Sager / Clevo Waiting Mode for Ivy Bridge

Just rambling in making my first post (long post: just posting some thoughts)!

I'm pretty much set to stick to a Sager/Clevo variation when I decide to pull the trigger.

In many ways, I think I want the 15" screen size but at the same time, I want at least two permanent mount hard-drives to accommodate a primary SSD and secondary storage/data drive. This will most likely steer me to what may become equivalent to the P170HM or X7200 chassis (or whichever equivalent model nomenclature may be defined if updated by the time I make a decision).

The one thing I find myself determined to wait on is pending release (in Q1 or Q2 of 2012) of the new Ivy Bridge revisions. I understand that you can chase technology forever in this industry...however, it is always tough for me to realize I am tempted with a decision to make at the "end" of a product cycle after the "new" lineup is already announced. I will admit that I don't actually "prefer" a laptop generally for use. I've built my own desktops for years now and have always considered a laptop as a "backup" or literally only for portability when absolutely necessitated.

As example, I have only owned one laptop personally in my life (with exception of laptops provided through work which I do not consider "mine" to do with or load software as I please). It was a Sager 5680 purchased in 2003. It still works although I rarely use it any longer and it does have some screen issues. One thing I never really cared for with the 5680 was the display "hinge". It never felt "solid" to me...as in it simply felt that the tension was simply due to being "squeezed" and when opening or closing...felt kind of like you were simply prying on something that was stuck together with adhesive (not sure how to describe in words). I am hopeful that the newer models have a bit more of a tight but properly machined feel while maintaining the tension to retain the screen where it is placed.

Anyway, figured I better get a post count started. I appreciate all the good info I regularly see on the forum (I have lurked for a significant time). Thanks for everyone contributing, and if possible I will do the same if I have the opportunity.

 

I'm also waiting. Wanted to buy one this summer, but they're still lacking a few features that put me on the fence: switchable graphics with higher end GPUs, backlit keyboard, and an HDMI input. Alienware has all three, but they're expensive and...gaudy. If the new Clevo models incorporate the first two, I'd probably buy it. If it also has a video input, then there's no question.

 

are they in process of adding those in the future? or are these never going to be added in clevo models...

because im thinking of buying the Clevo P151HM1

 

The backlit keyboard for sure, but no info on Optimus or HDMI input though.

 

when is the backlit keyboard going to come out? maybe next year?

 

They will be out with the Ivy Bridge models in Late Q1/Early Q2 next year.

The optimus and the HDMI input remains to be seen.

 

im trying to get the clevo p151hm1... and i dont know if i should wait for the ivy bridge just to get the keyboard lit... is it worth it to get that? i also dont know if the price is going increase that time...or decrease...

is it a better performance? like how much better?

im planning to get it during christmas...

 

The keyboard is your preference, if you want to wait or not
Performance? Will it be better than sandybridge? Sure, don't know how much better yet. Same with the pricing, we imagine it will be around the same pricing but don't know yet.

 

oh ok thank you very much for the information!

 

Some really interesting stuff is starting to be released from Intel about their Tri-gate technology featured in Ivy Bridge processors.

Here's the link if you're curious: AnandTech - Intel Announces first 22nm 3D Tri-Gate Transistors, Shipping in 2H 2011

 

Optimus v1.2 is confirmed on the P150 and P170 models.

HDMI in on P270WM is not an option.

 

I was actually in the same boat... buy now or wait? but with my current laptop on its deathbed and great recent game releases, I decided to bite

 

How big of a price hit will the current selection take?

Is it enough to wait?

 

Well that is a common question...

Since the Ivy Bridge refresh will not happen till about April next year, can one wait about 6 months?
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Whaaaaaaaaaaat? I'm jealous.

But there's no way I could wait another 6-8 months for a new machine.

 

To the OP, you can get the 15" and replace the dvd drive with a caddy and put in another hdd, or put an ssd in the original hdd bay and a large hdd in the OD bay. I did that and I use an external drive for my dvd drive. And I really have only used the dvd drive a few times. So you can get what you want now. Or wait. But you don't need a larger laptop to get what you want. Just saying.

 

Optimus, great idea, not so great implimentation across the board, a lot of issues with it in some other manufacturers. Check out some of the reviews and forums on it.

 

I'm also waiting for the Ivy Bridge release, and I know exactly what you mean: purchasing near the end of Sandy Bridge is difficult to do, as good as some deals may be right now. Even then, I still would have dealt with it were it not for hopes on the Sager chassis refresh that will accompany the new processors. My biggest hope is probably for a 17" keyboard on their 17" laptops. *crosses fingers*

So as it is, I'm still making due with my old Gateway running a Core2duo and a 9800M. I've basically given up on playing non-console games, because I like things tiny, and games these days tend not to agree with running 1600x1200 on my old hardware.

 

I think you will find it will be okay by the time of release on this one. Other than the obvious issues like linux I would be confident to say it should mainly be ironed out.

 

What is Optimus v1.2?

What is the Optimus version of current Clevo/Sager models?

 

Excellent news! I knew it was the best thing to wait for Ivy Bridge . Now all we need is 16:10 and everything will be perfect!

 

Looks like waiting for the next models will be worthwhile.

 

Yes the Ivy Bridge platform should be great!

16:10...Sorry I think that is a long gone option.
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I'm sure it will make a come back in a few years. They'll call it Full HD+ or something. Tablets seems to be going after 16:10 mostly.

 

I think the reasoning behind the switch to 16:9 has been the prevalence of HD tvs and wanting to match those. Most people are starting to use their PCs as multimedia devices that can cross platforms, so having the same standard is a logical choice. With that in mind, I don't personally see that 16:10 ratio becoming commonplace again.

