Dell Inspiron 1720 or Sager NP5793

I am really trying to find a very respectable laptop and prefer the Sager/Clevo line because of the reputation of the brand and the reputation of several dealers that sell Sager, but I am having a hard time convincing myself to spend the extra money over this Dell model.

Can I get some honest reasons why the Sager would be better for the additional $544 ?

Apparently the pros are going to be having 64 Bit Vista and a better video card, which I am not sure I really need either.

I actually prefer the 1440 x 900 resolution unscaled, but I suppose 1680 x 1050 is not that much difference.

Here's the rundown:



*** Under the Sager unit for the OS it should read "64&32-Bit CD Included" not "Retail".

Here’s the real deal breaker it seems… for $2038 Delivered with Dell I can add:

Vista Ultimate 32 Bit
Trend Micro Internet Security 3 Year Subscription
MS Office Small Business
3 Year In-Home Warranty

The Sager pricing is with XoticPC and includes their small discount. It seems not many Sager dealers are willing to do much discounting.

This is really a difficult decision to make for me… believe it or not (I am not being sarcastic). I am sure for some it is a no-brainer one way or another.

I have been studying this for two days now and I am getting frustrated trying to decide which way to go.

Thanks for your input.

Sonnie

 

If you're a student, you can probably get a discount from Xoticpc as well. It won't be much, but every bit counts.

Note that the Vista 32 bit will not utilize the 4 GB of RAM in the Inspiron anyway. You can save on both configurations by using the minimum RAM and upgrading the machine yourself.

The Sager offers a much better build and service as well.

If gaming matters most to you, the Sager's the option. If you want budget gaming, I would rather pick the Gateway FX series over the 1720.

 

there is no contest in any way possible over the 1720 vs 5793

 

Actually on the Dell the 4MB only cost me $105 with the 30% discount. I would rather have it installed by them and not hinder the warranty in any way (no reason to give them any excuses). I prefer to go ahead and get the extra memory now anyway... in case I upgrade to 64 Bit Vista later on.

Which way do you mean and can you elaborate on why? Thanks!

 

the 5793 wins in every aspect...

I would say get this :

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=228214

THe user is very reputable, it has 8800mGTX in it anda bunch of other goodies.

 

8800mgtx
DVI out
gaming rig
better processors
better design
etc etc etc.
the 1720 has no dvi crappier graphics cards. and isn't as future proof.

 

If you are not going to play too many games or the latest games, then either choice is fine.

The Dell is a mid-range 17" notebook, not too many upgrade possibilities (only the typical stuff: CPU, RAM, HDD)

The Clevo M570RU (Sager 5793) can upgrade the typical, as well as the videocard module... and has cooling and OC'ing features.

 

Reconfigure the memory with less in it and go with the better video card. Even if you do not play lots of games, a better video card will carry your notebook further into the future. You can purchase and install cheaper memory that you buy online somewhere...

17 inch notebook with a 8600m GT? Nah... you can do better than that!

 

The processors are the same, no? T9300?

I guess I need to clarify that I do not do games. I mainly write... manage a dedicated server... administer Home Theater Shack, a fast growing home theater forum... I manage several websites and spend nearly all of my waking hours on a computer, 6-8 hours per day on the laptop sitting in my recliner. I work with a few images in PSP, but nothing serious... and no games whatsoever. I may have 5-6 various programs running at one time along with surfin' 5-6 websites at a time. Graphics are not nearly as important to me as speed and reliability with protection.

 

Don't fall for the upgradeability trick if you're not going to game. There's no point having a faster card if it isn't used. For someone who's not going to play games, a 17" with the 8600M GT is powerful enough. In any case the graphics card doesn't make a difference in image editing.

Save yourself some money and buy the 1720 without the 4GB RAM which you can install later by buying from any online retailer. Installing new RAM doesn't void the warranty, btw.

If durability is important, I'd actually suggest you take a look at the Vostro 1700. It is essentially the same laptop as the 1720, but is better built and might end up being slightly cheaper (not too sure about the price, so you can check that.)

 

There's just a few things I wanna get straight with the OP.

1. The Sager is the better notebook hands down.
2. The choice merely must be made based on gaming needs, if you're a gamer the Sager with the 8800M GTX will serve a lot better, and would be the wisest investment in long term. Else, the Inspiron is fine.

So bottomline... If you're a gamer AND if you're willing to spend extra $$$, get the sager with 8800, otherwise the inspiron....

 

Actually, it just hit me that in case you're not looking for a high resolution screen, then you could actually be much better off with the Lenovo T61P. I've heard they're going for a discount nowadays. In terms of build quality there is no comparison with the other models here, the Lenovo wins blindfolded. You'll get it with similar specifications as the Dell and it'll most certainly be good enough for what you need.

EDIT: Just checked that the T61p comes with a 1680x1050 or 1920x1200 screen so even resolution won't be an issue for you.

