Sager NP8662 vs NP2096

What are the main differences between the Sager NP8662 and NP2096? The specifications I'm looking at are:

1680x1050 screen size
P8600 Montevina 2.4 GHz 3MB L2 FSB 1066 MHz
4096 MB DDR3 ram
320 GB 7200 hard drive

The only noticable difference is the video card of GeForce GTX 260M with 1024 MB DDR3 and GeForce 9600 GT with 512 MB DDR2. The price difference is $500. Just how much worse would this video card be for an average game? Also, would the 2096 allow for upgrading the video card at a later date. After all, if the only difference for $500 is the video card, I can afford a better one down the road when this one no longer performs. I don't need much future proofing or quad CPU support because instead of paying 50% extra (from $1000 to $1500), I can get a new laptop years from now.

My FAQ is here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=362999

 

Honestly, the 9600gt with 512mb vram is quite a capable video card. Nonetheless I would go to the higher end 260GTX and the $500 premium, we are talking here about a huge difference in gaming quality, also it is a new generation card, for what is worth.

 

The 2096 would not allow any more updating from what you plan to get with it. Whereas the Np8662 will.

Also, if you aren't into the latest titles or don't mind playing on medium to almost high settings, you can get the 2096.

Furthermore, the battery life between the notebooks are drastically different. The 2096 gets 4 hours of battery life whereas the 8662 gets 2 and at most 3. Take that into consideration for however you are planning to use the notebook.

 

As far as upgrading goes, the only thing that I might upgrade would be the video card. If I can make it last for 4 years or so, I can simply get another laptop/desktop at that time. As far as settings go, my computer is really, really old (1.4 GHz, 512 MB ram, GeForce 3) so I'm already playing on low settings if I can even play at all. Going to medium/high settings would still be a big upgrade even if I can't get to max settings. I don't see the point of paying a $500 premium for the ability to upgrade when I can put aside that much money to replace. Would the NP2096 accept better video cards (like the 2G0GTX in two years or so)?

 

Highly unlikely, compal doesn't tend to upgrade cards as much as release new systems

Also it's not just $500 to be able to upgrade, it's $500 for a better built ststem and a considerably better video card.

 

Could you elaborate on how it is better built? Isn't the system only good as its components and all the components (except video card) are identical as far as I can tell.

 

I would say go for the Np8662. The GTX 260M is quite a bump from the 9600GT, and even if 9600 GT is still a decent card, the GTX 260M would last you a couple of years of good gaming. But you have to consider the battery life. If you don't mind having 2hrs less, then go for the NP8662.

 

The NP8662 has a higher quality/resolution screen, significantly faster CPU (along with the ability to expand to faster CPU's), faster ram (DDR2 vs DDR3), faster motherboard, and a drastically faster graphics card.

The technology in the NP2096 is significantly outdated when compared to the NP8662.

Also, don't be fooled into thinking a system is its components referring only to the core components.. it also refers to the build quality and quality of materials used to construct it which you probably aren't aware of yourself. That point aside the components are all superior to those used in the NP2096, which makes your statement prior redundant.

 

I'm starting to see the point. I read the graphic card info page to see where the video card ranks.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=302231
I didn't notice that the 2096 put in DDR2 ram instead of DDR3 also.

I suppose the 8662 is better than the 5793 also except for the display size and the 8660 is not available as far as I can tell. It will be tough to pay $1500 but if I want a decent machine, that might be the only way.

 

Well, you will actually be getting an awesome machine for a good price, I configured one at around $1600, with the P9600, the 260M GTX (SWEET!!) geforce cardm 4gigs DDR3 ram, and the 320rpm HDD. I have my own Vista discs and whatnot, I will be selling soon enough one of my 2 lappies to cover the cost for this one.

 

Umm 1500$ and 1600$?? You guys don't buy any warranties?

 

With electronics, one should always buy warranties. Things can fail on you with no reason 'just because'.

 

I was just stating the machine's cost...not including warranty...sorry

 

The 9600M won't survive 2009, while the 260M is good until 2012. 260M is probably 2.5x the 9600. This is well worth the $500.

