# Is this laptop unacceptably unprofessional-looking? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 13, 2011, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501 "2011-01-13T19:27:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mr.Excellent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f19dbf/32.png) [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2011, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/1 "2011-01-13T19:27:19Z")
So, I’m in the market for a new laptop. I’d like something relatively small and gaming-capable, with a decent battery life. Alienware’s just dropped the price on their lowest-end M11X laptop, and it seems like a perfect fit for me. The only problem is that this will also be a professional machine - I’ll be bringing it to meetings, the office, and so on. And, well, Alienware has sort of a distinctive aesthetic to their gear. [http://www.google.com/images?q=alienware%20m11x&rls=com.microsoft:\*&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi](http://www.google.com/images?q=alienware%20m11x&rls=com.microsoft:*&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi) Does this machine look too goofy to use in a professional context? ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2011, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/2 "2011-01-13T19:29:55Z")
I think it’s fine. The outside it pretty mundane and in a well lit environment the backlit keyboard will lose it’s novelty pretty quickly (within a few minutes I’d think). Also, I’d bet there’s an easy way to turn it off, maybe even an Fn combination. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2011, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/3 "2011-01-13T19:40:08Z")
If you get the grey case instead of the black, those glowing keys may not stand out so much. ---
**Author:** ![ReticulatingSplines](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e274bd/32.png) [@ReticulatingSplines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ReticulatingSplines)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2011, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/4 "2011-01-13T20:00:11Z")
> [@Mr.Excellent](#): > > Does this machine look too goofy to use in a professional context? Depends. It has a glowing alien head - anyone who’s not an enthusiast will think it’s goofy. Marketing, maybe. Law, no. The front edge lights up as well, I think it’s a little too garish for professional use. ---
**Author:** ![ultrafilter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3d9bf3/32.png) [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2011, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/5 "2011-01-13T20:56:59Z")
It really depends on your corporate and departmental culture. Back when I was doing software, we wouldn’t have even blinked if somebody had one like that, but I can’t imagine the legal department felt the same way. ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2011, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/6 "2011-01-13T21:27:13Z")
That thing comes with “The Alienware Command Center”, which lets you adjust stuff like the back light. See here: > **[Computers, Monitors & Technology Solutions | Dell USA](https://www.dell.com/en-us)** > > Shop the latest Dell computers & technology solutions. Laptops, desktops, gaming pcs, monitors, workstations & servers. FREE & FAST DELIVERY I don’t know but I would assume one of the adjustments is “Off.” It’s worth asking. That’s a pretty bitchin’ system for an 11". ---
**Author:** ![Al\_Bundy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@Al\_Bundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al_Bundy)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2011, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/7 "2011-01-13T21:36:16Z")
It looks fine. Just don’t put any of those kid’s stickers on top. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2011, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/8 "2011-01-13T22:05:30Z")
That “Alien” on the front still sticks out like a sore thumb, though. What’s your minimum specs and maximum price? We’ll find what you need, guaranteed. ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2011, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/9 "2011-01-13T22:08:42Z")
It’s fine. I think you’ll be seen as progressive. That’s a good thing. Just take out all your facial piercings, take a bath and get rid of the dreadlocks. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2011, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/10 "2011-01-13T22:18:55Z")
It’s totally fine. The tech literate won’t bat an eye. The tech clueless will figure that it must be a “powerful” laptop, or maybe it’s an intel laptop (cause of the alien commercials). Either way everyone will understand that it’s a company logo, and not some statement you’re trying to make with the equivalent of a laptop bumper sticker. