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Alienware History
Alienware was founded in 1996 by avid gamers and spirited entrepreneurs Nelson Gonzalez, CEO, and Alex Aguila, COO and President, who decided to introduce a revolutionary concept into the PC gaming market. Despite starting a business with little capital, the company has become the leader in the gaming market and continues to grow.
3DFX/Nvidia Combo Solution
Alienware introduced the NVIDIA combo solution. This provided all-around compatibility with both Direct3D and Glide games.
Aureal Vortex2
In April 1998, Alienware introduced sound cards for high-performance gaming PCs. This provided support for four speakers and 48 kHz three dimensional sound to complement the 3D gaming experience.
Alienware Delivers the World's First Wicked3D PGC-Enabled Gaming System
On May 7, 1999, Wicked3D, a division of Megabyte, Inc., announced that Alienware was going to be the first company to license its Parallel Graphics Configuration (PGC) Technology. This allowed two 3dfx Interactive Voodoo3 2000 PCI cards to be combined in one system and delivered 55 frames per second without overclocking.
Alienware Software Division
On June 9, 1999, Alienware Corporation formed Alienware Technology. This was done in order to have a programming division in charge of developing software programs and utilities geared towards the gaming segment.
Custom Metallic Colors
On August 28, 2000, Alienware introduced metallic colors. The colors were Nova Yellow, Plasma Purple, Saucer Silver, Conspiracy Blue, Cyborg Green, and Martian Red. Non-metallic colors included Space Black, Lunar White, and Beige.
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Hydraulic Desktop Case
In November 2001, Alienware introduced the hydraulic desktop cases. This innovation sparked a case design revolution within the industry. One of the most important characteristics of the case was an unobtrusive front door with dampering gear that gave the 'hydraulic' motion and therefore the name to the case. A short time later, the hype took over and other companies began offering different versions.
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Alienware in Best Buy
On December 26, 2001, Alienware signed a contract to allow Best Buy to begin offering Alienware systems. The Area 51® 2.0GHz and 1.6GHz systems in Space Black, Conspiracy Blue, and Saucer Silver were the first models introduced into Best Buy.
AlienAutopsy
On March 5, 2002, Alienware unveiled AlienAutopsy™. AlienAutopsy is a service that enables Alienware to provide better solutions to any issues that the system may experience. A unique and hassle-free tool, AlienAutopsy provides the Alienware technical support staff with a detailed incident report, including over 30,000 fields of system-specific data which allow them to diagnose problems remotely and fix them quickly.
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Media Center PC.
On November 18, 2002, the Media Center was launched to enable consumers to watch television, surf the internet, watch movies, listen to music, view photos, and play games in the environment that is most comfortable and convenient for them. Alienware Media Center PCs offered advanced entertainment features such as TV control functions that allow consumers to record, pause, fast-forward, and rewind live television, regardless of signal type, satellite, cable, or antenna.
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Chameleon Paint
On November 22, 2002, chameleon-style paint was made available with Alienware systems. This option was a color-shifting paint that appeared green, blue, or turquoise, depending on the angle that light hit the case.
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Alienware Gaming Notebooks
On April 17, 2002, Alienware launched the Area-51m™, which was the first notebook powerful enough for gaming. With power, speed and graphics never before seen in a mobile platform, the Area-51m™ was the first notebook that allowed for true gaming-on-the-go.
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Exclusive Alienware Full Tower Case
In March 2003, the Alienware Full Tower case was launched. The case design was completely different from all other products offered in the PC market. The Alienware Full Tower case has special modifications such as 4 front USB ports, a rear cable management system, the integrated AlienIce cooling system (optional), front air intake grills, a front drive access door w/lock, a hidden side panel door w/lock, and innovative Alienware styling. The case is standard for most Alienware desktop systems.
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AlienIce
In March 2003, Alienware launched AlienIce™. This video cooling system maximizes airflow to keep system components running efficiently. It provides superior cooling with fans that were strategically placed throughout the chassis, striking the perfect balance of both negative and positive air flow to prevent overheating and system crashes.
