There are rough edges, from the keyboard’s zone backlight to loud fans to its enormous size, but the Alienware 17 R4 is still one of the few machines that can truly function as a semi-portable desktop ...

The Alienware 17 R4 (starts at $1,299.99; $3,118.99 as tested) combines the same top-notch design as its 15-inch sibling with cutting-edge components, a larger screen, and plenty of extras for one of ...

Price and availability The Alienware 17 R4 is available in the US as well as the UK and Australia, though its starting specs and prices vary drastically. In the US, you can score the cheapest model ...

Dan Ackerman leads CNET's coverage of computers and gaming hardware. A New York native and former radio DJ, he's also a regular TV talking head and the author of "The Tetris Effect" ...