Few questions on the np8130

Hello. I've been reading NBR for the last few weeks for helps on buying a new laptop, and I have to say that all of your posts here have been very helpful to me. So, props to you all.

Anyways, after doing a research, I think I will go with a np8130. However, before making the final decisions, I would like to ask you guys some questions that I haven't been able to find satisfiying answers when searching NBR.

1. Can I leave the battery out while using the laptop with plugged in AC power.
- I have a habit of taking the battery off when using the laptop on AC Power. This works well with my old laptops since their battery are always in the back. However, since np8130 battery is on the corner under the left palmrest, I wonder if it could make the laptop unstable or create damage, if I leave the battery when using the laptop.

2. Is there any different between the stock wireless card and the Intel wireless card, beside the fact that the Intel card can handle 150 Mbp/s?
- I don't think I could ever squeeze out that much out of my crappy wireless network anyway, so that's not really my concern. I concern more about the durableness of the card (such as it doesn't die after a few year of using) and the stability of the connection (such as not randomly disconnect or not being able to connect at all)

3. Is there any significant different in color performance between the Matte and the Gloss screen? (glare or not is not a matter to me)
- I've used laptops with both type of screen, and personally I find matte screen to have better color contrast, but the colors on glossy screen looks more vivid; however it also varies between different model and brands too. So I just wonder with this specific np8130 model, which type of screen do you suggests?

I'm also currently consider between buying from Xotic PC or Malibal, since they seems to be the most popular on NBR. I know it's more of an opinion thing, but if you could give an advice on which one should I go for and why, I really appreciate it. Thank you very much.

 

As for the power I'm not sure what taking out the battery would do

for the wireless card if you don't think you will even utilize all the speed then there is no need to upgrade and it shouldn't crap out, the other reason for getting an upgraded wi-fi card is for a connection from farther away

The screen issue is discussed constantly throughout these forums, its more of a personal preference but as far as I know the glossy has more vibrant colors

 

I don't know if this is relevant for you, however I got the 95% gamut matte screen, and it is BEAUTIFUL. I've never seen more vivid colors and sharp picture. I have no screen to compare it with. This is not an exaggeration. I think if you go with matte, then you will lose nothing compared to glossy. I, personally, have no regret at all.

 

Thank you for your replies.

Taking battery out while the laptop is plugged in is just my habit, as I do find it somewhat helpful in making the battery life less worn out, and make the laptop heat up a little less. What I was wondering is if I take out the battery, can the laptop still stand stable when putting on the desk, since the battery is located on one corner of the laptop, not in the middle like usual.

The reason I ask this is because I notice that one of the laptop rubber feets is on the battery, so I think the laptop will miss a stand foot if I take the battery off. I wonder if it is not the battery, but the battery component cover, and can still be put on after I remove the battery.

 

I have the 8150, which is essentially the same laptop, and I normally remove the battery when I leave the laptop plugged in for a long time...so, to answer your question:

There is no battery component cover, although I wish they implemented something like that or gave us some sort of dummy battery pack.

If you remove the battery, the laptop can stand still by itself, but there is noticeable flex when you rest your palm there to type. It doesn't bother me too much, but I could see how it could bother some people.

 

1. Yes, you can leave it out. It may make it wobbly though. I've seen others recommend using styrofoam to fill the gap and stabilize it. You just cut a piece to fit the hole.

2. The stock card can do 150Mbps, with the upgrades doing 300Mbps and 450Mbps respectively. The benefit for them is also in reception- you'll get stronger signal and faster speeds at the same range with the upgraded card compared to stock. The extra antennas improve both speed and range (via noise reduction)

3. Contrast and color representation is slightly better on glossy, with the tradeoff that if you work in direct sunlight you'll just have a ton of glare. People seem to be divided on the two though. I prefer glossy, while many others recommend the matte.

 

Ah well then I guess I can have some use for those styrofoam that comes in the box then Thank you for your answer.

For the wireless card, is there any noticable difference in term durability or connection stability? One of my old laptops has Realtek wireless card, and for some reasons the wireless usually just stop connecting after a few hours of using and can only be turn on again after a system reboot. I don't know what the 8130's stock card is, but I wonder if this could happen if I use the stock card instead of the Intel one.

 

The stock wireless on the P151HM1/P150HM is the Realtek RTL8188CE. I haven't seen any complaints myself for home networks. However, some users have said that connections to public networks (like colleges) have been problematic at times. Typically speaking though, the stock wifi isn't a bad choice- especially if you don't have wireless N.

 

Wow that's a fast reply I'm thinking I might go with Malibal now. Since I don't want to flood the thread with chat, can I just pm you sometimes later for more details?

 

Sure, feel free to PM or contact through the links in my sig. As you just passed the 5 post mark, you may have to wait until midnight before you can PM though.

 

Don't worry about asking too many questions here.

 

Quick question: Has anybody ever used any type USB TV Tuner with a Sager model before? Basically I just need to see if it does work -I don't care much about the quality, although comments about the quality in general would be nice.

 

A USB TV tuner should work fine. I have an older Hauppauge which works great for analog cable and over the air HD. It lacks QAM though so I can't do digital over the cable line. (Any non-digital channel looks grainy on a flat panel, just like on an LCD TV)

Long story short, yes, they work great. If you get the right one, it'll integrate into Windows Media Center as well which has a fantastic TV Guide interface.

Pretty much all current notebooks have the power needed to drive a USB TV tuner without any issues.