About to buy the Sager NP2090

After months of searching and saving cash, I now have enough to purchase a nice one. I looked through dozens of notebooks and came up with two laptops, the Asus G1S and the Sager NP2090. I chose the Sager over the Asus primarily due to the weaker battery life and higher price. So, I'm about to place the order, but I have a few questions.

1. I am not purchasing the TV tuner and I may consider getting one later on. So I want to know, where can I buy one that will fit and work perfectly in the TV tuner compartment? Installing it will be a snap, as it seems all you need is a screw driver.

2. I've seen a couple instances where the quick launch buttons at the top of the keyboard don't work. Has this been resolved? Is it a driver issue, or is it a hardware problem?

3. What exactly do the Wow Audio and Wow Video buttons do?

4. I'm buying this laptop with no operating system. I intend on installing a dual boot of Windows XP and Linux. Other than DirectX 10, is there anything the laptop has that works only in Vista?

That's about it. I plan on purchasing this sweet machine from Xotic PC either today or tomorrow.

 

Well, I decided to go ahead and post the specifications.

-15.4" WSXGA+ "Matte" Type Super Clear Ultra Bright Screen (1680x1050)
-Intel® Core™2 Duo T7500 2.2GHz w/4MB L2 On-die cache - 800MHz FSB
-Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
-2,048MB DDR2 667 (1 SODIMM) Memory
-512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 8600GT DX10
-160GB Seagate Momentus 3GB/S SATA 300 7200RPM Hard Drive
-Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti 8X DVDRW Drive w/ Software
-Internal Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
-Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11 a/g/n
-Two Smart Li-ion 9 Cell Batteries
-Standard Case

I would like to mention that although most people would get the T7300 instead of the T7500, I decided that the latter would be a better option because I'm able to tell the difference when another 200 MHz are added. Plus, I just had a little extra cash left over (thanks to the amazing price).

I also forgot to ask one thing, is it worth is to get Intel® Robson Turbo Memory? I'm getting 2 GB of RAM, and I'm not going to use Vista (yet), but I'm not sure if I'll ever need it in the future. I could install one myself in the future, but I really don't want to take the laptop apart so intensely. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you need to take the keyboard off in order to reach the turbo memory.

 

This coming from a fellow laptop buyer:

1. I wouldn't take getting a TV tuner later on 100% for granted. If you work with your laptop reseller company they can probably get it to you later on, but there's always the chance they might not have it for some reason. However... with the TV tuner in the NP2090 it may delay your laptop by quite a bit, apparently it's one of the major items that are delaying many laptops. For something to me as non-essential as the TV tuner, I passed on it myself.

2 & 3. These buttons are heat sensitive buttons, they launch your internet apps, audio and video stuff. For some they did not work and I haven't seen an update on that situation, but a newer review by a user (who also stated they are heat sensitive type buttons, like on the PS3) said they worked fine for him.

4. From what I've read, Vista will allow you to use your fingerprint reader with more features than in XP (logging in I believe, maybe more), Intel Robson memory, and if you get the 1680x1050 resolution screen the native resolution may be hard to read in XP. Vista has some extra DPI scaling features for higher resolutions that bring things back to a comfortable level while keeping the clarity of a high res screen.

The T7300 is chosen by many because while the extra 200Mhz would be nicer (I went with T7300 myself), I couldn't justify the extra expense for it at this point in time. However, the 2.0ghz processor is BY FAR better than the 1.8ghz processor. The 1.8 only has 2mb of cache vs. 4mb in the T7300. (this is just general info for anyone else who might read this thread). To put that in perspective, pentium 4's had 256k to 512k of cache, and the extra cache allows the cores to communicate with each other faster, so there's even more importance for the 4MB vs. 2MB of cache. I would say the difference is gaming vs. non-gaming laptop worthy.

