The webcam is in a black bar above the screen. It takes HD photos, but it can’t be disabled on the hardware side or covered with a built-in privacy screen. You can find cheap sticky covers online for this. Although there is no fingerprint sensor, the webcam is suitable for Windows Hello, that is, for unlocking via facial recognition, using infrared.
The case is mainly made of aluminum and magnesium and makes a very stable impression. Nothing creaks or cracks here, the elements are of high quality. The notebook’s relatively unobtrusive design is also pleasing, with only the illuminated “ducktail” back drawing the eye. In addition to this LED border, the Alienware logo on the back and the keyboard are also illuminated with RGB, the latter in two levels of brightness, except for symbols like @ or the brightness keys. The light show can be configured through the Alienware Command Center and can also be disabled if desired.
The software also allows you to set different performance modes such as “Performance”, “Battery Saver” or “Silent” and “Full Speed”, which you can switch between using the function keys. So-called “themes” can be set individually for each game. A distinction can also be made between the battery and the mains.
The backlit keyboard is convincing in the test, but as is often the case, it has a fairly short travel distance in order to keep the case as slim as possible. From a subjective point of view, the trip should be longer, but that is a matter of taste. Vendors like Razer go even further here, individual vendors more intelligently combining a slim case and a longer ride. However, there is nothing to complain about in terms of quality, neither on the keyboard nor on the touchpad. A numeric keypad and separate mouse buttons are missing. Actions such as page up/down, home and end can be achieved by pressing FN and the corresponding arrow key.
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