Compal durability?

I was set on buying a new Thinkpad T61 but once I ordered it, Lenovo is telling me it won't ship until August. I definitely need a new notebook before then, and I'm kinda looking at the Compal FL90 from Xotic. My question is, how durable are the Compal systems? Sure, it looks like this will have SCREAMING performance, but the a big part of the draw to the Thinkpad is the supposed durability. Will a Compal crap out an leave me crying?

 

For all my time being here, I can summarize that the amount of people who have had a hardware problem with a Compal machine equals the amount of people who have had a hardware problem with a IBM machine. They are both quite sturdy and durable.

You have an added bonus however, that Compal is trying to get into the laptop scene, so they are trying to price undercut everyone else and maintain excellent quality above everyone else.

And when I say their trying to get into the laptop scene, I don't mean that they are totally new to laptops or something. They have been making laptops for loads of resellers for a while. As the name of this forum says, they have been makers of laptops for 22 years.

 

Can't say how the new machines are, but I've handled a few different models over the years while I did PC repair and they were among the best every time.

 

Aye. I have a T43, and an HGL30. I count them fairly similar in terms of durability and build. The T43 may be slightly ahead, but the Compal is definitely on my short-list of durable laptops. Much more so than most Dell's I've seen, and my girlfriend's Acer.

 

This is incredibly good to hear... I have been mulling over whether to get a ThinkPad or a Compal for the last 48 hours or so (doesn't seem like much but the actual amount of hours I've spent on this forum asking stupid questions and hoping for genius answers proves otherwise). With this kind of support for the Compal's about the only thing left to decide is if I need the extra screen real estate of the 15" IFL-90 (for using programs like Photoshop and the music notation software Finale 2006) or the smaller/lighter/more portable 14" IFT-00's if/when they become available (the waiting is another factor of course).

 

I agree with Pitabred, my work-issued T40 is probably just a nose ahead of my HEL80. After a year the hinges are good as new (which I can't say I always witness with Dell's), and the machine passes my "one handed" test where I can lift the unit (while open) with one hand from a front edge and not have the machine sound like a bowl of rice crispy's.

 

Thinkpads boast of a magnesium alloy cover...and now the the T61s have a plastic cover with a magnesium roll cage that supposedly does wonders for screen protection...

Does the IFL90 offer similar protection, or is all that magnesium/carbon fiber stuff overrated and just a big marketing gimmick?

 

My Old Compal m300 had a magnesium chassis, and I'd put money that I could have beaten someone to death with it and go back to my work without a scratch or anything..

My HEL80 and T40 feel about the same (excluding keyboard) for chassis sturdiness.

 

The stats say it's going to be almost 7lbs, my last laptop (a Dell 8200) was over 8 as I recall, but since then I've gotten used to more bout 5-6lb laptops, will a 7lb be that much more of an issue you think?

 

I don't think it will be that big of a deal. Remember your laptop will be sitting on a table most of the time and you won't really be carrying it around unless it is in a bag.
Tim

 

That's a good point, does anyone know anything about the 14" version that's coming out, such as if/when it will be released and if the smaller size is all the noticeable/an improvement?

Thanks

 

Does this mean the IPL has a magnesium chassis as well?

Well, actually I'll be carrying it around with me daily, in between classes, on the subway, to and from work, etc...but I'll also be carrying around 20lbs of books and papers in the same bag as the laptop (I need my hands free)...so I'm a bit concerned that the thing will simply squish.

I'm seriously considering investing in the hugely expensive Tom Binhn Brain Bag for the extra padding...but that's beside the point...

 

I'm assuming from the looks that it has some sort of magnesium or carbon based lid at least (The HEL80 has an aluminum/brushed steel lid that doesn't flex)

 

Yeah I had my Compaq last semester I carried that around with 20lbs of books. I think the Compaq weighed about 6.5lbs. Honestly it wasn't too bad with a backpack. I would be more concerned about the dimensions than the actual weight of the laptop (like the length/width).
Tim

 

I ordered mine.

 

I've had my HEL80 since early last July and it's been rather durable.

If you are very particular about having a very sturdy, business-class-type keyboard, however, you may want to swing towards the ThinkPad. The current generation of Compals have a consumer-level type of keyboard, which doesn't bother some--but is unacceptable to to others.

In regards to the weight, it kind of comes down to personal preferences. My previous laptops were all heavy--but a fully loaded computer bag (I don't carry 20+ lbs. of school books though) can get heavy in itself. For those who are concerned and will be walking around/carrrying it around a lot--you may definitely want to look at a thin and light sub-5 lb. machine to shave what you can from your daily load.

Good luck to all of you.

 

And how do you compare Compal against Asus? g1s vs IFL90? the looks are very different I know, but quality, build and lifespan wise? wich 1 is better? the Compal is cheaper, has robson but I want to know your opinions plz

 

I would recommend you direct this question towards those that have actually handled both systems in person. Justin at XoticPC has handled both or has someone in his shop who has. I believe Donald at Powernotebooks has also sold both systems at one time as well.

They may not have that much information to compare against at this time when it comes to the new Compal though--keep that in mind.

 

thx chrisyano, Ill do that, =)

 

By current do you mean the soon to ship IFL90 or previous models?
Can the keyboard interfere with typing in any way? How would it compare to a current dell/sony etc?

 

He meant the previous model. The HEL80.
Tim

 

Tim is correct, I meant the currently available HEL80/HGL30. I still consider the IFL90 and IFT00 to be next generation although they are just around the corner.

It won't interfere with typing. It's just that some really have a strong preference for the sturdy, firm feeling that you can get from a business-class notebook. I'd say the HEL80's keyboard is in line with a Dell/Sony keyboard--but there will always be subtle differences depending on the user's preferences.

If you can get yourself to a Best Buy where they have both consumer and business-class notebooks on display, try out all of the keyboards and see if it makes any difference to you. That's the best way to get a feel for the keyboard issue.

To me, the HEL80 keyboard is just fine and does not bother me. Some don't like the "bouncy" feeling. It's all personal preference.