From the "Take this with a grain of salt" department.
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/pcs/dell-buy ... 160417.php
If this is true, it's sad news indeed.
Although I'd have to say, it always seemed to me that Dell and Alienware were on opposite sides of the PC manufacturing pole. Dell on one end streamlining and cutting costs at every turn (including with the quality of their components) versus Alienware who catered in high the high end "Luxary" PCs. Top of the line components, regardless of the cost.
Completly different mind sets.