For rigorous tasks like 3D rendering, machine learning, or gaming, the Dell Alienware x14 R1 is the clear pick due to its powerful processor and dedicated graphics card. However, this comes at a higher price point and with a heavier build, which affects portability. On the other hand, the Gateway 11.6" is more affordable and lightweight, making it highly portable and well-suited for basic tasks such as web browsing and light productivity work, but it lacks the performance for more demanding tasks. The Alienware also offers a better screen, keyboard, and gaming aesthetics, whereas the Gateway is more budget-friendly and straightforward. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Dell Alienware x14 R1
Good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Good for software development
Good for content creation
Good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Good speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Gateway 11.6"
Excellent portability
Key differences
General Use
7.8/10
5.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
411.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
200.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
8.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.1/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is good for general use, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is better for general use due to its more powerful Intel i7 processor, ample RAM, and high-quality IPS screen, ensuring smooth multitasking, clear visuals, and good portability with a manageable weight. In comparison, the Gateway 11.6" falls short for general use, with a less capable Intel Celeron processor, minimal RAM, a lower-resolution screen, and although it's lighter, its performance constraints make it less suitable for varied tasks.
Gaming and AI
7.6/10
5.4/10
7.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is good for gaming and AI, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
5.4/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
7.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is very good for engineering and design, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1, with a powerful Intel i7 processor, high-end Nvidia GPU, and ample RAM, is well-suited for demanding engineering and design tasks, while its screen offers a high resolution and color precision that professionals need. In comparison, the Gateway 11.6" falls short with its basic Intel Celeron processor, integrated graphics, limited RAM and storage, along with a lower resolution screen, making it less capable of handling intensive applications and displaying detailed graphics required in such fields.
Content Creation
7.9/10
5.7/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is good for content creation, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
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
7.7/10
5.7/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is good for software development, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
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.
Screen Quality
7.9/10
5.7/10
14.0in
SIZE
11.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
411.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
200.0 nits
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has a better screen than the Gateway 11.6" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
If you prioritize general computing, the Dell Alienware x14 R1 offers a sharp, bright display which enhances the visual experience, while the Gateway's lower resolution and brightness may result in a less crisp and dimmer image. For engineering and design tasks, the Alienware's superior color accuracy and range will ensure more precise color representation, which is critical for professional work, unlike the Gateway, which falls short on this aspect. When it comes to 3D and gaming, the higher refresh rate of the Alienware makes for smoother visuals and better performance in fast-paced scenarios, a feature that the Gateway does not match up to, which may lead to less fluid motion and gameplay.
Portability
Very Good
Excellent
14.0in
SIZE
11.6in
4.0 lbs
WEIGHT
2.6 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Gateway 11.6" has excellent portability, while the Dell Alienware x14 R1 has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
5.1/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has very good build quality, while the Gateway 11.6" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,201
$89
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has a price of $1,201 and the Gateway 11.6" costs $89.
"The Alienware X14 series is thinner, but also slower than the competition. With the X series, you get plenty of modern technology: Intel Alder Lake CPUs, GeForce RTX 3000 GPUs, Thunderbolt 4, PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 6E, G-Sync, and Advanced Optimus. However, the slim design has some drawbacks, just like its larger siblings. The shifted hinge position results in a very deep device with a large footprint compared to the competition."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware x14 R1 or the Gateway 11.6"
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 Gateway
Gateway is a laptop and tablet brand owned by Acer which sells budget-friendly laptops exclusively through Walmart. It was previously an American computer company until its acquisition by Acer in 2007, who then revived the brand in 2020. Gateway laptops are manufactured by Chinese company Shenzhen Bmorn Technology, which also makes EVOO-branded models.
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.
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