Desktops

A true gamer needs four things, a quick mind, a sharp eye, skills and a kicking rig. You will need to provide the first three, but Alienware's got you covered on the fourth. Any player, noob to pro, will tell you that having the right system can make all the difference. However, even a top of the line system, such as the Alienware M17x can use a little assistance and that's where Alienware TactX Mouse and Keyboard come into play.

The Alienware TactX Mouse, available for $99, delivers pinpoint accuracy and split-second in-game reaction times with an ultra fast 5000 DPI adjustable laser engine. Equipped with nine customizable buttons and five different user profiles, gamers will command and conquer their rivals in any game without pause or hesitation.

The Alienware TactX Keyboard, also available for $99, features six programmable macro keys and unlimited customizable user profiles that gamers can link to their favourite games so they're always prepared for battle. The WASD gaming cluster is reinforced with anti-ghosting technology while the keyboards Gaming Mode disables the Windows key so nothing stands in the way of victory.

Combined with the Alienware OptX AW2210 Monitor and the Alienware TactX Headset, this perfect ecosystem is guaranteed to give you dominance over your favourite game and rival gamers. With these exclusive products you not only have the unique style (AlienFX) that makes Alienware #1 for gamers, but also the performance and power you would expect from the best in the business. Fear not keyboard warriors, backup has arrived.

Dell recently announced our Q2 earnings results for FY 2010. Over on the DellShares blog, our CFO Brian Gladden discusses the results.

Last month, we introduced a new ordering option for U.S.-based small and medium business customers called Fast Track for Business. It’s clear that many of our customers (not just small and medium business ones) need systems need them right away. That’s why we’ve expanded the Fast Track option for some consumer systems for customers in the United States. Fast Track is a way for Dell to offer great deals on some of our most popular configurations. The Fast Track program also means that when you order one of these configurations, it will be shipped to you by the next business day. 

Lots of customers have already ordered Fast Track systems. If you’re one of those, we’d love for you to share your opinion and review your system online. 

To do that, click on the links below. They will take you to the product details page where you can write reviews for Fast Track Systems.  In order to write a review, click the Write a Review link in the middle of the product page. From there you can enter Your Account details (the same one you used for placing your order). 

• Mini 10v netbook
• Inspiron 13 laptop
• Inspiron 15 laptop
• Inspiron 537 desktop

And don’t forget we’ve got a contest running until September 4, with a chance to win a $500 Dell gift card. Be sure to share any pictures or videos for a chance for your review to be featured on our site as a customer spotlight!  

Gamers are visual and hands on. We do the research and we know what we want, but nothing beats seeing what we want first hand. Sure, you can buy anything online, even a car, and ninety-nine percent of the time it will arrive perfectly to your door. However, who wouldn't want the chance to get behind the wheel and take her for a spin.

Having worked at Alienware for several years many people have asked for a chance to try out Alienware's monster rigs in person and now you can. All you fans of Alienware or as I call you, abductees, in New York and New Jersey will soon have a chance to not only try out Alienware's high performance systems, but surround yourself in the Alienware Experience as well.

Alienware begins its worldwide invasion at Micro Center in Paterson, New Jersey on Saturday, July 25^th at 11:30 a.m. Now this isn't some small table sitting in the corner. Known in the industry as a store within a store, the Alienware Experience will be a place where you can see our premiere systems, from the Area-51 X58 desktop to the All Powerful M17x in action.

Don't expect some dime store ribbon cutting ceremony. Alienware and Micro Center do it right. Kicking off with a LAN event at Noon eastern, brought to you by the Alienware Arena, gamers from all around will have a chance to test their skills against each other in Quake 4. If you really think you have game then you can go up against the PMS clan.

I personally met a few members of this red hot team at Blizzcon last year and let me tell you they are more than just a pretty face, they kicked serious butt. If Player versus Player isn't your thing don't sweat it, you will still have a great time test driving the latest games available on Alienware systems like Bionic Commando, Sims 3 and Ghostbusters.

A party without prizes is like a LAN without caffeine. The first 500 guests to arrive will receive exclusive Alienware t-shirts, draw string bags and 2GB USB thumb drives. Those who decide to prove their gaming prowess at the LAN event will also have the chance to win additional prizes such as PC games, speakers, keyboards, mice and headphones until 6 p.m. EDT. 

