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Alienware's first 14-inch notebook, the M14x, provides a potent blend of power and portability in an eye-catching design.

It may be twice as heavy as ultraportable laptops of similar size, but its gaming performance is twice as awesome.

The Alienware M14x R2 is a fine 14-inch gaming laptop hampered only by its performance in a couple of key areas.

It's a great performer on the gaming grid, but its 14-inch frame works against it—the screen size may make you presume it's portable, but its weight is that of a desktop replacement. And with all the high-end components packed in, you might notice a formidable heat buildup.

It's tough to find mobile PC gaming in a package that's neither too big nor too small. The Alienware M14x comes very close, with plenty of component options and a size that's hefty, but not backbreaking.

The M14x makes performance sacrifices in order to have a slightly smaller footprint on the desk and there isn't a practical gain in terms of better mobility.

If you need a gaming laptop to keep you entertained on the move, the M14x is a great option.

It's plenty fast enough to play all games but just not when looking their best, and for a gaming oriented machine that's crucial. Combined with its noisiness under load and premium price this prevents the M14x from receiving our coveted recommendation despite its many strengths.

If you're the type that doesn't want to compromise much on gaming performance and style but need a notebook in a reasonably portable size and weight, the Dell Alienware M14x is for you.