So I finally ordered the Sager NP8662...Need some help for when it arrives :) (setting up)

Alright so right now its in phase 2, assuming they take a long time with phase 2, I am going to assume I will have it in 2-3 weeks.

So, basically, I am really not tech savvy or anything, and I could really use some assistance...like, ahead of time...

I can use links and info on what to do. I will try to be as clear as possible

1. I did not order it with an OS, I will install Windows Vista myself because my brother has it. Is this a hard process? Is there anything I should know ahead of time?

2. I hear some people have had heating issues with the HDD on this laptop but some people have found ways to cool it. First and foremost, I will have a ZM NC2000 Notebook Cooler by the time I have this laptop in my possesion...I dont know how much cooler that will make it, but hopefully significantly. I am hearing about an "Intel Storage Matrix" What exactly is this, should I get it, and if so, where can I download it? Also will the notebook cooler I am getting Found Here work well with the 8662? Its already been ordered and should arrive soon so I sure hope so!

3. I have seen lists of ways to tweak Vista in order to avoid it from overworking the HDD. Some of these things include removing McAfee and Norton (not a problem because my friend has AVG, Avast, etc...he goes to an ATi school and they give him this stuff) Any other tips? Maybe a link to said tweaks all in one thread/article?

4. I sometimes read people state that they still need to "cycle" there batteries a few more times....what does this mean? Is this a trick in order to get more juice out of the battery? If so, can the process be explained to me? How do you "cycle"?

5. What kind of programs would NOT be recommended? AIM, Yahoo Messenger, etc etc...Is VLC safe? Maybe another media player?

6. I know I will obviously have to spend a large time of my day gettings updates for Vista, but will I need to update any drivers for the videocard? If so, provide a link?



So yea, I am PRETTY sure thats everything...if there is anything you can maybe input or give me tips on, feel free to add in anything

Thanks ahead of time, and I am so very sorry for being such an ignorant n00b I know I am asking for quite a bit on this thread but I need as much assitance as possible.

 

1. Easy. Just boot with Vista CD. Do the steps.

2. Yes, SOME people. Zalman 2000 is excellent. I am running my computer with HDD ~43C idle. Do not hope that the coolers make significant changes. They never do. Just a small bit. Zalman 2000 can be ordered from Newegg or Amazon for 60 bucks. Yes, you're overpaying by 10 dollars from Tigerdirect. You probably paid for shipping too?

3. It is in Windows OS section of the forums. If you read some posts about 8662 in this forum section alone, you can find a lot of information.

4. Batteries get longer lifespan by going through recharging in regular basis. You just have to have the battery under 50% and recharge it back up everyday. Simple as that. However, if you don't care much, you can have it plugged it in all the time. It only affects small bit of battery time.

5. There are a lot of programs to recommend. A lot of programs to not recommend. I think it's too much to answer. Plus, programs such as AIM, YM, VLC... they all depend on personal preferences. If you want to look for programs to use, there is another section in this forum that can help you with that.

6. First thing you should do is install the video card driver. www.nvidia.com. Second will be the drivers that come along in your CD with the computer.

 

Also, I would like to recommend Acronis True Image, has saved my bacon many times.
You wont regret it

 

1. OS installation - that's a straight-forward task provided your notebook is set to boot from CDROM. If it's not (and there won't be any "happening" after you insert the installation disc in the CDROM drive), then you will have to set your system's BIOS to boot from CDROM. The process is pretty well described here >>> http://www.hiren.info/pages/bios-boot-cdrom (the interface may slightly differ but the process is the same).

2. As the next step (before any further downloads or updates) I strongly suggest installing some AV program, updating its antivirus definitions and rebooting the notebook.

3. Then you update your OS. I am assuming you will be installing WV Home Premium 64-bit, in which case it would concern downloading and installing the SP2 and any other critical updates that will be available at the time. You will have to reboot the notebook again.

4. Now you can download/install the Intel Utility and Matrix. I uploaded a winrar archive for you with both of them included therein (suitable for WV Home Premium 64-bit) http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=16b81181d573016c0de4fc1039a01674f9fd0187da94dbbab8eada0a1ae8665a ... click on it and then you can download the file. First you instal the Installation Utility and then the Matrix.

5) Now you are ready to install all the other drivers (Nvidia, your peripheral hardware, anything supplied by the OEM etc)

6) In terms of the HDD tweaking (to reduce the temperature), just disable your HDD indexing services and/or you may choose to undervolt your notebook. If your temperatures are within the safety zone described by the manufacturer, I wouldn't undervolt the notebook.

7) ZM NC2000 Notebook Cooler is an awsome piece of equipment. The size is perfect. Although I am still awaiting my CLEVO M860TU, I already bought the cooler and now it sits below my old VAIO (that is size-wise almost identical to CLEVO M860TU). The cooler is slightly wider than the notebook, just enough to have it safely in place and not to hinder anything. It's very, very quiet and it has also significantly lowered the noise of my VAIO fans.

8) Battery cycling - hmm, you'd go nut discharging your battery everytime it reaches 50% capacity. A simple rule for almost any battery - charge it all the way to 100% then let it discharge to zero, repeat once or twice and then stop worrying about the battery.

 

pretty much the exact questions i also needed answered, so ty .
only difference is im installing win7 RC..hope it goes smooth

 

When I first open up the laptop, do I let the battery die or do I charge it as soon as I open it? I may be wrong but with cell phones, you are supposed to Lett the battery die before you charge the first initial time... Does this apply with laptops as well?

 

Uhhh, NO. You're not supposed to let the battery die for the first charge for your cell phone. Initially, WHATEVER the battery has, you are supposed to FULLY charge it for 12-16 hours before use. Lithium batteries' life get shortened everytime you fully discharge them.

Same idea goes to the notebook batteries (Yes, Lithium). The guide in NBR says that you should let the battery under 50% before recharging, but never ever fully discharge.

 

OOoooh snap lol...

Okay so then I am safe haha, cause thats what I always do! (never let it die or anything)

 

I also needed these questions answered, thankyou very much