Intel Robson turbo memory:
Requires a BIOS setting, driver installation and then further setup in Vista.
Also requires you open your laptop (including the keyboard) and install the chip.
Only costs $35-45 to go ahead and have it installed now without the hassle of opening your laptop yourself.

I went with the Vista+intel robson just because I wanted a copy of vista and did not want to install something as nifty as that down the road.

 

1. The fact that it will delay my laptop isn't that big of a problem. I just don't want to invest in a tuner that isn't HD at this point.

2&3. Yeah, I know about that, but what apps do those two buttons (Wow Audio and Wow Video) specifically launch? Are they programmable?

4. Oh, I didn't realize the screen issue. Thanks for pointing that out. I also wasn't aware about the fingerprint reader part. I need to make this laptop as secure as possible. Well, I suppose I will install Vista, but I don't know if I'll order it with the laptop. I think I have an unused copy lying around somewhere.

Yeah, for most people, the T7300 is plenty, but like I said, I had some extra cash. As for the T7100, I would never purchase that. Twice the cache makes an enormous difference, no doubt there.

As for the turbo memory, I think I'll go ahead and order it. Even though I'm getting 2 GB of RAM, at $35 it may be worth it.

Thanks for the help.

 

Just wanted to clear some stuff up first. As a disclaimer, I am not trying to flame bait or attack someone personally; I am just trying to rectify misrepresentations that could cause the OP to make a purchasing mistake. If anyone sees fit to correct me in turn, feel free to do so.

This is NOT true, and a common misconception. The jump to the 2.0 gHz processor is often made because the doubling of the L2 cache is seen as somewhat of a "free bonus". However, the cache increase shows very little appreciable performance. In fact, the difference is often around 5%. According to Anandtech's review of the E4300, in which they overclocked the Allendate (2MB cache) to the level of the C2D Extremes (Conroe 4MB Cache),

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2903&p=4

While I agree that the cache size is an appreciable boost in performance that you get virtually for free, it in no way distinguishes between a gaming and non-gaming laptop. Get what you can afford- Don't feel obligated to go for the 4MB cache, nor should you feel that going from 2ghz to 2.2 will make no difference because the cache size is the same.

Numerous Tests have shown that Intel Robson turbo memory, especially when 2GB of memory is already installed, does very, very little. You should read up on some reviews of this technology (In other words, don't just take my word for it).
According to Anandtech,

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/intel/showdoc.aspx?i=3009&p=8

Like Anandtech states, while this technology has promise in the future, in its current state it provides very little performance boost. Many review sites, including AT, and many OEMS, such as Sony, are holding out for Robson 2.0, which many believe will provide more tangible benefits. However, Intel's current roadmaps indicate that Robson 2.0 will not be drop-in compatible with Santa Rosa and will instead rely on Intel's next generation mobile chipset.

As far as I can tell, they enable special "enhancements" that are supposed to improve your listening and viewing experiences. My dad's Toshiba has WoW Audio, and I really haven't noticed any real difference. However, I'm not a stickler for audio quality so perhaps someone with a more through knowledge of these enhancements could clarify. I believe they are just software enhancements tied to the laptop's Reatek audio chip.

I wish you the best of luck with your purchase. I, too, have purchased a NP2090 and look forward to playing with this awesome laptop.

 

Well, as I do agree that cache doesn't differ a gaming laptop from a non-gaming laptop. But, for me, I'm going with the T7500 primarily due to the extra cash.

Also, for the turbo memory, I'm still not too sure. If I was getting only a gigabyte of RAM, I would definitely buy it, but I don't know if it's really worth it. I mean, $35 isn't too much more; and if it makes a big difference, I'd go for it. So, I'll think about it.

 

If you have 2 GB of RAM, intel turbo memory probably won't even be noticeable.

 

Yeah, that's what I've figured. The only thing is that it's only a $35 upgrade. I don't know if I'll need it in the future, so that's why I'm not sure. Right now, I know it'll show little improvement in performance.

