Looking to replace my outdated desktop

[axr162]

1) What is your budget?
~1500

2) What size notebook would you prefer?
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen


3) What country are you buying this in?
US

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
none

5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
mostly gaming

6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
both. Most of the time, i'll be using it as a desktop replacement. I need to be able to connect an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers, but I like it to be portable if needed.

7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
mmorpgs

8) How many hours of battery life do you need?
not too important, since i'll be using it as a desktop replacement for most of the time and will have access to an outlet.

9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
nope

10) What OS do you prefer? (more details below)
Ideally, windows 7 but I know that it'll be a while til it's fully released.

Screen Specifics

11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer? (more details below)
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.


12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non glossy screen? no preference

Build Quality and Design

13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
I'd like it to look professional

14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Ideally, I would have wanted to wait til windows 7 comes out but I'll be travelling w/in a month and could use it in my travels.
I would like this laptop to last several years. My current desktop has lasted 7 years w/ some modifications. I know that it'll be harder to do that w/ a laptop though.


Notebook Components

15) How much hard drive space do you want; 80GB, 160GB, 250GB, 320GB, 500GB, 1TB, or 1.5TB?
no preference

16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, CD/DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?
CDRW/DVD-ROM. I have an external DVD burner and I don't really need Blu-Ray

17) What speed CPU/Processor would you like? Dual core or Quad Core CPU?
I'm not sure. I like my laptop to last a while but at the same time I hear quad cores aren't being fully utilize at the moment and that it's better to go for speed.


From what I've read it seems the sager 8662 would be a good match and here's the spec I've come up w/:

Sager NP8662 (Built on Clevo M860TU)
- 3 Year Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Based Toll Free Telephone Tech Support (Labor Warranty through Xotic PC)
- No Software Bundle
- No Office Software
- None Standard - Drivers & Utility Software Only
- No Notebook Cooler
- No External Keyboard or Mouse
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- No Dock/Hub/Adapter
- None Standard*
- No Car Adapter
- Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
- Basic Black Business Case - Included
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- No TV Tuner
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- No Network Accessory
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® P9700 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.8GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 25 watt
- nVidia GeForce GTX 260M 1,024MB PCI-Express DDR3 DX10 (User Upgradeable)
- No Video Adapter
- ~ 4,096MB DDR3 1066MHz Dual Channel Memory (2 SODIMMS) (Requires Vista 64-Bit to utilize Full 4GB)
- None Standard--
- Standard Finish
- ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
- ~ 320GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache)
- No Back Up Hard Drive
- No Floppy Drive
- Internal 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo/SD/Mini-SD/MMC/RS)
- Internal Bluetooth + EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5300 802.11 a/g/n Wi-Fi Link
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050)


Since this will be my first laptop and will be replacing my current desktop, I have a few questions.

1) How easy is it to upgrade (CPU, GPU, RAM) this laptop. For instance, would I be able to upgrade the dual core to a quad core later, and can I change the GPU and add more RAM if I find it necessary?

2) Would I be able to use this in place of my desktop? Can I connect peripherals like an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers? I don't like using laptop keyboards and unless I'm traveling, would like to be able to connect externally to it.

3) Would I be able to install windows 7 on it if I buy it w/o an OS? I'm not a huge fan of Vista.

4) How much is overheating an issue w/ this laptop. I sometimes leave my desktop on for long periods of time. Would I be able to do the same w/ this laptop?

I'd appreciate any help/advice.

[Joseph@XoticPC]

1) How easy is it to upgrade (CPU, GPU, RAM) this laptop. For instance, would I be able to upgrade the dual core to a quad core later, and can I change the GPU and add more RAM if I find it necessary?

-The sager's are absolutely the easiest of the models to upgrade. Doing so wont void your warranty even if you replace the processor. Yo u would just want to hang on to your old parts in case it needs to be sent in. Many people buy this model with a nice dual core with the intention of replacing the processor later. So I would say that is a very good plan.

2) Would I be able to use this in place of my desktop? Can I connect peripherals like an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers? I don't like using laptop keyboards and unless I'm traveling, would like to be able to connect externally to it.

-yes you would have the ability to run an external monitor as either an extension or as the monitor for the laptop. Connecting speakers/mouse/keyboard etc would not be a problem. If you run out of USB's just purchase a 25 dollar powered USB hub and you are in good shape.

3) Would I be able to install windows 7 on it if I buy it w/o an OS? I'm not a huge fan of Vista.

-Windows 7 will run just fine...actually from what i have heard windows 7 runs better on just about every machine anyone has tried it on. The only thing you might watch out for is the RC could end before you could actually have a full version. Therefore would leave you without a PC...

4) How much is overheating an issue w/ this laptop. I sometimes leave my desktop on for long periods of time. Would I be able to do the same w/ this laptop?

- I would say this laptop doesnt have any more overheating issues then other models. They comes standard with the arctic 5 thermal compound which helps reduce the CPU temps. But with any computer if you are using it on your desk I would reccomend purchasing a nice dual fan cooling pad. There isnt a computer on the market that I dont reccomend a cooling pad for.


Othewise I think the machine you are looking at would be outstanding. I am pretty sure you would be surprized at the power of the 8662. It certainly stands up to its title as the fastest 15.4" model on the market. If you have any questions please make sure to email, open a chat or call me. I would be very glad to help.

Thanks,

Joe

[axr162]

Thanks for your response Joseph. I have some followup questions.

1) So if by some fluke the GPU fails, I would be able to easily replace it?

2) Would I be able to buy the cooling pad anywhere?

3) Do you think this configuration will be good to last me at least 3 years? (granted, I may not be able to play at max graphics by that time)

4) Would I be able to get my laptop by June 19th if I order this week?

[powerpack]

Thanks for your response Joseph. I have some followup questions.

1) So if by some fluke the GPU fails, I would be able to easily replace it?Yes

2) Would I be able to buy the cooling pad anywhere?Yes you do not need to buy from Xotic at purchase. Others sell the same.

3) Do you think this configuration will be good to last me at least 3 years? (granted, I may not be able to play at max graphics by that time)As good as any and better than most. But 3 years is a long time for a notebook that do not have the upgrade options of a desktop even this one.

4) Would I be able to get my laptop by June 19th if I order this week? I don't know.