 

I do not see any Lenovo T61P or any other Lenovo with a 17" screen or full keyboard.

 

Did you config the Dell with a/b/n wireless or stay with standard? (Small nit, but it does add $20 more to the config).
Also, spending more to have them put additional RAM in is not a good use of money unless you're absolutely incapable with tools. Even in the Dells, adding in additional memory is, generally speaking, a piece of cake, and it doesn't void the warranty, period.

 

There is no competition between them
-The Dell is mainstream for medium gaming
-The Sager is for hardcore gaming and top of the line performance.

 

You are paying for superior build quality, parts and technical support when you go with the Sager. But it sounds like you haven't been around the block with Dell like many of us have.

 

Well, $500+ is a lot to pay to give up service (Dell's) that may not suck that much, honestly. There are a TON of people out there who, I'm sure, are absolutely content with their Dell purchase and haven't had to deal with customer care. Bad cases do exist, I concede, but they aren't so incredibly prevalent that buying a Dell turns out to be the worst deal of the century as it is being made out to be. Remember, it's a matter of $500+.

@OP: I didn't realize your screen size criteria was 17", that's why I recommended the T61p. Considering your situation another really good system you could go for is the Gateway P171S FX. If you feel you need a faster proc. you could either go with the P171X FX or get yourself the Dell.

 

This is the Clevo Forum.

He should get a d901c or a RU

 

Well, if you put it that way...:twitcy:

 

Yes... the Dell has Wireless N.

Yep... $500+ is no chump change and Dell is not a slouch... but I do like the Sager/Clevo. I just need to justify the difference, which is hard to do at this moment. I am still waiting on a couple of more prices from other places that might help, but I will have wait and see for sure.

Nope... never had any issues with Dell. I owned an i9300 laptop a few years ago and it did me and the fellow who purchased it from me very well. We have had a few Desktop Dell's at home up until I built a couple of my own for the fun of it. We have had about 12 Dells at our office and have 4 right now. We buy new ones about every 2-3 years, or at least I do. We have always had excellent service.

I have not really looked at the Gateways, but will.

I wish I could afford the d901c... I think it would save me the headache of having to backup my computer nightly with Acronis. I could setup Raid 1 with a couple of hard drives and use that second hard drive as the back up... but then again there is a something to be said for having the backup stored on another computer via network. Besides... I do not want to spend quite that much.

 

Btw... here's that Dell i9300 I mentioned. That was 3 years ago this coming Friday.

 

If you have been satisifed with Dell and are confident in its product and service then I do not see a reason to not go with them aside from the technical shortcomings of the video card. If gaming isn't your priority then the video card shouldn't be either.

Most people here (it is a Sager section, afterall) will be telling you how crappy Dell is. All you will hear is the negative, not the positive. I will admit I have had a few good purchases with Dell (they have awesome monitors) but no luck with actual computers.

Good luck!

 

I'm typing this on my almost 3 year old i9300 as well, and similar to you I have had 0 issues with it.

To be very frank with you, I think it's going to be impossible to justify the extra 500+ for the Sager if you are never going to use it for gaming. The only reason that system is more expensive is because of its graphics capabilities. I admit that the build quality of the Sager might be much better than the Dell, but that doesn't automatically make the Dell's build flimsy. Like I mentioned earlier, take a look at the Vostro 1700 which is the same system as the Inspiron 1720, but has the option of XP and comes better built.

 

I may just wait until the Vostro can be loaded with a T9300 and then look at buying. I definitely like the Vostro over the Insprion.... BUT I still like the Sager 5793 as well.

 

In terms of the actual equipment, Dell is not bad (in fact, probably better than average) - with the exception of the "bursting" capacitors on the Optiplex GX-series, something I didn't read about until after i picked one up to use as a personal server , course, I only paid $50 for it, and the scavenge value of the remainder is worth at least that much to me, should it fail.

Dell is probably the hardware analogue to Microsoft - in general they build a solid, middle-of-the-road product that will reliably get the basic jobs done, show a bit of flare every once in a while, but never really ... ->Shine<- .... That probably explains their acquisition of Alienware. At least that's what most of my experience with using the hardware is.

The difficulties with Dell lie elsewhere, as far as I'm concerned, and they're not unique to Dell, but seem to be woefully common among the national brand names. However, since the tacit aim of this post was to show that not all Sager folk are mean Dell-bashers, I'm not going to start reciting them here (as if I hadn't done enough in the prior paragraphs by damning with faint praise ).

 

Uhm... Do I received RETAIL Vista if I bought from XoticPC? I thought it's OEM?
Can someone answer this ASAP? I'm going to order within a minute.

Thanks.

 

You could always check if their sales person in online through their online chat service... either that or email them... i dont think you ought to hurry so much if the issue is so important to you....

