NP5793 Review!

Yeah, yeah, I know that the 5793 is old news, now that the 5796 is out, but this was a first-timer Sager experience for me, so I figured I'd post a review, regardless.

This was also my first time buying a secondhand laptop [let alone over the internet], so this is also an evaluation of my dealing with bwxheon.

[[Work in progress, I'll continue updating as I work with the machine more!]]

Images and Video:

[[I'm afraid I'm stuck on dialup, tonight. I'm going to leave these uploads running while I go sleep. Hopefully, they'll all be here by the time you see this!]]

Please note: images and grainy web video couldn't possibly accurately convey the subtle details that this machine is jam-packed with. I've done my best to give you a pretty good idea, but imagine everything you're about to see being much shinier, more dynamic, and sleeker. ;D

I've got full-res versions of the images backed up - if you need one, let me know.

Video Demonstration










Specs:
- Processor: Intel® Core™2 Duo x9000 2.8-3.2GHz 800MHz fsb
- Ram: 4,000MB DDR2 667 PC2
- Video Card: 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce8800m GTX
- Display: 17" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear (1680x1050)
- Primary Hard Drive: 160GB Western Digital (5400rpm)
- Optical Drive: Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD
- Wireless Network: Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11A/B/N
- Warranty: 1 Year Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty. Warranty can be extended through Sager.
- DEAD Pixels: none
- Fingerprint Reader: Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- AC Adapter: 110/220V 120W Auto Switching AC
- Battery: Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
- Bluetooth: Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Memory Card Reader: (internal 7-in-1)
- Speaker Systems: Integrated System Speakers
- Camera: Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Memory Card Reader: Internal 7-in-1 Card Reader
- Arctic Silver: Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Operating System: no cd included, but xp will be installed.

First Impressions:
Appearance: this thing looks WAY better in person. Aesthetic features are extremely subtle, cannot be conveyed fully with grainy web images. Brushed metal lid is fantastic, but it's the little details like the trim around the monitor, the sleek silver border, and even the clear-plated power button that give this an awesome, subtly dominant appearance.

Build quality: this thing is heavy, sturdy and I do not feel worried at all about damaging it. The screen has just a tiny bit of wobble, but almost no flex, and the hinges feel solid and sturdy. If my Alienware m15x scored a 5 on construction quality, and my brother's HP Pavilion dv6700 scores a 7, this scores at least an 8. The only laptop I've used that beats this machine in build quality is the ASUS gaming series.

Quiet: I know this is an unusual thing to notice, and for some, it may be unimportant, but this machine runs extremely quietly during basic operation. In fact, when I first powered up, there was a brief moment of panic because I didn't hear the computer booting up. When Windows booted [very quickly, I might add], the panic subsided, but I still could barely hear a thing. In terms of noise, if my brother's HP is a gas-powered car, and the Alienware was diesel, this is certainly an electric hybrid.

Monitor quality: Wow. This is my first 17" screen, and also my first gloss-style screen. I am extremely impressed. I intentionally sat with my back to an open window, at first, and there was noticeable glare: I would not be able to deal with it during gaming or multimedia editing. However, at the minor expense of sitting with my back to a wall during daylight hours, the dramatic improvement in picture quality is astounding.

Keyboard: This is also my first time using a keyboard this large, with a fully functional numberpad. This will take some getting used to: I keep confusing the numberpad for the right edge of the keyboard. Once I'm in familiar territory, however, this keyboard is a joy to use. The keys have a very nice, solid, finely textured feel to them, which reminds me distinctly of the palm-style grip for the Logitech G9 gaming mouse. There is no noticeable flex: the keyboard has a brilliant blend of lightweight responsiveness and heavyweight durability.

Optical Drive: Extremely sturdy. One of the sturdiest disk trays I've seen on a laptop. Warning: the optical disk reader is LOUD.

Speakers: After being spoiled by the Altec Lansing speakers that come in most HP models, the transition to the m15x's terrible built-in speakers was difficult. Fortunately, the 5793's speakers are a good deal more bearable in terms of quality and max volume, although there's still nothing terribly impressive to report.

Touchpad: I'm not a touchpad user, but I've heard wonderful things about the 579x touchpad, so I couldn't resist giving it a shot. It is, indeed, a very nice touchpad. Great haptic response, simple layout.

