Zepto 6214w versus Compal HGL30

Hi, my exams are done so I can finally start concentrating on my planned purchase of a notebook. Please excuse my English as I had my last exam about 2 hours ago and I’m in kind of strange post-exam daze.

I’ve been looking around for a good notebook for quite some time now doing research however keep seeming to hold out and continue searching for that illusive ‘perfect notebook’. Such a thing, of course, does not exist so now I’m starting to doing work on my dissertation I a laptop is starting to become a pressing necessity.

My main goal is a sort of all-round laptop on which I can game comfortably however still take with me to the university to take notes in class and look things up on the internet. I had considered things like a macbook, T60, nc8430, etc. But I soon realized I was going quite overboard in my budget considering I wanted a dedicated graphics card. Anyway I discovered the Zepto 6214w in the legendary ‘macbook versus zepto’ thread. I really liked the looks and specs however was put off by 2 things: the screen and the batterylife.

Anyway time goes by and after discovering I don’t want to spend 2000€+, I found myself reconsidering the Zepto, but now I was considering the HGL30 as well. So I’ve reached the point were I seem to be a little stuck between these to models. So what I’d like to do is compare the two (on the basis of what I’ve read in these and other internet forums.


Zepto 6214w versus Compal HGL30: a subjective comparison

Looks
Probably the most subjective of all. But I have to say I consider the 6214 to be the better in this department. It just leaves this little hint of Thinkpad with the minimalistic approach. The HGL30 does has it’s charm and it is by now means as hideous as some have suggested, however the 6214 blows it out of the water.

Build
Build quality is a subject were we regain at least some objectivity. I think we won’t be to harsh if we classify this well out of the business notebook range. Both cases seem to creak somewhat. However I don’t think that either of these notebook have any build quality ‘issues’. The HGL 30 might have a slight advantage as the lid of the 6214 might be a little less solid.

Screen
This is very important for me. A screen is like the window to all your notebooking adventures. (urrh… or something). Anyway this seems to be an issue with the zepto. The viewing angles seem to be very short. Particularly the horizontal are important for me. A notebook should be more then an antisocial device were which is limited to one person at time. The ability to share a movie or new game with a few people seems, to me, a crucial one.
The Compal seems to fare a bit better. Does anybody have any experience with both?

Graphics
Zepto wins. But I don’t really mind this slight gap. I want a decent videocard, not necessarily the best one I can find.

Connectivity
4 usb ports, an infrared, Bluetooth (standard), firewire, all placed well. The Zepto wins hands down.

Battery
The Compal is better in this department. Even if the comparison 6cell hgl30 en 6cell 6214w yields exactly the same result, the 9cell seems significantly cheaper and practical then the 12 cell.

Keyboard/Touchpad
I think the Zepto’s the better keyboard (seems most people are quite satisfied with them). The touchpad of the compal however seems better (wide aspect ratio, …)


Anyway I’ve droned on long enough. I wonder why I’m doing this. Probably post exam frustration venting.

The truth of the matter is. I would love to pick the zepto. I like it, and I love the way the company is so completely open to suggestions, opinions, questions, etc. I was all set on pulling the trigger when I realized I simply couldn’t enjoy this laptop if the screen is bad. (I would order the 12 cell over time to compensate for the battery.)

So my real question is what IS the zepto’s screen like (compared to an hgl30’s). Are the viewing angles as bad as they are. Are there different versions available? What DID happen to the matte option? Will there be screen deviations in the future?

PS: I live in Antwerp, Belgium and will probably ordering the zepto ( http://nl.zepto.com/) or the hgl30 ( http://www.btonotebooks.nl ) from the Netherlands

 

I would say the the viewing angle is maybe a bit short but not extraordinarily disturbing either. Personnally I've been using my Z since september and I'm veeeeeeeeeery happy with it!
The only annoying thing.. and I admit it really IS annoying, is the batt life. It's really too short. Everytime I know I'm going to use my Z for a moderate amount of time I'm obsessed with locating a electrical plug nearby.

I've been waiting for the 12 cell battery ever since I bought the notebook (end of august)... still waiting.

 

Those 12-cell batteries do seem to be elusive, don't they?

Personally I think you'd be happy with either notebook. As you mentioned, there is no such thing as the perfect notebook--and either of the two seem to have minor drawbacks in your view. I think they're both great.

One thing that I find a little weird about the 6214W is that it doesn't have direct access to the fan--so you need to blow air into the vents to clean it. After a couple of those "cleanouts", it will need to be sent in for a proper cleaning.

 

First of all: thanks for the quick reaction.

How short are the viewing angles then? Is it possible for multiple people to watch a video on the screen? Is the screen comparable to the Asus W3J?

