Alienware is a name synonymous with high performance machines. We've had a fair few come in for review and almost every one has been a fantastic kit to use. In fact myself and Driver Heaven’s Editor in Chief (Zardon) use Alienware systems for review and design work as they generally provide first class performance and great stability. Often these high performance systems come with a downside, that being size and weight, whilst the Area 51m desktop replacement is an amazing machine it is not great for using on the move.

Alienware do offer more portable machines though and that's where today's product is aimed. The M5500 will try to be portable whilst still providing some excellent performance, the question is though … can it be done?

The M55 – External

As with all Alienware laptop systems the M5500 comes with a very stylish top. The rubber sections look pretty cool and also make the machine easier to grip. The Alienware badge lights up when the machine is powered on. This cover is also responsible for protecting the 15.4inch 1920x1080 resolution screen.

Along the right of the chassis we find various forms of connectors. Firstly there is a mini-firewire port and this is followed by 3 USB 2.0 ports. Nearer the back the power connector can be seen and finally there is the TV-out.

Generally when building a laptop, manufacturers place as many outputs and so on along the back edge of the unit. This isn't the case with the M5500 and instead we have a single VGA out only.

Along the left of the unit we have the network connector and telephone line socket both of which allow connection to the outside world. Also along this edge is a slimline DVD writer (Liteon). Liteon make good drives however it has to be said that this one has proven to be less than stellar and on occasion the front panel of the drive tray has came loose.

Along the front of the unit we find the memory card slot (SD / MS / MSPRO / MMC) audio outputs/inputs and a very special button... this button allows you to choose whether the Alienware M5500 uses the Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics or a second option, on-board Intel graphics. Undoubtedly the Radeon will always be the choice for gaming however if the system is being used on the move for simple office work or maybe even to surf the net, battery life can be extended by switching to the Intel chip.

The keys are all low profile and adequately responsive. To the top of the picture are function buttons which control mail, wireless and power. Also pictured is the units touch pad and mouse buttons.

Vents and labels are about the most interesting things here. You can also see the battery along the top edge, and for those interested it is a 4400mHa model made by Panasonic.