I/O Jacks: I really would have appreciated some USB ports on the left side of the machine. Additionally, the lack of HDMI output was a bit disappointing, but not a major issue for me. Also, the position of the headphone jack is unusual. Finally, I know it's just a quirk, but I really don't think that any sort of I/O jack should ever be on the hard-to-reach rear side of a laptop, with the exception of rarely-used jacks for video output, etc.

Performance and Benchmarks:

With all videos, keep in mind that running FRAPS cause a dramatic performance decrease, and often halves the framerate. For instance, I was able to play Crysis at about 45 FPS, but the FRAPS video was captured around 20.

CRYSIS
1024x640
No AA
All settings "High"

While I was able to run the game at 1680x1050 with 4x AA, it was a bit too choppy for gameplay (15-25 FPS). At these settings, though, rendering oscillated between 35 and 80 FPS, depending on the situation. Quite playable.

On a side note, this is my first time playing Crysis, and I wasn't terribly impressed. It reminds me of Assassin's Creed: great graphics and a few nifty gameplay mechanics, but it feels more like a tech demo than a well thought out game. Some of the control mechanics feel clunky, and the disproportionate damage system and distinctly uninventive map design feels outdated.

I've had a lot of people tell me that it gets better when you get deeper into the story, though, so we shall see.

3DMARK VANTAGE

Coming soon...

TEMP MONITORING

After a 3 hour Crysis gaming session, on a soft surface (my lap, corduroys!):


PHOTOSHOP

Coming soon...

WINRAR

Coming soon...

COMMAND & CONQUER 3

Coming soon...

3D STUDIO MAX 8

Coming soon...

CALL OF DUTY 4
Max Settings
Max Resolution (1680x1050)

Ran likie a hot knife through butter. Never dropped below 45 FPS, even in crowded firefights. Average for most indoor scenarios was upwards of 80 FPS.

WORLD OF WARCRAFT
Max Settings
Max Resolution (1680x1050)

I was literally unable to get the in-game FPS counter to drop below 50, except for one spike during an AV Drek rush, where I momentarily dropped to 42 FPS. Even when flying through crowded Shattrath, there was absolutely no chugging whatsoever. Like a hot knife through butter.




Obligatory List of Defects and Complaints:

• The left lid latch appears to be either bent or warped very slightly. I'm not sure if this was an original defect or something that happened while bwhxeon used the machine, but either way, it's not a big issue at all. Given that the rest of the machine is in nearly-perfect condition, I doubt this was the result of misuse: probably just a manufacturing defect. Barely noticeable.
• The headphone jack is placed right in the center of the laptop's front edge, which means it protudes into your gut when you're using the machine on your lap. A bit awkward.
• I don't actually have any complaints with the monitor or the speakers: both of them work pretty darned well. With that said, though, making the monitor even brighter and the speakers even louder would be a great improvement. I want my eyes and ears to be bleeding.
• The power jack and one of the phone line jacks are both very loose. I seem to keep coming unplugged on accident when I shuffle around in my seat. No big deal with the phone jack, since I don't usually use it, but the power cord is a little annoying.

 

Fex can you post a picture of the latch, I don't recall it being bent or it could be a defect and I just never noticed it.

 

forget about the 5796, beside those 2 new ports, it didn't improved anything AT ALL.

That's what I've been telling people, NP579x will only be loud with full blast fan, which you won't need unless your room temperature is 120+F.

 

At a curiousity, which looks better in person, the m15x or NP5793? Which has a better screen? I'm glad to see that you like your new Sager.

 

Please post the specs. Curious what specs you got those benchies with. And post more benchies!

 

Since it used to be my laptop I can give you the specs, [email protected] 8800m gtx 4gb ram using windows xp pro 160gb 5400rpm hdd.

 

After having personally owned both, the Sager looks better. But that's just a matter of taste, of course.

While the m15x had a lot of good potential with the backlighting and sleek gloss, the plastic looks very "fake," in person. Once you get to actually handling it, that feeling really sinks in.

The Sager has a powerful, bold, subtly elegant appeal. The whole thing reminds of of classy luxury.

 

Lol =P

 

OP updated with specs.

I'll see what I can grab. This problem is so small and insignificant, though, that I don't even know if I'll be able to get a good image of it without a macro lens. I really had to nitpick to find it.

