News: Sager NP9860 Announcement - PCI-E and SATA Support

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Manzelle

Golden Member
Oct 6, 2003
1,396
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Are you people stricken with cancer? Are your muscles deteriorating? 9, 12.5, hell even 15 pounds IS NOT HEAVY! It's not as if you are running a relay marathon with these machines.
 

jvarszegi

Senior member
Aug 9, 2004
721
0
0
ShellGuy,

The reason that the 9100/XPS sell better than Sagar if you want to say that is that they are everywhere

Sure, that's one reason. Of course, Michael Dell started his company out of his garage, literally. Sager's been on the market more than long enough for their superior value proposition to have won them big business. Instead, they have a very small segment of the market.

Incidentally, I think they and companies like Alienware are victims of outsourcing more than most. That's because the segment of gamers that can afford their machines have tended to be computer professionals in the past, lots of whom are now out stumping for jobs and don't give a damn about the latest version of Doom.


thomsbrain,

i needed the speed to do professional audio recording and mixing.

I admit that you have a solid reason for buying a DTR. You need speed to do your work, you're a student so you probably only have one machine, and you move around a lot.

Probably 99.99% of the public is not a DJ or whatever, though. There's nothing wrong with needing speed, if you need it, and that's not what I was saying in the first place. I'm saying that nobody at Sager should expect the whole world to jump with joy at the introduction of a huge machine with features they don't need, when it's seriously lacking in features they do need. They can wait six months and get better performance than the current top-end bloated P4EE Sager in a Centrino anyway. My question to you is, how did you ever do your editing a year or more ago, when the encoding performance of the top-dog P4(EE?) chip was slower than or comparable to that of a high-end Centrino of today?

My point is that sooner or later, you will experience what I already have: the revelation that any competent machine can meet your processing needs, from any manufacturer. Your needs were just a little greater than mine to start with. At that point, you'll be able to buy a good smaller laptop with better engineering and other traits, and if you're smart, you will. 99% of the world has already reached that point.

Years ago, processing was a really big deal for me, because the slowness of even high-end machines was a problem. I used to pay thousands more for machines with top-end processors, drives, RAM, etc. Now, the relative importance of things has shifted for me: the screen, keyboard, and maximum battery life are the most important criteria for me, because I know that whatever machine I select can be configured to meet my processing and storage needs just fine.


Manzelle,

Are you people stricken with cancer? Are your muscles deteriorating? 9, 12.5, hell even 15 pounds IS NOT HEAVY! It's not as if you are running a relay marathon with these machines.

It is very heavy for a laptop, and it reduces the usefulness of the machine for almost all people. This is compounded by the poor battery life of DTR notebooks made by companies like Sager. What this means, for instance, is that if I'm happily programming away in my den and want to move to the couch in the living room, I have to cart more stuff to the couch, plug it in and "get arranged", and then after that I'll have to watch out for the cables. If I want to carry the laptop with me to Starbucks' and hang out with the pretentious people, I have a crapload of stuff to carry, whereas if I'd bought a 4-pound Fujitsu with 8-hour battery life, I could just pop it in its sleeve and go.

Hell, I'm strong enough to carry a 50-pound laptop or more, when it comes right down to it. If you're arguing that I should want a Sager because I can carry it, I would say that I can also carry a SFF or bigger machine when I need speed, along with a flat-panel monitor. I can do lots of things.
 

Manzelle

Golden Member
Oct 6, 2003
1,396
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I am not arguing at all; just making an observation. Personally, I see no reason to own a high-end laptop but hey, that's just me.
 

ActuaryTm

Diamond Member
Mar 30, 2003
6,858
12
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Originally posted by: jvarszegi
They can wait six months and get better performance than the current top-end bloated P4EE Sager in a Centrino anyway. My question to you is, how did you ever do your editing a year or more ago, when the encoding performance of the top-dog P4(EE?) chip was slower than or comparable to that of a high-end Centrino of today?
As it bodes well for those uneducated about Clevo/Sager products in general, would be remiss if it were not mentioned that for those requiring a machine that is both lighter (6.6 pounds) and offers more in the way of battery life (5+ hours), there is of course the NP3790. Consise end-user review here. Different machines tailored for different user needs; believe that would be the general goal of most companies in the mobility market. Not all users (and certainly not 99%) have the same requirements in the way of machine weight, machine specifications, machine performance, battery life, etc.
It is very heavy for a laptop, and it reduces the usefulness of the machine for almost all people. This is compounded by the poor battery life of DTR notebooks made by companies like Sager.
True DTRs are not intended to operate with stellar battery life. That said, nearly all Sager DTR models run at or relatively near two hours with the standard battery. My particular Sager machine runs well over two hours, which was far better than what I experienced with any of the Vaios mentioned above (which were dismal in the way of battery performance, ~50 minutes to 1 and 1/3rd hours).

