NP8660 - Preorder or wait?

[livesoft]

Hi, I'm really wondering if I should preorder the NP8660 or wait for reviews to come out. School starts in few weeks and I'm really looking forward to have my laptop by then but I don't mind waiting one or two weeks after school has started. Also, I live in Canada so I don't want to get into the whole refund process if the laptop is no good ($110 express shipping non-refundable + $40 shipping return).

If I preorder it now, I will get it faster and if the laptop is really that good, I will be happy :D. On the other hand, if there's any problem (eg Alienware m15x horror stories), I will have to go through a whole return process and paperwork because of the taxes and duties.

If I wait for reviews, I'll be almost sure that this laptop is as great as it sounds. On the other hand, I don't know when it will be coming out and by the time reviews come out, I'll be stuck with no computer for weeks at college :mad:. Also, quality and reliable reviews only come out after a month or so. Generally, first impressions are good but problems come after so making my purchase based on first impression reviews does not guarantee that the laptop is good.

So what would you guys recommand? Thanks! :)

[Anewbus]

Well, my humble opinion is that because of your situation, it might be better to tell us what it is your looking for in a laptop. Then we might be able to come up with at least one alternative just in case the 8660 idea doesn't work out. If you are able to get the 8660, what if you get it and discover its not really what you needed or what if it won't be availble in time? That's why it might be better to approach this with your needs in mind.
The nice thing about XoticPC is that you will get a high quality laptop and shouldn't have problems.
You can let us know what you are looking for in regards to your needs and desires by answering the questions in the first item in this forum.

[Zenaku]

I'm in the same boat you are!

The only information I have is that according to the sager site the ETA of the np8660 is 08/15/08. But it is an estimated time, they have already pushed it back once in my experience :(

[livesoft]

Thanks for your anwser! :)

General Questions

1) What is your budget? $1500-$3000

2) What size notebook would you prefer? c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen

3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in. I prefer to have the retail in Canada or to be able to ship it to Canada but I can also have it ship to the US

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? I'm hesitating between the Dell XPS m1530, Alienware m15x, HP dv5t and Sager NP8660

5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? Big gaming, multimedia and school work.

6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? I will be moving occasionnally.

7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? Call of Duty 4, Battlefield 2 and 2142 and maybe Crysis and more.

8) How many hours of battery life do you need? At least 2 hours.

9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? If reviews and opinions are positive, then I don't mind.

10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista (http://forum.notebookreview.com/autolink.php?id=183&script=showthread&forumid=16)).

Screen Specifics

11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer? d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900 or higher

12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen? No preference

Build Quality and Design

13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? No, only POWER http://forum.notebookreview.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? Im willing to wait for a while if it worth it (either price drops or new models)

Notebook Components

15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 500GB? At least 100GB at 7K200

16) Do you need an optical drive? DVD-Burner

Other requirements: I need a high-end video card like a NVIDIA 8 or 9 series.

So basically, the NP8660 fits all my needs :D. Seriously, I don't mind waiting a bit if, for example, a new model is coming out but if this laptop is as great as it sounds, I just want to preorder it as the NP8660 is what Ive been waiting for.

But I've made many bad purchases and I really don't want that to happen again. For example, I remember I bought a 8800GT for $300 before Christmas as all the reviews were saying that this video card was the best bang for the buck, great performance and price etc. Finally, one month later, the price droped to $200, then nVidia came up with series 9 another month later, then with the GTX 240/260 few months later. Also, I bought my Nokia N82 $500 with no warranty then a month after, it was on sale at $360 with a warranty :(.

So I don't need a laptop by a precise date, I just want to get the best product there can be at the moment and the NP8660 seems to be great. But I worry about some AW m15x horror stories that might happen. Im still willing to take some chances about this laptop but I would really like toi avoid return it because Im in Canada.

[Anewbus]