There a video of the W3J: how do they compare? Could somebody make a similar video for the 6124w?
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=56099

The 12cell seems to be stuck with production problems. Anyway if this battery remains unavailable I'll buy an extra 6cell for taking notes in class.

 

I can't do that for you since I don't have the proper equipment, but yeah multiple people can watch a movie on it , the angle isn't excellent but it's not aweful either !
I'd say you have approximately 100° of good lateral viewing angle, if you go further the dark colours start to look ugly. I can't really estimate the vertical viewing angle but I think it's not very important.

hope this helps.

 

That doesn't sound bad at all. I'm starting to lose my fear of the screen. However it still scares me a little that your 14 inch is matte. I would have loved to have a matty, but I waited to long and now there gone forever (or not?... *wink*wink* friendly zepto representative).

Anyway they might have switched screen manufacturers by now. Is there anybody who has bought a zepto recently who can claim the same?

Also: one of the things I'm still a little worried about is fannoise. I don't mind it being loud when I'm gaming, but while taking notes in class it should be wisper quite (we usually have really small classes of about 15 people, two people I know have macbooks and don't have any trouble however, once one of these macbooks started blowing like crazy, the professor actually stopped for a moment).

 

Very honestly Hmmmz.... I heard some of the people with Z's had fan noise problems... I've never had any ! I don't know if I have a Z from outerspace or something but I can BARELY hear mine (I have to stick my ear on the fan duct to actually hear it), sometimes it turns on but it's only when I play fifa '07 for a while in 1600*1200 (on an ext. screen of course ) and it's not a very noisy sound, nothing like the jet reactor sound some notebooks make.
I haven't noticed any fan problems while using Word like some others.
Like I said... maybe mine's from outer space or something

 

I'm sorry for not reacting sooner, but anyway: My Zepto 6214w should (with a little luck) arrive on Monday. Thanks a lot for all the help. The comments on this forum have led me to choose this laptop.

I'll come back and tell you of my zepto experience after I have come to know it a little closer.

 

Congratulations on your purchase. Please do continue to visit us and share your experiences with the other Zepto enthusiasts.

 

Yes, please come back and let us know how you like it. I am swaying between the 6214W, the Samsung NPX60 or waiting to see what Zepto do with Santa Rosa when it comes out.....

 

Mine is from that same extraterrestial batch: the fan hardly ever goes on full blast, doesn't remain in high speed mode etc. BUT I have to add that I never play games. I run some demanding applications every now and then but it seems that only the hardcore gamers have problems with the fan.

Good luck with it. More zeptonians in Antwerp!

 

I'm going to try running Fear or Prey in the next couple of days.

 

I'm sorry I didn't react sooner but things have been crazy.


Anyway I'm generally very happy with my purchase. I don't have a lot of time so I'll do a quick review of the pro's and con's that pop into my head.


pro's:

• Keyboard: I didn't expect it, but I really enjoy typing on this thing. Might be subjective though.
• Looks: I've had a lot of comments about this being a very nice looking laptop. I really like the blue leds and the all black look.
• Build: I have a friend who owns a Acer travelmate 240 and her's creaks and groans whith every minor push. My zepto seems to be built really well.
• Screen: I was very anxious about this screen however it really isn't a problem. It isn't as bright as most vaio's but the viewing angles don't seem to be as bad as they seemed from other users on the forum. The horizontal are better then the vertical though and I'm not saying this is the best screen out there. But the screen just doesn't seem to be an reason not to buy this laptop, and this coming from someone who considers the screen to be a very important aspect.

con's:

• Build: There is one aspect about the build quality that does have me worrying a bit. It's the screen's protection. If you take the screen on both sides you can actually twist it slightly to far in my opinion. Also, I think the keyboard buttons are leaving a slight inprint on the screensurface.
• Battery: It isn't as much of a problem I expected it to be, it still is something that will be an issue for those considering buying this notebook. I get through a 2 hour class typing on Onenote with wifi off and brightness on the lowest setting. And I usually still have about 30 to 40% left over.
• DVDwriter: I went with the trayloading device but I'm not impressed with it's writing capability. I've written a few coasters, might be a bit spoiled with my desktop benq writer which writes on anything you throw at it. I've been searching for a firmware update but can't seem to find it.
• Touchpad: Many a time I have found myself touching the palmrest.

I haven't tried any games yet (I really haven't had the time). I'll try and keep you updated on this. If I had the chance to trade in my zepto for another notebook tomorrow I don't think I'd do it.

edit: Forgot to mention this is one of the quietest notebooks I've ever worked with. The only thing my classmates are hearing is my typing (which isn't extraordinarily loud either).

 

hmmmz, you can get a microfiber cloth (which can double as a cleaner for your LCD) and leave it on the keyboard when you close the lid. That will help with some of the impression marks that you mentioned. Also try to avoid putting the closed notebook under a lot of pressure in your bag. That may be the problem here as well.