AlienEyes
In March 2003, AlienEyes became part of the Innovative Alienware Full Tower case. The alien “eyes” actually function as air inlets for two fans kept inside. A side hole and fan were integrated into one of the eyes to help the system be kept cool. AlienEyes can be found in different colors such as blue, green, and red.
Alienware Laptop Chassis
On May 14, 2003, Alienware launched its own mobile case featuring engraved Alienware legend and the Alienhead, which displays power state indicators.
AlienAdrenaline
In August 2003, Alienware launched AlienAdrenaline™. This provides advanced, multi-monitor, programmable hardware support to a wide range of graphics cards, from the venerable Matrox Millennium I to the latest SiS Xabre and Radeon 9700. It represents the only program of its type to support multiple graphics cards from multiple chipset vendors simultaneously.
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Sentia
In August 2003, Alienware introduced the next evolution in Alienware mobile solutions. Weighting less than four pounds, a redesigned Sentia became the perfect business travel companion without sacrificing performance. The Sentia is powered by the new Intel® Pentium® processor, faster 333 MHz DDR memory and support for 802.11b/g wireless standards.
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Custom Built Workstations
On October 21, 2003, a new line of Digital Content Creation, Digital Video, and Digital Audio workstations for professionals were launched. Each workstation has validation from leading software providers such as Adobe®, Discreet®, Autodesk®, and more. Customers have the option to custom-configure a workstation or to select a pre-configured system that has been optimized for specific applications.
Area-51m with Upgradeable Video Card
In September 2003, Alienware launched a redesigned version of the Area-51m. It was named the best overall mobile gaming system by Tech TV and recognized by journalists and PC gaming enthusiasts for cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and superior customer service. The new system includes more features and a user-upgradeable graphics module, as well as an exclusive magnesium alloy case design and top-of-the-line components.
Video Array and X2 Motherboard
On May 12, 2004, Alienware introduced Video Array™ and X2™ technology during the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo. Video Array, a proprietary technology exclusive to Alienware, offers a dual processor system with the very unique feature of supporting two PCI-Express video cards in a single PC. The X2 motherboard enables dual x16 PCI-Express graphics support of up to four monitors for an exponential increase to the creative professional’s workflow.
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DHS (Alienware Digital Home System)
On May 14, 2004, Alienware launched the DHS system, which features Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition and combined the functionality of individual A/V components into a single unit, complete with a common user interface and remote control. The DHS also offers the ability to store, playback live TV similar to TIVO or Replay, pause live FM radio broadcasts, play games, and download movies and music.
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Silent Liquid Cooling
In June 2004, Alienware introduced Silent Liquid Cooling, a revolutionary technology completely different from standard air-cooled designs. Silent Liquid Cooling uses a specially formulated liquid and gold-plated, pure copper coolers to keep the heat generated by internal hardware components in check. Excess heat is absorbed by the liquid, which is moved away through two pumps and cooled by a high-performance heat exchanger.
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ALX
On June 3rd 2004, Alienware announced a new line of premium, performance enhanced systems under their new ALX brand. Precision-crafted for cutting-edge performance, ALX systems combine state-of-the-art hardware, liquid cooling technology and exclusive styling. The system was designed for those who want the absolute best graphics and includes the option to have CPU, memory and video card settings overclocked by Alienware to the highest levels while maintaining system stability. ALX owners receive one-on-one attention from a highly trained team of dedicated PC enthusiasts and have the opportunity of speaking directly with their system’s assembler and having up to three of their favorite games installed, updated, and optimized on their system, free of charge.
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Lightspeed
On June 15, 2004, Alienware launched the Lightspeed™ system. These systems feature state-of-the-art technology and rocket-solid reliability to meet all the demands of current and next-generation applications. Lightspeed systems are powered by high-performance Intel® Pentium® 4 processors and offer the excellence for which Alienware systems are known, at a price that is favorable to the bottom-line.