It's less about future proofing, and more about buying the product which will give you enough time to feel your investment was worth while. Spending $1k for the 2096 sound cool, but you're already going to be toning down setting to medium, and this is from Day One of your purchase. As a gaming unit, the 9600M just won't decently last you the couple of years you're asking of it.

About the build quality:

Both notebooks are sold as Sager product, but the 2096 is built by Compal, while the 8662 is a Clevo. Clevo is all about solid build, reliable components, and great cooling. Just look at how Clevo's models are always the most cutting edge.

Ease of upgrade? Here the inside of my M860TU (8660):


It's all right there.

 

Agreed, the 9600M GT DDR2 is a good mid card, but will not survive ´09 due to games being too hard on the card. You should think on it as an investment and also consider if you would be able to upgrade some of the hardware.I still think the NP8662 around $2000 is great buy.

 

I thought the intel core 2 Quad 9000 in the NP8662 would be 2.0 Ghz but I have seen this laptop with the intel Core 2 Quad 9000 listed as 2.8 Ghz( 6MB Cache). Anyone got any ideas?

 

That's just a typo.

 

+1.

real quad should have L2 12Mb, but not 6

 

I thought it might be a typo.

 

The NP8662 is definitely more upgradeable than the NP2096 but is it feasible to upgrade? Not at all. You're gonna spend a premium on a new GPU if you want to upgrade down the line, not to mention that it's a pain to even find one.

It all depends on what you want to do with your notebook. I was in the same boat as you a few months ago, deciding between the NP2096 and the NP8660. I chose the 2096 because I didn't need the extra GPU power since I don't game that much and I needed better battery life/portability. The NP8662 is too clunky for taking to class every day, but if you will be playing a lot of games then the NP8662 is definitely the way to go.

 

Doesn't instill too much confidence in the machine that your signature is that you are selling it.

 

LOL, I should put a disclaimer in my signature - ONLY SELLING BECAUSE I'M BORED.

Seriously though, it's a great machine with no problems whatsoever...just wanna play with something new I guess. Trying desperately to find a reason to get another laptop but I have none.

 

The 8662 that I have configured is the basic except for 4GB ram, 320GB 7200 hard drive, Vista 64 (I only have XP and $97 is cheaper than Best Buy afaik). A few questions:
1) From what I hear, 1920x1200 is too small for a 15". Therefore, is there any point of paying extra for it? It looks like Sagers are fingerprint magnets and so are glossy screens, but an extra $175 for less fingerprints doesn't seem worth it. Would the higher resolution be worth it though if I were to hook up a monitor to it?
2) Do you guys honestly get warranties for electronics? My philosophy has always been that if there is something wrong with the product, you will know right away within the initial warranty. If something happens later on, it's usually not covered or it happens beyond the warranty period.

 

1 - I'd definitely save yourself the $175, unless you need the extra space for graphic based work. If you're planning to use a high resolution monitor, it'd definitely be a waste of money.

2 - I stick with the basic one year warranty. My method is to extend the warranty by a second year, before it expires. I don't buy two or three year warranties off the bat, as I may not even keep it that long, so the money spent on long extended warranties seem like a waste for me.

 

Now that I looked again, the computer I configured included a 1 year warranty, and as Kevin stated, I will not know if before the year is over I will be thinking about a new lappie...who knows

 

1. WSVGA IMHO is optimal for 15", WUVGA more for 17"
2. i think, that this kind of stuff iether work OK for years or breaks on the 1st couple of months. if it works OK, then what the sense?

 

i think that xoticpc offers a 3 year warranty which is standard for their website. whereas the sager website only gives you the 1 year to begin with and you have to add more. go with xoticpc for the warranty or at least check it out.

 

By default, it's 3 years labor only at xotic, so if your cpu breaks after a year you still have to pay 384$

 

Oh... Do these have a history of breaking within 4 years? OR are they pretty good with holding it together? Pretty much what I'm asking is do you need more than the 1 year of parts waranty?