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Excellent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f19dbf/32.png) [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2011, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/11 "2011-01-13T22:38:45Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > That “Alien” on the front still sticks out like a sore thumb, though. What’s your minimum specs and maximum price? We’ll find what you need, guaranteed. Thanks - I appreciate it, but I think I’ve got a pretty good grasp on the market. :)The Alienware machine is pretty unique in terms of price (less than $700), gaming capability and compact size - but I can spend a bit more and get the same or greater capability, or spend a bit less and get an Atom/Ion netbook. > [@Merneith](#): > > I don’t know but I would assume one of the adjustments is “Off.” It’s worth asking. That’s a pretty bitchin’ system for an 11". Good point - I think I’ll call up and ask about this. The machine is still a little garish even without the lights on, but it’d be much improved. > [@Philster](#): > > It’s fine. > > I think you’ll be seen as progressive. That’s a good thing. > > Just take out all your facial piercings, take a bath and get rid of the dreadlocks. > > 😉 Why must The Man and his rules bring me down so? ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2011, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/12 "2011-01-14T00:17:21Z")
That aesthetic is the main reason I didn’t buy an Alienware. The whole thing screams “juvenile”. Maybe stick a Post-It on the alien covered with important-looking tasks? ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2011, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/13 "2011-01-14T00:21:57Z")
You want something relatively small and you’re getting an Alienware? A friend of mine has an Alienware laptop and it is huge. Not so much the screen size but it is seriously fat/thick. To me it looks like a pain to actually take anywhere with you. To answer your question, no I don’t think it looks goofy. The colour of the keyboard back light can be changed. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2011, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/14 "2011-01-14T00:47:26Z")
I consult for a giant megacorp that everyone in the world has heard of. Our standard issue laptops are plain but that one doesn’t look bad at all to me. People bring all kinds of laptops in from other places plus assorted smart phones and everything else. Apple products are pretty trendy looking and no one complains about those. ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2011, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/15 "2011-01-14T02:28:02Z")
I am wedged into a senior management position in a typical U.S. corporation in the financial sector, and my comment was legit: It’s cool, and you’ll be seen as progressive. I’d love to walk in with one tomorrow. Some folks like the Darth Vader-ish looking IBM Levovo I have. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Excellent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f19dbf/32.png) [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2011, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/16 "2011-01-14T02:38:08Z")
> [@Richard\_Pearse](#): > > You want something relatively small and you’re getting an Alienware? A friend of mine has an Alienware laptop and it is huge. Not so much the screen size but it is seriously fat/thick. To me it looks like a pain to actually take I’m considering getting an 11-inch model - it’s thick for its size, but still smaller than a 13-inch or 15-inch laptop would be. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2011, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/17 "2011-01-14T04:05:04Z")
> [@Mr.Excellent](#): > > I’m considering getting an 11-inch model - it’s thick for its size, but still smaller than a 13-inch or 15-inch laptop would be. Cool. You obviously know what you want, I was just impressed by the size of the thing. I think my friend has the 15" version and at least one of the USB ports is vertical. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2011, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/18 "2011-01-14T09:44:47Z")
It’s a brand logo, so it’s no big deal. It’s not like a Star Wars Rebel insignia or a Hello Kitty on it. ---
**Author:** ![mittu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@mittu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mittu)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2011, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/19 "2011-01-14T10:28:29Z")
Provided you can turn off the lights and backlit keyboard I think you would be fine (go for it in black or grey rather than red). Anyone who doesn’t know laptops won’t think much of the alien logo and anyone who does know laptops will be impressed with your choice. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2011, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501/20 "2011-01-14T11:39:24Z")
That would depend on the field. One of my coworkers had an Alienware - people would oooh and aaah over it. My own laptop has always been missing the little plate where the case’s brand should be, and I’ve had people remark on what an old laptop I had because they saw the hole and thought the case was damaged from use (the first time this happened, the laptop was one month old); a couple of weeks ago I bought one of those huge stickers they sell to “pimp” laptops, specifically a brokenish Union Jack (makes me think of the Sex Pistols) on a black background (matches the laptop’s case). Again, it’s gotten oohs and aahs. But we work as enterprise management software consultants - I imagine reactions would have been less positive if we’d been taxation lawyers. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-laptop-unacceptably-unprofessional-looking/567501.md?page=2)