Exclusive: Alienware's new Area-51 m15x and m17x laptops

Boutique PC maker Alienware has been flooding in-boxes recently with secretive messages about its upcoming unveiling of two new gaming laptops. E-mails to members of the company's mailing list are filled with cryptic notes about "increased extraterrestrial activity" and links to a Web site with an "alien" message to decipher.

If you've cracked the code, you probably already know some of this, but Alienware has confirmed for CNET that the two new laptops are going to be called the Area-51 m15x and Area-51 m17x, and both will be officially shown off for the first time on Monday here in New York.

Backlit red keys. We've also seen a blue version.

We won't see these new 15- and 17-inch systems in full until next week, but Alienware says they have a whole new look, designed from the ground up, and will be available with a choice of two case designs called Skullcap and Ripley. The exclusive teaser shots here--the first photos of the new systems Alienware has released--give you a small idea of the new direction. Check back Monday for full details on these new laptops. More pics after the break...

We have no idea what this says.

Rounded corners are very in these days.

We're guessing this is the lid.

[voidphoenix]

alien word

The "alien" word is ALIENWARE. Note the positions of the two A's and the two E's.

[Premonition23]

I doubt it

I doubt that word stands for alienware, I dont even see the ware part, there arent to many letters that make up the length of the word alienware, so it must be a code name for the laptop besides Mx whatever.

[tdaloisio]

Alienware it is

The code certainly looks like Alienware to me

[maxpowers_37]

Am I alone in not caring what it looks like?

When I buy a computer, I don't really care what the case looks like. With a desktop I want one that is quiet, fast, stable, and gives me easy access to the interior.

With a laptop I want good performance, large screen, usable keyboard, battery life, and I want it to be quiet. Putting alien writing or changing the colors is interesting, but its not a factor in my buying decision.

[cybervipr]

Pretty sure it does say ALIENWARE

I'd have to check back tonight, but from what I remember those are the correct letters for A,I,N, and R. Doubt it stands for Alienware? Count the letters up again before you disagree with someone...

Alienware has always been about style and making beast systems. If you don't care about style, I'm sure there are many other computer makers that could get you a gray box...

[nlyarger]

Letters don't stand for anything

The letters don't stand for alienware or anything else. " IXAEVIRE".

[nlyarger]

spells alienware

OK, it does spell ALIENWARE, but the letters are all upside down

[Gophn]

I already deciphered all the messages

I got a hold of the pics of the physical notebook and deciphered the alphabet that is inscribed onto all of the bottom.
read here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=188432

I was the first, so you heard it first. :)

[tande04]

mystery words

How is there a question of what it spells?

Its alienware.

They aren't goint to be putting Microsoft or macintosh on there.

[yann_gt]

About the Grill Picture

If you do a vertical flip on the picture, you will realize that it perfectly match the word "Alienware" (If you've deciphered the alien message)

[cyberDJ-2038765336053745013836]

Hot laptops

It's lappers like these that cause me to wonder what Apple's appeal is. Outside of not using Shmista for an OS, they've got nothing.
The MacBooks are solid but they are BORING. Stylish, NOT!

Alienware and Dell are already producing lappers with SSDs in them.
No more crashed hard drives.
No more lengthy read/write times.
No more lengthy boot times.
Better power consumption.
Longer live span.

Apple had better start debuting touchscreen features on its next computers in January or they will be playing catch-up forever. A flashy OS means nothing if the hardware can't utilize it.

Remember: Microsoft Surface; not Apple Surface.
Your turn, Mr. Jobs.

[meshcount]

It's laptops like these that confirms I'm

no longer a 15 year old gamer. They sure do know their market well since I
wouldn't want to be seen with it.

[alienmj12]

the message reads as the very first statement they said at the introduction to alienware
in the year 2000-2003

[gorignarak]

Morons it does say AlienWare go to the site, you can customize an alien tag on the m15x that uses that same writing.