Sager NP 2098 - the unmentioned notebook

Ok, so for quite a long time I had been following the NP8662 and was pretty set on getting it. It looks quite nice and is as powerful as I want, however I can't seem to convince the parents about the price. That being said, I began searching for a notebook for less than $1,200 (OS and everything) and came back to Sager. Dell, HP, Asus, and lenovo all seem to have solid, highly recommended laptops for my price, but nothing seems to beat the 2098 on paper.

Now, let me ask this: Why is it that I don't see any discussion, reviews, or even a mention about this notebook? Are there some major drawbacks thats I'm not realizing?

I understand that many people dont like the 16:9, and I personally would prefer the WSXGA of the 8662, but I'm going to have the laptop docked to another monitor for most of its time so this isn't such an issue.

Could somoeone please point me in the direction of a review, or let me know if I'm missing something major which may influence my purchase? Also, if there is a comprable notebook, hopefully with a better GPU, for the same price, feel free to mention.

Also, I see that Xotic has implemented the upgrade to Windows7 program, so I intend to place the order today. Anyone know of a reason to delay the order by a week or is it safe to purchase now? Thank you NBR readers.

 

There is some discussion here as well as in the Compal forum. Unlike most Sager models, the np2098 is made by Compal instead of Clevo, so the interest in this model is spread across two forums here at NotebookReviews.

The 2098 is also known as the Compal KHLB2.

One of the things that turns a lot of people off about the Compal KHLB2 is the screen resolution (1366x768), but the LED screens I've seen are beautiful.

 

I've had the same concerns. I am convinced this notebook has the best features for its form and price, but I am seeking to know more about it than just whats on paper.

I found a Notebookcheck.com review of the 'barebones model' which is the same as the Sager NP2098/Compal KHLB2/Clevo xxxx. They reviewed the screen, battery life, heat emissions, and chassis.

In all, I am really liking this laptop. I've never bought from Powernotebooks or Sager before, but the price is unbeatable from what I've seen. Only thing that comes close is a Studio 1555 with its higher resolution, but lower graphics.

Link to the review of the Compal KHLB2: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Compal-KHLB2-Notebook.14963.0.html

Cheapest I've found to configure it so far has been Powernotebooks.com - actually cheaper than the Sager main site.

 

I couldnt find anything in the Compal forums.

 

All of the KHLB2 owners are too lazy to review it I guess.

 

on first page

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=339475

second page

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=379236
(with two reviews)

 

Why not 2096? 2096 has WSXGA+ screen option.

 

I am working on a review, but my masters thesis is taking precedence right now. It's a darned fine notebook with just a few niggles.

 

is the HD 4650 or the 9600GT better? I'm still deciding if i should go 8662 or 2096/2098 :s

If the 2098 had a better resolution (1650x1080) I would buy it right now

 

8662 has a significantly better graphics card though. Probably around 40-50% better.

Benchmarks here: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html

The 260M scores over 10k, while the 9600GT only scored 5k, and the 4650 at 6.6k

 

He said he initially considered the 8662 but it doesn't fly with his parents.

I read a review of the 2098 from that one German notebook site [can't remember off the top of my head] and in essence what they said was that it was a nice, solidly built notebook with an uninspired design. As far as I understand the 2098 seems to be like 1/3rd of the way between a 2096 and an 8662. Possibly one of the reasons why it hasn't had that many reviews is that it's not significantly enough of an improvement over the 2096 -- people either already have bought the 2096 or are buying the 8662.

I own a 2096 and it's great but I kind of wish I had waited for the 2098 especially since it has that manual switch for the touchpad.

 

Just tell your parents that getting a budget laptop that will become outdated within a year is a waste of their hard earned money and that a slightly larger investment will prove to be much more cost-effective and perform better in both the short and long run.

I'm not saying that the 2098 will get outdated that quickly, especially since it has basically the same specs (exceptions being vid card and screen), but sometimes exaggerations are required to persuade. *wink*wink.

Plus, you seem pretty keen on the 8662. If you get the 2098, you're always going to double-guess your decision.