Yet another which laptop thread??

[jennings786]

Hey all been reading the forums for awhile now and I am looking for a new gaming laptop

1) What is your budget? $2000.

2) What size notebook would you prefer? c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
3) What country are you buying this in? USA

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? No Preference

5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? Gaming and some Microsoft Office

6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? Taking it with me

7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? COD:WAW plus new releases in the future

8) How many hours of battery life do you need? Its gonna be plugged in 90% of the time

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

10) What OS do you prefer? (more details below) -Windows Vista Home Premium 32-Bit or 64-Bit
-Windows Vista Business 32-Bit or 64-Bit
-Windows Vista Ultimate 32-Bit or 64-Bit
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.
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non glossy screen? Doesnt matter

Build Quality and Design

13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? like the backlit keyboard function of the Asus

14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? 3 years

Notebook Components

15) How much hard drive space do you want; 80GB, 160GB, 250GB, 320GB, 500GB, 1TB, or 1.5TB? at least 320 gb

16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, CD/DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive? Would like Blu-ray

17) What speed CPU/Processor would you like? Dual core or Quad Core CPU? Does quad core matter now? in the future maybe but i dont know.

Any suggestion would be great I am looking at the Asus G51 or G71 but am a little confused about Quad core and also how good of a card the GTX 260 is..

Thank You

[Joseph@XoticPC]

Hello and welcome to Xoticpc!

The models you are looking at certainly fit your requirements. They are very good choices.

Most feel that right now a Quad core is going to perform lower than a reasonable quality core 2 duo. However there have been a few posts with people who have tested the GTX260 with both a P9700 and a Q9000. It has surprized me and I think most people that the Q9000 only performed a few fps lower than the P9700 on most of the games. Of course the games that can utilize a quad core the Q9000 smoked the P9700.

After seeing a few of the benchmark tests I think really the Q9000 is going to perform just find for todays games and really rock once software can take advantage of all 4 cores.

The GTX260 is second in line of the best mobile GPU's currently available. While it is true that Asus underclocks the GPU speed of the GTX260(to reduce heat) it is still a formidable GPU and handles every game out here without much trouble. Most games could be played at higher settings at playable framerates.

I would decide if you want a 15 inch or a 17 inch and go with one of the models you are looking at.

If you choose a 15 inch the Sager np8662 certainly would be a good comparison to the G51vx-a1. Even configured with a blue ray player they would be close to the same price. The only downsides being screen resolution, no backlit keyboard, and a single HDD. Which you trade for a computer that will outperform it slightly, and is future upgradeable without voiding your warranty(even the CPU or GPU).

Please let me know if you have other questions. Feel free to email me at Joseph@xoticpc.com.


Thanks

Joe



Hey all been reading the forums for awhile now and I am looking for a new gaming laptop

1) What is your budget? $2000.

2) What size notebook would you prefer? c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
3) What country are you buying this in? USA

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? No Preference

5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? Gaming and some Microsoft Office

6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? Taking it with me

7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? COD:WAW plus new releases in the future

8) How many hours of battery life do you need? Its gonna be plugged in 90% of the time

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

10) What OS do you prefer? (more details below) -Windows Vista Home Premium 32-Bit or 64-Bit
-Windows Vista Business 32-Bit or 64-Bit
-Windows Vista Ultimate 32-Bit or 64-Bit
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.
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non glossy screen? Doesnt matter

Build Quality and Design

13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? like the backlit keyboard function of the Asus

14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? 3 years

Notebook Components

15) How much hard drive space do you want; 80GB, 160GB, 250GB, 320GB, 500GB, 1TB, or 1.5TB? at least 320 gb

16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, CD/DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive? Would like Blu-ray

17) What speed CPU/Processor would you like? Dual core or Quad Core CPU? Does quad core matter now? in the future maybe but i dont know.

Any suggestion would be great I am looking at the Asus G51 or G71 but am a little confused about Quad core and also how good of a card the GTX 260 is..

Thank You

[Anewbus]

Joseph types faster than Anewbus:-/:laugh: Here's what I was going to say:

Hi Jennings,

Quad Procs are good for intense multi-tasking such as encoding video while at the same time rendering photos and working in CAD for example. Quads are also good for multi-threaded games such as GTA4. However, that’s about it for software that takes advantage of Quads for now. There may be more in future, but nobody knows exactly when that will be, could be a year from now, could be two years, we don’t know.
If you just like to have say 4 programs open at once like Excel, your browser, a chat app and a game then a good powerful Dual core will do the job.

That said, looking at the Asus G71GX – I think you would be fine taking the 2.0 Quad it comes with. Also the GTX 260 1024mb is an excellent GPU. (It out-performs the ATI and has better driver support anyway). You’ll have no problem with COD or WOW (or most other games and programs) even at high settings.

