Buying a P-7811FX this weekend

I've decided to take the plunge and buy this puppy. My girlfriend and I are looking for another computer because all we have is my single Alienware m9750. At only $1,250 +tax, we've decided to go with the P-7811FX. I have a few questions:

1) Is it better to order it from Best Buy online, or just buy one in stock at the store (chances of a lemon)?

2) How does the 9800m overclock? I'm thinking this puppy should out-perform my current stock-speed Alienware SLI m9750 (specs in sig).

3) We use Windows XP which is great with gaming. Will the extra power be wasted by running Vista (again, old specs in sig)?

4) Vista 32 with only 3GB used, or Vista-64 w/ the full 4GB better for gaming (I think all of our games support 64-bit OS)?? Or wasn't there something about 32-bit now recognizing all 4GB? I'd rather use the 32-bit version because of program compatibility, but if the performance gain is enough, we'll go with 64-bit (both are on the CD, right)?

5) How much is the Blu-Ray optical drive and where you would buy it?

6) What should I be concerned about when I make my purchase? Buying instructions? I plan to inspect the unit with the Geek Squad, so what are the things I should be looking for? I've been told to examine the build quality for an over-flexible keyboard, light leakage, and wonky optical drive...anything else (obviously hardware locks would be found during performance runs)?

7) What's this about a free game with purchase??

 

The free game thing comes and goes, but may be back with this new sale. By the way my free Call of Duty 4 looks great at 1920 x 1200!

I would watch for ghosting. Look at the screen from the left and right and see if it looks really white in some areas.

Get a black background and look at the screen just straight on, to see if there is light bleeding in from the sides.

Download a free program that helps you check for dead pixels.

Put the machine on a high graphic load for at least a few hours, several times. Some machines overheat during gameplay or under high graphic loads in general, and you need to find that out right away.

Do all this stuff before you get too attached to the computer. It makes it way easier to take back a lemon if it hasn't already become part of the family.

 

How will it compare to the m9750 we already have? Vista 64-bit or Vista 32-bit??

 

1) I would suggest you go to the store and pick it up, and if you wish, have them open it up right in front of you and boot up and everything and make sure the screen isn't defecfective and that it runs fine. Perhaps, carry a jump drive with 3DMark06, 3DMarkVantage, and Prime95 (or Orthos) and have them run it a few times to make sure there are no issues.

2) From what I've read, it's a hit/miss. But it should offer you equivalent performance, if not better than what you have now.

3) I don't think so really. Your main issues will be trying to get the drivers to install properly as well as you'll be losing .75 GBs of memory

4) As I would like to say, "Out with the old, in with the new". Vista 64-bit is where it's at. People who complain about issues with Vista either: 1) Don't own Vista, 2) Are using legacy hardware/software 3) PEBCAK

5) You can find them on eBay for around $200 I believe. Someone on the forum found the model that is compatible with this notebook.

6) Well, one of the main concerns is screen issues. Check the viewing angles as well as use the Windows Vista screen saver to see how back the black light leakage is as well as set the destop to pure white and black background and check for any dead or stuck pixels. Not sure about the keyboard flex. Haven't paid much attention to it. But like you stated, just be sure to make a good observation of the notebook with them.

7) The free game was during Memorial week. Doesn't apply this time around.

 

Thanks for the replies!

Yeah, I just looked up the 4GB RAM "update" that was with the Vista 32-bit SP1, and since I want to actually utilize my 4GB RAM instead of the computer just properly telling me it's there, looks like I'm going with 64-bit. I don't really have any legacy software and the only issue with program compatability would be games (most support 64-bit now) and random micro programs for testing, encoding, etc. I'm sure those will run on it.

I'm going to load 3dMark06 & Orthos on a jump drive to test it at the store and pray for no lock-ups (they should let me, right?). I've got a couple more questions:

1) The eSATA port is just an external port for a normal SATA hard drive, right?? So I could just buy regular hard drive with an enclosure and hook it up and install it with no problems?? Does it provide power through the cable like a USB?? Sounds a lot more promising than a slow USB portable hard drive.

2) What's a good backpack/case? The standard Targus 17" one? It's got that wonky battery sticking out the back lol. I'd like to keep it around $80.

3) To buy the Best Buy Warranty (3-yr. ??) or not: That is the question. This has a 1-yr. warranty from Gateway, right?? Should I shell out the extra money? This is already draining 1/3 of our savings haha.

 

1) The hard drive will still need a power connector... otherwise, it should work just like a regular SATA drive.

2) I have this and it works well: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...ygear&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1083713711275

3) I decided not to purchase it. Partly due to the fact I didn't have the cash for it and I just didn't feel like there was any real need. I mean, you have 14 days to find issues with the laptop (that is, if there exists any). My mother has a Gateway laptop and has had no issues and she abuses it.

 

does they allow you to do the testing before you pay?
or it will be the same to buy online and do the pick up .....

and whats the chance of geting bad ones / good ones?

 

I think there are some portable drives that don't require a power connector and get it through USB right? I know that's not the case with my WD externals, but they are the big blocky ones.

Anyway, you want the external power connected unless you are really crippled for space. It will be a big battery drain if you try to power it through USB.

 

1: order online and have it sent to your local best buy or walk in and get it.
2: have them test it right there.
3: before you do anything, make sure it has the new bios. no new bios. leave it and wait.
4: esata can be used with a usb to power connector. no internal power for it through the same cable. and you will find more usb 2.0 drive enclosers that can run with just the usb cable. i have the esata/usb case and it works well enough.

 

What are the new bios?

 

What's the newest bios revision?

 

9c.08

the old one is 9c.05

if im not mistaken

you will see it right when the computer boots if it's in full boot mode.

 

I am thinking of getting it this weekend too
does they allow you to do the testing before you pay?
or it will be the same to buy online and do the pick up .....

and will they allow you to run the testes in store
and allow you to to change it before you leave?

and whats the chance of geting bad ones / good ones?

 

My new favorite program thanks to johnksss

 

yeah, im liking this program allot. and it's small, but packs a lot of useful information. i know you liked the cpu info section. i was like...now your talking!

 

Well even i am planning to buy this very soon...

I desperately need a gaming laptop and this is the best around at <1300$...

But i would like to know whether it still has all the problems that people have been posting about even after this BIOS update???

I have been going through all the posts and its just driving me crazy and dissuading me from buying this

Am a noob when it comes to checking stuffs and all that...

I would just like to know what all i need to do after getting it and all that i should check before getting it...

 

Download link?v

 

http://www.hwinfo.com/news32.html

Here you go.