Previously, Dell's Alienware laptops started at around $1,700, though frequent discounts often brought that down. Now, the new Alienware 15 lowers the entry point to $1,300.

To reach this price, some compromises are necessary, but the expansion targets budget-conscious gamers amid supply issues and inflation.

Dell also unveiled the mainstream Dell 14S and 16S today. Here is a closer look at all three newcomers.

The New Entry-Level Alienware

Alienware's range now includes three levels: the Alienware 15 as the base option, the 16/16X Aurora in the middle, and the top-tier 16/18 Area-51.

The Alienware 15 provides Intel or AMD CPUs alongside Nvidia RTX GPUs from current and prior generations, up to an RTX 5060. It features a 15.3-inch IPS screen at 1,920 by 1,200 resolution and 165Hz refresh rate, housed in a full-plastic body. The display specs are modest, matched by its 300-nit brightness.

CPU choices lag a generation or two: AMD Ryzen 5 220 or Ryzen 7 260, or Intel Raptor Lake Core 5 210H or Core 7 240H. Ryzen AI 400 series options are coming soon, per Dell.

GPU selections cover RTX 3050, 4050, 5050, or 5060, all power-limited for cooling: 70 watts for 30/40-series, 85 watts max for 50-series. This contrasts with the Alienware 16X Aurora's full 115-watt RTX 5060 that I reviewed.

Missing from the Alienware 15 are the Aurora's aluminum lid for style and durability, plus its RGB keyboard - here, lighting is plain white only.

Positive notes include user-upgradable RAM and SSD, not soldered, promoting longevity and sustainability.

AMD configs start at $1,299; Intel at $1,349 - US list prices. Expect discounts, potentially under $1,000 for base models, though a discounted 16 Aurora at $1,200 could compete.

Slim Twins: Dell 14S and 16S

This series bridges Dell's entry-level and Plus lines, with slimmer all-metal builds. Both 14- and 16-inch versions measure just 0.6 inches thick.

Powered by Intel Panther Lake chips - Core Ultra 5 322 up to Core Ultra 9 386H, including the Core Ultra X7 358H with integrated Intel B390 GPU (12 Xe cores) - they balance slimness, silence, battery life, and casual gaming, based on my tests.

Displays include IPS or OLED, touch or non-touch. Max out at 32GB RAM and 2TB storage for either size.

Ports are generous despite thinness: two Thunderbolt 4, two USB-A, HDMI, and headphone jack on both.

I am eager to benchmark them against favorites like the Asus Zenbook A14 and A16.

Available now: Dell 14S from $1,270, Dell 16S from $1,320.