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Updated March 21, 2024·
If you prioritize gaming or heavy graphics work, the Dell Alienware X17 R2, with its superior graphics and processing power, will serve you well despite the higher cost and reduced portability due to size and weight. Conversely, if you seek a balance between performance, price, and ease of carrying for everyday tasks and moderate professional use, the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 offers good value, a more portable design, and a longer battery life, making it a practical choice for on-the-go productivity without the premium gaming capabilities. 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 X17 R2
- Excellent for engineering and design
- Very good for gaming and AI
- Very good overall display quality
- Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad X13
- Very good for software development
- Very good portability
- Good battery life
- Excellent keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
8.9
6.7
9.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
480Hz
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 X17 R2 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is only fair.
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 boasts a higher-end GPU and faster screen refresh rates that are crucial for smooth gaming and 3D rendering, whereas the Lenovo ThinkPad X13, with a less powerful GPU and lower screen refresh rates, is still capable of gaming and 3D tasks but won't provide the same level of performance or visual fluidity. Additionally, the Alienware's gaming-oriented CPU and superior screen quality enhance the overall experience, which the ThinkPad's more modest specs can't match, making the ThinkPad more suitable for general use rather than specialized gaming or 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
9.1
8.0
9.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
9.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 is excellent for engineering and design, while the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is very good.
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 has a more powerful CPU, larger RAM, and superior GPU compared to the Lenovo ThinkPad X13, making it better suited for demanding engineering software and design tasks that require high screen quality. However, the ThinkPad X13, while less powerful, is more portable and has a well-regarded keyboard, which may benefit users who prioritize mobility and typing comfort over extreme performance.
Screen Quality
8.5
6.9
17.3in
SIZE
13.3in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
480Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
367.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design, while the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has a better screen for content creation.
When choosing between the Dell Alienware X17 R2 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X13, consider that for general use, screen clarity, sharpness, and brightness are key, and the Alienware has an advantage due to its higher resolution and brightness, offering more vivid and crisp visuals. For engineering and design tasks, the color accuracy is critical, and the Alienware might again lead with better coverage of professional color gamuts, ensuring more precise color representation for detailed work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, the Alienware's lower refresh rate hampers responsiveness and smoothness, making it less suitable compared to laptops with higher refresh rates that can offer more fluid motion and a better gaming experience.
Battery
2.0 Hours
8.5 Hours
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 has 2 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has 8.5 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
Fair
Very Good
17.3in
SIZE
13.3in
6.8 lbs
WEIGHT
2.8 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has very good portability, while the Dell Alienware X17 R2 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$2,000
$1,459
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 has a price of $2,000 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 costs $1,459.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.2
8.4
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
367.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
2.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.5 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
6.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.9/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and Dell Alienware X17 R2 are both very good for general use.
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 offers high performance with its powerful CPU and ample RAM, making it great for demanding applications and multitasking, but its large screen and lower battery life affect portability. On the other hand, the Lenovo ThinkPad X13, while also delivering good CPU performance and sufficient RAM for general use, boasts a more portable design and longer battery life, with a quality keyboard and screen that are conducive to productivity on the go.
Content Creation
8.3
8.2
9.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 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
7.8
8.1
9.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad X13 to be very good for software development, while the Dell Alienware X17 R2 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.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the Dell Alienware X17 R2 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware X17 R2 | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$2,000 | $1,459 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2021 | September 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 15.7'' x 11.8'' x 0.82'' | 11.9'' x 8.5'' x 0.63'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 6.82 lbs | 2.87 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 15.72" | 11.88" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 11.79" | 8.46" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i9-12900HK | AMD Ryzen 7 7840U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 32 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 2 Hours | 8.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 87 Wh | 41 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 17.3" | 13.3" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1200 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 480Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 367 nits | 321 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.1/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | Yes | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1440p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 4 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Dell Alienware X17 R2
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | May 2022
"The Alienware x17 R2 recognizes targets a significantly higher TGP of 175 W for a roughly 30 percent performance boost over laptops running on the ~100 W GeForce RTX 3080 Ti like the Razer Blade 15 or Gigabyte Aero YE5. Similar results can be found through the CPU as well. This single aspect of the Alienware is perhaps the biggest differentiating factor between it and other ultrathin gaming laptops. Of course, the "performance at all cost" approach comes with drawbacks. Power consumption in particular is through the roof and battery life suffers because of it even when on the lowest performance settings."
Lenovo ThinkPad X13
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Benjamin Herzig | September 2023
"The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G4 has very good input devices, a wide array of security features and ports as well as 5G in the tested configuration. It is more compact and lightweight compared with its predecessor, and it has improved speakers and a slightly better webcam. On the other hand, the fan is more annoying and the performance is barely improved. The battery is worse as well, but this is primarily attributable to the OLED screen - if this aspect is important, buyers should choose the IPS Low Power LCD."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware X17 R2 or the Lenovo ThinkPad X13
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.
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