Phase 2: (Billing/Finance) 
Your order has been validated and is waiting payment processing. While in this stage we are confirming any credit card and/or payment information for security purposes. Please understand that this phase is necessary as it will protect you the customer from any fraudulent transactions. We observe very strict security guidelines and hope you will appreciate our efforts. Note: Your method of payment and other factors may influence how quickly we can build your PC.

Phase 3: (Payment Processed) 
Payment has been received and the order is now in queue for production.

Phase 4: (Pre-Production) 
The inventory that will be used to custom build the PC is being pulled and inspected. In the rare occurrence that a PC component is not readily available, you will be notified via email.

Phase 5: (Production Phase 1 - Assembly) 
Your system is being hand-built by an Alienware Assembly Technician. Alienware takes great pride in building our systems, as our motto reflects, "build it as if it were your own." The assembly stage can take some time, as all the components and cabling in the system is carefully installed for greater upgrade flexibility and thermal airflows. Every Assembly Technician has been trained and qualified to Alienware standards. We pride ourselves on giving you a high performance computer system!

Phase 6: (Production Phase 2 - Integration) 
This stage includes the installation of the operating system, drivers and any applications that are specific to the system you ordered. Our Alienware Integration Technician will also install any demos, benchmark utilities, and burn-in software necessary to correctly monitor your system’s performance. These functions are performed by AlienFactory, a proprietary software designed by Alienware for our valued customers. This is also the first stage of the Alienware 200-Point Quality Control Process.

Phase 7: (Production Phase 3 – System Testing) 
Your system is undergoing the second stage of the Alienware 200-Point Quality Control Process. This is the most crucial stage. We perform a series of grueling tests that push the hardware components in your system to the very limit. This phase is especially important because it is here where the system either passes or fails. If it does fail, it will automatically go to one of our Diagnostic Technicians to identify and correct any problems before we ship it to you. The system may need to go back to an earlier production phase to meet stringent Alienware performance standards.

Phase 8: (Production Phase 4 - Quality Control/Shipping Prep) 
The system is undergoing the final stage of the Alienware 200-Point Quality Control Process. An Alienware Quality Inspector is in charge of inspecting your system from top to bottom for any obvious or latent defects. Our Inspectors are seasoned technicians/engineers and are very experienced in the art of perfection. Note: If the system does not pass any of our performance standards, the system may have to go back to an earlier production phase and it may slightly delay your order.

Phase 9: (Order Shipped) 
Congratulations, the order has been shipped. We only hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed building it for you.

Thus begins my first journey with Alienware, with my newly ordered Alienware Area-51 m15x laptop. Here are the specs:-


However, the process from the moment your card is charged, to the time you finally have it in your hands, is fraud with many phases and possible setbacks. Just ask these guys at this link:- http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=229217 . He basically got his unit ONE MONTH later! But thankfully the QC is in place so the one month wait of patience is rewarded with excellent build quality.

There are NINE (9) phases that your Alienware laptop have to go through before it reaches your hand. Mine is still in Phase 1.

October 21st 2008 - Your Order is Currently in Phase 1 -
Phase 1: (Order Confirmation) 
Your order has been received and is awaiting order confirmation. As part of our security procedures, all orders must be confirmed before they can be processed.

What I had done is made a call twice to them confirming that they have received the supporting documents towards the purchase that they needed. It is as per quoted in the following email:-

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

These are the rest of the phases:-
So what I'll do is chronicle it as how those guys at the NotebookReview forum does it , to compare if it does indeed takes that long. I'm praying that it does not.

Otherwise, this may be a loooooong journey.

wah.. very long process indeed...

Can i know where are you from? US or Malaysia? Alienware does not ship international. I envy you for having the system.

yeah i guess its worth waiting. blue-ray rom... damn its tempting.

^ do you apply for alienfinance?

how much u bought? in RM

how much u bought? in RM

When the specs being offered here no longer excites you, it's time to look for more exotic solutions.

Sager and Alienware. Sager's design, personally, looks like 2 paper folders glued together to me, just aesthetically bland and dull. What's left then?

yeah i guess its worth waiting. blue-ray rom... damn its tempting.