
However, when you're spending more than $4,000 on a notebook, you want retina-searing brightness.

To be sure, its measured brightness of 254 lux was higher than the desktop-replacement average of 247 lux, as well as the MSI GT70 (240 lux). Yet, just like when we reviewed the Alienware 14, we wish the 18 were just a bit brighter. We loved the way the sun glinted off the metal turrets and bathed the war-ravaged towns in afternoon light.

When playing "World of Tanks," we felt as though we were on the actual WWII battlefield. Colors, from the black of space to Superman's red cape, were rich and saturated, and were detailed enough that we could see the individual pores on Henry Cavill's face. When watching the "Man of Steel" trailer, we felt as though were actually flying from Krypton to Smallville.

The screen is so massive that it simply envelopes you. Click to EnlargeWatching videos and playing games on the Alienware's 18.4-inch, glossy 1920 x 1080 display is like going to an IMAX theater.
