Sager NP8662, I'm almost sold.

[JackMCrazyFish]

So I am really looking seriously at buying this thing within the next week.

I have just a few more questions.

1) What should I get as far as screen resolution? Should I take pay the $175 for the WUXGA over the WSXGA? (that's like half a paycheck for me :eek:)

2) Is the audio on this laptop at least okay? Like for listening to music comfortably while working or for playing games?

3) Will it last me at least a couple years, do you think? I don't want to spend over $1000 on something that will break in 2011.

4) Are there any major problems anybody's had? (I keep hearing something about the optical drive causing problems, or is that for the NP8660? i'm confused)

5) Any last advice?

Thanks guys,
Clay

[powerpack]

1) The only reason you would benefit from WUXGA would HD 1080. WUXGA is a little small for many on a 15.4". I think WSXGA+ is better overall.

2) I don't know

3) No problem!

4) None that I know of. The OD is I believe some think a little louder than they would ideally like.

[NasGhost]

1) Im with PP on the WSXGA+. Plus, it also bears mentioning that if you dont have damn near perfect vision, you may find WUXGA a bit small.

2) You would have to ask an owner this, as I do not know.

3) Couple = 2. 2009+2 = 2011. Yes?:eeek2:

Im just messing with you. That is more dependent on you to be completely honest. People always ask how long a laptop will last, but they dont realize they determine that. It will last as long as it fits your needs. Assuming you take good care of it, then there should be no breakdowns or anything like that.

4) Ive heard of people saying the OD is too audible as well, but nothing other than that.

5) You might find this interesting.

http://www.xoticpcforums.com/showthread.php?t=4613

[DRY_ICE]

WSXGA looks stellar... for the premium on the upgrade I think it is only worth it for the frivolously wealthy.

It should last over 2 years easy and I'm hoping mine will remain sturdy for a good 3-5.

The sound isn't stellar, but it's also not the worst I've ever heard. Consider investing in external speakers, there are a ton of cheap/quality 2.1 systems out there. I've never heard a good laptop speaker though, and I could care less about the on-board speakers. Unleash your audio potential! lol

The optical drive can get slightly noisy only if the laptop is tipped beyond a certain angle in my experience. I think this is from the disc going off balance as progress in loading and such will slow/halt. As long as you have a reasonably flat surface, disc reading is at very normal levels of noise.

[ahatfulofhollow]

I have had my NP8662 for about a month now so let me see if I can help with any of these questions.

So I am really looking seriously at buying this thing within the next week.

I have just a few more questions.

1) What should I get as far as screen resolution? Should I take pay the $175 for the WUXGA over the WSXGA? (that's like half a paycheck for me :eek:)

I opted to pay extra for the WUXGA because I prefer matte style screens to the new glossy look most laptops have. Font size is not really an issue in my opinion unless you like your font to be gigantic. I typically have my head about 2-3 feet from the laptop screen and size 12 font is about as big as I'd expect from a book. Small images on websites are small... Firefox's ImageZoom addon helps with that though. I would say the screen resolution decision should be made on what type of screen you prefer, not the size of the fonts/icons. BTW the 1920x1200 matte screen downsizes to 1680x1050 quite well if size becomes a problem.

2) Is the audio on this laptop at least okay? Like for listening to music comfortably while working or for playing games?

This laptop has standard laptop speakers. A bit tinny, and I certainly wouldn't recommend maxing them out, but sufficient for casual listening. If its going to spend a lot of time in one spot as a desktop replacement a pair of external speakers would not be a bad idea.

3) Will it last me at least a couple years, do you think? I don't want to spend over $1000 on something that will break in 2011.

This machine is built pretty rugged in my opinion. The aluminum casing feels sturdy and there is not really any screen flex like you would get with a plastic laptop. My machine came in perfect condition with no problems. I was quite satisfied with the build quality. The hardware inside even at the base configuration should be good for at least 3 years in terms of keeping up with software/games.

4) Are there any major problems anybody's had? (I keep hearing something about the optical drive causing problems, or is that for the NP8660? i'm confused)

Like I said I've had no problems with this machine. I am running this machine with a P9700, 6GB RAM, SSD, and the 260m and it remains lap friendly heatwise even after a couple hours. That has really impressed me. Battery life in power saving mode runs about 2hrs 20min.

5) Any last advice?

This is a solid machine. Very hard to go wrong with this model.

Thanks guys,
Clay