The same can be said for the Asus G51GX. That said; have you looked at any Sagers?

If a lighted keyboard is not super important to you, but just something nice to have then that gives you more choice. Have you looked at any Sagers?

Here is one that will do everything the Asus will do, but you can go wild in the config and still be under $2000

Sample:

Sager NP8662 (Built on Clevo M860TU) Custom Gaming Laptop (http://www.xoticpc.com/product_info.php?products_id=2564%7B76%7D769%7B94% 7D1074%7B92%7D2391%7B187%7D1757%7B88%7D1925%7B194% 7D2594%7B186%7D1532%7B93%7D1648%7B193%7D657%7B112% 7D656%7B98%7D2494%7B96%7D2434%7B168%7D1453%7B116%7 D696%7B117%7D705%7B120%7D703%7B110%7D2426%7B169%7D 1449%7B119%7D1898%7B100%7D734%7B164%7D1441%7B107%7 D689%7B106%7D%20)
- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050) - 8662
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® Q9000 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Quad 2.0GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- nVidia GeForce GTX 260M 1,024MB PCI-Express DDR3 DX10 (User Upgradeable)
- No External Graphics Card
- No Video Adapter
- ~ 4,096MB DDR3 1066MHz Dual Channel Memory (2 SODIMMS) (Requires Vista 64-Bit to utilize Full 4GB) - Special!
- None Standard--
- Standard Finish
- ~ 2X Blue-Ray Read/8X DVDRW Super Multi Combo Drive
- ~ 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
- No Network Accessory
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- No TV Tuner
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Basic Black Business Case - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
- No Car Adapter
- None Standard*
- No Dock/Hub/Adapter
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- No External Keyboard or Mouse
- No Notebook Cooler
- ~Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit Installed (64&32-Bit CD Included) + Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Upgrade Coupon w/ Drivers & Utilities CD's
- No Office Software
- No Software Bundle
- 3 Year Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Based Toll Free Telephone Tech Support (Labor Warranty through Xotic PC)
Includes FREE Shipping Both Ways for Warranty Repairs
TOTAL = $1754.73 with cash discount


The only difference is that it comes with 4GB RAM instead of 6GB, but you can always get 2GB more after the prices come down. It’s not a huge difference in most cases between 4GB and 6GB in the grand scheme of things.
This one also has a bit better warranty.
For $2005.73 you can get 3-years on labor AND parts if you want. (Only $5 over max budget)

[jennings786]

Thank You both for the responses..

A backlit keyboard isnt that important just a nice option(work as a paramedic, nice to be able to game in the dark).

Is overheating an issue with the Asus gaming computers??

The Sagers look to be the way to go and of course will be getting it thru Xotic!!
My only question is why dont they come with an O/S???

Thanks again.

[Anewbus]

Thank You both for the responses..

A backlit keyboard isnt that important just a nice option(work as a paramedic, nice to be able to game in the dark).

Is overheating an issue with the Asus gaming computers??

The Sagers look to be the way to go and of course will be getting it thru Xotic!!
My only question is why dont they come with an O/S???

Thanks again.

Hmm, interesting question.
Justins, Joseph or any of the "J"s, why is that? I'd like to know as well for future reference.:)

[Jack]

Most of the big brand companies such dell, hp, etc. force you to buy the windows software and tacks it onto the total price without giving you the option to opt out of it; they ignore the fact that the consumer may already have a copy/license of windows, which inturn translates into the consumers paying an extra unnecessary cost for the labor and software provided. Another reason why XoticPC does not install OS is probably because not everyone wishes to use windows--some prefer linux, etc.

[powerpack]

Jack is correct but not Xotic here Sager and Asus/MSI. As Jack said cost already built in. Consider this I buy a G71 comes with VHP 64 w/W7 upgrade, no charge (not really). I want VU 64 w/W7 upgrade. $217. I buy NP9280 no OS so I choose VU 64 w/W7 upgrade. $207. I save $10? And none of the VHP 64 was included/hidden in the cost. It is very clear that Asus even though they allow upgrades do not make them cost effective. Sager allows true custom build. You wanna have fun? Do a CPU upgrade on any Asus vs any Sager and you get hosed bigtime. The force allows upgrades at fair prices. Most others do not. MSI and Asus are selling prebuilt unless you wanna pay big.

[Joseph@XoticPC]

Jack is correct but not Xotic here Sager and Asus/MSI. As Jack said cost already built in. Consider this I buy a G71 comes with VHP 64 w/W7 upgrade, no charge (not really). I want VU 64 w/W7 upgrade. $217. I buy NP9280 no OS so I choose VU 64 w/W7 upgrade. $207. I save $10? And none of the VHP 64 was included/hidden in the cost. It is very clear that Asus even though they allow upgrades do not make them cost effective. Sager allows true custom build. You wanna have fun? Do a CPU upgrade on any Asus vs any Sager and you get hosed big time. The force allows upgrades at fair prices. Most others do not. MSI and Asus are selling pre-built unless you wanna pay big.


