The latest entry in Alienware's M series of full-size high-end gaming laptops, the m17 R5 (starts at $1,599.99; $2,649.99 as tested) pushes the power envelope with an under-the-hood update to the m17 ...

Alienware gaming laptops are built to incite envy. Their designs, which resemble a coat of armor with gill-like ridges, topped off by the signature alien head logo, are sleek and otherworldly.

Most hardcore gamers couldn't care less about how a gaming laptop looks. Give them the fastest processor and most powerful 3D graphics card and let them get on with the show. While most gaming laptop ...