Questions about the Compal

I'm thinking about the Compals, but just wanted to ask a few questions about them.

1)how do you know if you're getting one that's built or if it's coming to you as parts?

2)how would you rate the design/quality/build

3)Why is it that Compals are so cheap, and why is that compals aren't high on everyone's recommendation list, because as I see it it's cheap and usually comes with good options

4)the model I"m looking at specifically is the IFL90, thoughts on this?

 

1) depending on the retailer, it'll tell you on the website, which is usually split between the ensemble and barebone sections. Some websites will give you an option somewhere for you to choose as well during customization. Just about every retailer that sells the Compal IFL90 these days has great customer service though - just talk to one of their sales agents before you buy and they'll answer any question.

2) me personally? ugly/good/where'smymagnesiumchassis??

3) well to be blunt (and wholly my opinion of course), the previous version of the Compal--the Hel80--was the 2nd ugliest notebook I'd ever seen (1st would have to be the superman returns edition alienware ...). Even just making the entire thing black and getting rid of that grey keyboard did wonders for the IFL90's appearance. I still think it's ugly though.

4) just look at those specs! and then look at that price! If I wasn't so obsessed over the Asus V1 and a business laptop, I'd snap that IFL90 up in an instant.

 

Thank you

I really wish that design and looks didn't matter so much for me, but they do. I feel so vain, maybe because I am.

Is it thin? Not that plan to carry it around a whole lot but a thin and light notebook would be a plus in any instance.

And what about heating?

And one last thing...So these cheap prices aren't just screwing with me, I'm not going to get a laptop that's a lemon? It's just cheap b/c it's not a namebrand and crappy design then?

 

Well, don't just take my word for it that it's ugly =P That's just my opinion (did I mention I think Thinkpads were sexy?)

Size and Weight (from xoticpc):
14" x 10.1" x 1.4~1.5"
6.6 lb. (WXGA + 6 Cell Battery) 6.95 lb. (WSXGA+ + 9 Cell Battery)

These threads have some pics:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=125157
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=125398
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=124128

 

Personally I think my HEL80 is the most fly looking machine out there but that is 'just my opinion. Once you take the protective layer off the backing the brushed aluminum top is just ****. Also an attention grabber because it doesn't look like anything else that your friend might have.

Construction solid, drivers need mucho tweaking but workable and it's cheaper because there isn't some huge name brand behind it blowing all their money on TV ads <G>

Peace,

D

 

Theres a section in the forums devoted to Compal, and from reading through everything in there, I have seen very few complaints. I cant personally say anything about them just yet, but I have paid for one and I'm currently waiting on its arrival in a few weeks......

Also on the lemon topic, Xotic PC and powernotebooks.com give you a 3 year warranty along with it, if that helps.

 

2) The design is definitely subject to one's tastes. I for one do find my HEL80 very pleasing to look at. It is one thing to look at the laptops in the pictures; and once you see it in real life, it is a whole different story. When I was snooping around different websites looking for HEL80 pictures, I thought it looked 'meh' but as I saw it in real life, I fell right in love.

3) I think a sheer anonimity plays a part here. I had not even heard about Compal before I started frequenting this site, and frankly even had a bitter suspiction that it might be a knockoff Compaq. Gosh was I ever wrong. Still I cannot blame anyone for not knowing what Compal is, because the brand is...well...not very well known to say the least.

...That and seemingly many people do not find Compals to be very attractive looking.

 

Could you expand on that aluminum top thing?

And is that to say that it's a metal case? Not plastic you mean.

 

The pictures of the IFL90 look very bulky, my brother was comparing it to a DS lite, which I like as a handheld not so sure as my laptop.

 

It's just a metal plate, it matches the trim around the keyboard (and the touchpad surface/buttons)

 

Ok, thank you all for that. Are there any stores that sell Compals? Actual stores that I can go to and see. Cause I kinda wanna see this thing for myself, and I realize that the ifl90 isn't out yet but at least I'd be able to look at the 80.

 

Depends where you live, I know in the Northwest the only store that I'm aware of is PC Club, and their selection is limited.

 

CA, there isn't like a compal store locator is there? Cause that'd be awesome, almost too awesome lol

 

These are all I know of personally.. http://www.pcclub.com/stores.cfm

Looks like they are in:
Arizona: Arizona Region

California: Central California Los Angeles Northern California Orange County Riverside County San Bernardino San Diego Santa Barbara Ventura County

Nevada: Nevada Region

New Mexico: New Mexico Region

Oklahoma: Oklahoma Region

Oregon: Oregon Region

Utah: Utah Region

Washington: Washington Region