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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is a high-performance laptop suitable for intensive gaming, engineering tasks, and 3D/machine learning applications due to its powerful processor, high-end graphics card, and ample memory and storage. However, it's less portable and has lower battery life. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is more portable, has better battery life, and is more affordable, but it has lower performance capabilities due to its mid-level processor and integrated graphics, making it well-suited for general use and less demanding engineering tasks. Consider the Alienware if performance is a priority and the Framework if portability and price are more important. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Dell Alienware m18 R1
- Very good for general use
- Excellent for engineering and design
- Excellent for gaming and AI
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall build quality
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
- Very good portability
- Good battery life
Key differences
General Use
8.2
7.5
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
281.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
4.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
5.1/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.8/10
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is very good for general use, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 stands out for general use with a powerful CPU, ample RAM, and a high-quality screen, but its large size and weight make it less portable with shorter battery life. Conversely, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers good performance for everyday tasks, enhanced portability due to its lighter weight and smaller size, and a sharp, bright display, though it has less impressive internals compared to the Alienware.
Gaming and AI
9.1
6.3
9.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is excellent for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is only fair.
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 excels in gaming and 3D because it has a powerful Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU and a high screen refresh rate of 165Hz, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is only fair due to its less capable Intel i5-1340P Iris Xe graphics and lower refresh rate of 60Hz. Additionally, while both have quality IPS screens, the Alienware's screen is bigger, which can further enhance gaming and 3D experiences.
Engineering and Design
9.1
7.3
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
9.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
32.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is excellent for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is excellent for engineering and design due to its high-performance CPU, abundant RAM, advanced GPU, and high-quality screen, which can handle complex tasks and display precise colors and details. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 13 offers decent performance with good screen quality for lighter tasks but has less CPU power, memory, and graphics capability, alongside better portability and a more sustainable, repairable design.
Content Creation
8.4
7.5
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
32.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is very good for content creation, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Screen Quality
7.8
7.4
17.3in
SIZE
13.5in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
281.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 13 for gaming and AI, software development, and content creation.
For general use, both the Dell Alienware m18 R1 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offer screens with adequate resolution, contrast, and brightness that make viewing texts and images clear and comfortable. For engineering and design tasks where precise color representation matters, their displays cover a broad range of colors ensuring that designs appear accurate and vibrant. However, for gaming and 3D applications where smooth motion is crucial, their screens fall short due to lower refresh rates, which can lead to less fluid visuals during fast-paced scenes or animations.
Battery
4.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 has 4 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Poor
Very Good
17.3in
SIZE
13.5in
8.9 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the Dell Alienware m18 R1 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
7.8
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 has very good build quality, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$2,600
$1,079
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 has a price of $2,600 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) costs $1,079.
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Key similarities
Software Development
8.0
7.6
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
32.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Alienware m18 R1 to be very good for software development, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware m18 R1 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware m18 R1 | Framework Laptop 13 (2023) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$2,600 | $1,079 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2022 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 16.2'' x 12.6'' x 1.05'' | 11.7'' x 9'' x 0.62'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 8.9 lbs | 2.95 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 16.15" | 11.7" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 12.59" | 9.01" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i9-13900HX | Intel i5-1340P | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 32 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 4 Hours | 7.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 97 Wh | 55 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 17.3" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2256 x 1504 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 281 nits | 472 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 5.1/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 4 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 4 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell Alienware m18 R1
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Matthew Buzzi | July 2023
"Dell's Alienware m18 delivers on its promises: This is a large, powerful gaming laptop with the premium flair and feel you expect from an expensive purchase. The drawbacks are really the price and battery life, which in context are reasonable. (We'd also like to see more ports on the laptop's sides.) This price tier exists for deep-pocketed enthusiasts, and if you’re considering anything in this range, the m18 isn’t an outlier. For the majority of shoppers, of course, all of these mighty 18-inch systems are likely too expensive."
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Wired
Scott Gilbertson | July 2023
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware m18 R1 or the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
About Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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