A number of comments regarding Sager/Clevo machines have unfortunately been generalizations; and as the humorous adage states, "all generalizations are bad."
Originally posted by: thomsbrain
and if you don't need speed, that's great, buy your compaq and be happy. but there are some people who need a crapload of power in a portable, and for them sager makes great stuff. also, you can get the sager without an operating system if you choose, and it doesn't come with 150 pieces of pre-installed "helpful" Dell software to remind me to "download updates" or crappy Real or Musicmatch bloatware.
That is certainly one feature we all failed to mention. Sager machines are generally geared toward those users with a bit more experience than the average home user. In fact, this was a huge selling point for me personally, as I already have any operating software I might need (Action Pack, and SuSE. Now beginning to experiment with gentoo as well).
 

jvarszegi

Senior member
Aug 9, 2004
721
0
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... there is of course the NP3790. Consise (sic) end-user review here.

Just to lay this to rest, I point you to this picture of the NP3790's plug-ugly backside:
http://img.photobucket.com/alb...rs/NP3790/IMG_0311.jpg

Even if your unsupported claims about the so-so battery performance are true (unsupported as the machine's not been reviewed by even an online magazine), the release of the NP3790 only means that Sager managed to slap a Centrino chipset into a case. The picture of that battery looks like a Sager technician forgot about something essential like the hard drive, forced it in there, and something had to give. :) Add in the fact that Sager has a sort of shadowy presence (sold only through resellers like powernotebooks.com-- the one with laptops named after portions of the Bible-- and the likes of PC Torque), and I don't see why anyone would prefer to buy this particular machine.

People can get much better machines from the likes of IBM, Toshiba, Fujitsu, Dell, and HP; that might change in the future, but only, strangely enough, if PC Torque (or producer Sager) grows to the size of one of those vendors. That's the only way they'll be able to offer comprehensive support options, drive down price points from suppliers to pass on to the consumer, offer decent software bundles, invest a decent amount in engineering, etc.

I went and priced an NP3790 just now. With the specs below, it came to $2488. Needless to say, for that money I'd choose something else, and so would just about anybody.

Pentium M 755 (2.0 Ghz)
60GB 7200RPM HD
1GB RAM
MR9700 128MB
CDRW
12-cell battery (yep, that's the big mamma jamma from the picture)
WinXP Pro
1 year limited warranty

The default warranty, interestingly enough, requires you to pay shipping to Sager.


 

ActuaryTm

Diamond Member
Mar 30, 2003
6,858
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Again, as it will benefit others, some of the misinformation above should be corrected.
Add in the fact that Sager has a sort of shadowy presence (sold only through resellers like powernotebooks.com)
Incorrect, actually. Machines are available direct from Sager Midern, based in Calfornia. Sager site found here. Purchases can be made directly from this site, if so desired. Typically fewer customization options than available from some of the better resellers, however.
and the likes of PC Torque
There are a number of advantages of purchasing a machine through a reseller, and not just limited to price, of course. Manufactured machines - including IBM (thinkpads.com comes to mind, as a user mentioned it in another thread) - are often sold through multiple channels, which certainly includes resellers. As for questioning PC Torque as a reseller, their customer service reputation often preceeds the sale, and (this is my personal experience, mind you - not conjecture) it is very well earned. While certainly only one aspect in researching a company prior to purchase, one should consult their ResellerRatings.
People can get much better machines from the likes of IBM, Toshiba, Fujitsu, Dell, and HP; that might change in the future, but only, strangely enough, if PC Torque (or producer Sager) grows to the size of one of those vendors.
Size of the company is unfortunately not indicative of the quality, and "better" is largely a subjective term. Save Fujitsu (almost purchased a LifeBook a year ago), have owned at the very least one machine of each of the above mentioned manufacturers over the course of 15+ years in the industry. There are some makes and models of machines that may be more suited toward one sect of users than another (which was the original premise mentioned ages ago in this thread), but to suggest one or two machines will fit the needs of a majority of users - even at one specific price point - is rather inane. Different machines for different needs, desires, preferences, etc. Always recommend end-users choose the machine best suited for their own needs.
I went and priced an NP3790 just now. With the specs below, it came to $2488. Needless to say, for that money I'd choose something else, and so would just about anybody.
$2,303.77, with those specifications here. Without the operating system, $2,157.22. Again, this option appeals to many, as a number of power users first format the drive completely after purchase, and install their own flavor/version of their preferred operating system (and thus, why be forced to purchase another license if such is the case?).
 

