What to improve on...

I haven't seen that in any recently laptops but some very old ones have this configuration. It adds a lot of weight but I think it is a good idea or perhaps a splice battery would be better a better option.

A docking station would also be nice but I would be willing to live without all of that for optimus on high end cards.

 

I would enjoy an open BIOS..

with some options like Alienware does..

Clevo people aren't really as open as I had thought they would be...

 

It is disappointing that Clevo doesn't have even basic overclocking options in the BIOS. All of the Alienware machines can overclock every CPU, from a Core i5 to the Core i7s. Heck, even the Alienware M11x allows CPU and RAM overclocking. That kinda embarrasses Clevo.

More BIOS options should be a must in their next-gen machines, but somehow I doubt they will implement the changes we want most, outside of the backlit keyboards.

If Alienware dropped prices by $300-500, I'd consider jumping ship.

 

Disappointing indeed..

BIOS options are really a must when you get such performance machines,

and are considered as crucial factors for competition with the Alienware team.

 

^^^^Many agree about the OC issue. We will request this to get forwarded to Clevo. Thanks.
_

 

A VGA port would be nice. Also, there's nothing about the touchpad in the OP. It would be nice if it was larger and had a better surface. Something like the old Asus G51vx's.

 

I'm sure there are HDMI-to-VGA adapters out there.

I haven't seen many people complain about the touchpad either.

Mr. Mysterious

 

BATTERY POWER

I went for the W150HR (GT555M) thinking well Optimus + midrange card would be a good balance. Bah, I don't even know why you'd bother with switchable, getting just over 2 hours on integrated, might as well not bother LOL. Overall its a sweet performing unit for the price but goddarn the battery life is awful.

Reading the anandtech review in depth they're measuring nearly 2x idle draw compared to similar specced laptops. What is it about the chipset/drivers thats causing so much draw?

 

I'm going to focus on the high-end specturm, and so I would like to see the following (items in bold are things I deem vital):

- HDMI-In - Please, Clevo. Please! And don't make it optional! Make it standard! Oh, and use a high quality chipset for it that can do 1080p natively, as I realize the sub-standard HDMI-In that was on the M980NU was the reason for Sager opting out.

- Backlit keyboards - Please!! I've always wanted one, and I know I'm not going to get a different brand for my main laptop any time soon (Clevo FTW).

- Unlocked BIOS - If I pay $3000 (or greater) for the P270WM and Sandy Bridge-E (or Ivy Bridge-E), I want to be able to tinker with it IN THE BIOS!! No XTU stuff! There are modified BIOS versions for the X7200 that enable such features, but I would much rather these options be supported officially from Clevo.

-A reset CMOS switch - This is to undo any potential OC attempts that fail to POST. Put a red (or blue or green) button on the inside of the machine near the CPU socket or something. On my D901C, I would put one in the gap between the RAM heatsink and the second GPU's heatsink. One press, and then presto! Back to defaults. This could also be handy for folks who don't OC their machines as well.

-More manual fan control - There's auto, and then there's FN+1 for maximum power! I would like to see more options, such as forcing certain percentages of fan power. Example: FN+5 would force all fans to run at 50% speed. That would be awesome.

-Intelligent battery charging - No clue what to call this, but on some Lenovo machines, the battery won't have its cells destroyed from overcharging/being plugged in too long. It just acts as if there is no battery, therefore preserving the battery's longevity. I know it's a profit deal having people order replacement batteries, but it's still something to consider.

That is all I can think of at the moment as far as legitimate improvements go. I myself do not see the reasoning for Optimus, although a manual switch in the BIOS would be stellar. I also really like Clevo's keyboard layout. I've adjusted to it quite well over the years that I've had my machine.

I hope someone from Clevo receives the ideas in the first post of this topic. Some are very good.

Here's something I'd like to see Clevo do:

Create a 20" notebook that has three graphics cards for some tri-SLI action in a mobile platform. That would send a direct message to Alienware: 'We own the playground now. Get out.'

Heh, I'd be shocked if they actually did it.

 

I recieved a DVI --> VGA adapter with my notebook. I thought it was Sager who provides that, but I guess it's Reseller-dependent?

 

The VGA adapter is a standard Sager inclusion.

 

I know most of these have been mentioned, but for me:

Must have:
-optimus or switchable graphics for the higher end cards.

Would like to have:
-backlit keyboard
-no flex with the battery removed
-smaller or more powerful adapter of the same size. Maybe some sort of dual adapter setup: a smaller adapter for the integrated card and a larger adapter for the discrete card, assuming optimus/graphics switching was enabled.

Would NOT like to have:
-an extra hdd bay for the 15 inch models. Just adds unnecessary weight and size. You can give up the optical drive for a secondary drive, and if you need another drive you can use an external solution or switch to the 17 inch model.

