Repost: Sager NP7680 or Force3551

[Merlin_0525]

I'm pretty much deciding between the NP7680 and the Force 3551. I don't really like the other 15.4" Centrino 2 Laptops offered (Well actually, I love the 8660, but tis overkill). I removed the NP2096 from my options because, as I see it, its about $150 difference between the 2096 and the Force, and if I needed the extra power the 2096 has over the 7680, I'd rather buy the Force.

I'm going to be using the laptop for basic university stuff: classes and (light) gaming. For class, I'd like a laptop that is silent and has a decent battery life (in case there isn't an outlet). 2.5 hours would be nice.
For gaming, I will probably be playing games like Guild Wars, Warcraft III, Starcraft II, Guild Wars II, etc. Nothing too graphically demanding like Crysis or other FPS's. I also don't mind playing in medium-low graphics: I'm more concerned about fps than looks, although looks are always nice.

I'm also concerned about some of the features on each: Would the ports above the heat sink on the NP7680 be a problem? How sturdy are the hinges on the NP7680? (They don't look very durable).

Essentially, I think that if the 9300MGS can handle my gaming needs, I'll get the 7680. If it can't, I'll probably dish out the extra $300 to get the Force.

Any thoughts? Opinions? Recommendations?

[Merlin_0525]

Sweet, it posted. Now onto some questions:

1. WSXGA vs. WSXGA+ - Does one use up more power than the other? I would assume that the WSXGA+ screen, having more pixels, would require more power. Exactly how much, however, I don't know, as well as whether any change in battery life would be noticeable.

2. P8400 vs P9500 - I read that the P8400 processor is a better value than the P9500 processor. From what I understand, the 6MB vs 3MB cache will only offer about a 5% performance boost, fairly unnoticeable in real world use, while the minor clock speed increase is negligible. Is the correct?

3. Custom Skinning - Where does the skin go? In the Exterior Finish FAQ Article thing, some of the pictures show the Lid and Keyboard/Touch pad as...er...colored. Also, will the skin cover the entire laptop lid like the first picture, or only part of it like the third picture?
I also do not know much about skins...Are they essentially stickers? Do they tend to peel at the corners with time? Do they leave a sticky residue once removed (I read somewhere that they don't)? And once removed, can they be reattached?

4. Robson Turbo Memory - I understand its fairly useless right now, and in fact may even slow down performance in some cases. But I read that an update from Intel will essentially make this a small SSD for loading applications. Would this be worth the $45?

5. I read somewhere that the Force 3551's logo is the XoticPC logo. What does this look like? (eg. Blue like the top of this forum, red like on the website, is it just the or is XoticPC next to it?)

6. When can we expect reviews for the Clevo-M762TU, Compal JHL90, and MSI-1651? I know some of these notebooks haven't been released yet...but around how long after they're released before we see reviews?

Thanks for reading!

EDIT: Awesome, they both posted. It looks like the problem was including a http link in my post?

[hissy100]

Sweet, it posted. Now onto some questions:

1. WSXGA vs. WSXGA+ - Does one use up more power than the other? I would assume that the WSXGA+ screen, having more pixels, would require more power. Exactly how much, however, I don't know, as well as whether any change in battery life would be noticeable.

2. P8400 vs P9500 - I read that the P8400 processor is a better value than the P9500 processor. From what I understand, the 6MB vs 3MB cache will only offer about a 5% performance boost, fairly unnoticeable in real world use, while the minor clock speed increase is negligible. Is the correct?

3. Custom Skinning - Where does the skin go? In the Exterior Finish FAQ Article thing, some of the pictures show the Lid and Keyboard/Touch pad as...er...colored. Also, will the skin cover the entire laptop lid like the first picture, or only part of it like the third picture?
I also do not know much about skins...Are they essentially stickers? Do they tend to peel at the corners with time? Do they leave a sticky residue once removed (I read somewhere that they don't)? And once removed, can they be reattached?

4. Robson Turbo Memory - I understand its fairly useless right now, and in fact may even slow down performance in some cases. But I read that an update from Intel will essentially make this a small SSD for loading applications. Would this be worth the $45?

5. I read somewhere that the Force 3551's logo is the XoticPC logo. What does this look like? (eg. Blue like the top of this forum, red like on the website, is it just the or is XoticPC next to it?)

6. When can we expect reviews for the Clevo-M762TU, Compal JHL90, and MSI-1651? I know some of these notebooks haven't been released yet...but around how long after they're released before we see reviews?

Thanks for reading!

EDIT: Awesome, they both posted. It looks like the problem was including a http link in my post?
1. I'm not sure, but your reasoning is pretty sound, i bet it's around a 20 minute difference

2. Sure the L2 cache difference won't be that noticeable, and neither will the clocks, then again on very cpu intensive apps the L2 cache might make a slightly noticeable difference,also it's bragging rights:D

3. usually skins are stickers that go on the lid, but you'd better ask someone from xoticpc to back that up.

