BYO P4 laptop @ ComputerGeeks (Not DeskNote)

[TerryMathews]

This is a ECS laptop, but it's not a DeskNote. It comes with a fully integrated, although replacable, battery.

$779, no HD, no processor, no RAM, no OS. Comes with DVD/CD-RW, 15" LCD (1280x1024), and Radeon Mobility M9P which as far as I can tell is Radeon 9000. Doesn't support 800MHz FSB, so the only way you'll get HyperThreading is using a P4M or P4 3.06 533MHz FSB processor. Pretty smoking deal IMO considering no rebates and customer upgradable.

I ordered mine today, along with a used P4 3.06 533Mhz and 1GB (2x512MB) of PC2700 SODIMM DDR. Have a 40GB drive around here from a previous hot deal. Total with shipping was a little under 1200.

 

[Naruto]

Originally posted by: TerryMathews
This is a ECS laptop, but it's not a DeskNote. It comes with a fully integrated, although replacable, battery.

$779, no HD, no processor, no RAM, no OS. Comes with DVD/CD-RW, 15" LCD (1280x1024), and Radeon Mobility M9P which as far as I can tell is Radeon 9000. Doesn't support 800MHz FSB, so the only way you'll get HyperThreading is using a P4M or P4 3.06 533MHz FSB processor. Pretty smoking deal IMO considering no rebates and customer upgradable.

I ordered mine today, along with a used P4 3.06 533Mhz and 1GB (2x512MB) of PC2700 SODIMM DDR. Have a 40GB drive around here from a previous hot deal. Total with shipping was a little under 1200.

Battery life with your configuration might only last 1 hr max. I thought of getting this, but I went instead for the ECS centrino version, which is 5 ~ 6lbs and 1.15" thick. Too bad I messed up with a bad bios flash and its RMA right now.

 

[NYSTrooper]

Doesn't seem like you're saving much...and no support if you gimp it.

 

[TerryMathews]

Originally posted by: Naruto

Originally posted by: TerryMathews
This is a ECS laptop, but it's not a DeskNote. It comes with a fully integrated, although replacable, battery.

$779, no HD, no processor, no RAM, no OS. Comes with DVD/CD-RW, 15" LCD (1280x1024), and Radeon Mobility M9P which as far as I can tell is Radeon 9000. Doesn't support 800MHz FSB, so the only way you'll get HyperThreading is using a P4M or P4 3.06 533MHz FSB processor. Pretty smoking deal IMO considering no rebates and customer upgradable.

I ordered mine today, along with a used P4 3.06 533Mhz and 1GB (2x512MB) of PC2700 SODIMM DDR. Have a 40GB drive around here from a previous hot deal. Total with shipping was a little under 1200.

Battery life with your configuration might only last 1 hr max. I thought of getting this, but I went instead for the ECS centrino version, which is 5 ~ 6lbs and 1.15" thick. Too bad I messed up with a bad bios flash and its RMA right now.

Yeah, I'm not expecting long battery life. I almost always am near a power outlet when I'm using a laptop anyway. Although being able to switch to a mobile P4 later is nice...

Originally posted by: NYSTrooper
Doesn't seem like you're saving much...and no support if you gimp it.

Not true. It's new, not used or refurbished. It will carry the full 1 year warranty from ECS. If you can name a cheaper laptop that comes with a comparable graphics processor, please let me know. I'll cancel this before CompGeeks sends it out.

 

[Naruto]

I think I have found the G732 cheaper at some places. Check www.ewiz.com, www.mwave.com, www.laptops4me.com or ebay.

 

[TerryMathews]

Originally posted by: Naruto
I think I have found the G732 cheaper at some places. Check www.ewiz.com, www.mwave.com, www.laptops4me.com or ebay.

Checked all those places. Lowest price was at ewiz.com for $790. Geeks is $779.

I'd consider different laptops if they had the same or better graphics horsepower (This is a Radeon 8500)

Originally posted by: Naruto
Battery life with your configuration might only last 1 hr max. I thought of getting this, but I went instead for the ECS centrino version, which is 5 ~ 6lbs and 1.15" thick. Too bad I messed up with a bad bios flash and its RMA right now.

Just did the calculations with the two power usage points provided by ECS (1.6GHz @ 3 hours, 2.2GHz @ 2.5 hours) along with the Icc for each processor provided by Intel.

