Re: Kobalt Comanche SLi, and 'Collect and Return Warranty'.

I am currently consider a refund from Dell, which I have been offered.

This refund can go either way for me as I might reinvest in the Alienware M17x, or look for other options. I am rather impressed with the new Comanche SLi by Kobalt Computers. I'm getting better features with the Kobalt for a significantly cheaper price.

- Blu-Ray writer.
- X-Fi Sound Card.
- Quad-Core Extreme CPU.

However, there's been a lot of praise regarding the new M17x. I'm speaking of the MUCH cooler thermals readings that come with a laptop of such calibre and power.

How are the temps with the Comanche SLi? Idle, and in-game citations would really help.

Also, I'm also seriously hindered in this decision because I am viewing it from a warranty stand-point. Fortunately, Dell's policy worked in my favour, and it was thanks to said warranty that I am now receiving a full refund. It would be cool if someone could explain the perks and nature of Kobalt's 'European Collect & Return' policy. Is it as beneficial--or close enough--as Dell's premium N.B.D. warranty?

Constructive input, always appreciated.

Cheers.

 

Well seeing as I've had mine for a couple of weeks now I can honestly say I think its an awesome machine (specs in sig)

It saved me over 800 quid (about 1300 dollars) compared to the same spec Alienware M17X ok its not an Alienware but it sure gives it a run for the money and I can say the customer support is second to none (Everytime I had to speak to Kobalt I spoke to Andrew who is the MD of the company) and I even met a couple of the lads when I went and picked up my lappy

As for temps at idle everything sits at 36c

after gaming CPU stays at 40c and the highest I've had the GPU's is 75c (crysis)

I've got win 7 running with everything working and no issues in doing it (however I haven't run any benchmarks with win 7 on )

if you search this forum you will see that myself and Pman took screen shots of benching etc

I don't want to slag off Alienware in anyway but if I could buy something just as good and saved myself a hell of a lot of money then why stick with a named brand. the Comanche SLI is in no way a under dog.

 

Regarding Kobalt's warranty, I am pretty sure you just send it to them, they repair it and send it back (as long as you didn't break it yourself). (Luckily) I haven't been able to try it out yet, but from my experiences so far with Kobalt, I'm pretty sure that there won't be any problems at all; they're very professional, fast and have an exellent customer service. I can only recommend them.

 

Much appreciated. It would still be great to hear from more people.

Any information on BIOS features? Does it offer the kind of control offered by the M17x? You know, like fan control and clockpeed access? Also, does the Comanche come with an on-board GPU like the 9400m?

I have to say, in my opinion, the Comanche SLi, seems a little -better- than the M17x, spec-to-spec. You get more with a maxed out Comanche, compared to an Alienware. It's practically neck-and-neck, seeing as you get the same quadcore CPU and the same 280m GTX SLi GPU solution. But, you get a Blu-Ray Burner, and the option of a Creative X-Fi with the Kobalts. Granted that the X-Fi is trivial factor, but it does count. I'd say that it's the M17x that might be trailing right behind a little. And then the price only adds to the equation, because the maxed out Kobalt is so much cheaper than the maxed out M17x.

Oh yeah, I totally missed the resolution issue. Apparently, the Comanche is limited to the 16:9 ratio - 1080p. But that's no big deal to me.

 

where do you live kade? if you are in the uk the warranty covers shipping both ways and parts & labour.
dont quoat me on this as im not 100% sure but if you are in europe shipping to kobalt may be chargeable.

i see youve joined the kobalt forum but it might be also worth sending a quick email to [email protected] where you may get a quicker responce.

 

I have indeed. Thought I might scope out the forums.

I like the idea of a smaller company with a more hands-on staff that takes a personal interest in the product.

Yeah, I'm a resident in UK. So I'm assuming warranty should cover most things.

Edit:
I was also curious about Kobalt's policy on extending warranty's once they're near expiration date.

 

I have got the Commanche SLI from Kobalt and am very very happy with it, it is an excellent machine.

The Guys at Kobalt (Andy and Neil) are always open and honest with thier opinions abouts systems and what is most suitable for you.

I along with Cat picked up our systems on the same day in person and shared a coffee with the gents in thier setup.

The cooling on the commanche is very good, with a cooler under full load clocked up i never exceed mid 60's on the CPU and 68-69 on the GPU's

The machine is very solid and I picked it over the M17x in the Uk due to the MASSIVE price difference and the shocked customer support at AW-UK i saved over £800 compared to a M17x and i got a larger screen and a 3rd hard drive slot

Just my 2cents if it helps

 

just to reiterate what Neil replied on the kobalt forum for anyone else wondering the same questions.

 

Thanks for the input, dudes.

Yeah, I got an e-mail from Andrew. The guy was friendly and forthcoming about Kobalt.

My issue with Dell isn't finalised as I told them I'll be taking a few days to consider. Having that said, I do find the Comanche to be the same, if not, slightly better than the M17x offered by Dellienware. I get the same Quad-Core QX9300 for a cheaper price, along with the same 280m SLi for a cheaper price. In addition to those two key-parts, I get a Blu-Ray Writer, which Dellienware isn't even offering as of the moment, and I get a bigger hard-drive, and the X-Fi sound-card. What will I be saving compared to the M17x with slightly lower specs? Roughly 500 pounds, if I make the move to Kobalt.

By the way, does the Comanche also come with an integrated 9400m GS? You know, hybrid SLi/lower-power draw for office use?

Regarding Alienware UK Support: I have to say that I no longer look at Alienware as Alienware. Even the M17x looks more like an XPS than traditional Alienware. I also hear that Dell support now runs the show for them, so whether that's good or bad is really up to the individual to decide. I know I had major communication problems with the out-of-country call centres, but they do always replace stuff if one were to require replacement; not nearly as bad as my experience with the old AW-UK support.

 

sadly it doesnt but you do have the silent mode that downclocks it for battery saving power for general use.