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Intro

When researching a personal notebook, there are many characteristics that I look for when I need in a unit and it also depends on the purpose I am buying it for: In this case, it needs to run cool enough to be able sit with it on my lap while I surf while watching TV, with a heft that does not put my legs to sleep. It needs to search and open web pages with no discernable latency, have a bright, clear, screen so I can use it on the back deck in daylight, and not be such a power pig that I have to run to an outlet often. The Sager NP2096 meets all of my criteria and more.

Full Specs:

• Sager 2096 Ultimate Custom Laptop Gaming Notebook Computer (Built on the Compal JHL90)
• 15.4" WSXGA+/Glare Type w/Super Clear Bright Display & Wide Viewing Angle (1680 x 1050)
• Zero "0" Dead Pixel Policy
• 30 Day No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee! (Others only give you 15 days)
• NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT DDR2 with 512MB HDMI Output DX10 (PCI-Express)
• Intel Core 2 Duo 2.93 GHz "Montevina" w/ 6MB L2 On-Die Cache (T9800) - 1066MHz FSB 35 Watt
• Arctic Silver 5 High Performance Thermal Compound
• 4096MB (4GB) DDR2 800MHz (2 SODIMMs) (2048MB x 2048MB)
• Intel Turbo Memory (Robson) 4096MB (4GB)
• 320GB l 7200RPM I SATA II (16MB Cache Buffer)
• Panasonic UJ-120 2X BD-R/8X DVD+-R / 2.4X + DL BLU-RAY Reader with Software
• Integrated Fingerprint Reader (Free!)
• High Definition Audio Sound System
• Built-In Bluetooth Module
• 4 -in-1 Memory Card Reader (MS/MS PRO/SD/MMC)
• Integrated 2.0 Megapixel Digital Video Camera (Built In Webcam!)
• Built in Intel Pro 5100 Wireless 802.11 A/G/N Wi-Fi Link
• Microsoft Windows VISTA ULTIMATE (64 Bit Installed, 64 and 32 Bit CDs both included)
• Standard Smart Li-ION Battery Pack (9 Cell)
• Standard Full Range Auto Switching AC Power Adapter
• 15" Deluxe Business Carrying Case and Bag
• Microsoft Office Ready with FREE 60-Day Trial!
• Sager 1 Year Warranty (Parts and Labor) plus Lifetime Tech Support (Free!)

What's in the Box:

What was included with the system. List everything including the power block.

Design

The Sager NP2096 is housed in a simple, nondescript, sleek package that is easy to carry. The black housing has a glossy finish that does reveal every finger touch. I love that there is no latch on the lid so a simple pull lifts the cover with no fumbling and needs only one hand.

Screen:

As mentioned, the screen is of exceptional quality as all Sagers I have ever used, providing a fine resolution and sharpness that made surfing pictures on Flickr and editing on Picasa enjoyable. I sat outside in mid-day and could easily see the screen. There were no dead pixels. It does seem to take an inordinate amount of time to wake the machine up from screen saver mode.

Keyboard

The keyboard is of a comfortable size that a touch typist like me can work in comfort. There is a nice resting spot for my hands. (list them starting with F1)

Touchpad

The touchpad is well situated and has a nice smooth operation and response.

Features:

Multimedia Keys

Are there any multimedia keys? What are they functions? Are they useful? Practical?

LEDS

Are there any LED indicators? Where are they and what are their
functions?

Wifi –

Finding wireless networks was a snap, with a strong signal received even at the far recesses of the house.

Speakers
Are there speakers built in? What is the quality? Is there a subwoofer?

Input and Output Ports

Front:

The (3) USB ports are situated towards the front of each side of the unit which made for comfortable and convenient connection of peripherals.

Right Side:

Talk about the number of ports on the right side of the notebook, their functionality and their convenience.

Left Side:

Talk about the number of ports on the left side of the notebook, their functionality and their convenience.

Rear:

Talk about the number of ports on the rear of the notebook, their functionality and their convenience.

Bottom:

Look at the bottom of the notebook. Is there anything abnormal? How many exhaust ports? Fans? Battery lock?

Benchmarks

Insert Benchmark Scores and Pictures Here

Size and Weight

Talk about the weight. Easy to carry around? Comfortable? Estimate the weight.

Heat and Noise

The Sager xxx runs quiet and cool; balancing the unit on my bare thighs was comfortable; I sat for hours on the couch with the notebook in my lap.

Battery Life

How is the battery life while idling? Surfing the web? Watching videos?

Software

Is there any convenient software that ships with the notebook?

Pros: Great screen, large, comfortable keyboard, low heat production, good positioned USB ports, price
Cons: Glossy finish smudges easily, takes a long time to wake from sleep mode

Conclusion: Although the Sager NP2096 looks like many other notebooks on the market, it stands apart with it’s smart packaging, impressive performance and ergonomic considerations for the user. It is a cool running, powerful notebook that delivers the needs of the casual user and gamers alike at a very attractive price point.

Steve, Amazing results!

Looking foward to see how my Asus will be on this, I know whre aren't any Asus here... :-)

updated this too.

what?

Nope ... potential no good. Post moved to OT.

cheers ...