Alienware AW3418DW - Will we be getting this in SA?

[Dolfie]

Alienware AW3418DW 34" Curved Monitor - Best Deal - South Africa
So I've been staring at the "Notify Me" button for which feels like an eternity (listed 30 Aug 2017) wondering when I'll get notified. I'm sure the price will spike significantly once they arrive as the non-Gsync models are just as expensive, mind you R15K for the Alienware is pretty much an instabuy type situation for me.

Most confusing part of all is the fact that not only do we import the 25" version of the new range of panels BUT we also import the professional version of these panels (P Series without G-Sync)
takealot.com

Fair enough its the potato 1080p version, similar to the AW3418HW, however at this point in time I would buy it if it had G-Sync

I've been checking in with both Evetech & Wootware every couple of months hoping they could provide a possible ETA but to no avail..

Does anyone have a remote clue as to when these puppies will find themselves onto our shores? I'm contemplating contacting Tbay as dealing with Dell SA directly is not only a pain.. it generally yields zero results as you tend to receive a generic "We don't have an ETA" or "Our supplier is unable to confirm.." blablabla response.

Sadly importing isn't an option due to possible QC issues (backlight bleed, hotspots, yellow tint, etc) I'm not willing to risk it.. never mind the price in $ once converted.

Anyone who's "in the know" out there?

 

[reactor_sa]

Can get via Dell SA, they manufacturer and ship on order from the Netherlands usually. Don't see why this item would be any different.

May require an account, we have an employee purchase account at the office.

 

[Dolfie]

Hey, thanks for the reply.. it is much appreciated

Without being too presumptuous, any chance you could regale us with pricing going that route? ..or whether the above is even possible for that matter.

Reason I'm asking is, I've tried mock buying it on Amazon and they simply refuse shipping, which generally means that there's some form of regulation which prevents the shipping of that particular product (Had the same issue with specific Sony\LG panels back in the day)

Alternatively I'll have to go via a very old and unreliable contact @ BCX.. will post the results on my inquiry.. if any.

 

[reactor_sa]

Will see what I can find out at the office but won't have enough time to help procure one as I'm only a couple weeks left at my employer. It's almost always possible to get from Dell direct like I have with all my Dell products.

 

[Dolfie]

No problem at all, I wouldn't have imposed but thank you either way

Just looking for any information that's out there.. thanks again!

 

[ScottulusMaximus]

Reason I'm asking is, I've tried mock buying it on Amazon and they simply refuse shipping, which generally means that there's some form of regulation which prevents the shipping of that particular product (Had the same issue with specific Sony\LG panels back in the day.

Amazon not shipping to SA is luckily not a problem, wink wink

PS: check signature if you've no clue what I'm on about...

 

[Dolfie]

You quoted me on a different product in the past but the Rand/$ exchange rate was ridiculous at the time and I opted to wait it out..

I might end up bugging you after all.. thanks for the reminder, glad you're still around

 

[PonGo]

Alienware AW3418DW 34" Curved Monitor - Best Deal - South Africa
So I've been staring at the "Notify Me" button for which feels like an eternity (listed 30 Aug 2017) wondering when I'll get notified. I'm sure the price will spike significantly once they arrive as the non-Gsync models are just as expensive, mind you R15K for the Alienware is pretty much an instabuy type situation for me.

Most confusing part of all is the fact that not only do we import the 25" version of the new range of panels BUT we also import the professional version of these panels (P Series without G-Sync)
takealot.com

Fair enough its the potato 1080p version, similar to the AW3418HW, however at this point in time I would buy it if it had G-Sync

I've been checking in with both Evetech & Wootware every couple of months hoping they could provide a possible ETA but to no avail..

Does anyone have a remote clue as to when these puppies will find themselves onto our shores? I'm contemplating contacting Tbay as dealing with Dell SA directly is not only a pain.. it generally yields zero results as you tend to receive a generic "We don't have an ETA" or "Our supplier is unable to confirm.." blablabla response.

Sadly importing isn't an option due to possible QC issues (backlight bleed, hotspots, yellow tint, etc) I'm not willing to risk it.. never mind the price in $ once converted.

