What to buy, where to buy it ($1500)

I am considering buying either a sager NP9170(Believe that is the right code) or the ASUS G75. However, I am not sure if it is better to get the sager, or to wait for the G75 to get optimus.

I am wondering how the two laptops compare. What is the best configuration for around $1500? Please don't say "Sager, hands down" or "G75 hands down", I would like a good comparison.

Also, what is the best place to get either of these laptops? (Price and customer service)

 

I would say Xotic PC is a good reseller to start with. It depends, when do you want this laptop to arrive? If you can wait indefinitely, get a NP9170 w/ a 7970M. It will serve you well in years to come, and if you only choose a NP9170 with a 7970M, it'll total up to about $1559 or smth like that.

 

A Sager NP9170 w/ a 7970M is really just hands down. I mean, the Asus G75 only supports 670M.. and that's NO comparison to the beast the 7970M is

 

Ok, thanks. Are there any other necessary upgrades? Is the thermal compound needed? Should the wireless card be upgraded? Can I upgrade the wireless card and thermal compound myself? If so, how easy is this to do?

Sorry for all the questions, I hate buyers regret

 

I had similar criteria and budget to yours, but battery life is what did it for me. The G75 will never get Optimus, I don't even think the mainboard supports it. These Sagers have been reporting close to 5 hours with Optimus with light web browsing and such. It's a crap-shoot in terms of resellers though. Pick out 3 or 4 and configure them the exact same. Then account for discounts for notebook review members if there are any. Then take into account shipping. I was going to go with Xotic due to their free shipping and other good promotions, but I live in Nebraska so the sales tax makes them a not so good deal for me.

 

Upgrade the display. Everything else is cheap cake to do yourself.

 

you can do the thermal and install wireless card yourself easily. you will need good router to take advantage of the high bandwidth of the better wireless cards.

 

I just looked at the NP9150, and it is a bit cheaper plus I can get a matte screen on it. Is it a good idea to do this instead, or is it better to have the 17 inch screen? Does anyone know if the NP9150 and NP9170 have all powered USB 3.0 ports?

 

They both have 1 powered usb 3.0 port.

 

The NP9150 is a great alternative to the NP9170, really the only thing missing is a second hard drive bay. Its nice to have that if you plan on putting in a SSD some day.

 

Regarding reseller choice, the main ones in the USA are xoticpc, powernotebooks, lpc-digital, malibal, and mythlogic. Remember when choosing, you will need to contact the resellers directly for the best price/discounts. If you're not timid of making many of these calls/chats/emails, lpc-digital can probably get you the best price. Xotic is sort of the "mainstream" one that you would go to if you want to avoid anything complicated, though, I would recommend looking at these two.

 

i don't mean to single you out because i see this everywhere. although this might be practicably true, it's not entirely thought out. we're talking about clevo shells here. they're specifically designed with hardware upgrades in mind. been that way since 1996 Larry from LPC-Digital will tell you. as far as cheap's concerned, there's no relative price comparison between upgrading the display and any other one component. all components may or may not come down to a price that adds value to waiting--or a newer technology might come out before that time actually comes and all the while performance was the trade-off. at the same time, i get that display is purely personal preference over just about everything else, as you'll be the only one staring at it the longest. (and i can't say none of them do, but i'd imagine most people who require the "truest" displays achieve them externally.)

i'm not big on 17" notebooks either, but if they're your preference it'll be tougher to keep everything under a $1,500 budget. i'd seriously consider the 9150. the one in my sig also has a 6235 wnic and the ic diamond compound--came in $80 less than your mark otd. i highly recommend PMing/emailing/calling all the resellers and asking about any unadvertised discounts.

separate and unrelated, but what are you looking to do with the machine and where would it be shipping to?

 

True, but Hoss, don't forget that can be done with the 9150 too if you sacrifice your optical drive.

[sorry for double post]

 

But that can be done in the 9170 as well for a total of 3 drives (4 if you count mSata).

PS, I like your choice in phones! Verizon Trophy here.

 

this is true.

nice! i was a loyal verizon customer for ten years before up-and-leaving last november because of their issue with WP. and i'd leave at&t just as abruptly if they're handset selection was as mediocre as verizon's has been the last few years or so.

 

Some more info: I like the NP9170 a bit better than the NP9150 for two reasons.
1. My vision isn't all that great, so I need a larger screen.
2. I plan to eventually have both an ssd and disk drive in the laptop, one for storage and low level programs, the ssd for the OS and heavier usage programs.

What I will be doing with it: Intense CAD work (Will probably have the models for my school robotics club on it, and the program we use can take up 5-6 gb of ram easily)
Moderately intense gaming: Due to my vision, I appreciate very good graphics, but color isn't the most important thing ever as I am colorblind (even more fun)

Because of my vision and colorblindness, I do not think it is worthwhile to get the upgraded matte screen for $150. I would prefer to just get an upgrade like the one available on the NP9150.

The configuration I am currently considering:

Everything stock except for maxing out the graphics card, and Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium

Thanks for all the help guys/girls.

Also, one question. How much of a risk is it to go without the no dead pixel warranty? I have read a bunch of horror stories, but I don't want to spend the money.

 

made a thread about this to not much avail ( dead pixel warranty). i ultimately decided against it for two reasons:

1.) guaranteed no center-area pixels even without warranty
2.) 2,073,600 total pixels