This is an archive article published on April 18, 2022
‘Alienware laptops are more affordable than what they used to be’: Dell India product marketing head
On some level it’s understandable that Alienware gaming PCs command higher pricing; most of the new range is unquestionably superior to what they offer.
Dell's Alienware x14 is the smallest 14-inch gaming laptop ever. (Image credit: Dell)
Dell is underlining how it’s easier to own an Alienware laptop these days, though the high-end gaming devices were for long considered premium. “Alienware is more affordable compared to what it used to be… the range starts at Rs 130,000 onwards,” Dell India’s Anand Subramanya, Director, Product Marketing, Consumer and Small Business reiterated to indianexpress.com on the sidelines of the launch of the new Alienware X14 and m15 R7 in India.
On some level it’s understandable that Alienware gaming PCs command higher pricing; most of the new range is unquestionably superior to what they offer. Because Alienware’s laptops sport technically impressive features, the pricing might seem reasonable for what you pay. “The product positioning is different… you are catering to different needs,” he said, adding that an enthusiast-level customer is looking for customisation.
The Alienware X14 starts at Rs 169,990, which is by no means affordable, but you are getting impressive specifications in a 14-inch laptop form factor. It is powered by Intel’s latest 12th Gen processors (up to the Core i7-12900H), up to the Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics, an 80Wh battery, and DDR5 RAM clocked at 5,200MHz. The Alienware x14 is the world’s thinnest gaming laptop, according to Dell. The M15 R7, meanwhile, is a 15-inch laptop that supports the latest Intel’s 12-gen Core H-series CPUs and GeForce RTX 30-series GPUs. It starts at Rs 164,990.
While the enthusiast-level gaming PC market represents just 3 to 4% of the overall market, Subramanya says the segment has grown almost 50 per cent during the pandemic. It’s still a niche segment, but that’s where a brand like Alienware fits well. Not every consumer needs the latest and greatest, after all. You can probably get a gaming laptop in the range of Rs 70,000 to Rs 80,000 and still be able to play more games on lower-end hardware, and for those consumers, Dell offers the G-series. On average, Indian consumers spend anywhere between Rs 70,000 to Rs 75,000 on a gaming laptop.
Despite the rise of smartphones and tablets, mobile gaming is not killing PC gaming. In fact, according to Subramanya, mobile gaming and PC gaming can exist in harmony. “We see mobile gaming impacting us in a positive way,” he said. “Mobile gaming is introducing customers to gaming and as they get more used to and when they want to do multiplayer gaming and when they look for a larger screen… more immersive experience, they move to PC.”
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
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