is this vbi hel80

This is sold in my country under a different name. They say it is VBI, but is this compal vbi hel80 you are talking about?
I know most of you have the non-VBI version, but has any of you tried this one? I'm mostly interested in build quality. Specs are great on paper and it's really cheap, so I don't mind average build quality, but I'm not comfortable with anything less than that.

Thank you!

 

Going by those pictures, yes, that is an EL80.

As for differences in build quality--it should be at the same level as the HEL80 other than the lack of brushed aluminum on the VBI version. The brushed aluminum does add some rigidity to the lid.

Here are the differences between the two versions (copy of an old post):
Please try to search for the answer, as this has been covered a number of times.

The EL80 is what the VBI (verified by Intel) version is normally listed as, while the regular version is normally listed as the HEL80. Note I said normally.

 

Doesn't the VBI HEL80 (I think it sometimes goes under the name EL80i) not have a dedicated graphics card (7600) but an integrated intel GMA? I would also check that out...
I may be wrong, but check the specs to see if you need/want that or not.

 

the laptop I'm looking at has geforce go 7600, the company also sells hel81 which comes with integrated graphics.

chrisyano
thank you for the reply. I did use the search and found the thread you copied that post from. but there was nothing specifically said about the build quality.

one more question - do vbi el80's from europe differ in quality from the ones sold in the USA? In one other forum it was implied so.

 

The EL81 is the VBI with the integrated Intel GMA graphics. The EL80 has the 7600.

The machines are the same build quality no matter where they are sold worldwide.

 

Take it from Donald. He knows for sure .

 

Thank you, that's very reassuring.

 

after everything I've read here, I've bought myself a VBI El80 and loved it so far. I've only had it for 2 days now, but the first impressions are beyond expected.

The only thing that bugs me a little is the bouncy keyboard, but I'll survive.

There's one other issue but it's software related. Sidewalker refuses to work if I have Logitech SetPoint installed.

Thank you all again, without you I would have chosen a Toshiba It's keyboard is even more bouncy.

EDIT: one more question?
What does Infineon security platform do exactly? Do you guys use it or not?

 

I think I had to uninstall Sidewalker and then reinstall it to get it happy with the Setpoint software. Might be worth a try.

 

I've tried that but it does not seem to work. I don't need to uninstall setpoint just exit it and sidewalker would work. Obviously I won't make the two coexist.

 

It's (TPM) a security system that is basically useless to you unless you truly need an extra line of security for your files and data on your notebook. I have yet to even look at it.

 

TPM is a security system designed for large corporate, government and military users. However for personal and small business users it has little or no usefulness just as chrisyano has said.

 

I didn't install TMP, I've decided I don't need it.

I have managed to make Sidewalker work, however. One should really follow the instructions - drivers must be installed in the right order