 

I would think that you'd receive an OEM version; it'd be too expensive for xotic or any other reseller to be selling retail versions of WinXP, particularly for $80 (the xotic markup for adding WinXP Home Edition) - since the retail version sells for $199 by itself, that would imply that xotic was willing to take a loss on selling a Windows product, which I very much doubt.

Another way to check is to see what sort of support information is provided under My Computer->Properties. If it lists a Microsoft contact number, then it's retail, if it lists the reseller, then its OEM.

Simplest way is to just call up or email xotic or any other intended reseller.

 

Yes, they are OEM copies, NOT retail!

 

As far as I am aware every reseller uses OEM copies of Windows. As Shyster1 states, retail copies cost much more mostly due to the more elaborate packaging. Retail versions are targeted for consumers looking to purchase a copy for a existing system, where OEM versions are targeted for consumers purchasing in combination with their new PC/Laptop

The comment Sonnie Parker made about us using Retail is not correct. I am not aware of any reseller using retail versions of Windows.

 

Straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak!

 

Sorry guys... I meant to show "64&32-Bit CD Included".

 

That brings me to another question about XoticPC...
What does the above statement mean ?
Both the 64-bit and 32-bit version CDs/DVDs will be provided ? But how is this possible if there's only one license ? Isn't it generally one disc per license when you buy it ?

 

It means that you get a 32-Bit and 64-Bit install Disc.

Sager's agreement with Microsoft is that since they default with a 64-Bit install they are allowed to provide the media for 32-Bit also. (using the same license)

 

Wow that's nice! Thank you Justin!
Also, I take it these discs will be write protected ? I won't be able to make backups, would I ?

 

I am sure there is software on the market that will enable you to make a back up copy of your CD's.

 

Yeah, there is. I'll deal with that later when I get my hands on it. Thanks much!

 

plus retail copied of Vista can be installed on more than one system in the same house hold.

 

Not exactly true.

Retail Windows still can only be installed on a single system with that single CD-Key that came with it... that is authenticated by activation.

Only Windows VLK (Volume License Keys) or Corporate editions can be installed on multiple systems... since they do not require activation.
- but only corporations and schools usually can get this version.
- and its extremely expensive.

 

If you aren't going to game go with the dell. I've always had outstanding experiences with their service. As an IT contractor I have literally dealt with them 100's of times over the years for various clients. They have done full system replacements for me with new hardware multiple times.

I also recommend the vostro line, I have several clients using them and the build quality is pretty good and they have a nice business savvy look.

If I didn't want something I could game with I would probably get a Vostro myself.

 

Were you dealing with Dell's business/commercial support staff, or their consumer support staff? I would imagine that most national brands put more mojo into their business/comm. support than their consumer support. Just my 1.5 cents' worth (used to be 2 cents, until the Bernanke "put").

 

I have dealt with both quite a few times. Many of my smaller clients purchased their systems through the home/home office division before I worked with them. Although you are right to some extent, when dealing with the server support teams I have been able to leverage them a bit easier to get what I want.

I do notice I sit on hold less when dealing with the business support teams as well, but over all I've never had a problem with either.

 

Okay guys... I am back to square one. I ordered the Dell 1720, got it in and could do nothing to get my Internet browsing to be up to par. Dell even shipped me XP Pro, but I have reloaded it twice to no avail. It freezes up, can't get a couple of the drivers to load, slow as molasses... nothing but problems.

So... just got the return label to send it back. The Inspirons on the Dell Home side do not offer XP Pro. The Vostro on the business side does, but it does not offer Bluetooth. So I am back to considering a 5793. I hate to spend the money, but hey... an hour on a phone with someone I could not understand does influence me to spend the extra as well.

Going with XP Pro... is there any reason to spend $110 for 4GB RAM or should I just spend the $35 and get the 2GB?

 

Are you going to be dooing extreme designing or gaming?

 

Oooh, you had Steve Jones with a thick Indian accent who claims to be in Kansas (at least I thought he said Kansas), well guess what? I had him too on more than one occasion working for different companies.. That guy is amazing. How does he do it?

 

Nope... I will run 5-6 applications at a time, however I would not consider any of them processor hogs or heavy duty... mostly study material (Bibles, dictionaries, commentary, etc.) along with MS Word, Firefox and Thunderbird.

lol... Actually he admitted he was in India. At 10am in the morning it was around 8pm there. He mentioned he lived in southern India and the temps were 110 degrees during the day. As you stated... at least I think that is what he said. I kept asking, "What was that again?" "Huh?" "Come again!" "How's that again?"

 

I would consider just going with one stick of 2GB RAM for now; if you decide later on that you want more RAM, you can buy it cheaper than what you'd pay for it when purchasing the system (get it in one stick because that way you won't have to replace both sticks in order to go to 4GB - save money and avoid wasting memory ). Alternatively, price RAM from places like newegg and tigerdirect, and you may find that it's simply cheaper to get the system with no RAM and to just buy whatever memory you need yourself right from the get-go.