14 DAY TRIAL // The market for gaming laptops has really developed in recent years, being driven by the need for portability and versatility. But like with everything in this world, there’s a downside of playing on a notebook.
As much as gaming solution providers struggle to squeeze high performance under the hood, sometimes GPU power can’t be compared to what you could be getting on your desktop.
Which can be quite frustrating for those hoping to crank up graphic settings as much as possible.
Alienware Graphics Amplifier works with Dell's newest laptop
But there’s no need to despair because Dell has your back. As part of today’s extensive roll-out which includes the Alienware 13 laptop and Alienware-51 odd-looking flagship laptop, the producing company also unveiled a device called the Graphics Amplifier.
The gizmo comes in the shape of a compact box which has been designed to bring an infusion of GPU power to your laptop. Just plug in the latest Alienware laptop into the Amplifier and you’ll get a system that takes advantage of desktop-class power graphics. How cool is that?
The idea behind the Graphics Amplifier is to combine the portability offered by a notebook with the higher power efficiency which a desktop system can bring about.
However, since the box is not exactly super compact, you’ll have to sacrifice some of the flexibility that a normal notebook brings about.
The Amplifier is designed to rest on your desk at home, so when you feel like you need a real GPU boost, you’ll have to return to the nest to get some.
If the idea of a Graphics Amplifier sounds good to you, we hate to burst your bubble. The device isn’t compatible with every gaming notebook out there. Actually, it only works with one – the latest Alienware 13.
This is Dell’s thinnest and lightest laptop so far, but if you’re not currently on the market for a new model, you’ll have to make do without the extra Amplifier helping hand.
The incompatibility with other gaming systems is brought about by the Amplifier’s cable, a proprietary mix of USB and PCI Express that only speaks to a special port on the Alienware laptop.
You'll have to pay extra for the Amplifier
However, Dell assures us their future models will come equipped with the necessary ports.
The Graphics Amplifier isn't included in the Alienware 13 bundle so you’ll have to pay extra to take advantage of it.
The device comes devoid of a built-in GPU, but the Amplifier supports any desktop GPUs with a TDP up to 375W. It will set you back with an additional $299 / €235 (the Alienware 13 costs $999 / €785).