*** Official Sager NP8170/Clevo P170HM Owners Lounge ***

Did you lose much of the screen's quality, once the Matte was applied?

 

not at all, it actually improves the screen as there are no reflections to distract you. Colors are just as vibrant and contrasty as before. Of course, with no backlighting at night the glossy 90% screen can't be beat.

 

Thank you for all the info, especially wingnut's review, that was EXACTLY what I was looking for.

Originpc has been fantastic in my interactions with them so far, which helped relieve any fears i had from buying with them.

 

I got the 90% screen and there is 1 stuck pixel. This does not bother me as I don't want the delay nor do I really mind it. I love this display and it was worth every penny! Of course the GTX485M makes a big difference. The control over the colors is amazing. I understand from a business point of view that if I were to give a warranty on a piece that I did not have enough on hand, I would NOT give that warranty, however I would spell that out on the order page. Just a business point of view as that would be bad business. One can get a really good screen online. If I were in the market, I would get a standard screen and then buy a matte finish or super glossy screen. But then a 72% matte finish is not as good as a 90% super glossy screen. I am really happy I did not do that. When one is buying from an "HP" or a "Dell", one has to realize that you are buying a mediocre laptop with a questionable support service and not purchasing a really HOT machine that is not offered from them guys. I trust in XoticPC and that they will stand by their warranty coverage. I am one of those folks that had a really bad experience with HP service. I lost an HP laptop after just two years and it was not covered. It is now a doorstop! That is a big decision maker.

You need to read the fine print:

http://www.xoticpc.com/xotic-dead-pixel-guarantee-a-8.html

http://www.mythlogiccorp.com/warranty.php

I only have one bad pixel, I could have had a lot more ...

I just wish that on the order screen, one is advised of the pixel policy for the 90% screen.
Brett/Justin of Xotic, what do ya think?

 

Nice review. What's your stance on the 72% Matte screen? I really want the Matte screen for my 8170. On that note if I can get a matte screen protector, maybe that's the way to go. Also, why didn't you opt for an SSD?

 

I got a matte screen protector and it works great. PITA to install, but once done, it looks just like a matte screen, very nice. I think I might order another though because I screwed up one part of the protector.

 

From what I understand now, stuck pixels are often easily fixed. And the high resolution of these screens make it difficult to even spot many pixel issues. I began to care a lot less about this issue verses the merit of a much nicer screen. Have you see the article here? Also read the comments after the article for tips on pixel fixing.

I agree... it should be easy to "grey out" the option and make a small note if the shopper selects the upgraded screen.

What really made me cancel my order from Xotic was the super-long processing time combined with my 1-month deadline.

Xotic told me they showed a backorder until April 26th, after which they'd need 10-15 business days before shipping it out to me if going with the upgraded screen... otherwise 4-7 less. They must have way more business than they can handle quickly. RK Computers (who don't offer screen upgrades) told me "We do not make any changes or customize the sager models. They are built by sager." I was assured as soon as they receive it, it will be shipped to me. ZERO days to process or configure it. And it wasn't on backorder anymore as of the 18th. I'm happy I'm able to get it quicker. Perhaps Xotic has large orders and therefore the backorder date is further back. And maybe they order just the chassis and use their own parts instead of ordering them already built by Sager, which would explain why a couple of weeks are necessary when business is booming.

Anyway, I experienced excellent communication from both Xotic PC and RK Computers after placing each order. They just had to explain to me how the process works and break down all the misconceptions I got from their sites. I'm a little embarrassed now about getting so upset earlier!

 

Ooh, I want one of those. Where would I get one? And also... what did you screw up (so maybe I won't make the same mistake)?

 

Whats the best cooling paste to put on your GPU? go for liquid metal stuff or silicon based thermal paste?

 

I have always had excellent results from MX2/3. I also notice that the GPU temps vary a lot depending on what game I am playing. This was never the case with the GTX 285M or the 5870.

 

Finally, my notebook has shipped, and I'll receive it on Monday.

This is going to be a long weekend.

 

I have read in many places on this forum where the stock screen is not very good at all. Some have said it's ok. I would not chance that. I originally had the option matte screen ordered. There were none in stock and that is when I changed my mind to go to the brighter screen. I then put on the screen guard. That way I can always go back to the real nice glossy screen if I want to. I feel that the extra money spent on the 90% was well worth it. The colors are amazing and the viewing angles are great. Stick the matte protector on and now you don't have your face looking at you and the viewing angles increase. Be warned though, I did two of these screen protectors and they require LOTS of patience. But when install good, it's great. I have a couple of very small bubbles in the corners where I handle it and don't care about them. Another great feature of the matte protector, you can touch the screen when pointing something out and then use the micro cloth to wipe any prints off if any. The colors stay the same. Contrast is much better than my G73 which I thought was a great screen. I have one stuck pixel and that's ok. It's a red one and you have to really look to see it. I asked my wife to find it and she said she could not see it until I pointed it out. It took me a few days before I saw it. It's in the upper left. I would have been bummed if it was in the middle. I understand that is a chance we get with this high quality screen. Hope I helped you, have a great day.

