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UberLaptop Advice Requests

post #1 of 4
5/6/03 at 12:19pm
Thread Starter 
Greeting all... I am currently in the market for a new laptop, and would appreciate some advice. I'm really looking for top of the line here, which has brought me to investigate Sager, Alienware, and VoodooPC fully customised. I'm going to be using this for high end gaming, programming, DVD watching, and if lucky, DVD and CD burning as well.

That being said, I'd like to wait until the next generation of Mobile GPUs, specifically whatver the highest model GeForce FX Go will be and the Radeon 9600 Pro, before buying a laptop. I'd strongly prefer a UXGA (1600X1200) screeen as well, at 15 or 16 inches. Speedy hard drive, a DVD+RW (if possible. If not DVD-RW), 1GB of RAM+ (preferbly CORSAIR if that's an option), Integrated 802.11B/G miniPCI, bluetooth USB etc... basically top of the line. I'm willling to pay for it, but of course, I don't want to pay more than I have to.

Currently, VoodooPC's M600 seems overpriced for what you get, leaving my favored items Sager's 8887-V, and Alienware Area-51m. I know things will change between now and the end of summer, but could anyone give me a heads up on what would likely be the best to look at by then?

Thanks for your time.
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post #2 of 4
5/6/03 at 12:33pm
Alienware's Area 51m and VooDoo's machine (as well as Hypersonic-PC) are all the same machine from the same manufacturer (www.clevo.com.tw) who sells most of their units to Sager.

So the models you see on PCTorque's website (as well as Powernotebooks, and Sagernotebooks themselves) are the same machines.

If you do not care about nor desire a custom-colored version, check out one of the fine resellers here to save a few thousand (or several hundred at the least).

You should look to the 5670 (15" nice screen) or 8887 (16.1" decent screen) for your needs. They are BIG, HEAVY, and do not have much battery life, but hey, you want a 3.06GHz HyperThreaded CPU or not?

As for the memory, as it's only PC2100, it really is not a big difference on brand. I know where you're coming from, as I prefer Corsair XMS in my desktop systems, but for laptops, it doesn't matter (no over-clocking).

Also, the missing things: bluetooth and 802.11g (there is a built-in "b" however). I do not think they'll include "g" until the spec is hammered out and finalized.

The AlienWare/VooDoo/Hypersonic model is the 5670; I do not think they carry the 8887 model. Stick with www.pctorque.com for the best service and support, not to mention the best price.

Review www.resellerratings.com for each vendor, so you can get an idea of level and quality of service. Don't be affraid to ask questions, as you've done, as that's what this forum is here for.

Good luck,
-myrkat
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post #3 of 4
5/6/03 at 5:03pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks!

Thanks for the advice, myrkat! A few more questions if you don't mind.

First, I'm not expecting Centreno 4-6 hour battery life, but in the 8887-V or 5670-V configs, what are we talking on primary battery alone? With secondary?

Next, how heavy might these two be?

Finally, am I right to think that the only difference between an Alienware Area51m and The Sager 5670 is the color? Cases, ports, motherboards etc.. are all the same?! Sagers are much more reasonably priced!

Thanks again
-ronin
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post #4 of 4
5/6/03 at 5:11pm
Well, the 8887 only has one battery, and you can expect anywhere from 1:15 - 1:30 (or more) depending on what you do.

The 5670 has an option of a second battery which gives a total of about 1:30 - almost 2hrs (if I'm not mistaken). The battery life for each of these have been discussed and reviewed a bit in the forums, if you search for it, it will yield more descriptive, detailed responses.

As for the weight, these laptops weigh more than any other laptop you've ever used or seen. The 5670 tops out around 9 - 10 pounds (w/ extra battery) and the 8887 is 12 pounds (with one CD and one HD, though adding more wouldn't be much weight, relatively speaking).

The clevo machines are HEAVY, run warm (though not as hot as a Mobile Pentium 4), are BIG (dimension-wise) and THICK. Oh, and they are HEAVY - did I mention that? Well, if you can live with the Heat, Weight, and Battery life (in exchange for power) you'll be fine.

Finally, yes, you are correct to think the only difference is the Paint Job. Well, the paint job and HORRIBLE support that AlienWare is quickly becoming infamous for. And the wait... Alienware orders, I've heard, take quite a long time (probably because of the painting), so if you are in a rush, remember that.

PC Torque and Powernotebooks.com are both very good at support, sales, and service - it truly is like night and day when comparing them to Alienware/Dell/Gateway/Compaq, etc.

-myrkat
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