What is overpriced?
Apple? For some like me yes, for my dad and sister, no.
Alienware? Depends on if you like their design and prefer their support (which I have found to be better than typical DELL).
I like many of the Alienware designs, and I have recommended some of their desktop build for friends who want a little above the norm and want a brand name and not DIY.
For a laptop, I prefer a few other makers because of the options I look for, but if Alienware made a sweeter 17" I might consider it cause their M17 doesn't offer an MHD5 series yet. They also cripple their Studio 17s now too to make the ALienware look better.
Although I'd still prefer a return to VooDoo's roots between the two as they did a better job of putting together top features, and they used to have fantastic support prior to HP.
Currently though I prefer Eurocom for 17", although by the time I buy there'll likely be more options.
Essentially Alienware is a niche/boutique brand, it's not about band for your buck but niceties that some people might prefer over value.