 

That was the marketing justification, but rumor has it was because it is 5% cheaper to cut LCDs in 16:9 ratios than in 16:10. If factor this in:
EU fines LCD makers for 'price fixing cartel' | The Digital Home - CNET News... you will get where I am coming from.

It's hard to say what will happen, but bottom line is that for gaming and productivity, 16:10 is superior to 16:9 and I think on such machines it should be 16:10. The vast majority of low-end laptops can stick to 16:9.

But let's not derail this thread, there is a separate thread for this.

 

It's absolutely because 16:9 mass production became cheaper, so LCD manufacturers changed 16:10 to a more expensive custom order.

PC manufacturers can't afford to build that price into the system, like Apple.

 

I was going to wait but I can't see why anymore, I have 4 games right now I can't even play: Skyrim Saints Row the 3rd Deues Ex and LA Noir...Do I really want to wait 6 months at the least...so hard to decide :/

 

Well, in one sense I'm fortunate that I have a more than capable desktop system to play the games I want to pursue (currently getting immersed in Skyrim myself).

Of course, one factor is that I am older than dirt! and have worked in a career probably longer than many participating on the forums have been alive....sigh. I wouldn't qualify as wealthy...but can choose my toys/tools with some reasonable freedom.

Regardless, I have always been an avid gamer since the Atari 2600 days and Sega Master system...absolutely absorbed early text adventures (all the infocom titles)...but first really got hooked on what was to become equivalent to a PC format when I started playing the hybrid text adventure "The Pawn" on a buddies Amiga 500 system (the game actually had a static GRAPHIC pop up occasionally as you progressed!).

Been a computer gamer ever since

Anyway, as tempted as I might get to impulse purchase when I begin believing that I want something....I should be able to resist as I can still satisfy that PC gaming craving even in old age until the new models/upgrades are released (I think I can anyway).

 

Waiting for the same thing, I feel like this video below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTyN-vvFIkE&feature=related

 

i am waiting for NP8180 OR NP8170 with IVY BRIDGE, it's seem ivy bridge cooler than sandy bridge, that's what i want.

 

FYI for the x7200 replacement and socket 2011 apparently the desktop sandy-e and desktop ivy bridge 3Q 2012 would use the same "socket 2011" according to Intel.

Does anyone have any idea about cpu socket change for the ivy bridge, I missed that info somewhere. That would determine if you should buy now in Dec2011 or wait for Laptop ivy bridge.

 

Is there a source for this?

Edit: read in the other thread. Insider info. Awesome that it's true.

 

Sure is awesome. Battery life on 8 cell battery is now reported at 6 hours with Optimus enabled.

 

Waiting for Ivy + Southern Island + backlit keyboard + better sound system on the Clevo. I bet that would be awesome and worth waiting lol

 

Just asked Malibal and this Black Friday Deal wont get any better than this. Plus that Ivy Bridge is going to cost ALOT + HD will skyrocket cus of Thailand issues..

 

There is no doubt that Ivy Bridge is going to be a LOT more expensive. It will be higher than the original prices of these machines as the manufacturing costs have gone up and as you said also HDD.

 

The Ivy Bridge platform should not be much higher in cost.

The Clevo models will have very similar pricing from the information so far.
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I was in more or less the exact same boat (wasn't worried about HDMI inputs) so ended up waiting it out which seems to have been the smart choice.

Oh dam, I was hoping they would be the same if not a little bit lower. This is not news I wanted to hear. On the upside there is still a long time between now and release so things can change (hopefully for the better) or gives me more time to save (seems I will need it if this price hike comes through).

 

anything about amd switching?

 

Hmmm... Why would HDMI input be important? I thought that most will be contented with HDMI output...

 

Yeah HD sure has skyrocketed in the past months. I also see Malibal includes an option of no primary HD in the configuration. That's $45 less. I would personally use that option, pop my older notebook HD in and wait for a sweet ssd.

 

The P270WM is only compatible with the upcoming Ivy Bridge -E platform (X79/LGA2011). It is NOT compatible with vanilla Ivy Bridge (Z68/P67/LGA1155). I hope this clears some confusion.

Some people (myself included) enjoy the idea of their PC being an all-in-one gaming hub, so to be able to hook up an Xbox 360/Playstation 3 to it would be amazing.

 

As in the laptop screen will play whatever is on the console?

 

Basically, yes. The laptop screen will work just like any other TV. You can hook up your HDMI device and use the screen as just a display for it. It's handy if you travel a lot and don't want to have to bring along a TV/monitor for your devices.

 

Sounds nifty; now I see why some of us do want it... Thanks!

 

the initial prices will be high, if you want it lower, you have to wait till 2012 holidays, then again haswell will be along the way, wait on

 

Here you go guys, 2012 Clevo Chief River lineup:

http://odmshowcase.com/odm/clevo/results/field_intel_platform:"Chief River" field_product_odm:7

P170EM:

http://odmshowcase.com/odm/clevo/product/357

P150EM:

http://odmshowcase.com/odm/clevo/product/358



Display port?Where is the HDMI on P70EM?

 

Well, I know what I want. I've been wanting to get a new laptop since March. I've been paitent, very paitent. I told mysef I would wait till Ivy Bridge. It seems everything I want is coming together with the next major release. I really want Ivy Bridge, Kepler, and the P150EM looks like it will be the perfect model to house it all in. Backlit keyboard, switchable graphics, etc. I''m happy I waited. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to wait another 4+ months, but it will be worth it.

 

I think we will se a lot of regret among those who bought the p150/170hm these last few weeks come march...