To start out this review, I'd like to say that although it's not a Sager branded Clevo, its a Clevo none the less, and figured this was the best section for the review. Kudos to ISTNC for providing great customer service as usual, and for smoothing things out when the notebook wasn't how I thought it was supposed to be. They rawk. This is notebook #2 for me. I ditched the ASUS Z71V for the following reasons: mediocre screen, major battery issues. Lets hope that this computer will be an improvement.
Specs:
Pentium M 2.0, 2 GB ram, x700 256, 60GB 7.2k PATA HDD, DL DVD, Internal BT, 2200 wireless, WSXGA.
14.15" x 11.5" x 1" ~ 1.5" / 7.5lbs with Battery
1 x DVI-D Port
4 x USB 2.0 Ports
1 x 16c550 Compatible Serial Port
4 x Multifunction Audio Jacks
1 x RJ-45 LAN (10/100/1000 Mbps)
1 x RJ-11 Modem
1 x IEEE1394a Firewire
1 x S-Video TV Out
1 x TV-in Port (Requires optional TV Tuner Module)
Screen: 15.4" (16:10) WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050)
This is quite the improvement. As similar to the Dell 9300, the Z71V had screen sparkle issues. The matte finish effect which is seen as sparkles is MUCH less evident on this notebook. I'm quite impressed and please. The dark corners all around are not existent... however there is one "bright" corner on the bottom left. A close-up picture of it is further down. Keep in mind that the picture may make the blemish larger then it is. It's so small, I didn't notice it until about a month after ownership.
To be honest, there isn't a single bad thing I can say about the screen. I've read some issues on screen brightness, however I haven't encountered that. If I do, I'll be editing this review.
Keyboard:
*Update*
It turns out that the other keyboard was faulty/defective. The new keyboard that was put in by request by ISTNC is MUCH better. There are no longer keys that require more pressure to engage (which is a great relief) and this keyboard seems to like to stay in place. I did initially have problems with the “W” key; it was being more stubborn then any other key I’ve ever experienced. My heart sank, but this one was physically impossible to press down on the right half. I grabbed a toothpick, pressed down the E key to reach the problem easier, and I gently sweeped the under-right side of the key. There is something there that wasn’t there with any of the other keys (that or it wasn’t placed right) and I managed to fix it. Works perfect and the keyboard is now flawless (as far as I know). I’ll quote the previous review on the keyboard, so if your experiencing the same problems I was, you’ll want to get your keyboard replaced.
I would say the touchpad is about average. It reacts when I want it to and the bundled software has a cool feature where if you tap it with two fingers, it does a programmed operation (refresh perhaps) and three fingers it does another programmable operation (minimize all or something)
Performance:
When I was looking around for a 15.4" notebook to buy, it was either going to be this one or the ASUS Z70Va (x700 128mb, non SATA, no internal BT available at the time). I chose this one for the increased memory allocated to the GPU and the internal BT. Being that I just got done updating the drivers and installing the apps I use, I haven't quite gotten time to test it out in some real word gaming. I'll be updating that segment when I install HL2 and BF2. However I did benchmark w/ 3dmark 05 (i know 06 is out, but I had 05 on my jump drive).
3DMark '05 Score: 2832
Stock Memory/Core speeds
Driver: 8.221.0.0
This next screen shot is some benchmarks that I ran before I even knew that I had a Pentium M 2.0 400FSB installed. Being that it was supposed to be 533FSB, had no problem getting the right CPU installed. This will provide an interesting comparison between 400 FSB and 533 FSB.
400 FSB Benchies:
533 FSB Benchies:
Gaming Performance:
I’ll be adding difference games as I install them. For now, all I have is Need for Speed: Most wanted
It goes without saying that the Clevo was going to perform better then the 71V (128mb 6600 v. 256mb x700). I didn’t think to download fraps to be able to give you fps ratings, however the following screen shot is consistently smooth and zero lag.
I believe the detail level is on 3rd highest and resolution is at 1024x768.
BF2 and HL2 on its way
Heat during testing and fans all seemed normal. However there is one irregular issue I seem to be having.
*Update*
The wa-wa is gone! Turns out it was a clogged heat sink. This notebook was slightly used before hand, and I guess great amounts of dust were sucked into the computer with them. The fans are now not annoying, and propping up on business cards is no longer necessary! YAY! I’ll quote the previous review on the wa-wa, so if your experiencing the same problems I was, you’ll want to get your heat sinks cleaned.