4. Right now Turbo memory is fairly useless, it can help with read times during boot, but can slow down writes, so whatever

5.clueless

6. Check around, google it

[Anewbus]

What OS are you looking to run, XP or Vista?

[Anewbus]

Sweet, it posted. Now onto some questions:

1. WSXGA vs. WSXGA+ - Does one use up more power than the other? I would assume that the WSXGA+ screen, having more pixels, would require more power. Exactly how much, however, I don't know, as well as whether any change in battery life would be noticeable.

2. P8400 vs P9500 - I read that the P8400 processor is a better value than the P9500 processor. From what I understand, the 6MB vs 3MB cache will only offer about a 5% performance boost, fairly unnoticeable in real world use, while the minor clock speed increase is negligible. Is the correct?

3. Custom Skinning - Where does the skin go? In the Exterior Finish FAQ Article thing, some of the pictures show the Lid and Keyboard/Touch pad as...er...colored. Also, will the skin cover the entire laptop lid like the first picture, or only part of it like the third picture?
I also do not know much about skins...Are they essentially stickers? Do they tend to peel at the corners with time? Do they leave a sticky residue once removed (I read somewhere that they don't)? And once removed, can they be reattached?

4. Robson Turbo Memory - I understand its fairly useless right now, and in fact may even slow down performance in some cases. But I read that an update from Intel will essentially make this a small SSD for loading applications. Would this be worth the $45?

5. I read somewhere that the Force 3551's logo is the XoticPC logo. What does this look like? (eg. Blue like the top of this forum, red like on the website, is it just the or is XoticPC next to it?)

6. When can we expect reviews for the Clevo-M762TU, Compal JHL90, and MSI-1651? I know some of these notebooks haven't been released yet...but around how long after they're released before we see reviews?

Thanks for reading!

EDIT: Awesome, they both posted. It looks like the problem was including a http link in my post?

First, let's address these:

1) I don't think you would notice much difference as the GPU handles the resolution requirements. However, your reasoning is correct. You might be looking at maybe 10 minutes in batt life and 20 at the most.

2)For what your going to be doing you won't notice any difference upgrading to the P9500. Stick with the P8400. Both of those Procs are 25W as opposed to 35W which transulates to longer batt life and less heat. If you were doing CAD or Video editing, or Music editing or FPS games for example, then you would want the higher GHz proc.

3) Skinning as I understand it, is a piece of special vinyl that an image is put on. It is then applied to the lid of the lappy. It can cover the whole lid or part depending on your design. There is a certain technique used in applying skins so that there are no air bubbles and or peeling. The way XoticPC does it is professional and they put a coating over it to prevent scratches and finger prints and such. Yes, skins can be removed, but I don't know a safe way of doing it. The way XoticPC does skinning, once you remove it, you can not re-apply it. The examples you see with keyboard touch pad area also done is from full painting which is much more expensive. Skinning is $89 and Painting is about $265 to $489 I think, or something around that. Someone at XoticPC can explain this better than me.

4) You don't need the Robson Turbo Memory, end of story. It's a waste of money even with Vista except in certain cases.

5)No clue on this. Is it really important? It's ok if it is important to you, I was just wondering.

6)Don't know. You might want to check Notebook review occasionally for this.

[Merlin_0525]

The 10-20 minutes seems worth it to me, since I'm fine with WSXGA resolution anyways.

The logo isn't really important, I was just wondering how it looks.

Oh, and I'll probably be looking at Vista Home Premium x64, as I understand Vista is now almost on par with XP (slightly slower at default vs. default settings) now that drivers have been released. And as I see it, if I want faster speeds, I can always just boot a linux partition and use WINE. As a random sidenote, I'll also probably try undervolting the lappy.

I think whats really going to decide it for me is whether the 9300M GS can run the games I play at decent settings. I'm fairly certain it can (Since I can run the games right now at low on an integrated card), so...

So far, it looks like I would be getting:
- 15.4" WXGA "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1280x800)
- 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
- 256MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9300M GS w/ up to 512MB Turbo Cache DDR2 DX10
- ~ 4,096MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory (Requires Vista 64-Bit to recognize Full 4GB)
- 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
- Smart Li-ion Battery (6-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- ~Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit Installed (64&32-Bit CD Included) w/ Drivers & Utilities CD's
- 1 Year Parts & Labor, Lifetime Sager Toll Free Tech Support
$1,134.00
$1099.98 after discount

[Anewbus]

The 10-20 minutes seems worth it to me, since I'm fine with WSXGA resolution anyways.

The logo isn't really important, I was just wondering how it looks.

Oh, and I'll probably be looking at Vista Home Premium x64, as I understand Vista is now almost on par with XP (slightly slower at default vs. default settings) now that drivers have been released. And as I see it, if I want faster speeds, I can always just boot a linux partition and use WINE. As a random sidenote, I'll also probably try undervolting the lappy.

I think whats really going to decide it for me is whether the 9300M GS can run the games I play at decent settings. I'm fairly certain it can (Since I can run the games right now at low on an integrated card), so...

