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Go-l Hollywood Review

post #1 of 97
1/8/04 at 4:53pm
Thread Starter 
AWESOME SUMS IT UP!

This thing may be a revamped 4780, but I am so impressed. You be the deciding factor-take a look at the pics.

http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrow...elected=721178

My 1st impressions was WOW! Then I settled down to a subtle stuper. I was very impressed with the boot up time-20 seconds and the shut down time was 13 seconds. I like that.

This is not your typical WinXP Pro OS-Many Many tweaks that makes it run so smoothly you would almost swear you were running Mac OSX. Almost anything you want to know about your system or to do with you computer is about 1 click away. Check out their web site to learn more about the OS

http://www.go-l.com/winxp4l/winxp4l/index.htm

Some more interesting things L does is partition out the HD. The OS and everything else that 1st comes with the computer is housed on the C: drive which shows 10 GB with about 3.5GB remaining. This allows you to reinstall everything to a fresh beginning state without the use of CDs. The C: drive is apparently untouchable. The D: drive was compuletely free with 47GB. There is an X: drive that is RAM just incase you need a program to bootup extremely fast I guess-not really sure.

My 1st major test was with Need for Speed Underground. On my desktop-which is a P4 2.4-Nvidia 5200FX 128mb, I had to lower everything and run it at 800x600 to get any frame rates worth playing. I turned everything up and set it at the highest res. 1280x1040 and it ran flawlessly. I was surprised that it played in full stretched screen, same with Call of Duty-haven't played yet but everything looks nice so far.

A couple of interesting things about the Hollywood is the fact that I ordered it without the TV tuner-$150 option and without the media card reader-$90 option and they both came on it.

Sorry for no benchmarks, I'm lucky to be able to get this review in due to the fact it is my 10 year anniversary and my computer playtime is about up. My lady comes 1st.

The only thing that has not performed flawlessly was the TV tuner-can't figure out how to record shows and the remote doesn't work very well.

Screen is beautiful with no dead pixels-sound is also great.

Software is a bit lacking-no word processing xcept word pad.

OVERALL:
STYLE: 9
PERFORMANCE: 10
FEATURES: 10
SOFTWARE: 8
QUALITY: 9
COMPANY: 9
SCREEN: 10

SCORE: 9.25

Overall this company has always answered my calls quickly and they seem to know what they are doing with the extras.

Highly recommend L-Computers http://www.go-l.com/home/index.htm

Hollywood Custom
Logo: Rock
Hollywood_Display: 17inch
CacheFlow: Built-in
SuperBIOS: Built-in
CPU: P4_3_0GHz_800MHz
L2_Cache: 512K
Memory: 1GB_Dual-channel_400MHz
Hard_Drive: 60GB_5400rpm
Graphics: ATI9600_Pro_Booster
Floppy: Built-in
Optical_Bay_1: CD-RW_DVD
Hollywood_Speakers: 4x
Digital_Audio: Built-in
Media_Bay: Subwoofer
CCD_Video_Camera: Built-in
Firewire: 1_1394aPort
USB2: 3_Ports
Modem_LAN: Built-in
InfraRed: Built-in
Wireless: Built-in
Bluetooth: None
Battery: 8-cell_4400mAh
Keyboard: US_English
Carrying_Case: Deluxe
Operating_System: Windows_XP_Pro
Warranty: Deluxe_Limited
Video_Out: S-Video_Out
Multi-Monitor_Connectivity_Pack: None
$2790 Delivered

IF YOU BUY ONE MENTION MY NAME-CHUCK DAVIS AS A REFERAL-$35
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post #2 of 97
1/8/04 at 5:04pm
Glad to see you are happy. Just a few questions.

1) Does this tweaked out xp mean that Service Packs etc from windows will have issues
2) If you are storing temp internet files etc (the X drive, btw Solaris has been doing this kind of thing for a long long time for /tmp), could you potentialy run out of ram if you have a lot of temp files. I only ask because windows is notoriously bad at managing temp space.
3) Do you think you got the extra stuff because you said it was a review machine. Its seems unusual to me that they "accidently" included $250 worth of HW. Companies dont stay solvent doing that kind of thing.
4) How is the heat situation. One complaint that seemed relatively common from the 4780 was heat. Could we get some photos of the bottom of the machine etc.

I will be very interested to see what the default clock speeds are on the ATI card and if the "booster" mentioned is simply and overclock.
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post #3 of 97
1/8/04 at 5:18pm
Thread Starter 
There is a pic of the bottom if you click on the 1st link.

Haven't had a heat prob. yet, but I really haven't pushed it either. The bottom is warm, but not too warm to sit in my lap.