Ok this will be a long post::)
Right from the first, I can tell you that you won't have the worries with XoticPC that you had with Alienware and the rest. XoticPC does rigorous testing before they let anything from their facility out the door. They also have the best warranties in the industry. They would not offer such warranties if they knew the machines would not hold up. Dell, HP, Alienware and the rest can not match XoticPC in warranties and quality of machine.
In fact, the warranties are part of the reason I decided to get my lappy from XoticPC. It was that and the incredible super customer service! (I was hesitant at first as well, but the service won me over. That and the fact that I went an read 160 customer reveiws on the service of XoticPC and all of them were honest and praising). You can read them if you click into the "Reseller reviews" link.
The other bit of good news is that you can get the similar good warranties for Canada that include shipping in some cases. I've copied some info here for you, but you can go to the tab "Why XoticPC" on the site and read the details.
Sager Warranty'sAs a Sager Customer through XOTIC PC you will find many additional advantages compared to purchasing from Sager direct. As a XOTIC PC Sager customer you will receive
1. LIFETIME 24/7 DOMESTIC Technical Support available 24 hours a day 364 days a year
2. 2 Extra Years of Labor Service* beyond the standard Sager 1 Year Limited Warranty for Sager Models NP5793 & NP9262
3. Plus additional services such as Custom Painting and other services provided exclusively by XOTIC PC
Please view our Contact Us page for our 24/7 Support contact Information.

For Canadian Customers XOTIC PC covers return shipping at our expense during the Warranty period.**3 Year Labor Warranty coverage requires all repair billings to go through XOTIC PC. Labor is covered for repairs of item failures only not. Labor is not covered for repairs caused by physical or accidental damage. Select Sager models qualify for 3 Day/Canada Return Paid Shipping for Sager Warranties. Please contact XOTIC PC for more information.

I see that you are also looking for a minimum of 2 hours battery life. Notice the NP8660 has a rated battery life of 1 to 2 hours. I have configured 3 machines for you. The NP8660 which I did in such a way so as to make sure the battery life stays within range. The NP5796 I did the same way, but the reason I chose that machine to show you is due to the video card having more memory. Finally the NP2096 because it will offer 2 to 3 hours of battery life and happens to be a good gaming machine as well.
On all the configs I went with a Sager 3 year warranty offered through XoticPC because I think it would give you peace of mind since it coveres Canada. Also, its well worth having that kind of warranty on a Laptop. (I'm not in Canada, but I went with a full coverage 3 year on mine, just for my own peace as well)

Here are the configs: These are only my humble opinion so just see what you think and feel to ask questions and make changes. Others may come along as well with good suggestions too.

Sager NP8660 (Built on Clevo M860TU) PRE ORDER- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050)
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® P9500 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.53GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 25 watt
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9800M GT DDR3 DX10 (User Upgradeable)
- ~ 4,096MB DDR3 1066MHz Dual Channel Memory (2 SODIMMS) (Requires Vista 64-Bit to recognize Full 4GB)
- Standard Finish
- ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
- ~ 320GB 5400RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 8MB Cache)
- Internal 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo/SD/Mini-SD/MMC/RS)
- Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5300 802.11 a/g/n Wi-Fi Link
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Carying Case Optional (Select if desired)
- Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- ~Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit Installed (64&32-Bit CD Included) w/ Drivers & Utilities CD's
- Sager 3 Year Parts & Labor Warranty w/ Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Toll Free Customer Support

TOTAL = $2398.81 USD with cash discount (Shipping not included)

Sager NP5796 Custom Notebook (Built on Clevo M570TU)- 17" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050)
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® P9500 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.53GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 25 watt
- 1,024MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9800M GTX DDR3 DX10 (User Upgradeable) (ETA Mid-Late August)
- ~ 4,096MB DDR3 1066MHz Dual Channel Memory (2 SODIMMS) (Requires Vista 64-Bit to recognize Full 4GB)
- NP579x Orange Frame Trim Color (or choice of silver too at no charge)
- ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
- ~ 320GB 5400RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 8MB Cache)
- Internal 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo/SD/Mini-SD/MMC/RS)
- Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5300 802.11 a/g/n Wi-Fi Link
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Basic Black Business Case - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- ~Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit Installed (64&32-Bit CD Included) w/ Drivers & Utilities CD's
- Sager 3 Year Parts & Labor Warranty w/ Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Toll Free Customer Support

TOTAL = $2840.16 USD With cash discount (shipping not included)


Sager NP2096 Custom Laptop (Built on the Compal JHL90)
- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050) `
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® P9500 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.53GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 25 watt
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9600M GT DDR2 DX10
- ~ 4,096MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory (Requires Vista 64-Bit to recognize Full 4GB)
- Standard Finish
- ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
- ~ 320GB 5400RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 8MB Cache)
- Internal 3-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS)
- Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5100 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Carying Case Optional (Select if desired)
- Smart Li-ion Battery (9-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- ~Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit Installed (64&32-Bit CD Included) w/ Drivers & Utilities CD's
- Sager 3 Year Parts & Labor Warranty, Lifetime Sager Toll Free Support

TOTAL =$1545.21 USD with cash discount (shipping not included)

[livesoft]

Thank you very much for your response!
I think I'm really going to preorder the NP8660. It seems this machine can be reliable. I hope you're right. I don't mind for the battery, maybe I'll just get a spare battery.