So far, it looks like I would be getting:


That config would definitely work for you. I don't know the requirements of the games you listed, but if you have been satisfied playing them with an intergrated video, you will be blown away with the 256MB dedicated video card.
The only question is: You don't have to if you don't want it, but are you sure you wouldn't opt for the 3 year warranty (+139)? Just making sure.

[Merlin_0525]

Guild Wars (the most graphics intensive game I often play) requires:
ATI Radeon 8500 or GeForce 3 or 4 MX with 32MB of video memory
And recommended
ATI Radeon 9000 or GeForce 4 Ti Series with 64MB of video memory

Not very heavy requirements, tbh.

I was thinking about the three year, but am still undecided. Is the Parts and Labor provided by XoticPC or by Sager? I'm more tempted by the 3-year if Xotic is the one that performs the services.

[Anewbus]

Guild Wars (the most graphics intensive game I often play) requires:
ATI Radeon 8500 or GeForce 3 or 4 MX with 32MB of video memory
And recommended
ATI Radeon 9000 or GeForce 4 Ti Series with 64MB of video memory

Not very heavy requirements, tbh.

I was thinking about the three year, but am still undecided. Is the Parts and Labor provided by XoticPC or by Sager? I'm more tempted by the 3-year if Xotic is the one that performs the services.

Oh your more than fine on the video end of things then!

Regarding the warranty: I think its sort of both in a way. I'm sure I can't explain it too well. Have a look on the site = go to the "Why XoticPC" tab and then click on "warranty" Then scroll and start reading what would pertain to you. Then perhaps phone up XoticPC with any questions you might have on it.
I do know that shipping would be paid both ways and "next business day" at that. (US only by the way). When you think about the cost of shipping anything today that's a pretty shiney penny in itself!

[Merlin_0525]

After some consideration, I think I'll stick with the default 1 year. If it fails in the first year, its covered, and if anything fails after that, I'll consider manual repairs or buying a new lappy.

I think I'm going to order a custom skin, since it also seems beneficial (besides looks) in protecting the laptop's lid surface from scratches and such. What resolution should a custom skin picture be? And how can be sure to cover the entire laptop lid?

I have a really nice one at 1280x1024 pixels, 96x96 dpi, attached. However, I think it'll only look nice if it can cover the entire lid (Like the first picture in the article)

[Anewbus]

After some consideration, I think I'll stick with the default 1 year. If it fails in the first year, its covered, and if anything fails after that, I'll consider manual repairs or buying a new lappy.

I think I'm going to order a custom skin, since it also seems beneficial (besides looks) in protecting the laptop's lid surface from scratches and such. What resolution should a custom skin picture be? And how can be sure to cover the entire laptop lid?

I have a really nice one at 1280x1024 pixels, 96x96 dpi, attached. However, I think it'll only look nice if it can cover the entire lid (Like the first picture in the article)

At least you'll be well covered for the first year and remember, you still get 24/7 free lifetime tech support with that.

The other benefit to skinning or painting is the more unique the graphic design the more anti-theft it is. Think about it, if its a one-off design the first thing is you and anyone else around is going to see the theif running away with you unique looking laptop. If he gets far enough, he won't be able to fence it too easily because it will stick out like a sore thumb.

1280X1024 is the minimum resolution. If you bump it up a little bit it might make it easier to cover the whole lid, which I think happens depending on the design. Just let them know what you want and ask them about it, they will let you know what they can do for you.
You are aware that this process will add a few days to your order?

My order took quite a bit, it just shipped today, but I had a pretty heavy duty graphic design at a high res done. However, I'm also a pretty patient person so it never worried me and now I am about to be rewarded for my long easy wait (for me anyway), in just 5 to 7 business days. :)

[Merlin_0525]

I think I just have a few questions for a rep (Student Discount, Production time, Warranty coverage, skinning) and I'll be set to order =)

Thanks for all the help!

[Merlin_0525]

Alright, one more question:

I decided to switch to running XP Pro SP3 (already have a xp pro SP2 cd), and am wondering how much ram to get?

I heard XP can support a maximum of 4GB of ram including video card ram...but the 9300GS is a 256MB card with 512MB Turbocache.

So should I go with 2GB, 3GB, or 4GB of ram?

Thanks again!

[Anewbus]

Alright, one more question:

I decided to switch to running XP Pro SP3 (already have a xp pro SP2 cd), and am wondering how much ram to get?

I heard XP can support a maximum of 4GB of ram including video card ram...but the 9300GS is a 256MB card with 512MB Turbocache.

So should I go with 2GB, 3GB, or 4GB of ram?

Thanks again!

XP Pro is still a 32 bit OS which will recognize up to 3GB of RAM. So 2GB of RAM will do good. If you can get 3GB, go for that. It will help your vid card a tiny bit. Only 64 bit Operating Systems can recognize and use 4GB of RAM or moreAnother choice is if you think you might switch to Vista 64 or some other 64 bit OS down the road a bit you could go ahead and stick 4GB of RAM in now and be ready for future.