Sager NP8600 vs ASUS M70VM-A1, need advice [Archive]

View Full Version : Sager NP8600 vs ASUS M70VM-A1, need advice

Zenaku

08-03-2008, 04:44 PM

First off, this laptop is primarily going to be used for university/gaming. Chances are I will be taking it to certain classes where I need it to take notes or something. My original choice laptop was an ASUS M70VM-A1 but I really liked the looks of the NP8600.

Unfortunately, it will probably be paid for by my parents, which is primarily why I am hesitant to take the plunge and pay another 600 dollars for the NP8600.

1) This is slightly unrelated, but, I am leaving for university on the 30th of August. How long will it take for each laptop to arrive at my house? I ask this because I'd like atleast 2-3 days to get used to everything and install what I need before going to university.

2) Vista vs XP, the classic debate. I am used to using XP, but I am open to the concept of transitioning to Vista. My main questions are: Does the 64bit Vista solve the problems that the 32bit counterpart face? And is it easy to use for a first timer?

3) Insurance. I can probably see myself dropping my laptop atleast once or twice when(and if) I carry it to and from classes. The warranty policy offered by xoticpc is a bit confusing to me, am I at a disadvantage in any way if I am not native to the States? (I am canadian btw)

4) Is there anyway to reduce the costs of the following pcs by taking out certain parts that I probably wouldn't miss?

Edit: Whoops! Apparently the specs did not copy correctly, I have customized the Sager to have
2.53GHz w/6mb processor 25watt 4 gigs of ram 100g/7200rpm hard drive 2g of intel robson turbo memory windows vista home premium (64 bit installed, 64/32 discs included)

Display (?)
15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050)
Arctic Silver (?)
Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
Dead Pixel Policy (?)
Standard Dead Pixel Policy
Processor (?)
~Intel® P8400 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.26GHz w/3MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 25 watt
Video Card (?)
512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9800M GT DDR3 DX10 (User Upgradeable)
External Monitor Video Adapter (?)
None Standard
Ram (?)
~ 2,048MB DDR3 1066MHz Dual Channel Memory (2 SODIMMS)
Intel® Robson Turbo Memory (?)
None Standard
Exterior Finish (?)
Standard Finish
Optical Drive
~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
Primary Hard Drive
~ 160GB 5400RPM (Serial-ATA 150)
External Hard Drive (Back Up)
None Standard
Floppy Drive
None Standard
Memory Card Reader
Internal 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo/SD/Mini-SD/MMC/RS)
Bluetooth
Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
Wireless Network
Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5300 802.11 a/g/n Wi-Fi Link
Wireless Network Accessories
None Standard
Camera
Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
TV Tuner
None Standard
Sound Card (?)
Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
Case
Carying Case Optional (Select if desired)
Battery
Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
Car Adapter
None Standard
Spare AC Adapter
None Standard
Docking Station / Port Replicator
None Standard
Fingerprint Reader (?)
Integrated Fingerprint Reader
Mouse / Keyboard Accessories (?)
None Standard
Notebook Cooler
None Standard
Operating System (?)
None Standard - Drivers & Utility Software Only
"Medialess" Microsoft Office Software (?)
None Standard
Software Bundle (Not Installed) (?)
None Standard
Warranty (?)
3 Year Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Based Toll Free Tech Support (Year2 & 3 Labor Warranty through Xotic PC)

vs

Edit: Customized it to have a 2.53ghz w/6mb 25watt processor

Current Promotion
!! FREE !! UPS GROUND SHIPPING (Use Coupon Code FREESHIP in Checkout)
Display (?)
17" WXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1440x900)
Arctic Silver (?)
None Standard
Dead Pixel Policy (?)
ASUS Zero Bright Dot (ZBD) Pixel Guarantee
Processor (?)
-Intel® T5750 Core™2 Duo 2.0GHz w/2MB L2 On-die cache - 667MHz FSB - ASUS Default Processor
Video Card (?)
512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9600M GS DDR2 DX10
External Monitor Video Adapter (?)
None Standard
Ram (?)
~ 4,096MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory -
Exterior Finish (?)
Standard Finish
Optical Drive
- Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti 8X DVDRW Drive w/ Software
Primary Hard Drive
- 320GB SATA 150 5400RPM Hard Drive - Asus Default Hard Drive
Secondary Hard Drive
None Standard -
External Hard Drive (Back Up)
None Standard
Floppy Drive
None Standard
Memory Card Reader
Internal 8-in-1 Card Reader: MMC/SD/Mini-SD/XD/Memory Stick/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo
Bluetooth
Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
Wireless Network
Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11 a/g/n
Wireless Network Accessories
None Standard
Camera
Built in 1.3Megapixel Camera
TV Tuner
None Standard
Sound Card (?)
Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
Case
Basic Black Business Case - Included
Battery
Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
Car Adapter
None Standard
Spare AC Adapter
None Standard
Docking Station / Port Replicator
None Standard
Fingerprint Reader (?)
Integrated Fingerprint Reader
Mouse / Keyboard Accessories (?)
Asus USB Optical Mouse
Notebook Cooler
None Standard
Operating System (?)
~Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit w/ Drivers & Utilities CD's
"Medialess" Microsoft Office Software (?)
None Standard
Software Bundle (Not Installed) (?)
None Standard
Warranty (?)
2 Year ASUS GLOBAL Warranty, 24/7 Tech Support, 1 Year Accidental Damage Coverage & 2-Way Pre-Paid Overnight Shipping for Repairs

Anewbus

08-03-2008, 06:06 PM

Hi Zenaku,

Unfortunately, the customizations only go one direction. They start off with standards and you can choose to up grade various parts from there.

