New Sager NP8173-S arrived damaged out of the box. Can anyone attest to Sager's customer service?

Did you try using the earlier control panel?

 

Thanks for bearing with this, it is an odd issue you have found.

 

I have not tried the older control center application. I don't see previous version drivers on the Sager website. Where can I download it?

 

I downloaded it from the Clevo website
http://www.clevo.com.tw/clevo_down.asp?lang=en

Scroll down to the 'P75xDM/P75xDM-G/P77xDM/P77xDM-G/P775DM/P775DM1' option then choose 'Others' in the driver section and the Control Centre Ap ending in .50 is in there. I just downloaded and unpacked it again so the link should work.
I haven't had a chance to try it on your model yet as I ran out of time yesterday, but will be having a go with it later today

 

My power brick died today after owning my repacement for 5 days. Laptop shutoff miduse with no warning on 0% battery. Tried several outlets that I know are working and the light on the brick wont come on. I swapped out the disconnectable plug cable to no avail. I've spent 1800 bucks for problem after problem, and now im done. Im calling Sager in the morning to setup a return/refund and I will be checking out the other brands. I also discovered a bent corner on the metal frame at the top of the screen lid where the metal ends and the plastic screen cover begins. It was really hard to spot but when you run a finger across it is defintely bent upwards and not flush like the other side. For a brand new laptop that is 1800, this is absolutely unacceptable. Thanks to everyone who've tried helping me with the other issues I have experienced.

And I have not heard back from the Sager tech yet either.

Photos of all physical/visible problems experienced while owning this model: http://imgur.com/a/J3i9V

 

that light bleed looks pretty normal. Mine was way worse (8153-S), I sent it back and they did something to reduce the light bleed but there's still a little in the bottom corners.

 

In an IPS/AVHA you will always have some due to the sensitivity of the panel to any pressure.

 

You can alleviate the backlight bleeding to some degree by putting a thin cushion between the frame and the LCD. As long as the frame will still secure to the back panel (click into place), this might help a bit.