For the warranty, do you recommand to get the 3 years labor through XoticPC or Sager because Ive read reviews and Sager's service doesn't seem as good as XoticPC?

I really hope the NP8660 is as good as it sounds and won't have overheating issue or poor build quality. Don't forget that Sager nor XoticPC have seen the NP8660 yet.

[BloodLust22]

Don't forget that Sager nor XoticPC have seen the NP8660 yet.

I would imagine Sager has a pretty good idea what this model is going to be. If I rememeber correctly Clevos founder is the father of Sagers and ProStars owners. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[Anewbus]

Thank you very much for your response!
I think I'm really going to preorder the NP8660. It seems this machine can be reliable. I hope you're right. I don't mind for the battery, maybe I'll just get a spare battery.

For the warranty, do you recommand to get the 3 years labor through XoticPC or Sager because Ive read reviews and Sager's service doesn't seem as good as XoticPC?

I really hope the NP8660 is as good as it sounds and won't have overheating issue or poor build quality. Don't forget that Sager nor XoticPC have seen the NP8660 yet.

As with any new technology item, there is always some risk of a bug or two or not quite living up to the hype. However, if there is a discovered design flaw for instance you would be covered by warranty. Not only that, but XoticPC only sells higher quailty machines and the Sagers and Forces and such are solid performers.
I've heard there seems to be a little bit of lack-luster to Sager's service, but with persistance you can make them come around. The reason I chose the Sager warranties specifically is because they are valid in Canada as well as the US. The XoticPC warranties is for US only. I suppose you could go with the XoticPC warranties, but you would have to pay for all shipping costs which in my opinion would not be worth spending another $250 or so if you can get a warranty of the same length without having to pay shipping.

You will NOT have poor build quailty unless its inherent from the manufacture. (When you order through XoticPC they have the manufacture use the better quality parts unlike HP or Dell or Alienware which are only trying to turn a quick maximum profit at the expense of the customer. XoticPC is priced competitively and you get more bang for your buck. You also get a company who's foundation and mission is built on exemplary customer service, not solely profits).
You might want to talk with one of the folks at XoticPC before you order to clear up any questions you might have regarding warranties and such.

You'll want to take all cooling precautions with any laptop. The config examples I sent you I designed with heat and battery life in mind. That's why I chose the 5400rpm HD (you won't notice a speed difference between the 5400 and 7200rpm at the large sizes), and the CPUs that run at 25W instead of 35W. Every little bit counts.:)

[livesoft]

Thats great to hear. I think I'll place my order later this week. Here's my config:

Sager NP8660 (Built on Clevo M860TU) PRE ORDER (http://www.xoticpc.com/product_info.php?products_id=2411{76}768{187}1757{ 94}1074{92}2424{88}2418{186}734{93}2430{193}657{11 2}656{98}1295{96}2039{168}1453{116}1416{117}705{12 0}703{110}2426{169}1449{119}1898{100}734{164}1441{ 107}1539{106}1696{121}694{108}710{109}711{170}1591 {173}1175{167}1452{103}1889{113}1413{111}1414{69}2 303)
- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050)
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® P9500 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.53GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 25 watt
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9800M GT DDR3 DX10 (User Upgradeable)
- None Standard
- ~ 2,048MB DDR3 1066MHz Dual Channel Memory (1 SODIMM)
- None Standard
- Standard Finish
- ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
- ~ 200GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache)
- None Standard
- None Standard
- Internal 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo/SD/Mini-SD/MMC/RS)
- Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5300 802.11 a/g/n Wi-Fi Link
- None Standard
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- None Standard
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Carying Case Optional (Select if desired)
- Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
- None Standard
- None Standard
- None Standard
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- None Standard
- None Standard
- ~Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit Installed (64&32-Bit CD Included) w/ Drivers & Utilities CD's
- None Standard
- None Standard
- Sager 3 Year Parts & Labor Warranty + 30 Day NO Dead Pixel Warranty w/ Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Toll Free Customer Service

I don't need 4GB of RAM (but I plan to upgrade in few years) and from what I found on google, 7200rmp hard drive doesn't produce that much heat and are faster to access.

Thanks for your help!:)

[Anewbus]

Nice config.:) However, I would strongly recommend you get the 4GB of RAM if your running Vista (64bit version). Otherwise, you could notice a slower performance at least. Other than that, you have a fine rig there.:smile2: