Compal FL92 vs. Sager NP2096 (JLH90)

Maybe you guys can help me out a bit. I've been reading tons here and doing a lot of research before my next notebook purchase. I'm fairly open to brand, but currently I'm looking at 2 Compals from 2 different vendors. Anyone have any input, pros or cons between the 2 models or the vendors?

My only real issue with the Sager is HDMI out and no S-video. I need the option to run video out to *any* tv and most likely at composite level. My original What Should I Buy thread if you need my uses. I'm posting this over here since I'd assume the Compal gurus frequent this part of the board more. Thanks in advance for any input.

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Sager NP2096 Custom Laptop (Built on the Compal JHL90) PRE ORDER
- 15.4" WXGA "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1280x800)
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® P8400 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.26GHz w/3MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 25 watt
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9600M GT DDR2 DX10
- ~ 2,048MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory
- ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
- ~ 320GB 5400RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 8MB Cache)
- Internal 3-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS)
- Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5300 802.11 a/g/n Wi-Fi
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- None Standard
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Carying Case Optional (Select if desired)
- Smart Li-ion Battery (9-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- 1 Year Parts & Labor, Lifetime Sager Toll Free Tech Support

$1082.00 / $1059.00 cash price
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RJTECH.com FL92 Compal FL92 Notebook Computer, 15.4" LCD
Display: 15.4" WXGA
Video Card: nVidia 8600 GT 512MB
CPU: T8100 (2.10GHz) 3MB L2 Cache, 800FSB
CD: 8x DVD+/-RW DL
Battery: Li-Ion_Battery
Built-In 3-IN-1 Flash Memory Reade
Network Adapter: Integrated GBLAN
WLAN: Intel Wireless 4965AGN 802.11a/b/g/Draft N
2 Channel High Definition Audio Output
Built-in 2.0M Pixels Digital PC Camera
Built-in Fingerprint Reader
1 Express Card 54 Slot
1 IEEE 1394 Port(Mini DC in Jack)
2 USB 2.0 Ports
1 External CRT Port
1 Kensington Lock Port
1 S-Video Jack for TV Output
2 Audio Jacks for Line-Out, Microphone-In
Built-in 56K V90/92 Fax/Modem and 10/100/1000 Mbps Fast Ethernet LAN Card
Warranty: 1 Year
LCD Protection: None $899
Hard Drive & Memory

(Buying separately)
-SAMSUNG M6 Series HM320JI 320GB 5400 RPM SATA 1.5Gb/s
- Kingston 2GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) $150

TOTAL $1050.00

 

The Sager NP2096 andPowerPro P 12:5 (both built on the Compal JHL90) have HDMI, and the latest Centrino 2 platform including the newest processor, chipset and WiFi card. They also have the latest video card (9600M GT).

The PowerPro P 12:15 comes Standard with a 3 Year Parts and Labor Warranty w/Next Business Day Shipping paid both ways, plus Lifetime DOMESTIC 24/7 Toll Free Telephone Tech Support

The Compal JFL92 does not have the HDMI port, and has all of the older Centrino technology and the older 8600 GT video card.

Therefore if it is in your price range the Compal JHL90 is the better choice.

 

Thanks Paladin. I can see the JLH90 is a better value & platform to start with, for basically the same cost. The downside for me is placement of the headphone jack and lack of S-video. Seems like I'd get less of a computer with the FL92 just to gain 2 features. The 12:5 is more than I want to spend.

 

Garvin,

One more thing that I can share with you ... nVIDIA 8600 cards have been having MAJOR Heating problems ... I have 1st hand experience with this problem.

Also, you can read this thread ...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=270732&page=25


G!

 

I'll check out that thread. I've come across a lot of mention of the 8600 overheating. The more I read, the more I think I'll end up going barebones and building something.

 

Check-out the MSI models, some have s-video (163A)