I am assuming you meant the NP8660. I've included my humbly recommended configurations for three machines here. One for the Asus, one for the NP8660 and a third alternative I think you might want to look at. (the NP2096)

As far as how fast you can get your lappy, it depends. Since the Asus and NP8660 are PREORDERS I'm not sure on those. The NP2096 is availble now though and you may be able to get that one in time. You can phone or message Justin and he can tell you all the details and how to go about meeting your shipping goals.

As to the Vista XP debate: I think it comes down to preference and risk taking. Judging by the fact that you stated you are more comfortable with XP I built the configuration examples around that. (Saves money as well).
Speaking of which, the NP8660 is quite a jump and I think it's quite nice that the parents are willing to get you a computer, so being careful with costs, but still getting an awsome machine would do you and your parents proud.

All the machines that XoticPc has are fine looking machines. Looks aren't everything, its performance that counts. (The fact that XoticPC has all nice looking machines is a bonus).

As to the insurance. Unfortunately, it is only valid inside the US. However the warranties are valid in Canada. I'll put that info here later.

Let's get to the config ideas I did for you to look at.
We have the Asus M70VM-A1, the Sager NP 8660 and the Sager NP2096:

ASUS M70VM-A1 (PRE ORDER)
- !! FREE !! UPS GROUND SHIPPING (Use Coupon Code FREESHIP in Checkout)
- 17" WXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1440x900)
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- ASUS Zero Bright Dot (ZBD) Pixel Guarantee
- -Intel® P8400 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.26GHz w/3MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 25 watt
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9600M GS DDR2 DX10
- ~ 4,096MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory -
- Standard Finish
- - Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti 8X DVDRW Drive w/ Software
- - 320GB SATA 150 5400RPM Hard Drive - Asus Default Hard Drive
- Internal 8-in-1 Card Reader: MMC/SD/Mini-SD/XD/Memory Stick/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo
- 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
- Basic Black Business Case - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- Asus USB Optical Mouse
- ~Windows Vista Home Premium 32-Bit w/ Drivers & Utilities CD's - ENS
- 2 Year ASUS GLOBAL Warranty, 24/7 Tech Support, 1 Year Accidental Damage Coverage & 2-Way Pre-Paid Overnight Shipping for Repairs

TOTAL = $1476.00 – cash discount = $1431.72

Sager NP8660 (Built on Clevo M860TU) PRE ORDER
- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050)
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® P8400 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.26GHz w/3MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 25 watt
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9800M GT DDR3 DX10 (User Upgradeable)
- ~ 2,048MB DDR3 1066MHz Dual Channel Memory (2 SODIMMS)
- Standard Finish
- ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
- ~ 320GB 5400RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 8MB Cache)
- Internal 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo/SD/Mini-SD/MMC/RS)
- Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5300 802.11 a/g/n Wi-Fi Link
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Carying Case Optional (Select if desired)
- Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- ~Windows XP Home SP2 with Drivers and Utilities CD
- 3 Year Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Based Toll Free Tech Support
(Year2 & 3 Labor Warranty through Xotic PC)

TOTAL = $1882.00 – cash discount = $1825.54 (does not include shipping)

This third choice is quite a nice machine that will give you great performance. It also has a longer battery life than the other two. Loads of people get this machine for the very thing you are doing and everybody loves it. It's quite popular. At the same time your saving your parents a bit more money.

Sager NP2096 Custom Laptop (Built on the Compal JHL90)
- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050) `
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® P8400 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.26GHz w/3MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 25 watt
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9600M GT DDR2 DX10
- ~ 2,048MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory
- Standard Finish
- ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
- ~ 320GB 5400RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 8MB Cache)
- Internal 3-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS)
- Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5100 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Carying Case Optional (Select if desired)
- Smart Li-ion Battery (9-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- ~Windows XP Home SP2 with Drivers and Utilities CD
- Sager 3 Year Parts & Labor Warranty, Lifetime Sager Toll Free Support

TOTAL = $1351.00 – cash discount = $1310.47 (does not include shipping)

Asus and Sager warranties both cover Canada.
You can find all the details about all the warranties if you go to the XoticPc site and click on the top tab that says "XoticPC Info" then click on "Warranty"

Let us know if you have any other questions. I'm sure someone will be along with some other ideas for you perhaps.

