Bulding Laptop XP versus Vista...

[Richard22]

They still offer XP for the build it yourself models. I think the 15.4 inch screens will be good enough for me in order to save some money.

Here are the two I'm looking at... I matched both computers as best as I could.

SAGER NP2090 Custom Laptop (Built on Compal IFL90)
- 15.4" WXGA "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1280x800)
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® Core™2 Duo T7700 2.4GHz w/4MB L2 On-die cache - 800MHz
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 8600GT DX10
- ~ 4,096MB DDR2 667 PC2 5300 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory (Requires Vista 64-Bit to recognize Full 4GB) [there is no 3gb option to match the ASUS - not sure if this is a good upgrade running XP]
- Custom Laptop Skins [Choose from our designs or your own Graphic or Logo - (artwork set up fee for custom skins) ] (Details of design made after order)
- Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti 8X DVDRW Drive w/ Software
- ~ 200GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache)
- Internal 4-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO)
- Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Integrated System Speakers - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (9-Cell)
- 110/220V 120W Auto Switching AC Adapter - Included
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader [I did not add this to the ASUS because I would not pay for it - but this model does not allow for de-select]
- Full Size Notebook Cooler - Dual Fans - USB Powered
- ~Windows XP Home SP2 with Drivers and Utilities CD [ The ASUS only allows for pro version which I would not want but it's the only XP offerred]
- 3 Year Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Toll Free Tech Support
(Extra 2 Year Labor Warranty through Xotic PC)

$1749

ASUS G1S-B2 Ensemble Custom Gaming Notebook

- $150 Mail In Rebate (G1/G2) until 1/31/08 & FREE Shipping (Use Coupon Code FREESHIP in Checkout)
- 15.4" WSXGA "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050)
- ASUS Zero Bright Dot (ZBD) Pixel Guarantee
- Intel® Core™2 Duo T7700 2.4GHz w/4MB L2 On-die cache - 800MHz FSB
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 8600GT GDDR3 DX10 Turbo Cache (256MB on Board)
- 3,072MB (2 SODIMMS) DDR2 667MHz Memory - Asus Default Memory [This is enough - I could not match the 2090 because there is no 3gb option]
- 1GB Intel® Robson Turbo Memory (Vista Only)
- Custom Laptop Skins [Choose from our designs or your own Graphic or Logo - (artwork set up fee for custom skins) ] (Details of design made after order)
- Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti 8X Light Scribe DVDRW Drive w/ Software
- 200GB Seagate Momentus 3GB/S SATA 300 7200RPM Hard Drive
- Internal 4-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO)
- Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 1.3Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Integrated System Speakers - Included
- Asus G Series Matching Backpack made by Targus
- Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
- 110/220V 120W Auto Switching AC Adapter - Included
- Asus G Series Matching Logitech Mouse
- Full Size Notebook Cooler - Dual Fans - USB Powered
-Windows XP Pro SP2 w/ Drivers, Utilities CD
- 2 Year ASUS GLOBAL Warranty, 24/7 Tech Support, 1 Year Accidental Damage Coverage & 2-Way Pre-Paid Overnight Shipping for Repairs

Is this model a lot better than than the 2090? And when they say global warranty does that mean that if breaks down in China I can get it fixed and shipped back and forth? If so this will probably be the winner over the only North America Sager.

[robamb2002]

I noticed you had the 1 Gb intel turbo memory installed for the ASUS machine... This device is NOT compatible with windows XP and needs to be disabled in the BIOS before running XP.

And yes, Global coverage is physically Global coverage :)

[Justin_W@XoticPC]

The Asus G1S-B2 would be a better choice for warranty coverage and higher performance. Also another thing you may want to take into consideration is that the Asus has a 256mb GDDR3 and the 2090 has a 512 GDDR2.