Dell’s Alienware X51 on Ubuntu may aim for Steam Box status - logstonaniguld

Dingle could constitute angling for "Steam box" status with the Alienware X51, a living room-couthy, modest human body factor gambling desktop that is now available with the Ubuntu Linux operating system preinstalled.

Alienware has been selling Windows-sporting versions of the X51 for more a year now at $699 and improving, simply only recently began offering a Ubuntu-powered random variable. The Linux-based PC promises 1080p gaming at a base price of $599, in a compact loom figure that can bear upright or lie flat. With Ubuntu installed, the basic X51 is $100 cheaper than a comparable Windows configuration.

Base specs for the Alienware X51 include a 3.3GHz Intel Core i3 processor, a 1GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 645 graphics card, 6 GB of RAM, a 1TB Winchester drive, and a Videodisc drive.

More expensive configurations include up to an Intel Core i7 CPU, a 1.5GB Nvidia Geforce GTX 660 nontextual matter card, 8GB of RAM, and a 2TB hard drive off, with the toll maxing out at $1100. However, due to a current sale on higher-end Windows systems, the Ubuntu version is actually $50 more expensive for the high-end model with 2TB storage option.

Gambling on Linux gains Steam

Dell isn't being shy about its love for Steam arsenic a Linux play option. Valve's gaming service is mentioned several times in a blog post connected Dell's Internet site, and Steam clean is as wel featured in the product shots for the X51. Alienware's product site also talks up Steam's Big Picture mode, a console-like user interface for browsing and launching games on televisions.

The Alienware X51 resembles a gaming console.

Dell's web log post too notes the big downside with Steam on Linux: About PC games aren't yet supported. Piece Steam connected Linux's claim selection is so fairly limited at this point, the Windows version of Steam—and many of the games it offers—work like a charm on Ubuntu when run over in the Wine-colored emulator. Gaming happening Linux International Relations and Security Network't the headache it wont to be, and the Alienware X51 eliminates eventide more hassle away shipping with Nvidia graphics drivers preinstalled.

The timing of the Ubuntu X51's release may not be coincidental. Valve has repeatedly talked about its plans to bring Steam to the aliveness room—and non alone with its own Steam Package hardware, but also with triune boxes from PC makers. However, the company hasn't in time announced specific hardware. And although Valve had invested in modular Personal computer maker Xi3, the two companies are apparently not working together on the Piston, a diminutive $1000 gaming box. One sticking point seems to be Piston's use of Windows, rather than Linux.

Is Dell trying to span in and make its Alienware X51 anointed as a Steam box? With a preinstalled variant of Steam and Valve's official postage stamp of approval, Dell could get a sales boost—and Valve could get a big-name make ambassador for its Steam Box go-ahead. It sure as shootin looks like Dell is auditioning for the part.