Pre-Purchase Decision Help Please

Hello,

I am new to the forum but have been following the various Sager/Clevo , Asus, and MSI Owner's Lounge threads for last few months.

Simply put, I need a powerful 15" laptop but I do NOT need a powerful video card, I actual want the minimum power draw possible from my video card , just enough that on occasion I can connect an external monitor for dual use during spreadsheet work.

THis is what I am looking for:

CPU: i7 gen2 CPU
Screen: 15" 1920x1080
RAM: 12GB or 16GB RAM (don't care if it is 1333 or 1600)
GPU: Low powered dedicated GPU that can power 3840 x1080
SSD: Yes
Fingerprint reader
backlit keyboard
ODD hard drive caddy

I do NOT game. I do not want to waste battery life powering a discrete graphics card.

I work with very large spreadsheets and other MS Office Suite documents, number crunching programs, and accounting programs, in excess of 5GB a file, and very large email attachments and such through Outlook and FTP etc.

Can anyone make a suggestion on a Sager/Clevo option?
Is it possible to swap out the MXM GPU in the Sager NP5160 / Clevo W150HN for a low powered GT series GPU?

 

In the Sager world, nothing is available as far as a model with back lit keys except for the new 9270 that has just been released. There has been rumors about Sager introducing more models with back lit keys soon, but nothing in addition has been officially released.

In the Sager 5160 the GPU cannot be upgraded. Starting with the Sager 8150 and up, the machines are 'User Upgradeable', meaning you can upgrade or swap out the GPU and CPU and other components.

The Sager 8150 may be a good way to go with your needs.

 

Currently the only offering that would come close is the Sager NP8150.

If you can wait for a few more weeks, there may be some more offerings available that may meet your exact needs.