List Down the Functions That Alienware Alpha is Unable to Perform

Since everyone is talking about the capabilities of the new Dell Alienware Alpha, it becomes quite important to its limitations. Undoubtedly, the new gaming console PC can match the performance of top gaming laptops, but there are several things that the Alienware Alpha isn't able to do. Read below to know all the functions and tasks that the Alpha series is unable to do. 

Launched with the tagline- "Powerful console Compact desktop," the Alpha series claims itself to be the slimmest and stylish gaming console you would ever see. The company focuses on bringing computer games right into the living rooms by combining the capabilities of advanced gaming and desktop PC performance. The gaming console PC gives tough competition to all the top gaming laptops (budget) by allowing a user to play games in 1080p. The base model of the gaming hardware series starts at $499.99 and goes up till $849.99, depending upon the features and specifications you select. Arriving with the 4th Generation Intel Core i3 Processor in the base model, the device also equips Windows 8.1 OS, 4GB memory, NVIDIA GeForce GTX GPU, and a 500GB SATA hard drive. Undoubtedly, the gadget features all the best specifications that you can get at this price, but let's highlight what all the console is unable to do?

1.       Can't Play Uplay or Origin Games

Titanfallers will get disheartened to know that the new gaming console by Dell doesn't support the features in its Console Mode. The device can only play and steam games compatible with Steam gaming environment at this point while accessing its Console Mode. Computer games relying on U-Play, GOG.com, Origin, or other Steam competitors will not work.

2.       Unable to Steam Games That Aren't in Steam library

The gaming console PC cannot play some common games like League of Legends, Minecraft, and other popular games that aren't enlisted on Steam. The Console Mode will pick up games from the Steam library, and a user will not be able to play the games that aren't enlisted in the service's library. Fortunately, you can play all those unsupported games in the Desktop Mode, without adjusting any settings.

3.       Restricted DVDs or Blu-rays Entertainment

All the tech experts, market specialists, and other IT professionals have tested the Dell Alienware Alpha on various parameters. All of them claim that the Alpha does not have a separate hard disk drive, so it is unable to play discs. If you're fond of watching movies and wish to play videos on your gadget, then use an external USB disk drive and set it to work in Desktop Mode.

4.       Can't Use Popular Entertainment Apps

All of you are aware that the Alpha series is a video game console, so it is already clear that the device isn't able to access entertainment apps like Netflix or Hulu in Console Mode. Alternatively, you can visit, browse, or access your favorite websites or apps in the Desktop Mode.

5.       Can't Troubleshoot Without a Mouse

The company is aggressively marketing the gadget as a mouse-free device, but it isn't true for all the situations. Users can press the controller button combination to halt all applications and switch to the main menu, but it will not troubleshoot the problem. The company launched the product with the ‘living room console' support tagline, but the requirement of the mouse to fix any issues or problems doesn't support the idea.

6.       User Cannot Upgrade the GPU

The Nvidia GTX GPU will stay inside until you dispose of the device or sell it. You really can't remove the gaming hardware from inside and switch to a faster and efficient GPU.

7.       Desktop Mode Needs Mouse Support

Game players cannot select Desktop Mode without a mouse, and this contradicts with the company's marketing strategy-claiming the console PC as a mouse-free device. Additionally, you will also need mouse to fix or troubleshoot common console or PC issues. If you think that the controller can help you resolve some common gadget issues like system crash or screen hangs, think again before you buy.

Conclusion

Alienware Alpha is undoubtedly one of the best gadgets that you will ever come across, but its limitations enforce a user to think before taking a final decision regarding its purchase. The gaming hardware combines the capabilities of PC gaming with the ease of a console by allowing users to enjoy thousands of Steam games right from their living rooms. The console PC is giving tough competition to the top gaming laptops of the budget category and is planning to become a constant companion of your favorite computer games.