Warning - Alienware (USA vs. UK, Versions)

badsim339

Dell.com = USA
Dell.co.uk = UK

Dells Alienware desktops, are advitised as the most powerful gaming pcs, however i have discovered the the USA alienwares are more powerful than the UK/Europe alinwares. For example:
The USA version of the Alienware Area 51 ALX has PROCESSOR Overclocked Intel® Core™ i7 990x Extreme Six Core Processor (4.0GHz, 12MB Cache) MEMORY 12GB DDR3 1333MHz (3x 4GB) Tri Channel Memory. However in the UK, you can only get the Intel® Core™ Core i7-980x (3.33GHz 12MB 6.4GT/sec) processor and 1600MHz (3x2GB) Tri Channel Memory RAM.

The USA version costs around £4000
where as the less powerful UK version costs about £5100

The only difference between these two computers is that the cheaper usa version has better processor and better ram, but it is cheaper. Uk buyer are getting swindled out of £1100 for a pc that is less powerful. how does this work!

I was going to buy one, but knowing that im paying more for a lot less, it doesn't seem worth it any more.

Thanks,
Nathan

dreavi

This has always been the case mate, everything is more expensive over here than the states. Cameras, Ipad etc etc.

More importantly Alienware is overpriced regardless where you buy it, you are paying 20%-30% more just for the glowing alien head logo and the name.

badsim339

See i don't mind paying more for the brand and the professionally finish and all those little gimiky extras, but when im paying £1000 more for inadequate hardware compared to the states versions, that's what i take offence too.

You can go as high as nearly £7000, however base price for the best (well in the UK) Alienware Area 51 ALX is £2999.

Its a lot but I like them! But refuse to get one until the Uk version comes in-line with the USA version, which is twice as good and cheaper.

bap98189

Most electronics are more expensive in the UK compared to the US. In part this is due to the 20% VAT they have to add to the price. Take off the VAT and the prices are virtually the same.

fozmcfc

I agree that the UK does get ripped off for whatever reason, usually down to the tax excuse.

The trouble is the price difference can be 40% higher even if the tax is 20%.

I remember complaining to Microsoft that they priced some software at $50 and the uk price was £50. At the time tax was 17.5% and £30 would have got you $50.

I got my first Alienware PC 18 months ago and it is easily the best PC I have ever had.

It was a bargain as well, it was on Ebay from a company who deals with refurbished products. Cost me between £550 - £600 and the motherboard and processor alone were worth between £500 - £550. It was also in surperb condition. I agree they are expensive, but far from garbage from my experience.

I would look to upgrade to another Alienware but must admit I couldn't justify the price of a brand new one, because whilst they are excellent they are still not worth the extra £500 - £1000 they put on top of numerous other companies. If it was £200 - £300 for say a PC worth £1500, then I wouldn't hesitate.

badsim339

bap98189 wrote: »

Most electronics are more expensive in the UK compared to the US. In part this is due to the 20% VAT they have to add to the price. Take off the VAT and the prices are virtually the same.

I understand what you are saying, but im sure the states have something like VAT too, so their still disproportional.

Its just annoying lol

Helix

badsim339 wrote: »

I understand what you are saying, but im sure the states have something like VAT too, so their still disproportional.

Its just annoying lol

They have sales tax, but that gets applied on top of any price quoted on websites as it varies from state to state.

gaz_jones

badsim339 wrote: »

I was going to buy one, but knowing that im paying more for a lot less, it doesn't seem worth it any more.

To be honest, with Alienwares you're paying a lot more for a lot less anyway. Build your own and for £4000 you'll have an amazing system. Much, much better than the £4000 AW equivalent.

DCFC79

Why do you have 2 threads on the same subject,