Anyone who's "in the know" out there?

Hey Bud,

you the only 1 that im seeing that wants this Alienware AW3418DW so bad like i do.

I've been doing the same as you are , checking with evetech and wootware but got no proper feedback. they can't provide an ETA , just saying keep checking and it might just POP up online one day.

Hit me up if theres any information regarding to this monitor. definitely getting one. i'll do the same if i see anything.

 

[Dolfie]

Hey PonGo Thanks much appreciated.

I don't want to name-drop but I chatted to someone @ Wootware today and he confirmed their supplier won't be importing either model (AW3418DW & AW3418HW) for the time being. He did however mention that if/when the situation changes they will definitely be adding them to the website, basically if they get listed.. start ordering

I'm also awaiting feedback from a contact (6 degrees of separation type deal) who's a Dell Partner thereby following reactor_sa's advice in trying to source the monitor from Dell directly. Now these are Dell business partners so I doubt they will be able to source gaming peripherals etc. however I remain hopeful.

I've asked for pricing and general stock availability so let's see what they come back with.

FYI.. This sounds like it will be one of those once off deals, if at all, but at least we'll know whether it is possible or not.

I'll update this thread when I have more information..

 

[ho3RVo3r]

I will also buy that monitor for R15k.

I was also looking at 32-38" ultrawides but it must be 3440x1440 and 100hz or more, and they are crazy expensive...

 

[Dolfie]

Glad you mentioned it.. I've asked for pricing on the U3818DW as well:
Dell U3818DW 37.5" WQHD+ (3840x1600) 60Hz 5ms IPS LED Curved InfinityEdge Desktop Monitor - Wootware

It will come down to the AW3418DW or the U3818DW if pricing for the Alienware goes over R17K..
I don't care much for the dollar price on it but R16.5K for the U3818DW is too much in my opinion, especially considering there's no adaptive refresh tech on it whatsoever and a 60hz panel at that.

Yes I am aware that this is a monitor for professionals not Gamers, but have decided to entertaining it as on option nonetheless

 

[PonGo]

Hey PonGo Thanks much appreciated.

I don't want to name-drop but I chatted to someone @ Wootware today and he confirmed their supplier won't be importing either model (AW3418DW & AW3418HW) for the time being. He did however mention that if/when the situation changes they will definitely be adding them to the website, basically if they get listed.. start ordering

I'm also awaiting feedback from a contact (6 degrees of separation type deal) who's a Dell Partner thereby following reactor_sa's advice in trying to source the monitor from Dell directly. Now these are Dell business partners so I doubt they will be able to source gaming peripherals etc. however I remain hopeful.

I've asked for pricing and general stock availability so let's see what they come back with.

FYI.. This sounds like it will be one of those once off deals, if at all, but at least we'll know whether it is possible or not.

I'll update this thread when I have more information..

Thanks Dolfie

I did also get a response from wootware commenting the same. My best hope currently is from evetech hoping they will have this monitor within the next 1-2 month. Can’t really wait tho. Lol

However if the contacts where you sourcing from (Dell/Dell Business partners) are willing to get these in the R15k range.
I’ll +1 immediately

Will keep checking this thread for updates.
More then welcome to msg me if you have any info further.

Thanks alot
Regards

 

[z3llin]

I've been watching like a hawk for the AW3418DW to become available here and I don't see it happening any time soon.
Reason we have stock of the PG348Q in SA now is that no-one is buying them in the major regions anymore.
Alienware & others with the native 100Hz panel are dominating the market.
Maybe once the 4K 144Hz panels actually hit the international market we might get some left over Alienware trickle through to us.

 

[Dolfie]

I have a sneaking suspicion your are correct.. if we were to get stock it would be here by now, especially considering the 25" versions of the new product range has been out for ages. Call me ignorant but I don't get the market for LCD panels in this country.. the PC monitor markets are mainly geared towards the 24" - 27" sized panels and LCD TVs are 50" and up.

