Comments on Clevo 15" lappy purchase, please?

[sgrinavi]

I'm probably going to pull the trigger on this unit in the next few days - I'm selling all my 2 desktops and 2 laptops and going to a single unit - I do mostly REVIT, AutoCAD Architecture, 3dsMAX - play a few games every now and again :

I have a few questions/comments (in bold italics) that I would appreciate some feedback on

$2001 with the 6990m

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
EUROCOM Racer; 15.6-inch Full HD 1920x1080; MATTE (Non-Glare); LED Backlit Display

$100 option to go with the matte display, is it worth it?

I know I can go with a 17" lappy, but they're HUGE and I want to stick this in a back-back when I ride to work (bike or motorcycle)


Biometric Fingerprint Device Integrated Fingerprint Reader for Secure Data Access and Easy Management of Passwords

It's standard

VGA Technology 2GB GDDR5; AMD Radeon Mobility HD6970M (BlackcombXT); 256-bit; 960 Stream Processors; DVI-SL; DX 11; MXM 3.0b; 75W-100W

I called and will get the 6990m for $75 upgrade - All the latest releases of my software really do not utilize the workstation class video cards, in fact the 6990m is overkill for 90% of what I do, but it'll be nice for certain viewport conditions

2.30 GHz Intel Mobile Core i7-2820QM; 4C/8T; 8MB L3; w/ HD Graphics; 32nm; uPGA988B; 45W; DDR3-1066/1333/1600

The 2720 is $200 cheaper, but has 6MB of L3 cache. I would spend the money for the 2920xm , but in all honesty I can not justify the extra $400 since I can't O/C it... or can I?


Memory Configuration 4GB; 2x 2GB; DDR3-1333; PC-10600; CL9; 204-pin -

These guys really over charge for memory... I'll stick the 8 GB I have in there and/or buy new for 1/3rd of what they are asking

Built-in Web Camera 2.0 Megapixels; Webcam; Built-in

It's standard

USB 3.0 Built-in 2x USB 3.0 and 2x USB 2.0 Ports

It's standard

1st Hard Drive. 250GB; G-Force Protection; SATA-300 NCQ; 7,200rpm; 3Gb/s; 16MB cache; ST9250421ASG

I have a couple SSDs that are not being used right now and will slap one in


Optical Drive 8x Multi DVD +-RW/-RAM Burner; Dual Layer; Tray Load; SATA; w/ Software

I would love to have the drive caddy for a second on-board hard drive, but not for $132!

Wireless LAN 2-in-1; 802.11b/g/n WLAN and Bluetooth V3.0 Module; Half Mini-Card PCIe Adapter; Intel 6230 Centrino Advanced

I understand that this a great unit, yes/no?


Built-in Subwoofer Built-in Subwoofer Module

It's standard

Internal Card Reader 9-in-1 Card Reader; MMC/RSMMC;

It's standard

Standard Battery (internal) 8-cells Smart Li-lon Battery

Standard AC Adapter 180W auto-switching 100-250V AC Adapter

Freaking brick, are there any aftermarket units that big?

Warranty Plan 1 Year Return to Factory Depot with 1 Year of Tech Support

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Is there a better / less expensive alternative? did I miss any goodies?

 

[SparksIT]

I'm probably going to pull the trigger on this unit in the next few days - I'm selling all my 2 desktops and 2 laptops and going to a single unit - I do mostly REVIT, AutoCAD Architecture, 3dsMAX - play a few games every now and again :

I have a few questions/comments (in bold italics) that I would appreciate some feedback on

$2001 with the 6990m

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
EUROCOM Racer; 15.6-inch Full HD 1920x1080; MATTE (Non-Glare); LED Backlit Display

Is there a better / less expensive alternative? did I miss any goodies?

Have you shopped around? I assume since you are buying from Eurocom you are in Canada. Clevo\Sager has several North American resellers, some are slightly cheaper then others. If I remember correctly, a few years ago when I was looking at a Clevo PC Eurocom was on the higher end, might want check out Xoticpc.com. Also may want to head over to notebookreview.com they have an entire sub-forum dedicated to all the notebook brands. They do have several official members that represent various resellers, they would be able to help you a lot more if you are getting a good price.

VGA Technology 2GB GDDR5; AMD Radeon Mobility HD6970M (BlackcombXT); 256-bit; 960 Stream Processors; DVI-SL; DX 11; MXM 3.0b; 75W-100W

I called and will get the 6990m for $75 upgrade - All the latest releases of my software really do not utilize the workstation class video cards, in fact the 6990m is overkill for 90% of what I do, but it'll be nice for certain viewport conditions

Even if it works for 90% of what you do, I would still get an Machine with AutoCAD certified graphics card. In dealing with AutoCAD at work this is a must, Every time we contact them, after all the pleasantries are dealt with, they always ask for the specs of the machine we are running on. At the moment this is a not big issue, but in the past when we used machines that were running consumer grade cards or low end pro-grade mobile graphics cards, they would point to that being a major concern, and to that as being the issue. As we were not running the program on PC that meet the minimum system requirements.

