January 11, 2024, with an initial configuration priced at $1,649. This configuration features a 16-inch QHD+ (2,500 x 1,600) 240Hz 0.03ms display, an Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The Dark Metallic Moon anodized aluminum finish adds a sleek touch to the laptop’s appearance. Additional configurations are expected to be introduced later in 2024, with a starting price of $1,499.

ALIENWARE M16 R2 HANDS-ON REVIEW: DESIGN AND DISPLAY

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)

The Alienware m16 R2 boasts a 15% reduction in size compared to its predecessor, achieved by eliminating the large thermal shelf on the back. Despite the smaller form factor, the laptop is designed to prevent overheating through a re-engineered cooling system. This new system incorporates smarter component placement to enhance airflow and cooling performance, as stated by Dell.

Continuing with Alienware’s Legend 3.0 design language, the laptop features sleek curves, hexagonal air vents, and customizable lighting. The Dark Metallic Moon anodized aluminum chassis provides a textured yet soft feel. The lid is adorned with an etched “16” near the hinge, and the iconic Alienware logo is positioned near the top middle.

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)

The Alienware m16 R2 measures 14.3 x 9.8 x 0.9 inches and weighs 5.7 pounds, making it a sizable and relatively heavy laptop. Despite its larger dimensions, it feels less cumbersome to hold compared to its predecessor. The ample size of the laptop allows for the inclusion of various ports, including two USB-A, two USB-C, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, a headphone jack, and a microSD card reader.

The 16-inch display offers a spacious canvas suitable for gaming and productivity. The 2,500 x 1,600 resolution provides sharp visuals. Dell claims the panel can reach a brightness of 300 nits and cover 100% of the sRGB color gamut. Although lab tests are needed to confirm these specifications, the display appears bright and vibrant to the naked eye.

In terms of performance, the 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, and support for AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync technologies indicate a capability for delivering a smooth gaming experience.

(Image credit: Dell)

A notable addition is the 180-degree hinge, enabling the screen to lie completely flat. While this feature might not be particularly useful for gaming, it proves advantageous when using the laptop on a couch or bed. The ability to position the screen at a flat angle could enhance typing comfort when the laptop is resting on the user’s lap. Additionally, the hinge feels robust, eliminating concerns about potential damage when adjusting the lid.

ALIENWARE M16 R2 HANDS-ON REVIEW: KEYBOARD AND TOUCHPAD

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)

The Alienware m16 R2 retains the spacious keyboard with substantial, enjoyable-to-type keys found in its predecessor, the m16. The key travel feels appropriate, and the per-key RGB lighting adds a vibrant touch to the all-black keyboard deck. Although further usage will provide a more comprehensive understanding, there are no apparent issues anticipated with the keyboard.

The touchpad maintains the smooth and responsive qualities observed in the Alienware m16. Positioned more centrally, it offers improved intuitiveness. The addition of classy RGB lighting surrounding the touchpad’s edge enhances its aesthetic appeal.

ALIENWARE M16 R2 HANDS-ON REVIEW: AI FEATURES

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)

Similar to the MSI Prestige 16 AI EVO and Dell XPS 16, the Alienware m16 R2 boasts AI Model acceleration support, thanks to the Intel Core Ultra’s dedicated AI NPU. This feature is beneficial for programs like Microsoft Copilot and Stable Diffusion. Intel has collaborated with over 100 AI-ready apps to enhance workflow acceleration by transitioning workloads to the NPU.

Equipped with a Meteor Lake chip, the m16 R2 could be an ideal machine for streaming on platforms like Twitch. The Meteor Lake’s NPU can efficiently handle tasks like OBS and webcam applications, allowing the CPU and GPU to fully focus on gaming performance. While this setup provided a seamless experience on the HP Omen Transcend 14, results may vary in real-world scenarios.

ALIENWARE M16 R2 HANDS-ON REVIEW: OUTLOOK

I’m both a gamer and a writer, so a laptop like the Alienware m16 R2 seems suited for my particular lifestyle. This machine has the power to run modern games but doesn’t have the sometimes gaudy appearance typical of gaming laptops. The fact this machine has a “Stealth” mode that shuts off RGB lighting and disables performance mode shows that it’s not purely a gaming machine. I’m looking forward to reviewing the Alienware m16 R2 when it officially arrives.

Source: Tom’s Guide