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PCI Express
On June 21, 2004, Alienware announced the availability of PCI Express technology in Alienware systems. PCI Express provides high-speed interconnect and addresses the increasing bandwidth demands of emerging graphics in next-generation applications such as 3D games, professional 3D content creation, high-definition video editing, and more. PCI Express architecture provides a high-frequency, scalable path of communication between next-generation graphics, video, storage, and processing systems.
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Bot
On June 23, 2004, Alienware launched the Bot™ system, which features solid performance and innovative technology at a budget-friendly value. The Bot’s space-saving design houses a robust system powered by Intel® Pentium® 4 processors with HT technology that delivers the multi-function performance needed at any corporate or home office.
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AlienRespawn
On June 24, 2004, AlienRespawn was introduced as a new feature available with Alienware systems. AlienRespawn serves as a simple, proactive solution for completely restoring a system to its original factory settings without having to send it back to the factory.
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Mobile Workstations
On June 25, 2004, Alienware launched a unique line of mobile workstations which were specially optimized for the production of digital video, digital audio, digital content creation, digital imaging, and computer aided design They combine high-performance, leading-edge technology, personalized service, and maximum portability for the creative professional on the go. The mobile workstations are powered by cutting-edge Intel® Pentium® 4 3.4GHz processors and the NVIDIA® Quadro® GoFX1000, the fastest mobile workstation card available.
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New Alienware Workstation Chassis
On July 23, 2004, Alienware introduced the new design of the workstation chassis, developed with creative professionals in mind. The chassis features an aluminum-plated front bezel, black powder coated side and top panels, and a front-mounted perforated metal intake grille.
CPUs Operating at 4.0GHz
On August 23, 2004, Alienware announced the immediate availability of 4.0 GHZ processors on Area-51 ALX systems. Powered by enhanced Intel® Pentium® 4 processors with Hyper Threading Technology, Alienware’s elite Area-51 ALX systems surpass previous barriers on speed.
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AlienGUIse
On August 25, 2004, Alienware announced the availability of AlienGUIse™ Theme Manager on all new Alienware systems as well as non-Alienware systems via download from Alienware.com. The graphic user interface, based on Stardock’s Theme Manager Technology, gives Alienware systems a facelift by transitioning from the typical Microsoft® Windows® desktop to customized Alienware desktop themes.
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AlienWiring
In August 2004, Alienware introduced AlienWiring, an exclusive internal wire management system. Through AlienWiring, wires are neatly bundled and routed to produce optimal airflow and reduce the risk of any potential system issues. This service is provided free of charge with every new Alienware system.
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SLI
In October 2004, Alienware became the first system manufacturer to offer the groundbreaking dual-graphics technology of NVIDIA® SLI™. SLI enables two graphics cards to work together to draw a single image and provides an increase in graphics performance of up to 100% for graphics-intensive games and applications.
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DHS 2
Alienware expanded its line of DHS media centers in November 2004 by introducing the DHS 2 system. The DHS 2 combines the features of nearly every home entertainment device into one system and features exclusive innovations like DISCover® Console Technology, which delivers the ease of use of console-style gameplay with PC games. The DHS 2 went on to win CNET's Next Big Thing award during the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show.
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Dual-Core Processing
Alienware began offering systems with dual-core processors in April 2005. Dual-core processors feature two processing cores on one chip to provide faster response times and enhanced performance when running more than one data-intensive application simultaneously. This allows you to do multiple things at once such as play a game while running a virus check in the background.
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Star Wars Systems
In May 2005, Alienware unveiled the Aurora: Star Wars Edition, the first-ever officially licensed Star Wars PC. The Aurora: Star Wars Edition is available in two versions, Dark Side and Light Side, which showcase breathtaking artwork on the outer cases featuring Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and the rest of the memorable characters from the Star Wars universe. The systems also include exclusive content such as Star Wars wallpapers, skins, and fan club membership.
