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    Thinking about ordering a NP2096

    Discussion in 'Sager and Clevo' started by outofcoffee, Jul 19, 2008.

  1. outofcoffee

    outofcoffee Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have it configured as:
    $1244.00
    screen: WXGA (1280x800)
    processor: P8400 - 2.26GHz, 3mb cache, 1066MHz FSB
    GPU: 9600M GT
    RAM: 4GB DDR2 SDRAM 800MHz
    HDD: 200GB 7200rpm SATA 300

    I love the price, but I have a couple of questions:

    -are the screens they offer LED backlit? If not, do they offer any 15.4" laptops with it? I've been wanting a LED backlit laptop, but if it doesn't make that much of a difference I guess I can just settle.

    -is it worth it to upgrade the screen to WSXGA+ (1680x1050)? I'm using a 19" screen on my desktop at 1152x864, and I'm fine with it, so I guess I should save the 60 bucks?

    -I never researched much about Sager, so... does Sager have any problems with heat/weight? Since people've said the centrino 2 processors and 9 series nvidia cards are smaller and run cooler, I'm guessing this won't be as much of a problem as previous gen laptops?

    -Does anyone know the approximate weight of this laptop? Or previous models of this laptop? They don't specify it on the website.
     
  2. Skidude

    Skidude Notebook Consultant

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    Yes, the picture quality on the higher resolution screens is outstanding.

    The NP9262 is both thick and heavy for notebook standards. But it's not as bad as people say it is. It is still a laptop, not a slightly smaller desktop.

    As for heat, it has the best cooling system of any laptop I have ever seen.

    It depends on what is inside, but with mine (with 2 GPU's and 2 hard drives) it is roughly 12 pounds. The power brick is also fairly large, but not as big as some people say it is.


    It is the best laptop I have ever owned, though.
     
  3. armagideontime

    armagideontime Notebook Consultant

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    skidude: he's getting the 2096, not the 9262...
     
  4. Shane@DARK.

    Shane@DARK. Company Representative

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    The base weight of the NP2096 is 6.17lbs
     
  5. Senor Mortgage

    Senor Mortgage Notebook Evangelist

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    Keep in mind that a new 15.4 laptop should be released sometime this week with a slightly better card (9600 GT GDDR3, 2096 is GDDR2). Theres a chance it may have a LED backlit screen. And yes the resolution is worth it. I think that its the ideal resolution for a 15.4".
     
  6. outofcoffee

    outofcoffee Notebook Enthusiast

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    sweet, thanks guys.

    I'll wait to see the release of the new notebook. and 6.17lb, that's pretty light for what it's got.
     
  7. Vladk1000

    Vladk1000 Notebook Consultant

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    Will it be built on the Compal JHL90? Where can I find out more about this new notebook?
     
  8. Senor Mortgage

    Senor Mortgage Notebook Evangelist

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    Donald (aka Paladin44) from powernotebooks.com said a new model will come out but will not say anything about it so it could be anything. My guess is that it'll be another powerpro based off an ASUS laptop but that is pure speculation on my part.
     
  9. Donald@Paladin44

    Donald@Paladin44 Retired

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    Well, the new PowerPro P 15:3 has now been released for pre-order, with shipping to begin in early August.

    Some of its best features...
    eSATA and HDMI Ports
    6.2 lb.(incl. 6-cell battery)
    Custom Colors and/or Your Custom Graphics
    Synaptics Programmable TouchPad w/Hotkey Lock-out
    4 Multi-Function Audio Ports Support 7.1 Surround Sound
    WXGA or WSXGA+ with nVIDIA GeForce 9600M w/512MB GDDR3
    xD, MemoryStick/MemoryStick Pro, and Secure Digital (SD/MMC) memory card reader
     

    Attached Files:

  10. Skidude

    Skidude Notebook Consultant

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    :eek: I could have sworn it was the 9262, hahaha that's what I get when I don't wear my contacts. Either way, the 2096 is still a good product.
     
  11. Slaughterhouse

    Slaughterhouse Knock 'em out!

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    Donald, is that the new model you were talking about or is there more coming? That thing is way too expensive, it came out to only $200 cheaper than my NP8660 with the same configuration (different GPU obviously). The 2096 sits at $1500 with the same configuration.
     
  12. Donald@Paladin44

    Donald@Paladin44 Retired

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    It is impossible for the NP2096 to have the same configuration because it does not have:

    1. Custom Paint (at least a $250 value)

    2. 3 Year Parts and Labor Warranty w/Next Business Day Shipping paid both ways.

    3. Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Toll Free Customer Service

    4. 4 Audio Ports that support 7.1 Surround Sound

    5. xD memory card slot (along with the MS/MSPro and SD/MMC)

    6. eSATA port (and HDMI)

    7. Synaptics Touchpad with lock-out

    8. 9600M w/512MB GDDR3

    It is pretty hard to compare a Sager NP2096 with the PowerPro P 15:3 when the NP2096 is missing all 8 of those items and say they have the same configuration...wouldn't you agree?
     
