questions about Sager 2090/Compal IFL90

After carefully reviewing these forums and doing some research online, I've finally decided to get the Sager 2090 as my next computer. However, I have a few questions I would like to ask I am a bit of a tech newb, so forgive my ignorance.

1. First of all, what's the difference between the Sager and Compal? They are supposedely the same, so if I were to choose one, which one should I get? And which website has the best value?

2. I noticed that the Compal (on Xotic website) offers Corsair memory. Is that better? If I were to get 2 gigs of ram, is it better to get 1 stick of 2gig or 2 sticks of 1 gig?? Does it even make a difference?

3. The Intel Turbomemory thing... is that just a 1gig flash drive or something else? It says it improves performance by decreasing loading time for applications and boot up... is it worth getting?

4. Is the Centrino and Core 2 Duo two different types of processors? Or just a sub category? That part really confuses me. Any upgrades I should consider getting from the base config?

5. Is there any significant difference in the different versions of Windows Vista? Can it be made with XP instead?

6. If I were to order mine in the next 2 days or so, how long would it take before I could expect to recieve it? And is the Sager a new product or something? I never heard of it before.

 

There is no difference, just branding, better to get 1 stick of 2 gb because then you can upgrade in the future without losing money. Also if you order now it would take till end of july, they are on back order. Also I recommend powernotebooks.com and xoticpc.com to purchase them from.

 

I'll answer the ones I feel comfortable with

1-Sagers model is a Compal, they are the same machines. The difference is if you get a Compal through xoticpc or powernotebooks, for example, the warranty and service is through them, plus they build and ship it. If you get a Sager from them, Sager takes care of the warranty and they build and ship it. Sager has a 1 year standard warranty while xotic and pnb have 3 years standard.

2-Corsair offers better performance, but most likely not noticeable in most cases. If you think you may want 3gig at some point, get the single 2 gig stick. If you get the 2 now you can get a another 1gig later for 40 bucks. If you get 2 singles and want to go to 3gig later, you will need 100 dollars and you will have a 1gig leftover to make a keychain with

3-If you have more than 1gig of ram it probably wont be much of a help, plus it doesnt seem to be working right at the moment. You can always add it later, plus its only a Vista thing, wont do squat if you go XP.

4-Not sure, Ive always been an AMD guy in the past.

5-Yes for XP, plus if you dont go Sager xotic and powernotebooks will sell the computer without an OS if you have your own.

6-Not sure

 

4. I think Centrino is just a newer version of the Core 2 Duo. I would just get 2Ghz if you ask me...

6. I would say 2-4 weeks (kinda hefty will all the pre-orders in). Sager has been around for a long time ( I had not heard of them either till I joined NBR).

 

I don't know, think about it, if you decide to upgrade in 6 months (or more), I'm sure 2GB ram will be cheap compared to what it is now.

From Wikipedia:

So basically the Core 2 Duo mobile processor actually is a piece of the Centrino package. Centrino is just a set of technologies that allow a notebook to run more efficiently and therefore extending battery life (supposedly).

 

1. They are the same exact notebooks with different warranty options and starting configurations. Once again they are the Exact same notebook.
people are buying from powernotebooks.com or xoticpc.com. Some other option are Discountlaptops.com (recently added the Sager Np2090 earlier today) and gen-x-pc.

2. Since i dont know the other memory they use i would ask them but kingston/crosair/ocz/patriot ect are all good manufactures of ram(known for quality). i would get a stick of 2gb since you can upgrade to 4 gb with a 64bit OS and since there are only two slots its would be better in the future when you upgrade.

3. It supposely suppose to increase boot times/battery life ect but review are not that flattering.Also only works in vista

4. Your laptop take Centrino Pro(santa rosa) processors. I would go for the T7300 (2ghz _4mb l2 cache)

5. All the resellers allow you to choose what OS to install or you can install it yourself.
Read more about different features of vista versions

6.You should hopefully get your laptop sometime in early august(maybe late july) but it depends on your place in line and your reseller.

Compal is an ODM(orginal design manufacturer-builds/designs/actaully makes the laptop) while Sager is an OEM(orginal equiments manfacture-add componets)

Read more about the relation ship between ODMs and OEMs like dell hp ect.

 

1 gig is cheap now due to supply factors and the fact that everyone is looking for 2 gig sticks, not 1. In 6 months we will still be looking for 2gig sticks, so it may come down a bit, but not much. And if supplies are down, it could easily go up. Memory is priced really well right now, so you may be well served to grab that 2gig stick now.

 

Thanks for all the helpful replies guys. Right now I'm just trying to decide on the final configs, which website to buy it off of, and whether or not I want Vista or XP. Any suggestions? Is the notebook cooler thing any good?

 

No they have a option in their configurator to choose an OS which they install. Just for somepeople have their own copies of XP or Vista or plan to use Linux so for them it you be just wasted money.

Both XoticPC and Powernotebooks are very reputable and they have reps(Justin from XoticePC and Donald from PNB) that are active members of the forum.

 

Did you read what donald said from powernotebooks to your reply about them in the other thread?

 

Yes, hence why I deleted the criticism, thanks for your concern though.

 

Some people swear by them some do not. My old dell inspiron 8100 and 8600's, I never used one...never had a problem with them either.

But an ounce of protection as they say......

I've already got my Zalman ZM-NC-1000 on order and it should be arriving soon!