At this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) Alienware has revealed a flurry of exciting new tech developed with virtual reality in mind, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the platform. This tech has included everything from the VR-ready desktops you’d expect, to a more out-of-left-field concept backpack that will allow for exciting free roam VR experiences.
Though many of Alienware’s new VR-ready desktops are extremely appealing, their power does force users to sacrifice their mobility somewhat so Alienware’s new secondary device, a graphics amplifier, is a welcome addition to its line of products. The Alienware Graphics Amplifier will essentially enable users to externally upgrade their Alienware 13, 15 and 17 R2 & R3 notebooks and the Alienware X51 R3 PC to meet VR-ready specifications by allowing these smaller devices to support a full-length, double-wide, desktop graphics card.
A further positive is that the Graphics Amplifier connects to your notebook with a single cable enabling the PCI-Express graphics card connection and reducing cables and clutter, essential for VR users who are already facing an increased number of cables with their tethered headsets.
The Graphics Amplifier allows users to combine power and mobility so that VR experiences might not be quite as tethered as they once were, though it certainly won’t allow for the same degree of free-roaming as the concept VR backpack the company has on display.
The Alienware Graphics Amplifier is available to purchase now for $199, though it should be noted that it doesn’t come with a graphics card – that will have to be purchased separately.
For more exciting VR news from E3 2016, keep reading VRFocus.
