Human Interaction
Human interaction with a laptop runs to the screen, keyboard, pointing device and any supplied mouse. I think most people will know what an Intellimouse is like to use. Generally held in high regard, the Explorer 3.0A is a decent example from the range. I'll skip talk on that.
The screen is fantastic in normal 2D use. Obviously widescreen, its 1680x1050 pixel array means a 1.6:1 widescreen ratio. 15.4" is possibly a teeny touch too small, with the 16.1" version that little bit more comfortable to use for long periods, due to font and widget size. But besides form factor complaints, there's very little wrong with it. Its 3D and fast motion performance is highly commendable, if not perfect, and playing games on it is something you'll be very happy doing.
With a strictly digital connection to any supported display adaptor, there are no obvious geometry, brightness (it's fantastically even across the entire display, the lamp arrangement deserves particular praise) or focus defects. Colour reproduction seems fine, given the limited testing I'm able to do in that respect. It's lovely to look at and use and it's a definite wow point when you open the lid for first time observers. I had it open on a train full of people, using it for work, and every time someone walked past from behind me so that they could see the screen, they'd slow down for a lingering look.
The keyboard is close to full size, as you'd expect from the unit's dimensions. If I have gripes with the keyboard, its only in placement of certain keys. The Function key at the bottom left, near CTRL, is retarded in its positioning. I've said this before, but on laptop keyboards, you don't place rarely pressed keys like Function, next to keys that you'll hit all day long in normal use. They're too small to be in such close proximity.
The Delete key is the other I'd move, given the opportunity. On most keyboards, it's up at the top right. Not on the Alienware, instead residing under the right shift key. Urgh.
Of course, keyboard preferences are entirely subjective. My keyboard hell might be your keyboard nirvana, so take my thoughts as they're intended.
Power, browser launch, e-mail client launch and WiFi antenna useage toggle are the buttons above the keyboard. The largely redundant (in my opinion) application launch buttons can't obviously be remapped, but there may be a utility that's escaping me to do so. The WiFi antenna toggle is useful if you're not often connected to a wireless network, so you can switch it off and save some battery life.
The touchpad is a Synaptics device and absolutely brilliant in usage. The right hand edge of the pad houses a scroll area for vertical scrolling, which, if you're anything like me, you'll fall in love with instantly. The vertical resolution of the display isn't that great, so vertical scrolling in web pages and documents is still needed.
The mouse buttons are large and easy to press, giving good tactile feedback that you've actually done so, due to decent travel and a slight audible noise.
The middle rocker switch is used for vertical scrolling too, but you can remap it using the excellent Synaptics software installed.
The IrDA port on the left hand chassis edge is repeated near the screen hinge on the right, a nice touch.
A microphone sits on the top edge of the screen, for sound input and simple voice notes.
