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Compaq x1000 vs Sager 8890 - x1000 loses?

post #1 of 7
8/23/03 at 12:51am
Thread Starter 
This is a copy of a post that I made to x1000 forums trying to compare the two boxes. Feedback welcome.
I know there HP/Compaq are working on the keyboard issue and this may also
solve the screen blip and yes the machine looks very sexy, but I am having
my doubts about the x1000.

My uses:
real-time financial modelling (continuous heavy number crunching)
high speed graphics (not gaming lots of fine detail)
simultaneous os support (native xp, linux via vmware, mac via Basilisk)
fast access to customer support knowledge base
portability between clients
mainly used on desk with ac power available
legacy support (floppy and serial ports req'd)

After doing a head to head comparison of the new Sager 8890 and following
the rock solid reviews of the previous 8887 model, the x1000 just does not
stack up anymore.

HTML Code:
For comparison:

        x1000                   Sager 8890

CPU:    1.7GHz Centrino         3.2GHz Hyper Thread P4
MEM:    max 2GB                 max 2GB (dual channel)
GPU:    Radeon 9200             Radeon 9600 pro
VIDMEM: 64MB                    128MB
SCREEN: 15.4"                   16"
TYPE:   WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050)    SXGA (1200 x 1024)
                                (UXGA due later?)
DISKS:  1 x 60Gbyte 5400 RPM    3 x 60 Gbyte 7200 RPM
                                + hardware RAID
DVD:    DVD+R/+RW               DVD-R/-RW
NET:    10/100                  10/100/1000
FLOPPY: Ext USB                 Internal
BAT:    3-4 hrs                 1.5-2 hrs
BTOOTH: integrated              integrated
WIFI:   b                       a/b/g
PCMCIA: 1                       2
SERIAL: 3 x USB 2.0             4 x USB 2.0
        no RS-232               1 x DB-9
WIDTH:  13.77" (35cm)           14.17" (36cm)
WEIGHT: 6.6 lbs (3kg)           12 lbs (5.5kg)
COST:   $2500 (approx)          $3100 (approx)

IMHO, the downsides on the Sager 8890 are its weight, heat output
current lack of a UXGA screen (I can wait for a 16" UXGA).
The downsides on the x1000 are the relability issues, lack of customer
support, lack of an intenal floppy (I don't want to chase a USB floppy
around my desk - I need floppys for legacy support)
and finally lack of grunt compared to the Sager.

I have read some reports that the Sager case is not up to scratch, but
if someone has any feedback on Sager's build quality I would appreciate it.

Anyone else considered/bought/thrown back a Sager over their beloved x1000?
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post #2 of 7
8/23/03 at 9:26pm
Build quality is not bad at all on my 8887. It got dropped from about a foot at an airport and I have had nothing go wrong, in terms of performance or cracking. It is made of plastic though so it won't be as tough as a metal case but I don't think it is by any means a weak or flimsy laptop. But there are more durable laptops, like the panasonic toughbook.
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post #3 of 7
8/23/03 at 10:18pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks wisefish.
Is the plastic casing like the new 'nancy boy' Toshiba's or is more that muted dark grey (and I know you can get those bright paint jobs for it - but I prefer boring grey/silver)?
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post #4 of 7
9/9/03 at 6:01pm
I've had nothing but negative experiences with Compaq. I would only take one of their laptops if they were practically giving it away. Go with ANYTHING but a Compaq. But preferably Sager or Toshiba. =)
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post #5 of 7
9/10/03 at 9:40am
Thread Starter 
Thanks VelvetAcidVixen. After much research, initially into the x1000 (nice on paper, crap in real life imho) and then into the 8890/5680 Sagers, I finally came to the conclusion the 8890 was the go. Placed my order, so now I wait until that all important tracking number from UPS .

As to the HP/Compaq build quality, I agree totally with you. I had a quick look at some of their other models recently and the HP models really do look cheap and tacky .
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post #6 of 7
9/10/03 at 8:48pm
Quote:
Originally posted by aussie
Thanks wisefish.
Is the plastic casing like the new 'nancy boy' Toshiba's or is more that muted dark grey (and I know you can get those bright paint jobs for it - but I prefer boring grey/silver)?
There are a lot of pictures in the picture forum but I would say it is more of a dull muted grey, nothing out of the ordinary in terms of color.
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post #7 of 7
9/17/03 at 5:08am
Thread Starter 

Update on state of x1000

When I first went looking for a new laptop, I had a soft spot for the x1000's (love at first sight - you know the drill).
However, once I met the 8890 I was hooked .
But, I thought I would go back and check how they were travelling over there on www.x1000forums.com.

Let me tell you IMHO, don't even think about an x1000 unless you are a masochist .
If you check out their technical forum the problem list is getting longer not shorter.
I really do feel sorry for these guys.

The current list of issues:
1. Keyboard lockups - bios F09 supposedly fixed the original issue but it would seem some lockups are still happening.
2. Hairline case fractures - 'nuf said.
3. Screen blips - their LCD goes blank for about a second at random times for no particular reason.
4. Battery life - this is a plus - they get about 3.5 - 4 hrs compared to Sager's 1.5 - 2 hrs, but it would appear the software that tells them how long they have left does not report it correctly so be warned.
5. Random power shutdowns. Total shutdown, no BSOD, just like pulling the plug on a desktop.
6. Screen initialisation failures - on boot up the screen does not clear/initialise properly. Requires a second reboot.

Be afraid, be very afraid.

I mean the tech forum for the Sagers is not exactly empty,
but you just don't get these sorts of major on-going issues.
I am so glad I ordered a Sager.
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