Considering trying out a Clevo/Sager

After having to put aside a perfectly good DELL M1330 that I loved due to the small screen starting to be an issue with my eye problems, a friend linked me to RJ Tech and had me look at some of the "whitebook" laptops there for a 15" sized replacement. (I had originally been looking to just get a sidegrade from DELL but now this whole "whitebook" thing has me thinking a little differently).

After messing around on the site for a bit, I came up with this build, which is over what I planned to spend by a little, but is also far more powerful overall and would last me longer. (I wasnt really looking for an upgrade other than screen size but I think the "upgrade" bug bit me)

Clevo M860TU Notebook Computer, 15.4"
Code: M860TU
Price: $1,499.00

Display : 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) GlassView LCD
Video Card : nVidia GTX 260M 1GB DDR3
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU : P8600 2.4Ghz 1066Mhz FSB, 3MB Cache, 25W
CPU Thermal Compund : Manufacturer's Thermal Compound
DDR3 Memory : 4GB DDR3/1333 - 2 DIMMs
Hard Drive : No Hard Drive (I have a 500GB SATA drive here already)
CD/DVD/CDRW : 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer
External Floppy Drive : None
Battery : Add Spare 8-Cell Battery
AC Adapter : 100 - 240V Auto Switch AC Adapter
Integrated Network Adapter : Integrated GBLAN + Bluetooth
Wireless LAN : Intel 5300 802.11ABGN
Turbo Memory : None (Not worth it from what I've read)
TV Tuner : None (Don't need)
OS with CD : None (Already have new OEM one here)
Office 2007 MLK : None (Dont need)
Carry Bag : None (Dont need)
Warranty : 1 Year Parts and Labor Standard Warranty (Tempted to go to 2 Year)
Zero Dead Pixel Insurance : None (Just not worth $200 I dont think)
Installation : Install Hardware and Software, Free of Charge
Ship Schedule : Regular, Ship out within 3-5 days


My old M1330 ran Windows 7 flawlessly and I would expect this machine to easily run it just as well, but the only thing I worry about is support after the sale, even if I pick up the 2-3 year warranty.

The M1330 was a refurb, and once when I did have a problem, DELL had a tech at my house the next day to replace the MB without even going through the usual, "Did you reboot" it type over the phone diagnostics.

For $1500 though, this seems like a killer laptop to me, but I'm new to this whole "whitebook" thing.

 

that is fastest 15.4" notebook on the market... so it should not have any issues with running stuff.

you can actually save another $100 if you get the system through:
- www.xoticpc.com
- www.powernotebooks.com
.... etc.... in the Clevo Guide.

RJtech is a great site for barebones, but they are slightly more expensive if you are configuring a fully configured system.

if you want to still purchase from RJtech, contact them since they might price match another vendor's quote for the same configuration.

 

what do you mean by "whitebook."

and definately check out xoticpc.com you will save at least a hundred and get a free hard drive since you dont need one.

 

some use this term to mean un-branded.... or barebones of a known system... which can be customized by the user.

 

Whitebook is the stock name for barebones laptop

 

If you haven't already checked this out, @XoticPC currently for $1437.00 pre-discount. You not only get the free 250GB HD but also a free case and free Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound (+$37 @ RJTech), plus 3 Years Labor with the 1 Year Parts Warranty. After cash discount, it only $1393.89. For less than your extra hundred you can upgrade the free HD all the way up to another 500GB 5400RPM. Or upgrade the processor 1 step up. Or both! (320GB 7200RPM + Intel® P8700 = +$90)

By the way, can you actually use a DDR3/1333 Mem with a 1066Mhz FSB? Or is that a typo? I'm new so IDK.

 

Thanks a lot for all the information/advice, its appreciated!

Out of curiosity, where would one go to get drivers and BIOS updates for one of these anyway??

Just need to go over the numbers a little more and then put an order in somewhere.

I love the excitement of ordering a new piece of tech, but hate the nervous feeling of hoping it all goes smoothly. I don't make too many big purchases, so here's hoping this one goes as well as the last one (our HDTV).

Thank you again!

 

Hi BKR2879
im blind in one eye and the 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) GlassView LCD is great.
you also have the option to enlarge the website pages using Fn key and scrolling mouse wheel.
most websites have a forum where you can find updated drivers and bios updates.

the m860tu has been the best computer purchase ive ever made and ive had a few

 

Nvidia drivers from nvidia site or laptopvideo2go.com
Bios from Clevo or sager site if you like to do by yourself look at Zfactor guide very easy,very safe.

other drivers like sound,wireless,lan......all from official site,

nothing to worry about.
Plus great professional support if you buy from xotic or pnb.

 

Thank you again for the information!

My eye troubles stem from being born with diabetes, and over 38 years it's done a job on me to be sure.

Xotic seems to offer some nice options. I love the skins they offer, though I really don't need that, but it sure it tempting.

Think I'll spend some time on the Xotic site and see what I can come up with and then get over my nerves and make the purchase.

Thanks so much for the information and links, and the reassurance that I won't regret this.....not until the credit card bill comes in anyway.