 

You posted the performance of a different, -desktop- processor that was overclocked 1.58Ghz from stock to display the unimportance of an extra 2MB of cache. In this case, Azone doesn't seem to want to mess with upgrading parts later to the point that he used his extra cash to get the T7500, and while it's bad to do so I'm going to go ahead and assume he's not into overclocking 1.5Ghz to justify his purchase decision.

Higher clock speeds, FSB and caches translate into real performance increases, and taking all of the above into account it's my recommendation that anyone looking to game seriously on the NP2090 atleast take the safe route with what has been oft-regarded as a "sweet spot" for the T7xxx series of Core 2 Duo's by going with the 2.0Ghz processor with twice as much cache as the 1.8Ghz, or going all the way with a T7500 or better if available.

(In the end, the E4300 is still a middling processor that one should consider if they need pure bang-for-buck with a small budget from overclocking potential. http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/07/16/cpu_charts_2007/page18.html )

Currently on Powernotebooks the upgrade from 1.8/2MB to 2/4MB is $50.

From what I've read before, Microsoft, Intel, and the OEMs know something's up with the ReadyBoost system in general. It can just as easily be disabled in BIOS until Microsoft and Intel release new drivers and update the ReadyBoost and ReadyDrive software. I think it's potential and low cost make it worth being atleast physically installed for now. It's an early-adopter thing and while I hope it works out for me I'm not going to be devastated if it's just a tiny, near insignificant perk.

 

Just to throw in my opinion, I didn't go for the Ronson stuff because I feel it's like PhysX Processors, if you all know what those are. A niffty idea that always, and still does, seem pretty useful but in reality is almost useless.

Otherwise, well everything seems to have been gone over quite throughly.

 

Yeah I agree with Scavar about Robson. I originally pre-ordered my laptop with it but I changed my mind after learning that in real world performance it doesn't seem to do anything. Of course this technology could catch on but it seems too new for me.
Tim

 

Well, I always knew Robson would be useless when you have 2 GB of RAM. I just wasn't sure if the mere $35 price tag meant that I should go for it. So, I'm not going to purchase Robson with this laptop.

Oh, by the way, about the PhyX cards, those things may not have a use but they're still cool to have. But, in the upcoming years, those will probably have a use.

Anyway, the price from Xotic PC comes out to $1789 without an operating system, (If I do order an OS, I'll just go with the cheapest one, Vista Home Premium) and I use use the cash discount, it will go down $1735.

So, I'll be placing the order later today. If anyone else has any tips or advice, please let me know.

Thanks

 

I doubt that, not a lot of games implement this and support for PhysX is sketchy, it's more of a fad that's more likely to die out rather than a computer part that is essential, more likely, graphics cards with dual processor GPUs will probably be able to handle physics and is more versatile than the Ageia cards. This could be the same with Robson as well, so me personally, I'm going to wait on what the verdict on Robson is and see where I go from there.

 

Yeah, but when I said "cool" I mean it's a neat thing to have; not that you'll ever use it. Really the only benefit now is bragging rights.

Anyway, in a couple hours I'll place the order, just doing some last minute checking.

 

Is the config you posted earlier in the thread the one you're gonna get?

 

Yes, it is. I don't plan on making any changes that relate to the hardware; though I may go ahead and buy Vista with it.

 

Well, I just ordered my Sager NP2090 with the specifications I mentioned before. I can't wait! Correct me if I'm wrong, but it should arrive sometime in mid to late August. So, it's a long wait, but still nowhere near as long as some of you guys waited. Anyway, I just can't wait for this to arrive.

 

i hope you're right on the ETA ordered mine yesterday

 

Azone, It is my understanding that the TV tuner will only be available if you purchase it with the computer. Sager isn't going to offer it as a user installable option.

I ordered mine on 7/3 and it is somewhere between California and Kentucky. I'm so excited I'll probably have to wear Depends until it gets here.