In terms of connectivity,
Wifi
Both laptops offer the same Wi-Fi standard (v6E), ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections.
Below, you'll find a Wi-Fi Versions Table, along with their release dates and speeds, to provide a brief overview of its development.
Wi-Fi Versions and Speeds
| Standard |
Speed |
Release
Date |
Network |
Frequency
Bands (GHz) |
| Wi-Fi 7 |
up to 40 Gbps
(5 GB/s) |
2023 |
802.11be |
2.4, 5, 6 |
| Wi-Fi 6E |
up to 9.6 Gbps
(1.2 GB/s) |
2020 |
802.11ax |
2.4, 5, 6 |
| Wi-Fi 6 |
up to 9.6 Gbps
(1.2 GB/s) |
2019 |
802.11ax |
2.4, 5 |
| Wi-Fi 5 |
up to 6.93 Gbps
(866.25 MB/s) |
2014 |
802.11ac |
2.4, 5 |
| Wi-Fi 4 |
up to 600 Mbps
(75 MB/s) |
2009 |
802.11n |
2.4, 5 |
* Please note that the provided transfer rates are maximum theoretical values, and real-life performance may vary based on environmental factors.
USB
Both Vivobook 17 X1704 and Alienware m18 feature 3x USB 3.2 USB-A ports.
Both Vivobook 17 X1704 and Alienware m18 have USB Type-C ports. Vivobook 17 X1704 has 1x USB 3.2 USB Type-C ports, while Alienware m18 has 3x USB 4.0 USB Type-C ports.
Below, you'll find a table of USB ports, along with their release dates and speeds.
To mitigate the confusion caused by generation names, the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) suggests using marketing names like USB 5Gbps, USB 10Gbps, and so forth, based on their respective transfer rates.
USB Type and Speeds
| USB Type |
Version |
Speed |
Date |
Other Features/Explanations |
| USB4 |
Gen 4 (2.0) |
80 Gbps |
2022 |
Also known as USB 80Gbps |
| USB4 |
Gen 3×2 |
40 Gbps |
2019 |
Also known as USB 40Gbps |
| USB 3.2 |
3.2 Gen 2x2 |
20 Gbps |
2019 |
Double the data transfer rates of Gen 2 |
| USB 3.2 |
3.2 Gen 2 |
10 Gbps |
2017 |
Previously known as USB 3.1 |
| USB 3.2 |
3.2 Gen 1 |
5 Gbps |
2017 |
Previously known as USB 3.0 |
| USB 3.1 |
3.1 Gen 2 |
10 Gbps |
2013 |
Faster data transfer rates |
| USB 3.0 |
3.1 Gen 1 |
5 Gbps |
2010 |
SuperSpeed USB, improved data transfer rates |
| USB 2.0 |
2.0 |
480 Mbps |
2000 |
High-speed data transfer |
| USB 1.0 |
1.0 |
1.5 Mbps |
1996 |
Original USB standard |
Thunderbolt
Alienware m18 is equipped with Thunderbolt 4 port. Vivobook 17 X1704 does not have Thunderbolt port.
HDMI
Both Vivobook 17 X1704 and Alienware m18 feature an HDMI port. Vivobook 17 X1704 offers 1x HDMI 1.4, while Alienware m18 offers 1x HDMI 2.1.
Below, you'll find a comparison table detailing different HDMI versions, including their bandwidth, color depth, maximum resolution, and release dates. This information can be helpful in understanding the capabilities of each HDMI version and choosing the most suitable one for your needs.
HDMI Comparison Table
| HDMI Version |
Maximum Resolution |
Bandwidth
(Gbps) |
Color Depth
(bits) |
Release
Date |
| HDMI 2.1-2.1b |
7680 x 4320 (8K) @ 60p
3840 x 2160 (4K) @ 120p |
48.0 |
48 |
2017 |
| HDMI 2.0-2.0b |
3840 x 2160 (4K) @ 60p |
18.0 |
48 |
2013 |
| HDMI 1.4-1.4b |
3840 x 2160 (4K) @ 30p |
10.2 |
48 |
2009 |
| HDMI 1.3-1.3a |
2560 x 1440 @ 60p |
10.2 |
48 |
2006 |
| HDMI 1.0-1.2a |
1920 x 1200 @ 60p |
4.95 |
24 |
2002 |
* Please note that the provided resolution values represent the maximum supported resolution, and actual display quality may depend on other factors such as source content and connected devices.
SD Card Reader
Alienware m18 is equipped with an SD Card Reader for easy access to memory cards. Vivobook 17 X1704 does not have an SD Card Reader.
Audio Jack
Both Vivobook 17 X1704 and Alienware m18 are equipped with a 3.5mm Audio Jack, providing seamless connection to headphones and speakers.
To summarize the connectivity and ports details, please refer to the table below to see them listed.
| Connectivity and Ports |
|---|
WiFi Standard
(latest: v7) |
v6E
|
v6E
|
Bluetooth
(latest: v5.4) |
v5.3
|
v5.3
|
USB-A
(latest: 3.2) |
3x USB 3.2 |
3x USB 3.2 |
USB Type-C
(latest: USB4 2.0) |
1x USB 3.2
|
3x USB 4.0
|
Thunderbolt
(latest: 4) |
No
|
Thunderbolt 4
|
HDMI
(latest: 2.1) |
1x HDMI 1.4 |
1x HDMI 2.1 |
Display Port
(latest: v2.0) |
No
|
1x v1.4
|
| VGA |
No
|
No
|
| Fingerprint Sensor |
Optional
|
No
|
| Optical Drive |
No
|
No
|
| Audio Jack 3.5mm |
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Ethernet RJ45 |
No
|
Yes
|
| SD CardReader |
No
|
Yes
|
| Proprietary Charging Port |
Yes
|
Yes
|