Sager np8662 help for a Laptop newbie

Hey there notebookreview forum-goers.

I'm going to college this year and will be getting a notebook. I've pretty much decided on the np8662. Seems like a decently powerful machine for the price. (was originally going to get the 9267, but the $2500+ pricetag was a little too much).

Anyway, I have a few questions that I think you all can answer.

1)Is there any drawback to getting the 1920x1200 matte screen as opposed to the 1680x1050 screen? I've read that the lcd for the 8662 isn't all that great, but is there any noticable difference in quality between the two? (reason I ask is that I've seen some people with the lower res screens on these forums).

2)Can the CPU be upgraded later? Im planning on getting the 2.93 Ghz. T9800, but If I wanted to upgrade to a Quad-core (higher clocked than 2.0 Ghz.) in a year or two, would that be possible?

3)On last thing. My dad insists that I find some 'official' reviews of the laptop and the reseller (Xoticpc, most likely). Anyone know a site that might have such reviews? Over the year or so of reading the forums, Ive accepted that both Sager and Xoticpc are wholesome companies, but its a little more difficult to prove to someone else.

Thanks for all the help guys. I hope to order soon.

 

apparently both panels are pretty good that are currently getting shipped.

people choose the lower resolutions because they might want to have to squint to low at the super high resolution on such a smaller screen... which could easily by remedied by increasing the DPI in Windows settings.

I love my WUXGA screen for the huge desktop workspace for multiple windows... but its on a 17".... I do not know if my eyes can handle it on a 15.4"

yup, easily upgradeable... and won't void your warranty (as long as you are competent enough not to break anything for such a simple task).

It can support up to the mobile quad-core CPU's fine.

 

This is the only decent review I've seen for the NP8662 (other than the ones posted here, of course )

http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptop/sager-np8662-gaming-notebook.aspx

 

If you are planning to upgrade the CPU in one year or two, I would suggest getting a P9600 or T9550 since you would save about 100$ and its not much of a difference in perfomance... here are reviews of Xotic PC http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Xotic_PC

Also keep in mind that laptop reviews are not very trustable. I would assume that reviewers are given a laptop that goes thru quality assurance more than consumer's laptops. Just look at the M15X, the "Best laptop ever", and then go into the Alienware subforum to see how many issues people find with the damn thing and it's hinges. Sooo... if you really want to know if a laptop is good or bad, check the reviews but also check what people say in the forums.

 

Oh thanks on the tip about the cpu. You just saved me the. Cost of a windows 7 upgrade