Where do computers come from?

I figure computers aren't delivered by storks like babies are, but I have a question on how this works for the Compal/Sager computers.

Do the dealers like PowerNotebooks and XoticPC get bare bone models from Compal and build them to suit their customers? Who gets to decide whats in the barebone?

How is it different for the Sager models? Are the dealers still building them to suit the customer or is Sager? For example, both the low and high rez screen come with the GT and 9 cell battery on the Sager - was this a choice that Sager made in how they ordered these computers from Compal?

 

For more information on this topic, try looking up ODM and OEM on the forums. I'm quite sure it will give you more background information to answer your questions.

Sager buys Clevo systems (or in this case, Compal systems) to rebadge and sell. They would be an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). Compal and Clevo are the ODM (Original Design Manufacturer).

ODMs can create platform and models that OEMs can buy and customize to a certain degree (within acceptable parts for that model). ODMs can also manufacture specific models for an OEM like Dell--to Dell's specifications.

The Compal systems you are looking at are designed by Compal to be rebranded by resellers and OEMs. Therefore, Compal has made the decision on GPU and screen/battery.

Hope that helps some.

 

Also Evesham are a registered distro of Clevos. Really good question. Thanks for this.

 

I think the question as I took it regarding the Sagers sold by Xotic, etc. is that Xotic sells their Elite series built with the IFL90, and the Sager version of it as well. Xotic and PowerPro will put their models together and ship them, but are the Sagers all built and shipped by Sager, and Xotic and Powernote are just selling them?

 

That's a fair question. I think the best way to get the answer to this question is to pose it directly to either Justin or Donald.

 

The brand tells the story.

Sager builds and warrants their brand while PowerNotebooks.com and Xoticpc build and warrant their brands. Same laptop, different warranties, different shipping policies. They will also have different building styles...for example Sager uses Arctic Silver 5 on some models, but not others while at PowerNotebooks.com and Xoticpc Arctic Silver 5 is available on all models.

 

Donald,

When you order a Sager from PowerNotebooks, does it ship from Sager or does it ship from you?

 

Unless the ship to address is in California or an APO/FPO Sager laptops ship directly from the factory to the customer.

 

That helps a lot. Thanks for the clarification.

 

Great Explanation Donald The big differences are usually the warranty and build.

As far as the barebone, chrisyano is correct. The ODM is who makes the barebone for companies such as Xotic PC, PowerNotebooks, Dell, Toshiba etc. There are articles around here and on PowerNotebooks & Xotic PC describing where laptops really come from.

 

Okay, if I may add a question, when you say "Factory" Donald, do you mean Clevo's/Compal's factory or Sager's? If so, how do you fit into that, if the machine never goes through you, then the only difference is that it is technically called a PowerPro and you warranty it? Is this how it is with everyone? What about ODM branded models like the Asus Ensemble line, and you must have your hands on some barebones so that you can customise them right?

 

I believe he was talking about Sager-branded systems. They would not be branded as PowerPro or Crown systems and would also be covered by Sager's warranty unless I'm mistaken.

The Compals that are rebranded as PowerPros and Crowns would be covered by Powernotebooks' warranty.

Asus Ensemble lines are also covered by Asus' warranty--as they are assembled/configured/inspected at Asus' factory.