Tuzzi

Senior member
Jun 20, 2002
598
0
0
I am in the market for a Laptop as a desktop replacement.

I am hearing nothing but good things about Sager. I am leaning towards the 5690. Although I will continue my research.
 

ActuaryTm

Diamond Member
Mar 30, 2003
6,858
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Originally posted by: manko
It's finally up for pre-order. The first orders are supposed to ship next week.

PC Torque Sager 9860
Reasonably priced, considering the technology employed in a mobile machine. Will be interested to see how the cost is affected when a 17" WUXGA is introduced into this line of machines; and later, an introduction of a 7,200 rotational speed in a 2.5" SATA.
 

ActuaryTm

Diamond Member
Mar 30, 2003
6,858
12
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For the gamers, review of the 6800 Go v the M28 on Anandtech here. Released today. The test machine for the 6800 Go was the NP9860.
 

loup garou

Lifer
Feb 17, 2000
35,132
1
81
Wow, that is one sweet DTR, especially for the price.

I have to say to Manzelle though--and to an extent ActuaryTM--that 12+ lbs is crazy to carry on a daily basis. I'm an IT consultant in Manhattan and I walk all day. After a day's work carrying around anything over 7lbs, my shoulder is sore as hell. I almost balked at picking up a cheap 700M because I thought it was too heavy for daily use (it's not though). I used to carry around an 8lb or so Compaq brick and it almost killed me. It doesn't matter how in shape you are, putting that amount of weight on your shoulder for an extended period of time will result in discomfort.

PS, can we all just ignore the trolling n00b? ;) I have to say this is the first (if one-sided) flamefest I've seen in SFF/Notebooks. :D
 

ActuaryTm

Diamond Member
Mar 30, 2003
6,858
12
81
Originally posted by: werk
I have to say to Manzelle though--and to an extent ActuaryTM--that 12+ lbs is crazy to carry on a daily basis. I'm an IT consultant in Manhattan and I walk all day.
Very much the same for myself, actually. I commute roughly 3 to 5 days a week (dependent upon how often I have to visit client sites) all over Nyc, NJ, and parts of CT - all via public transportation and my own two feet (sold my vehicle a number of years ago, as it makes no sense to have a permanent one in the city).

It may not be for everyone, I completely agree. Fully loaded - not just the machine itself, mind you, but any other business related items I may need during the course of any given day - my bag (this one) runs 20 to 25 pounds at its heaviest, with the average somewhere closer to the neighborhood of 15 to 17 pounds. I completely understand not everyone could shoulder (pun intended) such a load, and to be quite honest they should not have to if their lighter machine performs what tasks they need of it. Would welcome a lighter, and sleeker machine if it offer the same overall performance.

The gel-padded strap helps a great deal. Not certain I could carry such a weight for a prolonged period of time without one.
 

loup garou

Lifer
Feb 17, 2000
35,132
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Originally posted by: ActuaryTm
Originally posted by: werk
I have to say to Manzelle though--and to an extent ActuaryTM--that 12+ lbs is crazy to carry on a daily basis. I'm an IT consultant in Manhattan and I walk all day.
Very much the same for myself, actually. I commute roughly 3 to 5 days a week (dependent upon how often I have to visit client sites) all over Nyc, NJ, and parts of CT - all via public transportation and my own two feet (sold my vehicle a number of years ago, as it makes no sense to have a permanent one in the city).

It may not be for everyone, I completely agree. Fully loaded - not just the machine itself, mind you, but any other business related items I may need during the course of any given day - my bag (this one) runs 20 to 25 pounds at its heavies, with the average somewhere closer to the neighborhood of 15 to 17 poundst. I completely understand not everyone could shoulder (pun intended) such a load, and to be quite honest they should not have to if their lighter machine performs what tasks they need of it. Would welcome a lighter, and sleeker machine if it offer the same overall performance.