Something else worth mentioning: Say for example I exit out of a game... so the GPU and CPU are both smoking' hot. Once the fans cool off the components (not that long, almost instantly) the fans don't gradually slow down to a lower RPM... its like a step process. HIGH (one second of high) Medium High (one second of that) Medium (one second of that) Medium Low. If I recall correctly, the fans are generally only on low at the beginning of the startup. If I do much of anything, it turns up to medium low (still not loud at all). They’re not annoying; they are just different from the gradual spin down that I’m used to. Once I get my voice recorder from my girlfriend, I’ll record the speed stepping sounds for you and post 'em up.
Pictures:
I'll be adding to this review as time goes buy. And questions or requests for other benchmarks, please post or PM and I'll be happy to add ‘em for yah. Pictures will also be added when i get my hands on a camera.
Overall:
After all of that, I’m now very pleased this with notebook. The screen is great, the keyboard is now NORMAL, the wa-wa sound of the fans are gone, and everything is working how it should. The x700 256MB is great for gaming, and I’m looking forward to trying it out on some newer games in the coming days. I’ll be posting those screenshots as I move along as well.
Well I have to say SOMETHING bad about this computer, or you'll think its not an honest review. The only real "slightly negative" things I can mention about this computer are: the dummy PCMCIA card is loose in the slot and moves around if you want it to, and the battery icon on the front display doesn't display battery charge levels (even though there are 4 bars in it. It only changes two colors whether its charging, or being used and done charging). Thanks for reading, and this computer gets an A.
Pros:
Screen
DVI-out
Performance
SATA, BT, TV tuner support
Nice Built in Speakers
Mouse pad Buttons
Cons:
Nothing serious
Edit: Yay SA Mart
Specs:
Pentium M 2.0, 2 GB ram, x700 256, 60GB 7.2k PATA HDD, DL DVD, Internal BT, 2200 wireless, WSXGA.
14.15" x 11.5" x 1" ~ 1.5" / 7.5lbs with Battery
1 x DVI-D Port
4 x USB 2.0 Ports
1 x 16c550 Compatible Serial Port
4 x Multifunction Audio Jacks
1 x RJ-45 LAN (10/100/1000 Mbps)
1 x RJ-11 Modem
1 x IEEE1394a Firewire
1 x S-Video TV Out
1 x TV-in Port (Requires optional TV Tuner Module)
Screen: 15.4" (16:10) WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050)
This is quite the improvement. As similar to the Dell 9300, the Z71V had screen sparkle issues. The matte finish effect which is seen as sparkles is MUCH less evident on this notebook. I'm quite impressed and please. The dark corners all around are not existent... however there is one "bright" corner on the bottom left. A close-up picture of it is further down. Keep in mind that the picture may make the blemish larger then it is. It's so small, I didn't notice it until about a month after ownership.
To be honest, there isn't a single bad thing I can say about the screen. I've read some issues on screen brightness, however I haven't encountered that. If I do, I'll be editing this review.
Keyboard:
*Update*
It turns out that the other keyboard was faulty/defective. The new keyboard that was put in by request by ISTNC is MUCH better. There are no longer keys that require more pressure to engage (which is a great relief) and this keyboard seems to like to stay in place. I did initially have problems with the “W” key; it was being more stubborn then any other key I’ve ever experienced. My heart sank, but this one was physically impossible to press down on the right half. I grabbed a toothpick, pressed down the E key to reach the problem easier, and I gently sweeped the under-right side of the key. There is something there that wasn’t there with any of the other keys (that or it wasn’t placed right) and I managed to fix it. Works perfect and the keyboard is now flawless (as far as I know). I’ll quote the previous review on the keyboard, so if your experiencing the same problems I was, you’ll want to get your keyboard replaced.
