Sager NP8170

Sager NP8170 Build Option - Imgur

Upgrades : $185 Glossy screen, HD6990M, Intel 6230 WiFi + Bluetooth module, 60 day no dead pixel warranty, 3 years warranty, IC diamond thermal compound.

I already have two 500GB HDD's, which will go in the 2nd and 3rd slot.

This is the above build I have decided on, buying it from XoticPC.

Does it look good? Any suggested changes? I want to stay under $1800 shipped to California.

Also, couple of other questions.

1) 90% NTSC Gamut Glossy vs 72% NTSC Gamut Matte? I'm leaning towards glossy due to better colors and contrast. The laptop won't see the sunlight, it'll always be in an enclosed area. Maybe at the library in college the Glare would be too much, but I don't think I'll be taking it to the library.

2) Does the laptop support installing Windows 7 from a USB drive? I don't need the optical drive, the only purpose would be to install an operating system, and even then I prefer using the USB drive.

3) How good/bad is the trackpad? Let's say, in comparison with the ASUS G51v I have, which just recently died on me. I do have an external mouse I will be using, SS Ikari Optical, but when I'm not gaming, I should be using the trackpad now and then.

Thanks!

 

As far as I can tell, it looks good. Next time you can just post it as a list of specs instead of a ton of photos (just to make it easier to browse through).

1) This is up to you. I'm a fan of glossy, so I'd say you wouldn't go wrong with it. The 90% is a decent upgrade as well, especially if you do photo editing work.

2) Yep, just make sure you boot it from the USB 2.0 ports. The microsoft store has a simple tool to create a bootable drive:

Microsoft Store Online

3) I can't help you on comparisons to other brands as per forum rules, but I don't mind it (granted I use my external mouse for 99% of typical use anyway)

 

I usually tell users to go with an external 1080p monitor instead of the screen upgrade.

you might wanna sell your hard drive and look at buying momentus xt 750gigs! its awesome!

Malibal is awesome , just get it!

 

1) Seems like I'll go with Glossy! I don't do any photo/video editing, but I do want a top notch screen.

2) Awesome. Thanks for the 2.0 tip, I did not know that.

3) Oh okay. Anyways, it doesn't matter much, the rest of the laptop seems perfect, and I'm willing to overlook the trackpad.

I actually would have preferred to get a desktop, but being an international student in the USA, and traveling often to India for my vacations, a desktop or even an external monitor is not practical. Maybe when I get an apartment..

I've pretty much decided upon the build and reseller, now just negotiating price and any possible discounts..

 

Also make sure to get a hard drive mounting caddy for the optical bay. Since you plan on putting your 500GB hard drive in there you will need that caddy to install it.

 

Judging by the spec photos he posted, looks like he already had that covered. That was my first thought after he mentioned the 3rd bay and I had to double take. Most people don't refer to the optical bay as a third bay

Superfrag: The reason for having to use USB 2.0 ports is that the Windows installer does not have native drivers for 3.0, so it will hang and ask you for CD drivers if you try to use them.

 

Yup, I did choose the correct option to remove the optical drive and install the hard drive mounting caddy.

Thanks for the explanation, MALIBAL # 2, that makes perfect sense.

Placing the order by tomorrow with Xotic PC, excited to get it in my hands!

 

dude! what are you talking about? just take the laptop with you, leave the monitor in the house. I am an International student in the USA from Chennai. I travel a lot! So I buy the best laptops and usually setup a desktop environment at home.

 

I don't think you will be disappointed! Sager makes some great laptops and you have made some nice choices in your configuration. Post pics when you get it in the owner's lounge and don't forget to ask your reseller for a signature.