Zenaku

08-04-2008, 06:04 AM

robamb2002

08-04-2008, 08:33 AM

alright here is my (unsolicited) two cents :)

I wouldn't worry about having an 8 cell over a 9 cell battery between these machines. mainly because the 9600M GT sucks less power than the 9800M GT. part for part you would probably see better battery life with the 8 cell 9600 gt than a 9 cell with the 9800 gt.

also, the 9600M GT is a recent card and you wouln't have to worry about gaming for the next few years. The GPU will not be the first thing to become obsolete for gaming... the OS will. Alot of newer games are running on DX10 which XP does not support. you should keep that in mind while configuring your system.

Happy Lappy Hunting! :)

Anewbus

08-04-2008, 11:21 AM

Thanks for the reply, I think I will go for the Sager NP2096 if the NP8660 is completely out of my time constraint. After thinking a little I have a couple of more questions:

A) Battery life. What kind of life are we talking about with an 8-cell compared to a 9-cell? Also, is it true that if I leave my laptop plugged in, it will have an adverse effect on the battery's lifespan or on the adapter?

B) How future-proof is the 9600M GT video card? Will I have to replace it in the near future? (Optimistically I'm hoping it can power games released in the next 1-2 years)

Robamb2002 is correct about both. I was referring to how long the unit will operate on a charge (not plugged in).
Good question, I haven't heard of any adverse effects of leaving a lappy plugged in. Perhaps somebody can enlighten us on that to be sure.

Zenaku

08-04-2008, 12:34 PM

Anewbus

08-04-2008, 01:20 PM

Actually I was looking for the comparison between a 9-cell and a 8-cell, hour wise. Also, I was snooping around the Sager website and according to http://www.sagernotebook.com/product_customed.php?pid=90599 the ETA on the NP8660 is 8/08/2008.

Now when and if that happens how will that affect me time-wise If I still want that laptop?

The 9-cell is capable of going 3 hours (maybe a bit more). It depends on what you are doing though. If your gaming at the time it will eat up more battery time quicker than if you just taking notes or browsing the web or something. The 8-cell is rated at up to 2 hours(you may be able to squeeze a bit more depending).

As to availbilty of the NP8660: ETA stands for "Estimated" time of arrival. I'd be concerned about the word "estimated". You know how that goes. It could change in any direction at any time. Could be ready tomorrow or a month from now or 2 weeks and so on. I wouldn't put any eggs in that basket until they give an exact date of availibility.

Zenaku

08-14-2008, 12:04 AM

After receiving some help from Justin W I was finally able to solidify my specs and *pre* order my laptop :D

I know some of you have done the custom skins, I was wondering how/when will I be contacted about my own custom skin?

edit: Upon reading some things about delivery services and brokerage charges, I was wondering if it is at all possible to change my shipping method after placing the order? :(

1x Sager NP8660 (Built on Clevo M860TU) PRE ORDER

- Display: 15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super
- Arctic Silver: Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Dead Pixel Policy: Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- Processor: ~Intel® P9500 45nm "Montevina" C
- Video Card: 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce
- External Monitor Video Adapter: None Standard
- Ram: ~ 4,096MB DDR3 1066MHz Dual Chan
- Intel® Robson Turbo Memory: None Standard
- Exterior Finish: Custom Laptop Skins [Choose from
- Optical Drive: ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +
- Primary Hard Drive: ~ 320GB 5400RPM (Serial-ATA II 3
- External Hard Drive (Back Up): None Standard
- Floppy Drive: None Standard
- Memory Card Reader: Internal 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS/
- Bluetooth: Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Wireless Network: Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 530
- Wireless Network Accessories: None Standard
- Camera: Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- TV Tuner: None Standard
- Sound Card: Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audi
- Case: Carying Case Optional (Select if
- Battery: Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
- Car Adapter: None Standard
- Spare AC Adapter: None Standard
- Docking Station / Port Replicato: None Standard
- Fingerprint Reader: Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- Mouse / Keyboard Accessories: None Standard
- Notebook Cooler: None Standard
- Operating System: ~Windows Vista Home Premium 64-B
- "Medialess" Microsoft Office Sof: None Standard
- Software Bundle (Not Installed): None Standard
- Warranty: 3 Year Labor* 1 Year Parts Warra

Anewbus

08-14-2008, 10:27 AM

Congrats on your order!!!:smile2::XPCS:

You'll want to send in your design, if your doing your own when the lappy goes to production. They will let you know via email.

Zenaku

08-14-2008, 09:11 PM

Regarding payment issues:

Are canadian credit cards accepted?

Anewbus

08-15-2008, 08:20 AM

Regarding payment issues:

Are canadian credit cards accepted?

I don't know. You'll have to call XoticPC for that.:)

Zenaku

08-15-2008, 04:20 PM

Laptop is in phase 2 now :) Thanks for all the help xoticpc!