Alienware m18 R2: a heavyweight desktop replacement

Weighing nearly nine pounds and measuring 18 inches, the Alienware m18 R2 is a large, imposing laptop that won’t fit in every bag. It looks and feels like a high-end machine, and it’s available on Amazon for $2,600; users can tone down the gamer aesthetic with subdued exteriors and a one-button RGB shutoff.

Under the hood the R2 is built for performance: a 14th-generation Intel HX 24-core 5.8 GHz max boost processor, high-end graphics, a sophisticated cooling system and an abundance of ports, including a rear power jack, HDMI, a full-size memory card slot and two Thunderbolt 4 ports.

The Alienware Command Center handles lighting, operation profiles such as Performance or Quiet, a clickable MUX switch and options for overclocking. The keyboard and display reinforce the desktop-replacement feel.

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