The bottom line is this is a great chance to see the best in computer gaming systems and while you're there show off your skills and maybe win some stuff. Here is the hook up, head over to the Micro Center store at 263 McLean Blvd, Paterson, N.J. on Saturday the 25^th. Maybe I will see you there if I can score some air fare.

Last month, you heard about the Vostro 1220, an ultra-portable laptop helping entrepreneurs work wherever and however their businesses require to keep going and growing. Now, with today’s introduction of the Vostro All-In-One we’re helping small businesses worldwide break through the clutter and reclaim their desks with a stylish, compact and affordable desktop computer.

Update from Lionel: If you want to see more images of the Vostro All-in-One, go to this set on our Flickr page.

While I could go on and on about the speeds and feeds of this machine (which does feature full processing power), the real magic of the All-In-One comes in its clutter-free design. In fact, our own survey demonstrates that cluttered spaces go well beyond simple eye sores -- they hamper productivity. But don’t take our word for it… to prove the power of design in improving business productivity we gave two customers a sneak-peek at the Vostro All-In-One.

BusinesSuites:

BusinesSuites, a U.S. provider of virtual office services and executive suites, is known for its plug and play approach to commercial office space. With 16 locations nationwide, the company helps convert the burden of traditional long-term leases into a subscription-based model ideal for many small businesses. In a business where the receptionist serves many CEOs, we thought the All-In-One would be perfect for keeping the receptionist area professional, neat and clean. So, what did they have to say when they put to the Vostro All-In-One to the test?

“In our business, first impressions are everything. We are very particular, and must have a professional reception area to show clients we have everything under control to meet all their clerical needs. If the front desk is cluttered, it can appear as if we are disorganized or overwhelmed which sends the wrong message,” Heather Walton, a BusinesSuites center manager told us. “The Vostro All-In-One helps us meet these very high standards. We already have a printer and the phone system under the desk, so cutting down on cords and keeping the desktop off the floor makes a big difference for us. And with just one cord to plug in, we can easily move the system around.

“Set up was easy and quick, and the performance is much better than the older desktop the receptionist normally uses,” Heather added.

Provencal Home:

Provencal Home is a family-owned and operated furniture store based in Austin, Texas, since 1994. With 9,000 square feet of showroom space, they offer design and delivery services to clients nationwide based on a philosophy of finding the most unique products for customers’ homes and offices made by artisans who know and love the craft of furniture making.

“I have weekly sales meetings all around the store based on the material we are covering. With the easy set up of the Vostro All-In-One, I can move the system around and set it up on a coffee table, bar table or work table in just minutes. Plus the screen size and resolution allow all my employees to easily see the material and actively engage in the conversation,” said David Davis, general manager of Provencal Home, a family owned furniture and accessories store.

“I’m also able to use the All-In-One for product demonstrations, so customers can see how things like our mattresses are manufactured. The phenomenal resolution also allows customers to see the finish details, fabrics or true color of a table or sofa they are about to special order – this is key for us. Quality, good- looking technology is key for anything we use on the floor, and the All-In-One definitely fits our criteria.”

Reclaim Your Desk Contest

In conjunction with the release of the Vostro All-In-One, Dell is challenging entrepreneurs out there to demonstrate why you need to “Reclaim Your Desk.” At www.dell.com/reclaimyourdesk you can find instructions for uploading photos of your desk disasters for a chance to win a Dell All-In-One. Entries are being accepted at www.Flickr.com using the tag /reclaimyourdesk now through July 31, 2009 August 14, 2009.

*Update 7-17-09: To ensure your photo can be spotted, you must have at least five photos uploaded in your Flickr account. Also, make sure your safety setting, account and photo are visible in public searches by double-checking your privacy settings. A column to the right of your photo, titled ‘Additional Information’ indicates the settings currently in place for your photo. Still having issues seeing your photo in public search? Click here for more tips.

And, in case you missed the specs, you can see the full press release here. Starting at $629, the Vostro All In One is available today in China and Japan, July 27 in South Asia, Australia and New Zealand and India Aug. 3. Customers in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa will be able to order the product starting Aug. 11 and Aug. 23 respectively..