P-6831 FX versus P-171S FX

Check out the P-6831 FX versus the P-171S FX.

The P-6831 FX is $1,349.99, and the P-171S FX is $1,599.99. As far as I can tell, the other other difference between these two machines is that the P-171S comes with the T7250 (2.00GHz, 800MHz FSB).

Are there any other differences? Is it worth it to buy the P-171S FX for the extra $250?

I was thinking, I could buy a T9300 for around $300 and upgrade it myself instead...What do you all think?

 

Well, the 171 can usually be had for a discount that takes it closer to the 6831. However, this discount amount can vary depending on which Gateway rep you speak to and how good your bargaining skills are.

That said, the difference in processor speeds is something that can be ignored. So is the absence of a fingerprint reader (as long as it isn't sommething you're lusting after. ) The only point that MAY be favorable to the Gateway is that:
1. It may come with a better screen.
2. Gateway is easier to deal with than BB (this is debatable depending on which BB you get yours from.) Some people have had great experience dealing with BB, others... well, let's just say it's not quite the same.

 

If youre going to upgrade to t9300, then whats the point of getting the more expensive version? Just get teh cheaper one and upgrade it...

 

......Also the slot load dvd drive, and for me the bigger deciding factor was the 3 year warranty is like $100 less with Gateway and the fact that with dealing directly with Gateway I was able, in the end, to haggle a little (not much but a little).

 

Sorry, what's a slot load dvd drive? And you are saying that the P-6831 FX does not have one?

 

Yes, we are saying it does not have one. Slot drive DVD players basically just have a slot for you to insert the optical disk. Normal DVD players have the spring out thing.

Don't forget that self-upgrading WILL void your warranty. You can work around that, but that's another issue.

 

Would you please let me know how? PM me if you would like. Thanks.

 

Did Gateway say that upgrading from tray to slot load will void your warranty?

I use both, the slot load is cool but not all that. If the slot load rollers get dirty, it can damage your disk as my pioneer drive has, but OK now that it was cleaned.

 

Eh, basically if you upgrade it and there's an issue with the notebook, you can slot in the original CPU and hope they can't tell the difference.

If they can't, voila, warranty's still valid. No secret there.

Eh, you upgraded your DVD drive to a slot drive? Hmm.. that's a tough question, I don't know. Not too many people upgrade their DVD drives. I don't think it would, but I'm not sure.

 

Is there a tamper proof sticker or anything like that for the factory installed CPU?

 

So far, no one upgrading has reported that yet.

 

arent the lcds different? The 6831 having a glossy and the 171s having a matte screen?

 

Yes there is. I just carefully lifted it and store CPU, and sticker in the case.

My question about DVD warranty, has anyone bothered to write Gateway?

Dell will let you do some mods...

 

If there is a matte screen on the 171, get it.

The gloss on this screen makes playing GoW impossible in bright light.

Anandtech's review spent a lot of time on the screen and they concur with my review - the 6831 screen is lousy - but not enough to make this a bad machine.

It really is designed for gaming at dark Lan Parties.

 

That's interesting, I didn't notice that in some of the other upgrade posts. Perhaps there was and I missed it.

 

Here ya go : http://www.flickr.com/gp/23708977@N03/SQ2Je5

Anyone doing this should read thru the first sticky. There is a screw sequence as well...

The sticker is not a true anti-tamper or we would all be busted

 

Ooh, I haven't seen this link in a while. It's a very good guide. I guess I forgot about the sticker as it wasn't much of a problem. Nice.

 

thanks for the reply, which model are you reffering to ask the one suited for dark lan parties?

 

He meant that the glossy screen in the FX was designed for dark Lan parties as there wouldn't be any lights for them to reflect off.

 

In short:::

P-6831 FX:
$1250 currently
1.866 CPU (new batches)

P-171S FX:
$1599 (10% off is the BEST GW is offering now)
2.0 G CPU
Slot Load DVD burner
Fingerprint scanner


So in the end, for another $250 more, u get a 0.13GHz increase in CPU power, a slot drive and a fingerprint scanner.

For me, none of these things were worth an additional $250 so I went with the BB version. I can use the same money to get a better CPU down the road if needed.

Frag

PS: I spoke to 3 different GW reps (Rico, Marco and Jason) and all confirmed that with the recent good sales on the P series, GW is keeping the discount 10% max. Rico's quote on the P171S actually came more than $1500 since they were charging me $50 for shipping too.

 

Same here. Rico isn't giving out more than 160 on the S. Shipping for me was a little discounted, but the tax on the system got it up to 1550. Definitely not worth it IMO.

I could do without the lack of support for mini-discs in the slot-loading drive (which is something a lot of people overlook) and the fingerprint reader doesn't matter either. The screen... yes it is tempting, but not $200 tempting (The 6831 is available from BB for 1250 plus taxes, which brings it up to 1350.)

Moreover, with the upgraded CPU I've even dropped the idea of upgrading it to a T8100. I don't think a 234MHz increase is going to make a massive difference in the kind of things I use the system for, so I'd rather keep it in my pocket.