You could be right about the extra stuff bit.
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post #4 of 97
1/8/04 at 6:28pm
whats the weight on the laptop itself? any dimesions you can give would be helpful, the voodoo m:460 had me at a selling point almost, because of its lightweight, looks like go-l is commin out with something very similar to it, the new yorker, which is interesting as I live in NY, but the weight/ dimensions/ possible battery duration? anything would really be helpful, thanks
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post #5 of 97
1/9/04 at 9:38am
More pics would be nice... can't you attach them directly to your post? Anyway regarding the TV tuner and media card, both Sager and Hypersonic ship the 4780 with both and do not give you the option of removing them, so it seems obvious that they're both integrated into the Clevo D470P and Go-L is ripping people off by getting them to pay for something they'd get anyway. Perhaps e-mail correspondence with them is in order...
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post #6 of 97
1/9/04 at 7:07pm

you sold me

First off, this is my first post! You guys have given some great insight! I came here to learn more about L computers, and I am so glad MEDDUDE ordered one and reviewed it. I was given the link to their site by a friend of mine since I am checking out the market for a laptop. My friend told me these guys are ex-apple people. That could explain the similarity to OS-X. Anyway, MEDDUDE, I just ordered one for my dad and used you as a referral, so you should receive those benefits when they finish finalizing their referral program. I am waiting to see what the Gold Series will be all about. I asked the sales person and he told me that there will be some surprise tweaks when it comes out. Could be just a selling point though. We'll see. Anyway, I am really excited to test this baby out. Will let you all know how it goes in a couple of weeks. Also, since I am new here and to notebooks in general, what are some good benchmark tests I could run? This way I can give you guys as much information as possible.
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post #7 of 97
1/9/04 at 9:46pm

In reply to CGameProgrammer Post...

Hello. This brief post is in reply to CGameProgrammer Post:

My name is John Mulligan and I am one of Customer Support Representative at L. In regards to his rash terms stating "L IS RIPPING PEOPLE OFF by getting customers to pay for something they'd get anyway"...

For everyone's information:
1) We do not rip anyone off.
2) We include TV Tuner and th 6-1 card reader at no charge, reason for which the user that kindly reviewed the unit he purchased from us, got them both.

Thank you for your time.

John Mulligan
Customer Support
L
www.go-l.com
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post #8 of 97
1/9/04 at 10:20pm
MEDDUDE, to be honest with you, I am amazed you got your computer. You pretty much went through with the process even though everyone else had serious doubts and questions about the legitimacy of the company. I don't know why you took the unneccessary risks since there are a lot more established companies with essentially the same but cheaper deals out there. Congrats for getting the machine anyway!
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post #9 of 97
1/9/04 at 11:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lyfelesssoul
Looks like go-l is commin out with something very similar to it, the new yorker, which is interesting as I live in NY, but the weight/ dimensions/ possible battery duration? anything would really be helpful, thanks
I was looking at the machine, it looks awesome from the previous. The only thing that scares me is the potential price of this unit. However, it would be the first laptop closest to comparing the the Apple Powerbooks. Guess we'll have to wait til 2/2/04 for more details.
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post #10 of 97
1/10/04 at 12:38am
Meddude, thanks for the review and I'm glad to see that everything seems to be on the up-and-up w/ Go-L. I think it's great that there's another player in the high-end laptop field. I don't think it hurts anyone to have a little competition. Rather, in fact, it probably makes it better for all of us.

And it makes me glad to see Go-L coming to the forums now. Be good to know that they're watching over the comments and can add commentary to whenever someone's got a question or issue.

DJ K Lex, looking forward to your review when your Dad's unit arrives.
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post #11 of 97
1/10/04 at 6:00am
hey go l dude, you really are charging more than the laptop is worth, the rest is just marketing hype. you've got a great product, it's just that you can get it cheaper from sager direct or pctorque, and there, far as i can seem to tell, is no real differences despite what your marketing says...
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post #12 of 97
1/10/04 at 6:10am
I am also of the opinion that their prices are ridiculous and that they are really trying to sweet talk those numerous n00bs out there into spilling their cash. Syrupy english and hyped up performance quotes are totally unnecessary. What is important to get a ledge in the market is credibility and the less you lie or "seem to lie" makes a difference.

I personally wouldnt buy a laptop from you despite medude's experience because you have no credibility. For all I know medude is from your organization/ you paid him to write this review

And I am sure its not just ME with this opinion.

Good luck - simplify your websites with facts and price your product realistically and you might have a chance.

In my opinion you entered this niche market a little too late behind Sager, Hypersonic, Voodoo and Alienware and Prostar of course...

GOod Luck!!
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post #13 of 97
1/10/04 at 9:42am
I, personally, am skeptical of all this. Something doesn't seem right.
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post #14 of 97
1/10/04 at 12:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jarhead
charging more than the laptop is worth, the rest is just marketing hype. you've got a great product, it's just that you can get it cheaper from sager direct or pctorque, and there, far as i can seem to tell, is no real differences despite what your marketing says...
Is this no different than what Apple, IBM, Alienware, VooDoo, and other niche companies do? I see this being no different than the choice between the Toyota Avalon/Land Cruiser and its Lexus counterpart. The cars have always been identical minus some "extra" cushioning, price and the emblem on the car.