Would dream to have:
-dual graphics cards in a 15 inch model and still under 8 pounds. Might not seem feasible now, but maybe in the near future with smaller chips and a more powerful cooling system. If any manufacturer can do it, it would be clevo

 

Am I the only one who wishes laptop makers would stop putting in the VGA port? It's so...ugly...and I bet the vast majority of people don't use it. The space it takes up could probably go towards something more useful like an HDMI-in, as mentioned already. Man, that would be awesome.

 

@bartman88

Actually you need someone to jump on your most sensitive erm... toe for that...... "Ladies version" ???? What does that mean? How about ultraportable because journalists, photographers film-makers etc have to work in the field in hardcore and remote locations and carry lots of kit and charge batteries off solar? As for Alienware, they are for little boys who like flashing lights on their Tonkas

1. Backlit keyboard is a must!
2. Unlocked BIOS
3. a redesign of the power brick - its a monster both for baggage allowance when flying and weight when carrying
4. adjust the screen brightness with Fn+up/down arrow keys
5. HDMI input and use a high quality chipset for it that can do 1080p natively
6. express card slot
7. A chipset that supports raid (hm 67) on the 15" models. (for those of us that remove the ODD)
8. 16:10 screen
9. Matte screen as a standard (the gloss is vile....)
10. improve the trackpad because it is super sticky
11. improve audio output to headphones

I would even ask for the modem socket to be put back but I know most of you will laugh. But I have had the last laugh a few times in the past when there is no WiFi and I have been able to plug into a phone line.......

Clevos are just fab but not all Clevo owners are gamers they are also great for Video editors, photographers and graphics so please keep this in mind because I think it is a very fertile market for those that have had Apple up to the eyeballs and PLEASE do not sacrifice firewire port, Spdif, etc - we video/audio editors need it!

Great thread guys (although bartman needs sending to gender re-education classes)

 

AFTERTHOUGHT
I will add to the above by saying............

A better/more easy to find opening button or whatever for the DVD drive bay. It drives me mad trying to open it by touch but that is how it SHOULD be opened!

 

The laptops already have FN keys for screen brightness...........

 

To echo lucia's #3, the power brick really needs a redesign. Yes, gaming laptops will never be lightweight, but the adapter really adds weight to a machine that can't function for long if it isn't plugged in. So, for me:

1. Smaller power brick
2. Optimus / switchable graphics (which could make the power adapter issue less of a big deal)
3. Better trackpad. It's sticky, and the surface feels... well, weird.
4. More BIOS options. Seriously, this thing is more limited than my old HP, which was a consumer laptop, not enthusiast.
5. Even more fingerprint-proofing on the surfaces, if possible. They get smudgy fast.
6. Backlit keyboard. Doesn't need to be gaudy or super-fancy like Alienware / MSI. But give those of us who type in low light something to work with.

Also, as a non-lady, I sometimes wish I had opted for a lighter, small notebook when I do need to haul this monster somewhere outside my apartment. I wouldn't trade my framerates for it, but I can see the appeal.

 

I do wish Clevo had basic overclocking options in the BIOS. Similar to what alienware laptops have

 

I'll just copypasta from a previous post on what I feel needs heavy improvement.

3MP or better cameras with high res plz.
Make room for a third party sound card or improve whatever you integrate in these motherboards.

 

Doesnt the X7200 have 5 speaker surround sound?

 

You are not the only one. I really wish this port would die from all devices and be replaced with DVI or HDMI (I think at this stage it is probably better to jump DVI and go to HDMI assuming of course that HDMI isn't limited to 1080p).

To that effect both AMD and Intel will be dropping support for VGA so it shouldn't be too long before we start seeing these ports drop off and replaced with something a little more modern (this is going to hurt businesses who are either going to need to buy adapters or replace their peripheral devices).

 

No. First of all, I don't see a VGA port on my clevo.

Secondly, HDMI is NOT the same as DVI, if you didn't know. HDMI just has audio and 1 video channel. DVI has 2 channels, supporting higher resolution, and it has an analog channel which can be converted to VGA.

Laptops will never lose the analog video output. Its extremely important for diagnostic purposes. Only some ultraportables make that sacrifice.

And lastly, that reminds me..... How can you be complaining about this? These laptops have plenty of space for all the ports. You really don't want extra options for video outputs??

 

Yes there are, they cost nearly 100$ and they are huge boxes. HDMI is digital, VGA is analog.

 

Never said you would

Never said it was

DVI dual link has two channels otherwise it is only one.

Looks like you are out of luck Leading PC Companies Move to All Digital Display Technology, Phasing out Analog

What everyone wants is universal ports where you can plug one cable in and anything else on the other end and it will just work. People don't want to have a cable just for data, one just for audio, one just for video. If you can combine these then everyone wins.

 

HDMI input, please!

