A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 13, 2024·
If you prioritize high-end gaming or demanding tasks like video editing and are okay with spending more and handling a heavier and bulkier laptop, the Dell Alienware might suit your needs due to its powerful hardware. However, if you prefer a budget-friendly, lightweight, and more portable option for general use, everyday productivity tasks, and prefer longer battery life, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x would be a prudent choice. Keep in mind, though, that the ThinkBook won't handle intensive tasks as well as the Alienware. 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 overall build quality
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
- Very good overall display quality
- Excellent portability
- Good battery life
Key differences
Gaming and AI
9.1
6.6
9.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.3/10
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is excellent for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is only fair.
The Dell Alienware m18 R1, with its superior GPU and higher screen refresh rate, offers smoother and more visually detailed gaming and 3D experiences, crucial for high-end performance. In contrast, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x provides adequate performance for less demanding tasks, its GPU and screen refresh rate aren't designed to match the high standards of intense gaming or professional 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
9.1
7.9
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
9.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is excellent for engineering and design, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is good.
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 comes with a stronger CPU, more RAM, and a superior GPU, which are crucial for demanding engineering applications and deliver higher screen quality necessary for detail-oriented design tasks. While the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is more portable and may offer a more comfortable keyboard experience, it doesn't match the Alienware's raw performance for intensive tasks, though it would be a more suitable choice for users who prioritize mobility and a quieter machine.
Screen Quality
7.8
8.2
17.3in
SIZE
13.5in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
281.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x for software development, and content creation, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has a better screen for general use, and engineering and design.
If you primarily need a laptop for general use like browsing or document editing, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x's superior resolution and brightness provide a clearer and more vibrant display. However, for creative professionals who work on engineering and design, the color accuracy and wider color gamuts found in the ThinkBook are critical for ensuring true-to-life color representation in your work. On the other hand, if you're into gaming or working with 3D graphics, neither the Dell Alienware m18 R1 nor the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x would be ideal due to their low refresh rates, which may result in less fluid motion and could hinder the gaming or 3D modeling experience.
Battery
4.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 has 4 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has 8 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
Excellent
17.3in
SIZE
13.5in
8.9 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has excellent portability, while the Dell Alienware m18 R1 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
7.6
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 has very good build quality, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$2,600
$1,399
$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 Lenovo ThinkBook 13x costs $1,399.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Laptop
Find your new laptop
Key similarities
General Use
8.2
7.9
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
281.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
4.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
5.1/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.3/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Alienware m18 R1 to be very good for general use, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is good.
The Dell Alienware m18 R1, with its superior CPU and RAM, provides smooth performance for demanding applications and multitasking, making it ideal for general use, but it's less portable and has a shorter battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, while also good for general use, offers a balance with its lighter frame for better portability, adequate screen quality, and longer battery life, although it may not handle intensive tasks as well as the Alienware.
Content Creation
8.4
8.0
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 and Lenovo ThinkBook 13x are both very good for content creation.
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.
Software Development
8.0
7.9
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Alienware m18 R1 to be very good for software development, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware m18 R1 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware m18 R1 | Lenovo ThinkBook 13x |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$2,600 | $1,399 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2022 | January 30, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 16.2'' x 12.6'' x 1.05'' | 11.6'' x 8.1'' x 0.5'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 8.9 lbs | 2.7 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 16.15" | 11.6" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 12.59" | 8.1" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i9-13900HX | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 32 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 4 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 97 Wh | 74 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 17.3" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2880 x 1920 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 281 nits | 500 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 5.1/10 | 9.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 4 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell Alienware m18 R1
See more
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."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware m18 R1 or the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
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 Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Laptop guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Dell Alienware m18 R1 vs. ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024)
VS
Compare Dell Alienware m18 R1 vs. Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2023)
VS
Compare Dell Alienware m18 R1 vs. Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2023)
VS
Compare Lenovo ThinkBook 13x vs. MSI Pulse GL66
VS
Compare Lenovo ThinkBook 13x vs. ASUS TUF Gaming F15
VS
Compare Lenovo ThinkBook 13x vs. HP Omen 17
VS
FAQs
FAQs about laptops
Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
130,995
Recommendations made
28,383
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.
Featured in
