How smooth has Sager/Clevo launch been with a new model?

What are the experiences of people who bought new Sager models when they first launch? I was just wondering if I should try to get the first batch of the Sager NP8660 or wait a little bit.

 

Generally it was good from the start. Maybe some problems with drivers or so, but nothing like big changes.

The NP5793 for example, had a very loud cooling system when it got out, but since a lot of people were complaining, clevo/sager released new fan software after a couple of weeks, and then it was a lot better.
But it's not like you'll have to send your laptop back or something.

 

Been a Sager user for more than 5 years, and been watching them for about 8. If you consider just those things relating to Sager/Clevo, then the only two issues that come to mind are the np5793 fan issue mentioned above and the np5600 series hinge issues (cracks in the hinges). There were also some people who were upset about the np8790 fan sound noice.


There are of course always isolated issues on individual machines, but model wide those are the only three that come to mind.

Of the three, the 5793 bios for the fan noise was an attempt to address the issue; I don't think that was an option with the 8790 (fan speed was not controlled by bios), and the hinge issues were really design flaws and not correctable, though sager did send out new LCD bezels to anyone that would ask during the warranty period.

Generally speaking, most people are very happy about Sager. That said, I would always wait a couple of months until the first user reviews come in to see if inherent design issues would bother you.

edit: forgot about the d900t heat issues--this model also had issues with an inadequate heat system.

 

Personally I would wait about 3 to 6 months. Not only due to user reviews but Clevo has the habit of launching motherboard revisions supporting new features while tackling some of consumers concerns. Furthermore, if you are going for SLi too often concerns were put forward due to bad drivers.

My advice is, never go for #1 revision of anything. Take revision #2 with a pinch of salt. Revision #3 is usually the one that makes history for the good or for the bad.

Trance
PS: I own a Clevo d901 (equiv to Sager NP 9261) since August last year. In less then a year 3 motherboard revisions. I went for mobo rev 2. Contrary to my expectations does not support 8800M GTX video card. If that is of no concern go for it!

 

So far, almost as smooth as a

 

HA! just wat i was thinking... i have mobo #1 baby, 7950 GTX and E6x00s only!, back from august last year. I jumped the 8700 revision, and i guess ill jump the 8800 revision. Question is, theres no word if the current mobo will support the 9800, a NEW revision may be needed! in which case, 4th revisions the charm! since i believe the 9800m GTX will be the next 7950 (long lasting powerful card) the GTX2x0M series will take a while for conversion.

 

I tell you what I'm going to do.

Once I get my first gen NP8660 (M860TU) I will never come back to NBR.

That way when they anounce a revision that supports the Extreme Edition processors and the 9800GTX (theoretically, because I know that it has been said they may never support such) I won't be depressed.

Or not.

 

So would you recommend the 5796 since it's an update to the 5793 or should I wait? I can understand waiting on the 8660..

 

Recommend as in "it's suited for you" or recommend as in "it's not going to be needing a motherboard upgrade"?

On the first - beats me; that's subjective

On the second - yes

 

I got one of the first NP2090's when they first started shipping last year, and everything has been great so far. No complaints at all. (I ordered from PowerNotebooks in case you were wondering) I've even referred 3 of my friends to Sager and they've all bought one.

 

its not really a bad thing for them to get revisions. its just the way things go. newer technology and methods allows for better performances.
they could have just made a completely new computer and made it impossible to upgrade.

 

You mean like, uh...., _Dell?

 

NOW! thats not fair! stop being so witty!

If dell wasnt around, I would actually have a chance at oppening a proper pc shop and making a descent amount of money.