The gel-padded strap helps a great deal. Not certain I could carry such a weight for a prolonged period of time without one.
That's a very nice bag. Unfortunately, I am stuck with a beautiful, yet less than comfortable leather Coach bag my girlfriend bought for me as a college graduation gift. I can't bear to buy another one and have such a nice bag just sit in my closet (although, considering the way she goes through handbags, I/she really shouldn't mind! ;)) The bag itself is wonderful, especially paired with a neoprene sleeve for extra cushioning of my 700m, but it probably weighs as much as my laptop and the leather shoulder strap pad isn't the softest thing I've ever felt. I'm considering replacing the strap with something more comfortable (gel-padded), but it requires cutting the existing one (no clips here), which I'm hesitant to do as I don't want to ruin the lifetime warranty on the bag.

I also agree...I have no need for an extremely powerful portable in my field. Just something that I can use to configure SOHO routers, connect to remote networks, do research, type this message on while waiting for Server 2003 to finish installing ;), etc. Let me say though, I don't envy you carrying around almost 20lbs daily!
 

bunnyfubbles

Lifer
Sep 3, 2001
12,248
3
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It is indeed an insane gaming system, perfect for LANs. Obviously not intended for mobile computing but portable computing you simply can NOT compete without having to lug a heavier and more complicated SFF system around (good luck messing around with the keyboard/mouse and monitor. as well as the system itsefl).

For those that doubt PC Torque, just check out their reseller rating
 

jblaz

Junior Member
Nov 9, 2004
12
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Why choose Notebooks made by Sager ?



Quanta Computer is the world's largest notebook maker, which is called an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM). Quanta sell their notebooks computer to many different OEMs such as Dell, HP, IBM, Acer, Sony, Gateway and Apple who then install CPU, System memory and Hard Drive, then put their own label on it which is so-called "name brand" notebooks computer and sell it. How interesting the notebook computer industry is...

So, when you buy DELL, HP, IBM, Acer, Sony, Gateway and Apple these so called "name brand" notebooks computer, actually they are made by Quanta. Of cause, these name brand notebooks not only made by Quanta but also made by other ODM such as Compel, Wistron, Inventec, ASUS, FIC, Mitac, Elitegroup (ECS), Arima, Clevo and Twinhead depending on the percentages.

ChemUSA carry high quality notebooks computer such as Chembook 2500 (made by Quanta), Chembook 2050, Chembook 2051 (made by Compel) and Chembook 2300 (made by ASUS).

Quanta (ODM) makes Chembook 2500 (Quanta Z500), the GamePC GPN-CEN2, the AMAX Z500A and PowerNotebooks PowerPro C3:16. They are all the same notebook and OEM by ChemUSA.

----- "Quanta Computer, the world's largest notebook maker, may ship over one million notebooks in October on increased orders from major brands, according to sources. Dell, Quanta?s largest notebook customer, is reported to have placed an order for 250,000-300,000 notebooks to be shipped in October, sources added. Hewlett-Packard (HP), Acer and NEC combined will account for another 300,000-400,000 notebooks in October, according to sources. Quanta?s other major clients, including IBM, Sony, Gateway and Apple, have also increased orders." ----- Source: DigiTimes.com [Tuesday 2 September 2003]

Compel (ODM) makes Chembook 2050 (Compel CL50), the Hypersonic AVIATOR CX5, the AMAX Elite 6053M and the PowerNootbooks PowerPro M 5:16. They are all the same notebook and OEM by ChemUSA. Also Compel ODM make Chembook 2051 (Compel CL51) OEM by ChemUSA.

--- "Hewlett-Packard?s (HP) new 15.4-inch wide screen notebook, the Pavilion zt3000, is being manufactured by Taiwan-based Compal Electronics, sources said.") -----Source: DigiTimes.com [Friday 3 October 2003]

ASUS (ODM) makes Chembook 2300 (ASUS M3N), the Mar Labs SuperTalent M3N, the PowerNootbooks PowerPro C 3:23. They are all the same notebook computer and OEM by ChemUSA.

Clevo (ODM) makes the Sager NP8890, the ProStar 8814 and the Voodoo ENVY M:600. They are all the same notebook computer. Clevo also makes the Sager NP5680, the ProStar 5614 and the Voodoo ENVY m:460. They are also the same notebooks computer.

Well, you know what's going on about the Notebooks computer industry. Why spend more money to buy these so-called "name brand" notebooks.