 

Got my P170HM for ~1 month now and here are the few things I would really want to see improved:

1. some low gfx card we could switch to for saving battery
2. a second HDMI slot would be nice (to use 2 external screens?)
3. unlocked bios (plz the temps are so low on full usage that I could overclock to 100Ghz ! ;D)
4. the closing/opening of the laptop lid is catastrophic.. really.. You can't open it with one hand without the whole laptop moving with the lid. Also the laptop lid isn't stable at all when having the laptop e.g. on your legs/bed/..

That's all I would hope/want for. The rest simply is perfect already. It is very very easy to upgrade/dissemble the laptop, it has a very good build quality, etc. Don't really need a backlit keyboard.

 

What I would improve upon:

a) Allowing the 15" laptops to overclock with the xm CPU.
b) For the current NP8130, allowing an upgrade to either the 570m or the 6970m from the factory (this will give an NP8130 more power, while maintaining the exclusivity of the 580m / 6990m)
c) Beyond a 95% Gamut Screen, for the NP728x and NP8170 personnel, the option of an IPS screen.

 

Yeah but it doesnt work.

 

Let me add the following:

1. Service Manual with purchase
2. BIOS Updates
3. More ports at the back instead of the side (especially the Ethernet port)
4. Laptop covers a la MacBooks
5. Shop that sells parts (to let us do post-sales upgrades)

 

Any chance we can get the first post updated with information that has been confirmed about the up coming releases such as Optimus, back lit keyboards etc?

 

Bump so it can be updated with new stuff

 

Backlit keyboard is all I can see.

Heck, Toshiba, Alienware, ASUS, MSI, PowerPC, etc all have backlit machines.

Why is Clevo behind on this road?

 

Probably because real business men and hardcore gamers, basically anyone with enough experience on a laptop/pc doesn't need a backlit keyobard, there is really no point to it. Although I do admit it looks neat, but thanks to all of these firms colored keyboard have now gone mainstream, people suddenly want "premium" things that look cool, not that ANYONE really looks down on the keyboard and gets amazed and happy thanks to the light that helps them find keys they wouldn't normally find.

It's a nice touch, but also a very unnecessary one. Pretty useless tbh, just draws power (IMO that is!)

 

I spoke with a sales representative at Malibal and they confirmed backlit keyboard and Optimus for their new models. They told me to check back in April as they should be for sale at that point.

Needless to say, I'M GETTING ONE.

EDIT: can someone post a link of the product page for the 15 incher? I can't seem to find what the model number will be called or any official specs. Thanks!

 

You mean the new upcoming 15"? P150EM
Clevo P150EM | Channel Authorized Manufacturer Showcase

 

Thank you!

Any word on whether the keys on the illuminated keyboard are translucent to let the light through the actual key and not just around it?

*crosses fingers*

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

 

There is a video of the P150EM somewhere around here, and it shows the keys lit up.

I'm pretty sure the letters are translucent.

 

It's actually the P150HM before it was released and they withdrew the backlit keyboard for some reason.

The video we're currently talking about is: Clevo unveils their latest 3D gaming notebooks @ Computex 2011 - YouTube

I'm assuming that the keyboard will stay the same, just with the differ option to change the illuminated lighting

P.S. Kyle's face still makes me crack up, that facial expression of his

 

If that was at Computex 2011 (which takes place in June), the P150HM had been out for several months, which is why it's widely speculated that this machine may be a version of the 2012 update.

 

Totally awesome. Can't wait until I can get one. Thanks for the video links. Keyboards look up to snuff.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

 

I couldn't stop laughing at Kyle in that video. It's mean and I shouldn't, but he's just too awesome

 

That was probably the most epic facial expression(s) I've ever seen. I only wish he started the video with those 3d glasses on and the expressions. Hilarious!

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

 

It doesn't look like the keys are translucent.

 

Now we don't really know that just yet. Sadly enough that is.. I suppose that the keyboard will be a little a la P270WM style or maybe a whole reconstruction that will look more like the AW keyboard? Who knows, but I still hold onto the P270WM style.

 

Would be great if all models went to the full size, standard layout keyboard.

Come on Clevo, it's a no-brainer.

 

I still wonder why Clevo doesn't have a rep here on NBR. Bugs me out alright, it would do major if there was one..

P.S. Do you think there is a particular reason for not having a full sized keyboard on every laptop? Those FN shortcuts seem retarded.

 

I can't see a full size keyboard fitting onto a 15.6" notebook, but maybe on a 17 or 18" is a possibility?

 

jaug, that keyboard pic you posted doesn't look half bad. is that a clevo? I think I could work with that.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

 

The keyboard I posted is the P270WM Clevo laptop.

17" screen and the strongest desktop replacement on the market.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sag...-sager-np9270-clevo-p270wm-owners-lounge.html

It's a little larger than the P150HM

I wouldn't mind to sacrifice a little space for a full size keyboard. Smaller keys maybe? FN shortcuts just do not work properly.. especially the ones where you have to press FN to actually use the F1, F2 etc.. buttons. Ridiculous