I think the Anandtech reference alone proves the legitimacy of the company. As far as reliability, that is something that will be proved through time and customer responses. I wish Medude the best and hope the laptop continues to work out well for him. I remember being that same riskaker purchasing a desktop from ABS when then were rising in the market. Go-l might possibly do just as well as ABS did over time, who knows?
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post #15 of 97
1/10/04 at 1:18pm
SBS - the difference is you are comparing entirely different products. Its like vindicating the pricing of the Alienware laptops a year back when they were the exact same as a $500 - $600 cheaper Sager.

The Go-L notebooks are just THAT - overpriced and underequipped Sagers and the price does not justify the product and no amount of honey is gonna make this a sweet deal IF you know what you are paying for and not some total n00b

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post #16 of 97
1/10/04 at 8:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gsferrari
I am also of the opinion that their prices are ridiculous and that they are really trying to sweet talk those numerous n00bs out there into spilling their cash. Syrupy english and hyped up performance quotes are totally unnecessary. What is important to get a ledge in the market is credibility and the less you lie or "seem to lie" makes a difference.

I personally wouldnt buy a laptop from you despite medude's experience because you have no credibility. For all I know medude is from your organization/ you paid him to write this review

And I am sure its not just ME with this opinion.

Good luck - simplify your websites with facts and price your product realistically and you might have a chance.

In my opinion you entered this niche market a little too late behind Sager, Hypersonic, Voodoo and Alienware and Prostar of course...

GOod Luck!!
Hey BSferrari, check out my profile and then you can make an intelligent statement rather than spouting off alot of junk that you have no proof of.

If everyone kept buying from the good OLD boys then great company's like Alienware and Voodoo would have never seen the light. I believe L-Computers is definitely a major player and they have treated great, given me a great computer that worked perfectly without any dead pixel and have always been there to answer any questions. After hours is definitely a problem.
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post #17 of 97
1/10/04 at 9:35pm
LOL

you'll be stunned by the magnificent real estate in front of your eyes. Take a moment to savor the innovativeness perfectly enmeshed with the beauty of our operating system. The keyboard is a work of art with a never before seen responsiveness. Out tweaks will take you to outer space for free!!

They probably have a degree in English Literature from the UK

Medude - you are probably right - but you are the ONLY person I know who has a laptop from them. I'll give them some more credit when they have a decent customer base. Your review is nice and I am honestly happy for you. But from what information is available to me at this point of time it is hard to place any faith in L-Computers. Sorry...this is as intelligent as I can get

Unfortunately - a potential customer doesnt need proof to spout off junk. So far, all the spouting is on their website which is honestly disgustingly unctuous. BSferrari needs more proof that L-Comp is legit...your review ALONE doesnt convince me...

If it did then perhaps 10 or 15 people send $4000.00 to Go-L and they disappear with the cash...see what I mean?? Quick money...Of course you need a track record to get anywhere...and legitimacy begins with removing all the crap from their website
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post #18 of 97
1/10/04 at 9:51pm
I think it's safe to say MEDDUDE is not affiliated with Go-L, since he complained about the numerous delays... it's just shocking he got the thing at all But he did and it works.

I just went to their website and looked at it a bit more. The "Buy Now" link for the Hollywood pointed to a page that didn't exist, but that may change by the time you read this. The one for the "Studio" (5680) worked, so I configured a system identical to my Hypersonic GX6 (also a Clevo D500P == Sager 5680). Anyway if mine had a 2.6GHz CPU (the lowest Go-L has) mine would be $2378 and the Go-L would be $2385. So Go-L is priced practically identically to Hypersonic with those components.

However with the same system modified to have a 3.2GHz CPU, 1GB RAM, and a 7200rpm HDD, the Hypersonic is $2978 whereas the Go-L price is $3406. $428 is a substantial difference, and of course a similar Sager would probably be at least $1000 cheaper than the Go-L if purchased through a reseller like PC Torque. Still, I can't say they're deliberately ripping people off since it's too early to say... in this very early stage, they may be raising the price to cover costs until they get more clients. Who knows. I wanted to investigate MEDDUDE's claim that they would have charged him for components he'd get anyway, but that page was down... so it could be they're still working on the website and there were errors in various areas.

The website seems designed pretty well to me, though their use of hyperbole is very unprofessional and unnerving.
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post #19 of 97
1/10/04 at 10:00pm
I never said that Meddude IS working for them - I just said that without further reviews and more customers - it is impossible to give them any credibility. I am wary that they have given him a laptop for review after slapping some stuff together, wait for the unsuspecting customer to send them the money, and then hightail it.

Its a natural fear...

I know Meddude is not working for them...I am just indicating the possibility...

for example - if they had approached me, a newbie to this forums, and made a deal whereby I would get a free laptop if I wrote this and this...then they get a great opportunity because I can disappear from the forums easily - being a newbie and in any case no one can hold me responsible for damages...

I hope I am being understood...
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post #20 of 97
1/11/04 at 12:22am
Frankly, Scarlett, I don't give a damn.
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