Quote:
| This is one of the MAJOR downfalls of this computer. I'm not sure if I'm more disappointed with this or the fans... but this keyboard is very inconsistent. It likes to keep poping out of place. I'm not sure if this is normal, but I'll be finding out more about this as i continue to nitpic this notebook to pieces. This is something I'll have ISTNC look at when I'm swapping out CPU's. The only positive thing I can say about this keyboard is that it functions, and the keys are in the right order. Other then that... nothing. |
Performance:
When I was looking around for a 15.4" notebook to buy, it was either going to be this one or the ASUS Z70Va (x700 128mb, non SATA, no internal BT available at the time). I chose this one for the increased memory allocated to the GPU and the internal BT. Being that I just got done updating the drivers and installing the apps I use, I haven't quite gotten time to test it out in some real word gaming. I'll be updating that segment when I install HL2 and BF2. However I did benchmark w/ 3dmark 05 (i know 06 is out, but I had 05 on my jump drive).
3DMark '05 Score: 2832
Stock Memory/Core speeds
Driver: 8.221.0.0
This next screen shot is some benchmarks that I ran before I even knew that I had a Pentium M 2.0 400FSB installed. Being that it was supposed to be 533FSB, had no problem getting the right CPU installed. This will provide an interesting comparison between 400 FSB and 533 FSB.
400 FSB Benchies:
533 FSB Benchies:
Gaming Performance:
I’ll be adding difference games as I install them. For now, all I have is Need for Speed: Most wanted
It goes without saying that the Clevo was going to perform better then the 71V (128mb 6600 v. 256mb x700). I didn’t think to download fraps to be able to give you fps ratings, however the following screen shot is consistently smooth and zero lag.
I believe the detail level is on 3rd highest and resolution is at 1024x768.
BF2 and HL2 on its way
Heat during testing and fans all seemed normal. However there is one irregular issue I seem to be having.
*Update*
The wa-wa is gone! Turns out it was a clogged heat sink. This notebook was slightly used before hand, and I guess great amounts of dust were sucked into the computer with them. The fans are now not annoying, and propping up on business cards is no longer necessary! YAY! I’ll quote the previous review on the wa-wa, so if your experiencing the same problems I was, you’ll want to get your heat sinks cleaned.
Quote:
| While the computer is under no stress (browsing), one of the fans seems to have a "Wa-Wa" sound to it at a frequency of 2.5-3 times a second. I lifted the notebook of my desk to figure out which fan it was and the problem stopped. Back on the desk... back to the "wa wa". I picked up the notebook and restricted the airflow of the larger fan with my hand and the "wa wa" sound became evident. Therefore, with default airflow allowed by the provided feet doesn't seem to be enough. I usually prop up my notebook so it is less sever, but on the rare occasions I don’t have it propped up, it makes me worried because it sounds likes its choking. It’s still noticeable while propped up, but when its propped up, it only makes the “wa wa” sound when the fan is running at certain RPM. When the RPM’s is lower, no wa wa, higher, no wa wa. It’s strange. But I guess I’m not the only one (if anyone else’s doesn’t , please say so). |
Pictures:
I'll be adding to this review as time goes buy. And questions or requests for other benchmarks, please post or PM and I'll be happy to add ‘em for yah. Pictures will also be added when i get my hands on a camera.
Overall:
After all of that, I’m now very pleased this with notebook. The screen is great, the keyboard is now NORMAL, the wa-wa sound of the fans are gone, and everything is working how it should. The x700 256MB is great for gaming, and I’m looking forward to trying it out on some newer games in the coming days. I’ll be posting those screenshots as I move along as well.
Well I have to say SOMETHING bad about this computer, or you'll think its not an honest review. The only real "slightly negative" things I can mention about this computer are: the dummy PCMCIA card is loose in the slot and moves around if you want it to, and the battery icon on the front display doesn't display battery charge levels (even though there are 4 bars in it. It only changes two colors whether its charging, or being used and done charging). Thanks for reading, and this computer gets an A.
Pros:
Screen
DVI-out
Performance
SATA, BT, TV tuner support
Nice Built in Speakers
Mouse pad Buttons
Cons:
Nothing serious
Edit: Yay SA Mart
*comes out of hiding*
You computer is superior to every other brand out there because of the performance: price is greatest (if it wasn't, you would have purchased the other brand). Its all about personal preference. ASUS people laugh at everyone else in their heads as well... Its all okay. Everyone is better then everyone else! yay!
You will enjoy it! Look foreward to seeing the rest of this review.
I
have
an 
ASUS 
, and to me it works just as well, built a lil' better, seems to have better compenents and plays the few games I have just fine.
I enjoy comments!