This would have been ideal for an interim solution till the 144hz 4K G-sync panels come out:
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Elec...d=1527800422&sr=8-1&keywords=samsung+40mu6300

Locally you cannot buy that television, nor would it help to import it since the power rating on the TV is 120v and not 220v as needed. In addition and please correct me if I'm wrong but the TV doesn't have a built in TV Tuner, which according to SA law is not allowed as all televisions must have built-in tuners. This is why you will never be able to import TCL or Vizio panels via generic channels as they don't have the aforementioned built-in TV Tuners.

I've read up on the ghosting\motion blur issue regarding VA panels but have to admit for some reason it doesn't translate over into LCD TVs in the same way it does PC monitors. Maybe I'm less sensitive to it than others but gaming on the bedroom Samsung MU7000 50" (VA panel) was strangely satisfying however I must admit that it's far too big for my particular use case and why I'm so hard up for a 34" ultrawide as a PC monitor.

The 40" and +50" variants are all VA panels yet the 43" has an IPS panel for some reason. That's why you will notice it looking much dimmer in the stores compared to the other models as the contrast ratio is far lower. I almost bought the Samsung 43MU7000 (actual model number is the MU6300 in SA) till I compared it to its VA counterpart during a visit to GAME and must admit that I was instantly annoyed and walked off empty handed.

Don't get me wrong, spending R7K on a 40" vs R15K on an ultrawide is a far more attractive option and with Nvidia Fast Sync totally doable.. problem is I'm full of sh1t and have standards that must be met

Another little tidbit for those fervently scanning all corners of the internet for reviews like myself, as this isn't widely advertised, all Samung model numbers are one tier lower locally.. let me explain:

The Samsung MU7000 (international) is actually the MU6300 locally.. same with the MU8000-->MU7000 and same with the MU6300-->MU6100 so please make sure you are looking at the relevant reviews when window shopping online for that brand new set.

For example:
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-43-I...qid=1527802104&sr=1-1&keywords=samsung+mu6300 (US version)

http://www.loot.co.za/product/samsung-ua43mu7000-43-uhd-tv/sxdc-4986-g290 (SA version)


Let me however get back to the topic of this forum which is that on the one hand I'm extremely annoyed that we have to wait almost a year after launch to get certain products in this country yet on the other, it's perhaps a blessing in disguise as only recent panel revisions (04 & 05) have started addressing some of the glaring manufacturing flaws.

To date you have to following possible defects to lookout for:
1. Excessive backlight bleeding in the bottom corners.
2. Excessive IPS glow.
3. Yellow tint on the right-side of the panel when viewing bright\white content such as webpages.
4. Overclocking not working | Overclocking causing blackouts\fade to black for several seconds after 1-2 weeks of usage | Overclocking with frame skipping (UFO test)
5. Usual panel issues such as dead pixels (nowhere near Samsung CF791 levels though thank God)

If part of the reason for the delayed imports are due to an inevitably high return rate on these panels, I totally get it. I would much rather wait 6 months knowing we're getting quality panels vs Amazon's pile of RMA'd refurbished garbage.

It's a classic case of calming down the masses by giving us the information we desire vs letting us stew in our own misinformation..

 

[SCHUMI4EVER]

Not GSync but you guys may want to looking into importing Vioteks instead, they have a 100Hz 1440 35" ultrawide. They're very cheap but not nasty at all.

I recently got one when there were those 4 16:9 32incher for sale on here and I am deeply impressed.

 

[Dolfie]

Hi Mast

I had a quick look at the two available models on Amazon:
Viotek GN34C 34
Viotek GN35LD 35
(Not sure if you were referring to these specific models)

I've noticed that they use VA panels and if you look at my mini rant above, I'm not a big fan of VA on PC monitors personal preference of course.

I managed to harass Wootware for months with regards to the Samsung CF791 (VA Panel) and when it finally arrived, the dead pixel cluster fiasco was at an all time high. That coupled with the fact that the monitor was listed for R17K+ initially and quickly fell in price, R14K if you know where to shop (#Frontosa) tells me that they are either overstocked or trying to get rid of these panels due to the high return rate. I cannot confirm any of this.. however I haven't heard anything to contradict this assumption.