  13. Senor Mortgage

    Senor Mortgage Notebook Evangelist

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    Ooh that is a nice laptop. Could use a few more pictures (in different colors if possible though black si most likely). It is more pricey but in addition to what donald listed, its sleeker, thinner and IMO has better port placement than the 2096. Is that worth $240? Depends on your needs. You are giving up battery lie but I think its worth it. Also bluetooth is built in so consider that. Again its all about the options, its a great middle ground between the 2096 and 8660.
     
  14. AdamU

    AdamU Notebook Consultant

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    Could we opt out of the custom paint and just buy it standard black/silver and take off $250 then lol
     
  15. outofcoffee

    outofcoffee Notebook Enthusiast

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    man what's up with laptops lacking LED backlit screens? I was hoping that the power notebook had it.

    don't laptop companies realize it's such an awesome feature? -_-
     
  16. Cossack7V7

    Cossack7V7 Notebook Evangelist

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    LED screens are not always the best. Double-lamp screens usually have better quality...The only downside would be lower battery life.
     
  17. demonsblood

    demonsblood Notebook Geek

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    yeaaa, I'm not feeling the paints on the Powerbook! could be possible not take the custom paint job and save some money?
     
  18. taigech

    taigech Notebook Consultant

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    What is the PowerPro laptop with GDDR3 based off of? (like how the sager 2096 is based off compal JHL90)
     
  19. Donald@Paladin44

    Donald@Paladin44 Retired

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    1. It is not an Apple product (Powerbook)

    PowerNotebooks.com is only offering the PowerPro P 15:3 (MSI 1651) with custom paint, and our Standard 3 Year Parts and Labor Warranty w/Next Business Day Shipping paid both ways, plus Lifetime DOMESTIC 24/7 Toll Free Telephone Tech Support.

    We currently carry the Crown P 15:10 (MSI 1637) and Crown I 12:4 (MSI 1221) and will be introducing several other MSI models into our Crown line shortly. These will come with standard colors plus an upgrade option for Custom Colors and Graphics, and with the Standard Crown 1 Year Parts and Labor Warranty w/2nd Business Day Shipping paid both ways (upgradeable to 3 years) plus DOMESTIC 24/7 Telephone Technical Support.

    We also carry the PowerPro I 17:7 (MSI 1719) and will be replacing it with the new PowerPro M 17:3 (MSI 1722) that will be available for pre-order next week with shipping to begin in early August. It will come with the standard black glossy finish, but have Custom Colors and Graphics available as an upgrade. As with all PowerPro models it will come with the Standard 3 Year Parts and Labor Warranty w/Next Business Day Shipping paid both ways, plus Lifetime DOMESTIC 24/7 Toll Free Telephone Tech Support.
     
  20. teehee

    teehee Notebook Enthusiast

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    couldnt help but agree on this one. A $200 difference on this machine would make me click buy right now.
     
  21. AdamU

    AdamU Notebook Consultant

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    Double agree.
     
  22. Slaughterhouse

    Slaughterhouse Knock 'em out!

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    Donald, these new models that you will be introducing shortly -- will it be about a week till we see those? And will any of them have a 9600m GT DDR3?

    I'm still waiting on your surprises! When are we getting the rest?
     
  23. Donald@Paladin44

    Donald@Paladin44 Retired

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    The 17" will have GDDR3.

    The other surprises are already shown on the PowerPro P 15:3 including the Custom Colors and Graphics, and the other features described in my Post #12 above.
     
  24. AdamU

    AdamU Notebook Consultant

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    Any word on the new asus g50 coming to resellers? I'm sure many are considering the best buy version but would like to customize their own and work with xotic or power
     
  25. Donald@Paladin44

    Donald@Paladin44 Retired

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    You guys are starting to get to me...

    How about if everyone that wants it without paint sends me a quick email (just click on my address in my signature) that you would buy it if we could reduce the price by at least $200 based on no Custom Color?

    I can't promise anything...but I am listening and may well be persuaded.
     
  26. Slaughterhouse

    Slaughterhouse Knock 'em out!

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    Absolutely! Email coming...

    If this laptop wasn't so closely priced to the NP8660 then I would get it in a heartbeat.
     
  27. Donald@Paladin44

    Donald@Paladin44 Retired

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    Actually, it isn't even close to the NP8660 once you upgrade the video card to the 9800M GT and add the Sager 3 Year Warranty. The difference is about $547.00, and the PowerPro P 15:3 comes Standard with the 3 Year Parts and Labor Warranty w/Next Business Day Shipping paid both ways, plus Lifetime DOMESTIC 24/7 Toll Free Telephone Tech Support, instead of Sager's 3 year warranty that only covers 3rd business day shipping.

    So, you would be paying over $500 for the difference between the 9600M GT and the 9800M GT, and the DDR3/1066 CL7 memory vs. the DDR2/800 CL4 HyperX memory.
     
  28. Senor Mortgage

    Senor Mortgage Notebook Evangelist

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    I agree paladin44 but the thing is many people dont necessarily find value with non-technical aspects (like warranty) and non-essential extras (paint job, various ports and their location, thickness, noise generation, heat generation, touchpad quality etc...) which is unfortunate but with the consumer that you generally deal with (higher end value seekers) I think they like to have the option of what they are and are not paying for. Personally I love the fully warranty standard but thats just me.