 

[sgrinavi]

Have you shopped around? I assume since you are buying from Eurocom you are in Canada. Clevo\Sager has several North American resellers, some are slightly cheaper then others. If I remember correctly, a few years ago when I was looking at a Clevo PC Eurocom was on the higher end, might want check out Xoticpc.com.

I'm ordering from and delivering to USA

Yes, part for part Eurocom is higher, but If I go with a similar configuration with a 580m at xoticpc.com I would spend another $300 .... I have not found a 6970, never mind a 6990, in a Clevo Sandy Bridge 15" unit from anyone else. Do you know of one?

Also may want to head over to notebookreview.com they have an entire sub-forum dedicated to all the notebook brands. They do have several official members that represent various resellers, they would be able to help you a lot more if you are getting a good price.

Good point, I will check out the Clevo owners lounge.

Even if it works for 90% of what you do, I would still get an Machine with AutoCAD certified graphics card. In dealing with AutoCAD at work this is a must, Every time we contact them, after all the pleasantries are dealt with, they always ask for the specs of the machine we are running on. At the moment this is a not big issue, but in the past when we used machines that were running consumer grade cards or low end pro-grade mobile graphics cards, they would point to that being a major concern, and to that as being the issue. As we were not running the program on PC that meet the minimum system requirements.

It'll work for 100% of what I do, I just don't need that much power for 90% of what I'm doing... probably 95%. I will respectfully have to disagree with you on the workstation graphics cards - I've been a slave to the quadro/firepro cards long enough, a mid range workstation class card costs as much as a decent computer these days. The 5800 I have in my computer at work was $3500 and performs no better than my 480 GTX - I don't think I have ever filled the 4GB frame buffer. It just doesn't make sense any longer.

You know I've never had to call Autodesk tech support. If I cant get an answer from a forum I can usually get one from my reseller.

 

[Axon]

Just FYI, my understanding is the 6990m isn't shipping until Mid-August, so they might just be taking your money right now. I would call up first.

Malibal has the 6990m config but acknowledges it won't ship till august: http://www.malibal.com/boutique/pc/configurePrd.asp?idProduct=283. In my dealings with XoticPC, it seems like they don't do any pre-order style stocking, at least overtly.

You can also skip all the customizers and go straight to rjtech for the Clevo chassis of your choice and fill in parts from newegg or where ever: http://rjtech.com/

 

[Trey22]

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

$100 option to go with the matte display, is it worth it?

If you are used to matte screens, and glare is an issue, then it is definitely worth it.

The standard glossy screen is no slouch and colors look great.

I know I can go with a 17" lappy, but they're HUGE and I want to stick this in a back-back when I ride to work (bike or motorcycle)

I have a 15" NP8150, and while 1920x1080 is a great resolution, I find I have to always increase the font size and icon size to better suit me.

I would imagine this is not an issue going with a 17"


I would love to have the drive caddy for a second on-board hard drive, but not for $132!

Buy a caddy off Ebay for +/- $20. For recommendations, see the Sager/Clevo Owners Lounges at www.notebookreview.com.

Wireless LAN 2-in-1; 802.11b/g/n WLAN and Bluetooth V3.0 Module; Half Mini-Card PCIe Adapter; Intel 6230 Centrino Advanced

I understand that this a great unit, yes/no?

The Intel 6230 and the 63XX series are a huge boost from the stock wireless card.


Standard AC Adapter 180W auto-switching 100-250V AC Adapter

Freaking brick, are there any aftermarket units that big?

I agree. Aftermarket units... None that I've found. Remember, you're powering a 6990, so a 180w adapter is a must.

Cheers,

Trey

 

[sgrinavi]

Thanks for all the great comments

I've been reading some pretty raw stuff about Eurocom customer service. I'm tempted as they do offer an attractive trade-in program.

Turns out that I can get the same configuration from a USA vendor (with a much better warranty and reputation) for about the same price .

 

[imported_mystro]

The newest gen SSD's are 6gbps

Upgrade to the Bigfoot LAN

Lot's of ram asap

If it's really portable considered a Nvidia Optimus technology card.

The non-matt screen is also gorgeous

Even a i3 can be a screaming machine today 🙂

...enjoy, it'll definitely end up a DT replacement

 

[sgrinavi]

The newest gen SSD's are 6gbps

Upgrade to the Bigfoot LAN

Lot's of ram asap

If it's really portable considered a Nvidia Optimus technology card.

The non-matt screen is also gorgeous

Even a i3 can be a screaming machine today 🙂

...enjoy, it'll definitely end up a DT replacement

I'm replacing my m4500 with 1080p matt panel, 8GB , i7/840, 2 SSDs and a quadro FX1800m, so I think an i3 would be a pretty significant downgrade 🙂

I've been reading that the intel 63xx is actually better than the bigfoot, no?