I sold off my desktop (dual Xeon, 1GB Ram, 128MB ATI AIW 9700 pro, 15K SCSI Drive, 21" CRT etc) for a desktop replacement laptop. Seeing as I have always had a beefy dual cpu system for years, I need a laptop that doesn't suck. I have decided that the 4780 or 8790/870 will fit the bill for me.
I need something that is portable but has a big screen, can do usual web surfing, email, office, etc, gaming (mostly BF1942) and can capture the occasional home movie for DVD durning at least until I get a DVD CamCorder
. So with all that in mind the 4790/8790/870 is the only ones I can find really that will do what I need. Other than an alienware, voodoopc, ibuypower which all look to be Sagers anyway with fancy paint that tacks $500-$1500 onto the price. Heck even the Gateway M675 looks like it's a Sager.
How is the Tuner?? Does it capture well?? I love the ATI AIW 9700 but, 60lb desktop and 60lb monitor and associated cables was getting to be a PITA...
Even thought I now know what Models I want I still Need some input from you folks. What model is worth getting and why? as to where to get the best price, who is best to buy from, has the best service, warranties, etc. and what options useful and which I could live without.
What is the main difference between the 4790 and 8790?? They look similar have the same features, is the 8790 just a 4790 with RAID and a 256MB 9700? The option of adding a second hard drive later would be nice but, for big cheap storage I have a 160GB in a USB/Firewire enclosure so that pretty much give me plenty of storage and a place to back up to. if that's it is it worth the couple hundred bucks difference in price??
I have been looking at where to purchase on, mainly Powernotebooks, PC Torque, Both PCT's and PN's reseller ratings look very good.
Here is the basic config I am after...
Standard NP4790 or NP8790 with the following options...
P4 3.2Ghz Northwood (at least??)
1024MB RAM (or is 512MB Plenty)
60GB 7200RPM Drive
DVD+-RW Drive
TV Tuner
Internal 802.11G
I don't really need the WSXGA+ Screen as I am sure gaming at that rez would be slow, the WXGA should be fine I would think, do I get the 4790 with WXGA??
Right now pricewise PCT and PN are very close when configuring either a 4790 for $2226.58(PCT), $2240.55(PN) or 8790 for $2477.67(PCT), $2472.60(PN) with the options above.
A barebones Clevo 870 from Direct PC (Clevo 870) the base starts at $1899 but, go up quick as you add options, configured similar to the above they are $2,711. 53 and that's without a Tuner and adding $65 just to get a 1 year warranty. So that kind of puts them out of the game (and I couldn't find reseller ratings for Directpc).
Which brings up a question about options...
Am I better of getting a base model for less right now and upgrading it myself later, adding a DVD+-RW, 7200RPM Drive, Faster processor or get the 3.2Ghz), more ram, etc later?? or bite the bullet and layout the cash now?? I know I it could create a Support/warranty nightmare so is worth any cash i might save...
I thought I saw somewhere that the Clevo came with a Three year warranty Standard. What warranties would you guys that have had to use it recommend?? and how long???
Thanks... I know there's allot of questions but, it's kind of a big purchase....
I need something that is portable but has a big screen, can do usual web surfing, email, office, etc, gaming (mostly BF1942) and can capture the occasional home movie for DVD durning at least until I get a DVD CamCorder
. So with all that in mind the 4790/8790/870 is the only ones I can find really that will do what I need. Other than an alienware, voodoopc, ibuypower which all look to be Sagers anyway with fancy paint that tacks $500-$1500 onto the price. Heck even the Gateway M675 looks like it's a Sager.How is the Tuner?? Does it capture well?? I love the ATI AIW 9700 but, 60lb desktop and 60lb monitor and associated cables was getting to be a PITA...
Even thought I now know what Models I want I still Need some input from you folks. What model is worth getting and why? as to where to get the best price, who is best to buy from, has the best service, warranties, etc. and what options useful and which I could live without.
What is the main difference between the 4790 and 8790?? They look similar have the same features, is the 8790 just a 4790 with RAID and a 256MB 9700? The option of adding a second hard drive later would be nice but, for big cheap storage I have a 160GB in a USB/Firewire enclosure so that pretty much give me plenty of storage and a place to back up to. if that's it is it worth the couple hundred bucks difference in price??
I have been looking at where to purchase on, mainly Powernotebooks, PC Torque, Both PCT's and PN's reseller ratings look very good.
Here is the basic config I am after...
Standard NP4790 or NP8790 with the following options...
P4 3.2Ghz Northwood (at least??)
1024MB RAM (or is 512MB Plenty)
60GB 7200RPM Drive
DVD+-RW Drive
TV Tuner
Internal 802.11G
I don't really need the WSXGA+ Screen as I am sure gaming at that rez would be slow, the WXGA should be fine I would think, do I get the 4790 with WXGA??
Right now pricewise PCT and PN are very close when configuring either a 4790 for $2226.58(PCT), $2240.55(PN) or 8790 for $2477.67(PCT), $2472.60(PN) with the options above.
A barebones Clevo 870 from Direct PC (Clevo 870) the base starts at $1899 but, go up quick as you add options, configured similar to the above they are $2,711. 53 and that's without a Tuner and adding $65 just to get a 1 year warranty. So that kind of puts them out of the game (and I couldn't find reseller ratings for Directpc).
Which brings up a question about options...
Am I better of getting a base model for less right now and upgrading it myself later, adding a DVD+-RW, 7200RPM Drive, Faster processor or get the 3.2Ghz), more ram, etc later?? or bite the bullet and layout the cash now?? I know I it could create a Support/warranty nightmare so is worth any cash i might save...
I thought I saw somewhere that the Clevo came with a Three year warranty Standard. What warranties would you guys that have had to use it recommend?? and how long???
Thanks... I know there's allot of questions but, it's kind of a big purchase....
