There is NOTHING special about Alienware.
There are many well-documented horror stories with Alienware out there; just Google for them.
In fact, I'll save you the trouble (keep reading all the way through), because here's one:
http://str8dog.com/articles/182.aspxHonestly, there is no Gold or Silver in an Alienware box, and if you are knowledable enough a user to WANT an Alienware box, then you are knowlegable to either build one yourself, or have a local clone-shop build one for you.
Seriously, print out the specs of an Alienware box (sans Price) and bring it to a clone shop (these days, I have been using PCClub (
http://www.pcclub.com/) for clients) and ask them to build something just like it and see how much less it will cost. And I guaranty you'll get better service from a reputable local clone shop too.
Sure, it won't glow in the dark or have an Alienware sticker, but with the extra $1000 you save, go on a vacation to Vegas or something. Or go to the Con next year.
Again, there is NOTHING special about Alienware.
-Llama