Dell Now Offering Ubuntu on Alienware X51 Machines
Dell's Alienware X51 gaming rig now tastes like Ubuntu.
Dell announced last week that its Alienware X51 desktop now has an Ubuntu OS version for customers in the United States.
According to Dell, the Ubuntu build of its Alienware X51 gaming rig has a starting price of $599 and spans across four base configurations, each featuring a third-generation Intel Core CPU and Nvidia GeForce graphics. The system comes with supported Ubuntu drivers from Nvidia right out of the box, Dell said.
"The operating system loads quickly and can handle multiple programs at the same time," said Dell's Mark Obee in a blog. "The Workspace Switcher is an example of multitasking done well. It gives you the option to split the screen into multiple work areas. It helps keep things in order and is easy to switch between (see image below). The OS also comes with a software center to download free open source apps, which is a great feature, as you will not be able to install your Windows-based software on the OS."
The base $599 system packs an Intel Core i3-3220 CPU clocked at 3.3 GHz, 6 GB of DDR3 RAM at 1600 MHz, a GeForce GTX 645 GPU with 1 GB of GDDR5 VRAM, and a 1 TB 7200 RPM SATA 2 HDD. There's also a slot-load dual-layer DVD burner, Wireless N connectivity (mini-card), and Ubuntu 12.04. Customers can upgrade the CPU to a Core i7-3770 clocked at 3.4 GHz for $300 more among other options.
For those who want to start customizing on the high end, the top-of-the-line model sports the Core i7-3770 3.4 GHz CPU, 8 GB of DDR3 memory, and Nvidia's GTX 660 GPU with 1.5 GB of GDDR5 VRAM. But like the first model on the list, it has the 1 TB HDD, Wireless N mini-card, a slot-loading DVD burner and Ubuntu 12.04. Customers can upgrade to a 2 TB SATA 3 HDD for $50 more.
"You can easily install Steam onto the machine," Obee said. "Though many games are not yet supported, including most of the AAA releases, the list is continuing to grow and now includes classics such as Team Fortress 2 and Serious Sam. The highlight for the Steam integration is that it supports Big Picture Mode. The versatility and small size of the X51 made it easy to disconnect the system from the monitor in my office and connect it to my TV."
For more information about Alienware X51 desktops sporting the Ubuntu OS, head here.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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onichikun Reply"The operating system loads quickly and can handle multiple programs at the same time," said Dell's Mark Obee in a blog. "The Workspace Switcher is an example of multitasking done well. It gives you the option to split the screen into multiple work areas. It helps keep things in order and is easy to switch between (see image below). The OS also comes with a software center to download free open source apps, which is a great feature, as you will not be able to install your Windows-based software on the OS."
Wow, I have never seen the free, open-source features of a Linux-based distro marketed so well. I could imagine an ignorant buyer being "wow this sounds impressive, good job Dell!" -
kawininjazx With that upgrade price you are paying $100 more for the i7 than it's retail price.Reply -
whiteodian The Ubuntu version is actually a bit cheaper too. The way big box computer makers charge insane prices for RAM and SSD upgrades, this surprises me.Reply -
SvRommelvS Because when buying an overpriced, heavy and temperamental gaming laptop, you want to make sure you install Linux instead of the OS that runs games.Reply -
SvRommelvS Because when buying an overpriced, heavy and temperamental gaming laptop, you want to make sure you install Linux instead of the OS that runs games.Reply -
fleeb Reply10642485 said:Well, since Windows 7 is no longer an option...
I just checked Alienware's website and that they are offering Windows 7 for their gaming rigs. That means it is still an option. -
dalethepcman Too bad they charge just as much for this as the Windows variant. Now if Dell is willing to give support for Ubuntu that might be worth it, but I somehow doubt their support will go beyond "ship it to our Depot and we will re image the hard drive for you."Reply -
g-unit1111 What would be better is if they started offering double boot Windows 7 / Ubuntu configurations so that way us gamers could still use our existing content and have a transition period for when Steam and other cloud-based services start using Ubuntu. As long as we don't have to put up with Windows 8 I'm for it!Reply