Most of you have hit the nail on the head. With Sager models they are truely a customized machine right down to the OS. This may not matter to some but it does to me. The benefit of the Sager is that you do get both the 32 and the 64 bit OEM discs for any OS that is purchased from them. The Asus might only be 10 dollars more expensive but you only get the version either 32 or 64 bit, but not both.(this is the same whether it is a stock OS(recovery disc only) or if XoticPC upgrades it(true OEM)).

Upgrading a Sager CPU isnt too bad as you are allowed to purchase a CPU from anywhere that you like and do the installation yourself. On most of the higher end models we even include your tube of Arctic silver 5 to allow for reapplication or future upgrades/changes. Changing the Asus CPU can be not only a pain, but also will void any and all warranties you have on the computer.(if done yourself).


As far as overheating on the Asus models, we have seen them get warm. Not overheat mind you, but warm. Many people are very worried about heat and for those folks the G51 or G71 will probably get their gander up. Most if not all of the people who have purchased one of these models have opted for the IC diamond thermal compound which we have found is helping quite a bit in terms of heat reduction. Having a good notebook cooler is going to help a lot here.

In comparison to the Sager np8662 the G51 certainly runs much hotter. We have found Sager's cooling systems to be designed a bit better than Asus models. The fact that the GTX260 in the np8662 doesn't have to be down-clocked is a testiment to that. Both models are going to run well and each has its own pluses and minuses.

[Anewbus]

INDEED! In fact, I just recalled that it is one of the reasons I came to XoticPC when I was looking for a lappy. I did not want Vista that was being forced on me through everyone else. Here I was able to choose XP instead. (If I wanted no OS I could have done that as well).
In addition, NO BLOATWARE!!!

I don't know why I did not think of that before.

[jennings786]

Oh well I thought I had every thing figured out but now I am thinking about spending a little more and going for the NP9280....

Trying to find some reviews of the i7's

What does everyone think of this computer (the NP9280)??

[powerpack]

People like it. Those who think it is under styled don't appreciate the serious and obvious muscle look it has. It looks like a prize fighter that came to kick ass! The i7 clock for clock crushes the Core2 architecture.

It is what it is a hard core super powerful notebook. Not light.

I might lean toward the NP5797 just a little more mobile with tons of power. But yes the NP9280 bests it in performance.

[Joseph@XoticPC]

Here are a couple of reviews on our forums if you are having trouble finding a review.

http://www.xoticpcforums.com/showthread.php?t=4034

http://www.xoticpcforums.com/showthread.php?t=4511

As far as performance is concerned there really isn't much better. Overall the 9280 is proving to beat most SLI machines on most benchmarks out there. Some games will gain benefit from the 2 GPU's in the 9850, but really not the majority of them.

In my humble opinion this is one of the most powerful, highest performing, coolest running desktop replacements out there.

[jennings786]

Well after weeks of going round and round in my head I finally order this !!

Sager NP8690 (Built on Clevo W860CU) Custom Gaming Laptop - PRE ORDER
- Display: 15.6” FHD 16:9 LED Backlit Wide
- Dead Pixel Policy: Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-820QM processor,
- Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Video Card: nVidia GeForce GTX 280M 1,024MB
- External Graphics Card: No External Graphics Card
- External Monitor Video Adapter: No Video Adapter
- Ram: ~ 4,096MB DDR3 1333MHz Dual Chan
- Exterior Finish: Standard Finish
- Optical Drive: ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +
- Primary Hard Drive: ~ 500GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 3
- External Hard Drive (Back Up): No Back Up Hard Drive
- Floppy Drive: No Floppy Drive
- Memory Card Reader: Internal 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS/
- Bluetooth: Internal Bluetooth + EDR
- Wireless Network: Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 530
- Wireless Network Accessories: No Network Accessory
- Camera: Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- TV Tuner: No TV Tuner
- Sound Card: Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audi
- Case: Basic Black Business Case - Incl
- Battery: 11.1V Smart Li-Polymer battery p
- Car Adapter: No Car Adapter
- Spare AC Adapter: None Standard*
- Port Replicator / Dock / Adapter: No Dock/Hub/Adapter
- Mouse / Keyboard Accessories: No External Keyboard or Mouse
- Notebook Cooler: No Notebook Cooler
- Operating System: ~Windows Vista Home Premium 64-B
- Microsoft Office Software (Media: No Office Software
- Software Bundle (Not Installed): No Software Bundle
- Warranty: 3 Year Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty

Now I just have to wait!!:eeek2: