Third party reviews for HEL80?

So it's come down to either the Asus S96j or the Compal Hel80 which I prefer, the problem is I will be using the laptop for work and my boss says he would rather I get the Asus 96j because he's read about Asus in PC Magazine and he doesn't know much about Compal since he's never heard of them.

Is there information out there that contrasts the two machines from a third party reliable source, or just some good reviews on the HEL80 that might be of help? I hope I asked this question right, maybe if I just have him read up on the Compal brand, he might change his mind.

thanks for anything you can offer.

 

there's a treatise on this very issue on the powernotebooks.com website. Compal is one of the huge ODMs -- built notebooks for Dell, Toshiba, and others. It's at http://www.powernotebooks.com/articles/index.php?action=fullnews&id=17

Also, for reviews, you can see three I think in the reviews section of these forums. I think at least one of those is "official" and is elsewhere on the website. If you look for reviews elsewhere, you'll probably have to look under a different name than "HEL80"

If you get stuck with the s96j, see if he'll go for the z96j. At least then you'd get a sane resolution. (Yes, I maintain that everyone who buys a WXGA screen is insane )

 

Compal is an ODM, which is why you haven't heard. Quite simply, all of their notebooks are either made for big name companies like Dell, IBM, etc.. or to small store resellers who put their own name on it (i.e Powernotebook's Crown and Powerpro line). They do not release under their own name (although some resellers advertise by the Compal designation).

Asus is also an ODM. However a few years ago, they attempted to release a few models under their own name, which is the Asus Ensemble line. Because these are being sold under Asus' name, thus attention being put on them will be feature asus' name.

Compal is a very large ODM, they have and continue to make notebooks for large companies which are not limited to: Most of the Dell Inspirons, Toshiba Sattelites, and IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad's T series.

 

thanks, that's exactly the kind of info I needed.

 

WXGA is insane on a 15.4" screen My old laptop was that, never again. But I figure it's alright on a 14.1"...

Complete thread hijack, but it looked like his question was answered, so whatever... hehe

 

We have a review for the HEL80; it's better than any of the other mainstream wish-wash floating around.
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3060&review=Compal

 

Also, point him to the FAQ that is a Sticky here on the Compal section of this forum.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=60041

He will then see that Compal is a much older and larger laptop ODM than ASUS

We sell both. But the HEL80 outsells the ASUS 96J by about 3 to 1 because it is so much more feature rich for just a few dollars more. It is much better looking as well

 

thanks everyone you really know your stuff, and a special thanks to Donald and Chaz, who have helped me numerous times.

 

not just you, but it seems that agearnotebooks also has the Compal models holding the top spot over the 96J series.

 

My boss just dropped this review of the Toshiba Tecra A8 on my desk while I was gone, aghhh!!
I'm putting together an email where I configured a compal with similar stats, (those differing being improvements, such as processor, graphics card, and battery) and it came to less with a comparable warranty, so I'm hopeful. complete with chart and it may be time to drop that review and stats I've been holding onto as well.

Advice appreciated, I think I have a good case!

 

That's a wise approach, I wish it was next month and I had my machine.
I plan on writing a review with a business / engineering slant.
The HEL-80, HGL-30 are (in my view) serious "business class" machines,
that don't get their due as such. The same goes for the "white box" vendors, much better warranties,technical and customer sevice.
Classic example being Powernotebooks stand "PowerPro" warranty, doesn't
get any better than that. That's a TCO solution if you get my meaning.

They also game very well, I don't myself, I do place alot of stock in the opinions of folks who do. Why? Those folks torture thier machines, they are also very discriminating in their tastes / needs.
If these machines pass muster with the gaming folks ( and they do ) then
it ought to handle anything I can throw at it.

I'd try to work in the warranty, service and support " Total Cost of Ownership" angle into your write up, managment likes that sort of thing.

Regards, don

 

SUCCESS!!!

My boss's reply was short and to the point. He said:

"Compal looks like a good deal.

R"

 

Outstanding!

Good for you, enjoy.

Regards, don