15-inch gaming laptops are out, and 16-inch laptops are in. That seems to be the running theme for CES 2023 and the new Alienware x16 certainly champions this movement.
The Alienware x16 is one of the thinnest and sleekest gaming laptops I’ve laid my hands on. It approaches near Ultrabook levels of svelteness at just 0.73 inches (18.57mm). And unlike the Alienware x14 that looked more like a square when closed, this 16-incher resembles a more traditional proportioned notebook.
The Alienware x16 is an undeniable looker with its clean aluminum and magnesium alloy exterior that oozes quality once you touch it. There’s also a gorgeous fully RGB ring light made up of 100 micro LEDs on the rear surrounding the back vents.
Open the laptop, and you’re greeted with an equally clean and classy soft-touch keyboard deck and another RGB touch in the form of a disco-lit trackpad. The keyboard is fully per-key RGB programmable, too. Despite only featuring 1.8mm of key travel, the keyboard on the Alienware x16 feels amazingly tactile, and you can also option on CherryMX’s ultra-low-profile key switches.
Beyond external looks, the Alienware x16 rocks Intel’s latest 13th Generation processors and up to Nvidia 4090 and 4080 graphics – so this laptop hasn’t sacrificed performance for thinness. And to keep all the components cool in the svelte frame, Alienware implemented its Element 31 thermal interface material made of a Gallium-Silicone on the CPU and GPU, plus a sizeable vapor chamber to keep temps manageable.
The Alienware x16 also debuts with a new 16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 240Hz screen option that boasts a 3ms response time and 100% DCI-P3 colors. Alternatively, you can opt for a QHD+ display with a slower 165Hz refresh rate and 100% sRGB color coverage or a Full HD display with a 480Hz refresh rate.
All the displays promise to support Dolby Vision and with six speakers you also get Dolby Atmos Audio. So this laptop is a real tour-du-force for media and gaming.
The Alienware x16 is expected to release in Q1 with an entry model starting at $2,149. According to Dell, high-end configurations with Intel and Nvidia components will sit around $3,099.