    I would love to see comparison pictures of a black paintjob to the standard when you finally get the physical model just to compare. People asking for 200 off are really pushing it IMO but I am not a retailer and do not know the contracts involved (if any) a reseller has to go through to get these machines from the OEM. Assuming your average profit margin is in tact with the others Im sure its excellent value but I get the feeling that people are assuming there is a straight 200 markup just because of the painting involved.
     
  29. Donald@Paladin44

    Donald@Paladin44 Retired

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    Ok, it never hurts to ask...right?

    Check out our new pricing on the PowerPro P 15:3!

    @Senor Mortgage, $249 for a custom paint job on a laptop will be hard to duplicate anywhere, they generally run more than that just for the LCD cover with full paint jobs going for over $400.
     
  30. Senor Mortgage

    Senor Mortgage Notebook Evangelist

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    Wow that was quite the price drop! My question is why is getting the paintjob approx $50 more now than when I priced it out 1 hour ago? Did you get a special discount with MSI for all custom jobs? I suppose I'm just confused.
     
  31. Donald@Paladin44

    Donald@Paladin44 Retired

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    Bundled it was cheaper...
     
  32. Senor Mortgage

    Senor Mortgage Notebook Evangelist

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    I figured it was some arrangement like that. Darn you every other person on the forum! Seriously though That still doesn't sounds too shabby. Will you be posting any more pictures of the different colors besides the 1 view/pre-rendered colors on the page once the first preorders come in? I'd love to see the difference. I might just send an email later if you don't want to post them on the website when you do. Thanks for the prompt info.
     
  33. Vedya

    Vedya There Is No Substitute...

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    R U gaming? For If so, then the 1250$ ASUS @ Best Buy with the 9700xx would be better.
     
  34. Senor Mortgage

    Senor Mortgage Notebook Evangelist

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    That is a (relatively) cheap laptop built around a slightly better graphics card IMO. I think the better CPU, HD, Ram, resolution(and likely quality of screen), warranty (even at base) at approx the same price far outweighs the value of a marginally better GPU.
     
  35. Donald@Paladin44

    Donald@Paladin44 Retired

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    Here are some stock photos...

    More later.
     
  36. ~hi2u~

    ~hi2u~ Notebook Consultant

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    Looks like a pretty nice deal to me, especially with that warranty...
     
  37. Senor Mortgage

    Senor Mortgage Notebook Evangelist

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    thanks paladin. 1 final nagging question. None of the pics show the bottom and some of the other MSIs have a protruding battery (down rather than back like the 2096). Is that the case with this model?
     
  38. Donald@Paladin44

    Donald@Paladin44 Retired

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  39. Senor Mortgage

    Senor Mortgage Notebook Evangelist

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    Sorry if I was unclear. I was refering to something like this:

    [​IMG]

    Its not a dealbreaker for me but the flat look ala my old powerpro 5:6 was a strong point of this new model and kinda like not having a natural tilt on it.
     
  40. Donald@Paladin44

    Donald@Paladin44 Retired

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    That is a very old picture of a very old model...I am not sure what that is, but it is OLD :)
     
  41. Senor Mortgage

    Senor Mortgage Notebook Evangelist

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    Lol it was on the front page of the MSI forum so thats what caught my eye. Good too not have to worry about it :).
     
  42. outofcoffee

    outofcoffee Notebook Enthusiast

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    I saw that one. Doesn't suit me i think. I think the 9700 gpu might be a little too overkill (I'm guessing it generates more heat and is heavier than the 9600?), and the cpu for it is absolutely balls (t5750 seriously?)

    and does xoticpc or powernotebook or any site offer monthly payments for the np2096? or do I have to pay straight up?
     
  43. Sasathi

    Sasathi Notebook Enthusiast

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    is the casing metal on the Powerpro 15:3?
     
  44. Donald@Paladin44

    Donald@Paladin44 Retired

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    Exactly what do you mean by casing?
     
  45. CTH

    CTH Notebook Guru

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    Will the ddr3 upgrade come to NP2096 or is it just for the MSI computers? I wonder because I don't want any longer warranty than 1 year. I am just here in the US for a few months and therefore will teh 3 year warranty not be a good deal for me... And I also would like to have a 9 cell battery
     
  46. Donald@Paladin44

    Donald@Paladin44 Retired

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    Neither GDDR3 nor DDR3 is expected to be in the NP2096.

    You can always buy a 9 cell spare battery.
     
  47. CTH

    CTH Notebook Guru

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    Well I just have to order a np2096 then. More in my price range. I I order it today, will it ship before august?
     
  48. Donald@Paladin44

    Donald@Paladin44 Retired

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    Yes, as things stand now shipping should begin next week. However we have been here before...so until they are actually in the warehouse we can never be sure...however the probability on this one is very good.
     
  49. addbot

    addbot Notebook Geek

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    yeah maybe like 12months to pay? anyone?
     
  50. dragooon93

    dragooon93 Notebook Consultant

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    Looks good, didnt realize it was so cheap! Now i have a laptop to recommend to my friend
     
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