 

jblaz

Junior Member
Nov 9, 2004
12
0
0
More info on Notebooks:

Let's talk about the concept of 'Name Brand' as it applies to laptop computers.
Virtually none of the "Name" brands manufacture their own laptops, with the only exceptions being Asus, Twinhead and Apple, and even Twinhead and Apple do not make all of their own.

All of the rest buy their laptops from what is called an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM). These ODMs sell their computers to several different OEMs who then install the Hard Drive (usually an Hitachi or Toshiba), Processor and System Memory. They then put their label on it and market it.


For example:

An ODM named Clevo makes the Sager NP5690 and the original Alienware Area 51-M, the Voodoo MClass M550, the Hypersonic Aviator GX6, and they are all the same computer. Clevo also makes the Sager NP8790, the Falcon Northwest Fragbook DL, and the Voodoo Envy M:780, and they are also the same computer.

Of course the Sager models have a much sweeter price tag!

An ODM named Compal makes some of the DELL, Hewlett Packard and Compaq line of laptops, as well as the PowerPro M 5:6, PowerPro M 5:14, and the PowerPro M 6:33.


Asus, famous worldwide for their top quality motherboards and other components, also makes their own laptops, and the PowerPro C 3:17 and the PowerPro C 3:12.

The Dell Latitude and the Sony Vaio are made by Quanta, who also makes many of the IBM laptops, and the now-discontinued PowerPro C 3:16. Quanta is well known as the best and highest quality laptop ODM in the world.

The Micron Transport Treck and Treck 2 are made by GVC. Compaq is actually manufactured by companies called Inventec (Armada and Prosignia lines) and Arima (Presario line).

Other ODM names are Mitac, FIC, and Uniwill, among others. Not exactly what you would call "Name" brands, and yet it is their laptops that end up with the "Name" brands on them.

Sager and Pro-Star Computers are made by Clevo. Clevo is one of the largest, and best, in the world.

Well, you get the idea.

Some call this the "Dirty little secret of the Laptop Industry".

 

ActuaryTm

Diamond Member
Mar 30, 2003
6,858
12
81
Most of jblaz's information can be found here, here, and here. Verbatim, actually.
Originally posted by: Valkin
Hey jblaz, what about panasonic toughbook series, who makes those?
See the first link listed above, Valkin. Quanta is the ODM.
 

ActuaryTm

Diamond Member
Mar 30, 2003
6,858
12
81
Originally posted by: werk
That's a very nice bag. Unfortunately, I am stuck with a beautiful, yet less than comfortable leather Coach bag my girlfriend bought for me as a college graduation gift. I can't bear to buy another one and have such a nice bag just sit in my closet (although, considering the way she goes through handbags, I/she really shouldn't mind!) The bag itself is wonderful, especially paired with a neoprene sleeve for extra cushioning of my 700m, but it probably weighs as much as my laptop and the leather shoulder strap pad isn't the softest thing I've ever felt. I'm considering replacing the strap with something more comfortable (gel-padded), but it requires cutting the existing one (no clips here), which I'm hesitant to do as I don't want to ruin the lifetime warranty on the bag.
Very sorry to hear that. You have my condolences. Could perhaps be thankful it wasn't Prada? I am very grateful that I discussed such things with my significant other; she has great taste for herself, but if I were use/wear most things she would pick out for me, I would look like a cross between Vanilla Ice and Gianni Versace.
Let me say though, I don't envy you carrying around almost 20lbs daily!
It really isn't as bad as it would seem. As I said earlier, it is certainly not for everyone. Each user should go with what works best for their needs, ans their usage habits.
 

BigPoppa

Golden Member
Oct 9, 1999
1,930
0
0
20lbs in a backpack is extremely easy to carry around. I've flown a lot in the past year (From Helena, MT > Atlanta, Dallas, Orlanda and back) and brought my Sager 5660 in a backpack everytime. 2 CD cases and a CD player and the laptop's battery charger were also included in the backpack. I can see a bag with a shoulder strap being a pain (excuse the pun), thats why I'd recommend a backpack. It distributes the weight far better than a shoulder strap will.
 

ActuaryTm

Diamond Member
Mar 30, 2003
6,858
12
81
Originally posted by: BigPoppa
20lbs in a backpack is extremely easy to carry around.
Agree completely. Unfortunately, there are a number of times when a backpack isn't all that appropriate - business settings come to mind.