My formula, y-y1=m(x-x1) where m=(y2-y1)/(x2-x1)
y2=2.5 hours
y1=3 hours
x2=2.2GHz
x1=1.6GHz

Yields m=-0.83333333

y-3=-0.8333333(x-1.6)
y=-0.83333x + 4.33333

y = battery life
x = processor frequency

Insert x=3.06GHz and y=1.78 hours. This should be fairly accurate since current draw for Intel processors is relatively linear at a fixed Vcc.

 

[TerryMathews]

Just spent some time playing around at Dell. None of their laptops with comparable video chips can touch this price... At any processor speed.

 

[pxc]

Originally posted by: TerryMathews
Just spent some time playing around at Dell. None of their laptops with comparable video chips can touch this price... At any processor speed.

BYO laptops are a good deal if you already have several parts. This one isn't that great of a deal, IMO. The closest Dell I could find was:
$1253
Inspiron 5150
"Mobile Pentium 4 w/HT 3.06GHz"
15" SXGA+ (1400x1050) <- better screen
512MB PC2700 (or $1153 with 256MB + $100MIR) <- less memory
64MB GF Go5200 <- comparable to the Mobility 9000 (within 10% when both have 64MB)
8x DVD-ROM/24x CD-RW <- same
96WHr battery <- with low power 3.06GHz + larger battery, this gets twice the battery life of the one at compgeeks
30GB hard drive <- includes a HD
WinXP Home <- includes an OS

http://catalog.us.dell.com/CS1/cs1page2.aspx?br=7&c=us&cs=04&fm=10484&kc=6W300&l=en&s=bsd

I'm not putting down the deal. It's obviously worth it in some cases (like your case ).

 

[TerryMathews]

Originally posted by: pxc

Originally posted by: TerryMathews
Just spent some time playing around at Dell. None of their laptops with comparable video chips can touch this price... At any processor speed.

BYO laptops are a good deal if you already have several parts. This one isn't that great of a deal, IMO. The closest Dell I could find was:
$1253

Got an eValue code for that? Cheapest 5150 I could configure was $1450 with a $100 MIR.

 

[Yo2]

LOOKS to be the BEST DEAL of the bunch Inspiron 5150
for $1099 after $100 auto instant off savings & $100 mail in rebate with free shipping
Loaded with
Intel Pentium 4 processor 3.06GHz,15in UXGA ,256MB DDR RAM, FREE UPGRADE to DVD/CDRW Combo Drive,32MB DDR NVIDIA® GeForce? FX Go5200 AGP 4x Graphics, 30GB Hard drive

stolen from here

Still: is the ECS overclockable?? what memory does it use sodimm or desktop?

 

[TerryMathews]

Maybe Dell doesn't like me... That deal isn't offered to me anywhere I can see @ Dell's page.

EDIT: A ha! It's at small biz, not home & office.

The G732 is not overclockable (From what I've read), and has 2 SODIMM sockets.

Some ECS laptops have adjustible FSBs in the BIOS. I have my fingers crossed.

 

[Yo2]

In further checking this out I think you calculation regarding price have to be revised by at least $75+ for the OS and also something for warranty on the entire ptoduct and how much is shipping?

Also appearantly this only runs PC2100 SODIMMs? How does that play with a 533MHz processor?

 

[TerryMathews]

Originally posted by: Yo2
In further checking this out I think you calculation regarding price have to be revised by at least $75+ for the OS and also something for warranty on the entire ptoduct and how much is shipping?

Also appearantly this only runs PC2100 SODIMMs? How does that play with a 533MHz processor?

PC2100 is the correct memory speed for a 533MHz processor as the process's bus is quad pumped (4x) to the memory.

From what I've read, the SiS chipset in this laptop should set the memory multipler according to what the memory is rated at. There is a setting for PC2700 and a 533MHz processor.

I don't need another copy of WinXP, and wouldn't value Dell's copy at $79 since it's tied to Dell hardware only. Don't forget, there are free alternatives like Linux and *BSD.

 

[vroom1810]

Looks good! Can you give us links/intrnet sites for the needed parts for the laptop.....best prices? thanks, robert

 

[jrsc]

Have you fella's figured out how much a Mobile processor, Laptop memory, and drive cost? They cost more than the normal destop stuff.

