Alienware m16 R2 hands-on experience: a more stylish gaming laptop designed for CES 2024

Despite launching an all-new version of the m16 last year, Alienware has once again completely redesigned its mainstream 16-inch gaming laptop for 2024 to meet customer feedback while optimizing the performance of its most popular configurations. I got to check out the new m16 R2 ahead of CES 2024, and there’s a lot to like about Alienware’s more targeted makeover.

Unlike the 2023 M16, which can accommodate RTX 4090 cards, the m16 R2 tops out at an RTX 4070. In exchange for cutting back on high-end performance, you get a sleeker, lighter laptop with a larger 90 Whr battery, slimmer bezels, and a larger trackpad – all in one package. The floor space is reduced by 15%.

As before, display options will be upgraded to 16:10 QHD+ panels with a 240Hz refresh rate, while CPU options will be upgraded to Intel’s latest batch of Core Ultra H-series chips. At the same time, Alienware was able to shave about an inch and a half off the depth by eliminating the older model’s cooling rack, the large protrusion beyond the hinge, while also redesigning its cooling system to provide 43 percent more airflow. It’s worth noting that even though the new model is significantly smaller, it still offers a solid selection of ports, including Ethernet, a full-size HDMI 2.1 jack, two USB Type-A 3.2, and two USB -C (one supports Thunderbolt 4).

There are also some subtle but much-appreciated aesthetic changes, including a new RGB lightning ring around the perimeter of the trackpad. That said, if you want to quickly hide the power level, you can immediately turn off all the laptop’s lighting and set the system to quiet by pressing F2 and activating Alienware’s Stealth Mode. This is a small but very handy addition that makes it easy to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

Photography: Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Other small changes and features include user-upgradeable DDRR5 RAM and M.2 SSD (two slots each), a new FHD IR webcam that supports facial recognition and Windows Hello, and artificial intelligence for improved video calling Noise reduction function. In addition, all new Alienware laptops in 2024 will feature upgraded far-field microphones, support for Wi-Fi 7, and the latest version (6.1) of the company’s Command Center app.

Photography: Sam Rutherford/Engadget

But most importantly, the new Alienware m16 R2 feels like it’s better suited for mobile gaming. It’s less powerful than last year’s model, but it’s almost a pound and a half lighter (5.75 pounds vs. 7.17 pounds). It should also have better battery life and be easier to carry due to its slimmer size. You still get premium construction, with smooth matte aluminum panels on the top and bottom. If you really want a 16-inch thin and light gaming laptop with a big graphics card, the Alienware x16 is always a good choice. It has not yet been redesigned, but will have updated specifications in 2024, including support for up to RTX 4090.

Photography: Sam Rutherford/Engadget

The new Alienware m16 R2 is scheduled to be available on January 11, with prices starting at $1,650 for select configurations, with more options coming later this season.

We will provide live coverage of CES 2024, which will be held in Las Vegas from January 6th to 12th.Get all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/alienware-m16-r2-hands-on-a-sleeker-gaming-laptop-design-for-ces-2024-230059369.html?src=rss

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