I'm not citing that the Viotek panels share these same defects by any means but I must admit the whole ordeal has left a lasting impression and definitely created a bias against VA panels in general. The only reason why I would consider buying a VA panel would be because of the positive experience I've had with the Samsung 50MU7000 i have at home, I honestly can't go bigger than 40" and as stated in my previous post.. we can't buy that model locally.

In terms of PC monitors and for the time being.. sadly it's IPS or death again I'm very finicky

I truly appreciate the recommendation though, thank you

 

[SCHUMI4EVER]

Yeah I meant the GN35LD

I get what you are saying about VA's though. Despite 3000:1 contrast I also still feel things look better on my IPS monitor, though that could just be cuz the IPS is matte and the VA's are glossy as f...rogs legs. I feel whilst you do get more bang head-on ultimately glossy loses a lot of colour and detail in the reflectiveness of the panel.
And I happen to be one of the lucky ones with a 27" Samsung CFG that has no dead pixels or any of the other issues you find them plagued with online (I have 4 monitors at the moment if you're wondering why I keep chucking names out there). But I get why people are hesitant.

At the same time though with IPS you are literally guaranteed to have backlight glow, if you're lucky a small ignorable out of the way patch, if not, then silvery blacks over half the screen. And VA's seem slightly faster to me (even than TN).

 

[Dolfie]

Don't worry I'm fully aware of the IPS drawbacks. I will be setting up my gaming room to counter this via strategically placed light sources. Getting older now and my eyes simply can't take the strain of gaming in a pitch black room anymore

Quick update:
I've received pricing on one of the x3 Dell monitors, the 38" U3818DW and sadly it's only R200 cheaper than the Wootware price. I don't think going through all these side channels is worth paying marginally less.. if I end up settling for the U3818DW I'd rather go with Wootware in case i need to return it due to possible defects.

Still no pricing on the Alienwares, which is no surprise as you can't get them in SA currently but lets see what next week brings..

 

[Dolfie]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news guys.. but here's the skinny: (Feedback from business partner)
“Can’t quote as supplier has not brought this into the country, this is not a LOB Dell has made available as yet for SA.

They advised they are pushing for it to be made available to order, but nothing as yet.”

#outrage #ionlyhashtagsarcastically

At least there's a glimmer of hope as someone seems to be pushing to get these imported, guess we will have to wait a bit longer..

Although disheartening, i will quote myself by saying:
"It's a classic case of calming down the masses by giving us the information we desire vs letting us stew in our own misinformation.. "

Have a good weekend guys

 

[SCHUMI4EVER]

Don't worry I'm fully aware of the IPS drawbacks. I will be setting up my gaming room to counter this via strategically placed light sources. Getting older now and my eyes simply can't take the strain of gaming in a pitch black room anymore

?Don't see how different light sources would avoid the glow? In fact it would make it worse because a brightly lit room demand higher brightness levels amplifying the glow.

Never been an advocate for dark room gaming by the way, it's always been a brightly lit room.

 

[Dolfie]

Check out this cool Lim's Cave video:

It has some helpful tips that can reduce the perceived effects of IPS glow. I think the point he is trying to bring across in the video is to make the area around the panel brighter than the actual panel by placing lights strategically and tweaking the menu settings etc.

This obviously doesn't solve IPS glow and might just be a placebo effect but worth giving a try

 

[SCHUMI4EVER]

Haha, shoulda known it would be a Limscave vid as the answer.
If I ever do find myself lucky enough to have a PG279Q I definitely will try those but for now my IPS is my secondary monitor and it doesn't need any glow help.
It's actually Lim's fault that I went over to VAs in the first place. His comparison vid between the CFG side by side with the PG279Q made me decide the CFG was superior. It's not. But it sure looked that way with the IPS frequently resort to white-washing bright things where the CFG still had colour to spare.

 

[Deonlr]

Has anyone been able to find any new info on this? My inquire to Evetech also only received a generic "we will let you know" response.

 

[Dolfie]

Sadly no news on this front, after the aforementioned supplier basically told me to go fish.. i must admit I'm starting to accept the fact that we might never see it in SA.

