I need some opinions please :)

[mcrae]

I'm finally buying a new laptop. Not just getting a cheap one off ebay. I'm afraid I need some help though. I filled out the form but basically I need nvidia graphics, i7 820 and 2 hard drives - That's it.

1) What is your budget? Up to $3000.00 US

2) What size notebook would you prefer?

15-17" 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? One with a good warrenty :) Has to use Nvidia graphics - NO ATI.

5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? General, light Gaming, compiling software.

6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? It will sit on a desk.

7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? Yes, but this is not a big concern - what ever I feel like trying out.

8) How many hours of battery life do you need? I don't care.

9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? I don't mind buying online at all - I prefer it.

10) What OS do you prefer? (more details below)
I will be running multiple Linux OS's, BSD and a Win 7 64 bit partition.

Screen Specifics

11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer? (more details below)
I need a minimum of 1200x800


12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non glossy screen? Non glossy if possible but it's not a deal breaker.

Build Quality and Design

13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? No

14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
I would like to get 3 yrs out of it.

Notebook Components

15) How much hard drive space do you want; This is a big deal for me. I have to have 2 Internal Hard drives THIS IS A MUST.

16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CD and DVD Burner.

17) What speed CPU/Processor would you like? Dual core or Quad Core CPU? I have to have a minimum of i7 820.

[singleshot71]

the non glossy screen is going to be a problem here. everything here is glossy with nvidia

[mcrae]

the non glossy screen is going to be a problem here. everything here is glossy with nvidia

hmmm OK, I've revised then. I would prefer non glossy but it's not a biggie.

[UntilMoraleImproves]

Well, you could look at the Sager NP9280 since you have a large budget. The 820 isn't an option but the processor options are still impressive. You can put up to three storage drives in it so that also gives you a lot of flexibility. If you really want the 820 then take a look at the Sager NP8760.

Happy hunting!

[mcrae]

Do people with the NP8760 sit with it on their lap? I have looked at this lappy several times and actually like it a lot. I'm curious if it is practical to have it sitting on ones lap?

Well, you could look at the Sager NP9280 since you have a large budget. The 820 isn't an option but the processor options are still impressive. You can put up to three storage drives in it so that also gives you a lot of flexibility. If you really want the 820 then take a look at the Sager NP8760.

Happy hunting!

[powerpack]

Curious any interest in elaborating on why it has to have Nvidia? But yea UMI did list your current options.

[mcrae]

Curious any interest in elaborating on why it has to have Nvidia? But yea UMI did list your current options.

I prefer nvidia due to linux drivers.
Oh well if those are the only 2 options our work is done - thanks :)

[mcrae]

I ordered the Sager NP8760 - thanks for your help. :)

[UntilMoraleImproves]

I ordered the Sager NP8760 - thanks for your help. :)

Any time! I hope you enjoy your new rig!

[Anewbus]

Do people with the NP8760 sit with it on their lap? I have looked at this lappy several times and actually like it a lot. I'm curious if it is practical to have it sitting on ones lap?

I feel I should point out that practically none of the notebooks sold here are for sitting on one's lap. These are gaming notebooks = very powerful.
That means lots of heat. Most have intake fans on the bottom so having it on your lap or any soft surface would block the fans and end up over-heating the machine which spells trouble.
Also there is a lot of power crammed under the hood so some of these guys run real hot. (Don't worry they are designed to run within a certain range). So if nothing else you could burn yourself.
If you want to use it on your lap you can get a lapdesk. Also if your into Overclocking or playing games for hours at a time you might want to get a good laptop cooler.

[drremi]

Anewbus, thanks! I post else where a question about needing a cooler.
My laptops in the pass ran warm but could not run games very well! The G73 is a new ball game for me! I have always built and ran full or mid towers with plenty of fans for cooling. It looks like I am in the market a cooler for this beast!

G...another long drawn out explanation to my wife to justify the added expense!
Oh well I've gotten good at it up to now. :laugh:

[mcrae]

Thanks anewbus - I saw the lay out - I will look on this site and see if I can find a lapdesk for it :)
I'm very excited about this laptop!

I feel I should point out that practically none of the notebooks sold here are for sitting on one's lap. These are gaming notebooks = very powerful.
That means lots of heat. Most have intake fans on the bottom so having it on your lap or any soft surface would block the fans and end up over-heating the machine which spells trouble.
Also there is a lot of power crammed under the hood so some of these guys run real hot. (Don't worry they are designed to run within a certain range). So if nothing else you could burn yourself.
If you want to use it on your lap you can get a lapdesk. Also if your into Overclocking or playing games for hours at a time you might want to get a good laptop cooler.

[Anewbus]

Thanks anewbus - I saw the lay out - I will look on this site and see if I can find a lapdesk for it :)
I'm very excited about this laptop!

Xotic doesn't sell lapdesks, however, you can probably find a lapdesk at Amazon, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, Brookstone. Heck, just google lapdesk and you'll probably find hundreds.
As for coolers, Zilman comes highly regarded.

[mcrae]

hmmm it's hard to tell if you can put these on your lap - the laptop coolers I mean. I looked at newegg and they have several Zalman's. I've used Zalman fans in several Desktop PC's.
Any of you have a lappy cooler that you actually sit on your lap?



Xotic doesn't sell lapdesks, however, you can probably find a lapdesk at Amazon, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, Brookstone. Heck, just google lapdesk and you'll probably find hundreds.
As for coolers, Zilman comes highly regarded.

[Anewbus]

Actually, you would put the cooler on the lapdesk. The Zalmans are aluminum which is far better than plastic as aluminum wicks away heat far better. That means some of the heat from the notebook is transfered to the cooler, but the cooler also needs to disapate that heat. So having the cooler directly on your lap would interfere with it's function.
Note: for hours of constant use it may be less fatigue for you to put the notebook and cooler on a desk or table or something.:)

[mcrae]

I changed up my order and actually went with the NP9280 :) I'm psyched to get this lappy!



Actually, you would put the cooler on the lapdesk. The Zalmans are aluminum which is far better than plastic as aluminum wicks away heat far better. That means some of the heat from the notebook is transfered to the cooler, but the cooler also needs to disapate that heat. So having the cooler directly on your lap would interfere with it's function.
Note: for hours of constant use it may be less fatigue for you to put the notebook and cooler on a desk or table or something.:)