With only about $300-$400 more you can have a well equipped Dell 5150 with some of the latest cool stuff already pre-installed. Heck, the M9 video card is (hate to say this but its true) kinda out of date. Unless its the M10 (mobility 9600) or M11 (mobility 9700), its not really a competitive video card against nVidia.

Just try adding those used parts on their website and see what you come out with when you have a working computer. It won't be that much different from an already working Dell shipped to your door thats new.

 

[TerryMathews]

Originally posted by: vroom1810
Looks good! Can you give us links/intrnet sites for the needed parts for the laptop.....best prices? thanks, robert

www.pricewatch.com is your best friend. As is the FS/FT forum at this site.

I bought my parts from CompGeeks since I would save on shipping that way. YMMV.

Originally posted by: jrsc
Just try adding those used parts on their website and see what you come out with when you have a working computer. It won't be that much different from an already working Dell shipped to your door thats new.

The only used part I purchased was a P4. It's not like Intel processor wear out like HDs...

EDIT: In case you didn't catch it, this laptop will work with both desktop and laptop P4s.

 

[ThisIsMatt]

I wouldn't touch it based upon the following:
1) It's ECS (extremely crappy stuff).
2) ECS has crappy support.
3) Any parts/repairs are going to be a pain (see #1 and #2).
4) Being able to easily swap the battery is nice.

 

[TerryMathews]

Originally posted by: ThisIsMatt
I wouldn't touch it based upon the following:
1) It's ECS (extremely crappy stuff).
2) ECS has crappy support.
3) Any parts/repairs are going to be a pain (see #1 and #2).
4) Being able to easily swap the battery is nice.

I've never had any more trouble with ECS support than any other overseas manufacturer. The battery is easily replacable, it is located on the bottom of the laptop away from the screen.

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: TerryMathews
Just spent some time playing around at Dell. None of their laptops with comparable video chips can touch this price... At any processor speed.

600M?

1.4 ghz centrino
512 ram
30 gb HDD
9000 video (32 mb)
14 inch display
dvd/cdrw combo

$1199 - $100 coupon that can be found on ebay for a few bucks, free shipping, no taqx in most states = $1100

 

[Naruto]

Well this is my config, still waiting to get my laptop back from RMA because of bad bios flash.

ECS G551 - $770 + $60 tax
- i855 chipset
- ati m9 64mb ddr
- 15.1" SXGA+
- 4hr battery life

1.3 Ghz Pentium M - $52
2x256mb PC2700 sodimm - $45
30gb hitachi 4.2krpm - $80
(still need to get a mini pci 802.11B or G wifi)

Total: $1010

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: Naruto
Well this is my config, still waiting to get my laptop back from RMA because of bad bios flash.

ECS G551 - $770 + $60 tax
- i855 chipset
- ati m9 64mb ddr
- 15.1" SXGA+
- 4hr battery life

1.3 Ghz Pentium M - $52
2x256mb PC2700 sodimm - $45
30gb hitachi 4.2krpm - $80
(still need to get a mini pci 802.11B or G wifi)

Total: $1010

$45 total for the ram?

 

[TerryMathews]

I'm looking at the Inspiron 9100 now, since it's got the Mobility 9700. It'd cost me another $500, I'm not convinced that it's battery life would be longer (It appears to use desktop processors just like the ECS), and the ship date at the end of April is more than a little disconcerting.

 

[orion7144]

Wait till April when the new EMachines P4 comes out.

 

[TerryMathews]

Originally posted by: orion7144
Wait till April when the new EMachines P4 comes out.

Specs?

Can't do the Inspiron 9100. It's the biggest brick I've ever seen!

EDIT: Hate to say it, but I've been shopping via Dell, NewEgg, and Google for over an hour now. Nothing else comes in at this price point with this power. It's got 90 days from CompGeeks and a year from ECS. Should I not like it, I've got 30 days through CompGeeks to return it, although I'll lose 15% plus shipping both ways (approx. $200).

Battery life is relatively unimportant to me. At least one laptop's battery I ruined because I kept it at full charge for too long. Should I really need longer battery life, I can rig up an extended battery for in my bookbag out of some large NiCads. I live down the street from a surplus electronics shop.

 

[orion7144]

Here is a link to what the Emachines is supposed to be.