Alienware Steam Machines can be upgraded, manufacturer explains - statement
Alienware's Steam Machine line came under fire from gamers this week, after it surfaced that the rigs could not be upgraded. Alienware has since responded to say that he units can be upgraded, but it won't be as easy as what you're currently used to.
We reported on the Alienware Steam Machine issue earlier this week. Hit the link to see what all the fuss was about.
Now, in a statement to Eurogamer, Alienware boss Frank Azor said, "Enabling customers the opportunity to upgrade components has been a core tenet for Alienware since the company was founded, and that remains true today.
"The Alienware Steam Machine, announced at CES, is designed to deliver a great gaming experience in the living room and we will enable customers to upgrade components. Considering we've purposefully designed the Alienware Steam Machine to be smaller than the latest generation consoles, upgrading the internal components will not be as easy as compared to other platforms, such as the Alienware X51, but we will not prevent a customer from upgrading."
It debunks Azor's previous statement on the matter, during which he said, "There will be no customization options – you can’t really update it."
He responded to his earlier quote, and stressed that those interested in heavily modding their rigs would perhaps be better off buying a new unit altogether. This does not mean that the Alienware Steam Machine cannot be modified.
Azor added, "If a customer is interested in modding and upgrading their rig on a regular basis, then we recommend the Alienware X51. Enabling easy upgradeability was a critical design requirement for the X51. It includes features such as single screw access to all internal components, and easy-to-remove ODD, HDD, graphics, etc.
"We feel we have multiple options for customers based on their individual needs. If a gamer wants more freedom to upgrade, we have the X51. If they would prefer a smaller, more console-like system, we will offer the Alienware Steam Machine."
What do you make of the above?