Wootware added some new monitors (the ASUS XG35VQ looks promising) but they have been listed as "Contact for Availability" for weeks now.. why even bother listing stuff you don't have? Completely boggles the mind yet not surprising at the same time #Just3rdWorldThings..

[Wanted] - Salt shaker
Age: 30+
Warranty: Lifetime supply
Packaging: N/A
Condition: As long as it dispenses I'll be fine
Location: South Africa
Reason: All of the above
Price: Can you put a price on frustration?

 

[Deonlr]

I spoke to Evetech's support and general managers a while few weeks ago about the Alienware AW3418DW. They assured me they are planning to sell the displays as soon as the they are approved for use in SA. Not sure if this refers to a SABS approval, but they both said it could be a few months until this happens.
I do hope this comes through at some time, this is still the perfect fit for my needs.

 

[Dolfie]

Hey that's awesome news thanks for the update! I really hope they manage to import those as I'm still interested in this monitor. I got tired of waiting so ended up buying the Alienware AW2518H (G-sync) from Evetech for the time being, which I plan on selling once the 34" comes in (price dependent of course)

If this thing comes in @ R20K they can forget it, I'd rather keep the 25" as it fits quite nicely in my gaming room.. admittedly it still needs a lot of work, please don't judge

 

[Deonlr]

You are welcome, will share any info I get.
I hope the price is kept in check with the new releases from Asus and Acer (Swift PG35VQ and Predator X35). They have much higher specs then the Alienware, but I have no use for a 200Hz monitor that I will never be able to get past 100Hz with my display card. The Alienware is the sweet spot for me, 120Hz refresh, IPS pannel, 1900R curve and G-Sync.
I am very impressed with the sound in your gaming room, that is hardcore! All you need is a 34' ultrawide

 

[Dolfie]

Thanks but all credit must go to ZReviews for providing the inspiration..

I still need a proper desk, carpet to kill the echo and hide the speaker cables and lastly decent shelving for the Receiver / PC Chassis.. an Ultrawide would definitely be the cherry on top.

Anyhoe i didn't mean to hijack my own thread so back to the business at hand. I'm worried about pricing on any of the new monitors especially due to the US trade war tariffs going live on the 1st of October. From what I've read, pricing on individual electronics / components will be going up somewhere between 10 - 17% and I doubt any of that has been priced in.

If you look at the RIDICULOUS local pricing for the new RTX cards, the shameless 4K - 5K Euro price tag on the Nvidia BFGD 65" 4K gaming TVs and the fact that the Asus PG348Q is still R17K after over 2 years on the market (went down initially and straight back up for some reason) I fear the new monitors will cost around R30K and the Alienware AW3418DW will cost R20 - 25K when it finally arrives.

This is why I'm not regretting my purchase of the Alienware 25"

 

[Deonlr]

I would be happy buying the Asus PG348Q right now if it was not for the 3800R curve. For gaming that is just too small a curvature IMHO. The rest of the specs are perfect.
I started looking at a Freesync/AMD setup (ASUS MX34VQ/Radeon RX VEGA 64), but the sad reality is the AMD just don't have the horsepower to utilize the 100Hz refresh rate. I believe adaptive sync is essential, and with Freesync not an option due to the under performance of the AMDs, it is back to waiting for the Alienware AW3418DW.
Maybe I should let go of my curvature hangup, the reality is we are probably not getting anything close to that price point again, as you mentioned.

 

[Dolfie]

I share your sentiment.. sad reality is that we constantly have to make considerations in this country, especially around PC hardware. I let go of my Ultrawide dreams and decided to concentrate on sound rather as it is just if not more important for immersion.

I have loads to say about AMD but nothing that hasn't been written in a thousand different articles by now. Them choosing to focus on the processing side of the business vs the graphics was a mistake IMO but that comes from my own selfish perspective as I would have preferred NVIDIA to have an actual competitor in the market. Yes it made perfect business sense, better to attack stagnating Intel than the monster NVIDIA currently is.. choose your battles wisely basically.

Personally I think Intel will be far more relevant (for graphics) in the market going forward than AMD at this stage however it's just my 2 cents FWIW