Sager np8660 vs np2069

So in my search for a new computer, I've decided that I quite like Sagers. They seem to offer a good mix of performance, quality, and price. My question now, is which one would suite my needs best, the np8660 or the np2069. I am planning on keeping this computer for at least 3 years, so durability is important to me. I much prefer the looks of the 8660 over the 2069, but I've read that the 2069 looks better in person. I will be using the computer for school and for gaming. Battery life isn't that big of a problem as I will never be that far from a power outlet. Portability isn't too large of an issue either - I'm a pretty big guy and don't mind lugging around a 7lb computer. So I guess what I'm really wondering is whether the good looks and better GPU of 8660 is worth the extra cash. The highest end game I'm currently playing is Cod4, but I'd like to think that in 3 years I might still have a computer capable of playing at least mid range games with decent settings. The other thing I'm wondering, is whether the Intel Turbo Memory option is worth the extra $80, or if I should just save the money and go with a better processor? Anyway, thanks for any input!

-Matt

 

If you're gonna be gaming and want to do so at nice settings then get the NP8660. If you're looking for casual gaming and don't care about high settings that much then I suggest you go with the 2096 and save yourself some cash. Regarding the Intel Turbo memory, definitely get the higher processor instead. Good luck!

 

Personally I would take the 2096 out of the equation all together and replace it with the MSI-1651 barebones ( sold as the powerpro 15:3 on powernotebooks.com - http://www.powernotebooks.com/specs/PowerPro/p15-3.php) because:

A. It looks a LOT nicer imo

B. It has the 9600m gt w/ddr3 as opposed to the 2096's ddr2 (around 15% faster)

C. It has a 1650x1080 matte screen


It seems like I've read nothing but bad things about the turbo memory so you could probably skip that one.

 

NP8660 would be better suit for you. and no, i won't even pay turbo memory for $10, maybe $5.

 

For what you are doing, go with a better processor, the turbo memory will not benefit you, and go with the np8660, it has a much better graphics card. The graphics card in the 2096 will be struggling in about two years. Especially since battery life is NOT an issue, definitely the np8660 wins. The 2096 would only win battery life was the largest issue.

 

The biggest problem with the 8660 is the price. A basic one without an OS is already at the upper reaches of my budget, whereas I can get a 2096 with a better processor, Hard drive, and OS within my budget. I do prefer it though...

 

if you can't stretch your budget for 8660 in any way, then why asking?

 

Consider this Msl, if you buy the 2096 and you want to game at decent settings in 3 years, within that time, you're going to find yourself purchasing a new system, and that in totality is going to be more than if you put out the cash for the 8660 now.

You say it reaches the upper segments of your budget. I say go for it once its actually in budget, focus on the hard drive (never mind the processor, take a base level one, its the gpu you want for gaming) and perhaps the OS.

Trust me man, if you were doing anything performance based other than gaming, I'd steer you in the direction of the 2096 so those processor and memory upgrades can actually mean something. If it was video editing you were doing, i'd have you check out the powerpro 15:3 as it has a firewire port.

 

I'm saying I could get a 8660, but just a basic one, or I could get a 2096, with some stuff upgraded (better processor, HD, etc.)

 

why don't you tell us your budget and the spec of both rigs you configured?

 

Alright, my budget is around $1800.

2096:
wsxga+ (1680x1050)
Intel P9500 2.53ghz
2gbs Ram
Vista Home Premium 64bit
320gb HD @ 7200rpm
3 year warranty - $130

=$1558.00

8660:
wsga+ (1680x1050)
Intel P8400 2.26ghz
2gb RAM
Vista Home Premium 64bit
160gb HD @ 5400rpm
3 year Warranty - Free

=$1839.00

or with 200gb HD @ 7200rpm
=$1904.00

 

I belive that the CPU isn't really involved in the gaming performance except if you are comparing some Pentium D to Core 2 Duo (my desktop scores 4000 points; my laptop scored 9200).

Here's my retarded calculation for the best bang for the buck:

NP8660: ~9200 points in 3dmark06. Around $2300.
9200pts / $2300 = 4 points per $ invested

NP2096: ~4000 points in 3dmark06. Around $1400.
4000pts / $1400 = 2.86 points per $ invested

If you are really looking for high-end gaming, then the 9800M GT is better than the 9600M GT for sure. Btw, I believe the 3 year warranty for the NP8660 is only 3 year labor warranty, 1 year part warranty while the NP2096 is a 3 year warranty on parts and labor.

Check some reviews:
NP2096:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=301614
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=293753

NP8660: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=301572

 

if your budget is only 18k get the asus g50v-a2

 

I have been in the same situation as you for the last 3 months now and have done a lot of thinking and research.
A laptop is a strange sort of investment as you pay one large sum and then it pays you back in its usefullness whether that be Work, Surfing the Internet, Gaming. In fact it's probably all three in equal measures.
If i were you i'd go for the NP8660 because you'll really enjoy your games more. You''l be proud to have it, you know? Plus it'll be able to everything else you want in terms of school work and the 9800M GT will work well with CAD or any other programs you'll need for school.
I got my refund on the 2096 from xoticpc as importing to Ireland turned out to be too expensive so i'm gonna put my order in for the M860TU (Sager NP8660) tomorrow through a UK company called Kobalt.
If you really need a slightly quicker processor in the laptop you could always upgrade it at a later date.
No one can really tell you what to get. At the end of the day it's up to you but i wish you luck with whatever you decide to get and i'm sure that you wont be dissapointed whatever the decision.

 

@Msl747 are you a college student? If you are you might be able to get a Discount, also talk to your technology center at your University, typically you can get software such as Operating systems for a extremely discounted price. I pick up XP Professional back in 2003 for $10 USD, of course you will have to install the Operating system yourself. Also call the company you are currently look at buying these from and try negotiating with them.

@Livesoft - A CPU is heavily used in RTS games.

 

Honestly, it makes more sense for you to go with the 2096. You'll have a faster system, with the exception of a GPU. When I made my choice, it came down to me not caring all that much about PC games so I decided on a faster 2096 because it was much more affordable, whereas I would have spent $700 extra on the NP8660 just to get a better GPU.

 

Whichever one you decide, they are both very upgradeable, so if you need more power at a later date you could upgrade the processor, RAM, and hard drive easily. The main deciding factor would be the graphics card (which, as you can see in the post above, didn't really matter to MrPresident).

And livesoft is right: all *free* 3-year warranties on Sagers from any resellers/system builders I know are 1 year parts, 3 years labor.

 

Keep in mind that this guy wants to game as well as do office work. He wants to play games at a med level ability in the next 3 years. The NP8660 is the laptop for him. The 9600m GT is gonna show its age by next year.

 

Msl747 I would go for the Sager 8660 if you intend to play games for the next 3 years, but consider this as well. You can ALWAYS upgrade your CPU down the road ALWAYS add more Ram down the road ALWAYS get a NEW HDD for your laptop down the road as well. For the budget you want to spend at hand spend on what you can afford. For laptops your are mostly paying for the Graphic Card, and usually the graphic card is hard to replace depending on the model of laptop of course. Can you upgrade the graphic card on the 2096 down the road? I think not. Hope this helps you decide.

 

Sorry but what does 3 years labor mean? i feel stupid there lol

and if within the 1 year part warranty I decided to change my processor or HDD, will it void all the warranty?

 

Three years worth of you not paying for their services to change the components. All you would have to do is pay for the parts you are replacing or upgrading. If you are replacing bad parts and its under a year, you get everything free, except for shipping of course.

 

You could always save yourself some cash by going with the 9800GTS in the 8660.