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Media Center on Mobile Systems
In July 2005, Alienware expanded the multimedia capabilities of its mobile customers by offering Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 and dual TV tuner support on select Alienware mobile systems. Alienware mobile systems with Media Center 2005 deliver the features of a DVD player, DVR, FM tuner, CD jukebox, and more, in addition to providing a massive amount of storage space so you have all your digital content at hand wherever you go.
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Mid-Tower Chassis
The Alienware Mid-Tower Chassis was introduced on desktop systems in July 2005. Showcasing a sleek, sophisticated look, the chassis combines style with function by maximizing ventilation to prevent overheating and featuring numerous front-accessible ports and a locking front door that folds neatly to the side. Customers now have the flexibility of choosing either the Mid-Tower Chassis or Alienware's one-of-a-kind Full-Tower Chassis when configuring their desktops systems.
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Hivemind Servers
Alienware responded to the needs of its growing base of corporate clients in July 2005 by releasing a new line of Hivemind rack servers that are ideal solutions for customer resource management, data warehouse applications, web hosting, and more. Hivemind servers are available in single and dual-processor configurations, are easy to manage and maintain, and provide flexible, expandable storage and memory capabilities.
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Alienware Liquid Cooling Technology
In August 2005, an exclusive innovation called Alienware Liquid Cooling Technology was introduced and made available on select Alienware desktops. Delivering up to a 30% improvement in thermal performance over conventional cooling technologies, Alienware Liquid Cooling Technology keeps system components cool at all times, even when running at full power, and reduces maximum operating temperatures by 15-21 degrees C.
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New Notebooks
From October 2005-December 2005, Alienware unveiled a new generation of highly advanced Sentia and Area-51 notebooks. The 12" Sentia 3200 and 14" Sentia 3400 provide students, travelers, and other highly mobile users with flexible wireless options, extended battery life, and a compact, easily transportable design. For gamers and other demanding users on the go, the 15.4" Area-51 m5500 and 17" Area-51 m5700 deliver desktop-like performance capabilities that can be taken anywhere.
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Graphics Control Technology
Alienware introduced a new innovation, Graphics Control Technology, with the release of the Area-51 m5500 notebook in October 2005. This advancement gives users the flexibility to effortlessly switch between powerful graphics solutions like the NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 6600 when high graphics performance is necessary and integrated graphics when battery life is most important.
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Aurora m7700
Alienware launched the revolutionary Aurora m7700, the company's first AMD-based mobile system, in November 2005. Created for anyone looking for a mobile system that can replace their desktop without sacrificing performance, the Aurora m7700 is equipped with dual-core AMD desktop processors as well as the most powerful NVIDIA® mobile graphics, dual hard drives, and dual optical drives.
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Ozma 7 Headphones
In November 2005, Alienware's Ozma 7 headphones with S-Logic™ surround-sound technology were first offered, and would go on to win Maximum PC's Kick Ass Product award. Perfect for games, music, and movies, the Ozma 7 headphones allow sound to seem broad and detached, just like at a live concert.
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CE-IV MP3 Player
Alienware diversified its product line by introducing the CE-IV MP3 player and HUB docking system in December 2005. The sleek and stylish CE-IV is the first MP3 player in the United States to feature SRS WOW HD™ technology, which extends sound in both the horizontal and vertical planes without having to enlarge the speaker size. This enables exceptional audio performance that is a dramatic improvement over the tinny, hollow sounds often produced by other MP3 players.
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160GB Mobile Hard Drive
In January 2006, Alienware became the first manufacturer to offer a 160GB hard drive on mobile systems, giving users the opportunity to take all of their digital content with them to any location instead of being limited by the smaller hard drive capacities of other mobile systems. In addition, Alienware's Area-51 m7700 mobile system was made available with up to two 160GB hard drives for a total storage capacity of 320GB, the largest hard drive capacity ever offered on a mobile system.
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