It definitely just looks like the piece was warped straight from the manufacturer. There are no signs of physical damage or stress to indicate that the latch was bent: it looks like it was just warped straight out of the press.

 

Well as long as it isn't a serious problem nothing to worry about then. Glad you like the laptop. Did ups put enough packaging in the box?

 

well now that you have the laptop and you have seen the looks whats the decision on the paint job all the mock ups you made were amazing (except the white...just too white for me ) it would be pretty sweet to atleast do something on the lid well enjoy your new laptop

 

Great to see that you have put your m15x nightmare behind you, fex. That NP5793 shall not disappoint! Trading the spiffy LED keyboard and stuff for a solid build quality is worth it.

 

congrats lets see what it looks like in a home environment (pix)

 

Hahah, I actually laughed a little bit when I opened the box because there was so much bubble wrap. It was very secure, especially given that it was also inside the carrying case.

 

I'm definitely gonna upload a crapload of photos, because none of the images I found online come close to doing this machine justice. I doubt I'll be able to do much better, but we'll see. :]

 

I packed the laptop in the bubble wrap just in case, but I'm glad they packed the bag properly.

 

Awww, the white one was one of my favorites! :}

Still trying to decide. The guys over at Laptop Design USA have been extremely helpful - quite possibly some of the best customer service I have ever dealt with. They've offered ideas and feedback, they've been lurking on the forums watching my thread, and they've been extremely realistic when talking about their strengths and limitations.

Right now, I'm trying to cut back to meet some of the limitations we've discussed. The most recent design I posted is simply too complex and too technically demanding: some elements are simply not possible, and others would be extremely painstaking [therefore, extremely expensive].

After having finally seen this in person, I am a good deal more impressed than I expected to be. There is just no way to do this machine justice with still images or low-resolution videos: the way light plays off each and every surface of this machine reeks of excellence.

I'm in the process of doing my best to capture these awe-inspiring effects, and I should [hopefully] have some images and videos up tomorrow [err... later tonight, for you silly daytime-dwellers].

 

Goodnes me, Fex! You finally got it.

I'm happy it all worked out so beautifully for you. I kinda felt for everybody who got the m15x lemon .

I'm very interested in the screen. It's not LED backlit isn't it? How's the brightness, viewing angles?

Cheers!

 

Viewing angles are phenomenal. Almost no loss of brightness, clarity, or detail from a nearly-90-degree view from the sides.

The screen is bright enough, although I think that it could use a little more juice. I'm one of those people who would prefer to have a massive, eyebleed-inducing beam of radiance glowing into my face, and I'm afraid that this monitor doesn't double as a floodlight. It does a good job, though. Just not "burn your eyes out" good.

 

Images uploading, updated OP. They should be there by the time you read this. :]

 

wow great video and great pics congrats on the system again ... tbh it definitely looks better than it does in the manufacture pics... if i were choosing between the m15x and this it would be REALLY hard (but yea the structural problems with the m15x is really bad at times) anyways hows the decision making going on the paint job... it looks great but i think it would look nice and stick out if you got a paint job

 

cool and grats fex!

happy gaming bro...

and btw... your ui makes me wanna cry bro...

 

**** you guys and your lvl70s i quit playing Wow about a year ago and now im back started all over again lvl 15 undead warlock atm im pretty sure if you saw my ui you would be in MUCH worse condition can you say... DEFAULT haha gonna DL all the Addons soon dont know the new stuff can you sugggest any good ones for my level atm... Sorry for going off topic

 

ha ha ha...

war-crack-head derailing the threads... lol...

i'll send you some info via PM...

 

Hey Fex, how about a couple of photos of the screen? Would you mind terribly? I'd love to see how it looks like

(and by that I mean with the computer turned on)

 

you mentioned the "warped" latch, might it just appear to be that way, because its a bit wobbly - as in one of em is cause its not spring loaded like the other one.

 

Mine sometimes appears very-slightly warped also. No big deal, it functions perfectly.

 

Haha, yeah, the UI is still a work in progress, and it's really cluttered at times - especially in BG.

You should see some of the other healers I work with, though. Some of them are still using the default interface. D:

 

Wow, the pics really look good, better than the shots at sager site. Good work fex. All of a sudden i am impressed.. and might buy the 5796 instead of waiting for 8660.

BTW, which is that sleeve that fits the laptop - in the pic?