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Hey everyone,
I just got my new M680XL system in hand this evening. It's been a long day fo rme, but I was able to play on it for a few minutes, so I'll give a quicky review / overview. A more detailed review is coming soon. First off here is what I got and the price I got:
Here is what I ordered:
M680XL
1.8 Ghz P-M
512MB DDR2 400Mhz Memory (Will sell and swap out for 1GB of 533Mhz)
60GB 7200rpm HD
Intel Wireless a/b/g Card
128MB ATI x700 Video
17.0" WSXGA Widescreen Ultrabright Glossy High Contrast Display
8x DVD+-RW Dual Layer Burner
8-Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Windows XP Home
1 year On-Site with Advatage Accidental Warranty
M680 Port Replicator with extra AC Adapter
Retail before Taxes runs about $2225.00
Long story short, after a few calls and negotiations, I was able to get the system for exaclty 1755.00 out the door, since I had it shipped to my Grandma in Vegas in order to avoid taxes, with Free shipping too. I figure it was worth it to at least try the system for a $470 discount off the retail web price.
Quick Overview: The most important thing for me in any laptop is the screen and I must say the 17" WSXGA Ultrabright Glossy display is AMAZING, and PERFECT as far as resolution! I tried out the Dell 9300 and I must say this thing looks like an Xbrite vs the 9300 display. Allthough I know the Xbrite still probably has this display beat in overall brightness, still an amazing display. Plus the SWXGA is PERFECT for me since, while legible to me, I think the WUXGA is too small for using long periods of time, and the WXGA just doesnt give enough real estate. Overall, Im OVERLY pleased with the display and would say this is probably the nicest 17" display Ive seen on the market, outside the Xbrites/Fujitsu Clearviews.
Size is also great for such a large notebook... it weighs roughly only 7.5 lbs with battery and DVD, and its only 1.2 to 1.4 inches front to back. This is beast comes across much lighter and slimmer than ANY 17" notebook here in the US I have seen thus far (outside Apple)... better design and looks than the SOny and Dell 17"s by far.
Lastly, the only initial shortcoming I noticed immediately was the keyboard... the plus is, its a full size keyboard, with numpad and full size keys. The only slight downside is I did notice some flex in the keyboard, not the most solid Ive ever typed on, but its still not anything bad at all, and there wont be any returns because of it. In fact, there may be a way to fix it if anyone or myself is creative enough.
In general, after 15 minutes of playing with it, I LOVE this notebook, and Im excited to get it all set up tomorrow. I will post a more detailed review soon!
Cant wait to try out the ATI 128MB X700 too!
New M680 JUST ARRIVED! IN HAND! Quick Review!
Discussion in 'Gateway and eMachines' started by HKINGS, Apr 24, 2005.