 

It takes a lot of patience. Have another person handy that can use scotch tape rolled backwards on a finger to grab any lint that WILL get attracted to it. The less dusty environment the better. I installed on my kitchen counter ... bad idea ray! Do not use a credit card like they say, it actually goes better to wrap your finger in a microfiber cloth and gently rub back and forth as you apply it.

 

I need massive amounts of onboard storage ans HDD speed is not a factor with me. This thing is just plain fast with the HDD's anyway

 

I found out to make a bunch of quotes in one reply, how do I remove the single reply's ???

 

Man, this 485M backorder is killing me! I never thought that such an expensive laptop would be so popular. By the time I get it they'll probably have a faster card available.

 

I saw pictures and even an youtube video showing how to access the RAM slots under the keyboard on the NP8150, but I couldn´t find any info on this matter on the 8170. Could someone please point me in the right direction. I tried to follow the NP8150 procedure and it´s not the same.

Thanks.

 

Where can I order the nice matte screen protector?

 

From

Official Site of ViewGuard® Products including Privacy Filters & Screen Protectors for Laptop, Notebook & Desktop Computers; LCD Screens; Mobile Phones; PDAs and More

and no, I am not an employee of viewguard, as a matter of fact I just got laid off cuz congress could not get the budget going in time...

On another matter, I just saw that one of my rubber bumpers on the top of the screen is GONE, don't know when it came off. Trying Xotic support to see if they will send me another

 

To access the ram slots underneath the keyboard you just pry up the cover that the goes around the power button and indicator strip. It's the seam just above the ethernet port on the left and usb port on the right. Just use your fingernail on the edge and pry it up on both sides, it is just held in with friction. Then it's just a matter of removing the 3 screws holding the keyboard in place and lifting it up out of the way.

It is easy and only took me 2 minutes.

 

Hey Kevin just wondering which shipment option you picked on your order. Was it the 3 day UPS shipping?

I ordered like few hours after you and my delivery date is Tuesday

 

I took the default Ground shipping. Nebraska to Ohio only takes 2 to 3 business days anyway.

 

Ah cool. I picked the 3 day shipping, since i am in CA and i guess they count 3 business days.

I'll get mine on Tuesday. Can't wait lol.

 

Mine took about 2 to Columbus and about 3 when i sent it back (although that was to Sager).

 

Well, due to the 485M backorder I've opted for the 6970M to speed up the process. I plan to do lots of gaming videos and benchmarks once I get it. Hell, I may even take some requests, since there seems to be a severe lack of 6970M info floating around.

 

Same thing happened to me, but i found mine. I just have to glue it back on though. I think this is because they put in the monitor for me, not sure if you got the other monitor as well.

 

I have the viewguard protector and works great.

Regarding the bumpers, good luck. I've been waiting for two months now between two sources and still no luck and I've lost three now.

 

What are these bumpers you guys speak of? And how did you lose them?

 

The small rubber covers, which fit over the screws around the LCD.

 

So I got my Sager NP8170 a couple days ago, very pleased with the performance. Ordered through PowerNotebooks, ordered April 1st, delivered April 20th. A lot of good solid follow up and correspondence with Donald.

It is spec'd out as follows:

2720QM
6GB DDR3 (will be changing to 8GB/4+4 after swapping with another laptop that I have that has 6GB/4+2)
6970M
Intel Advanced N 6230
Standard 500GB HDD (tossed in an Intel 80GB X25M SSD that I had as OS drive)


Pulling P3060 in 3DMark 11 in the standard performance test, running Ultra settings in Shogun 2 beautifully. Really looking forward to the DX11 update for that game. Not breaking any sweats, albeit I haven't done a Furmark.

There was one problem with my laptop, but I don't think this is a problem with PowerNotebooks or shipping through-- there were two small raised bumps on the lid, as if two fasteners were too long or over-torqued during the lid's assembly. It marred the otherwise perfectly flat surface. =/ My eyes keep getting drawn towards it but I won't be returning it because of that. I've attached a picture of it, albeit the picture doesn't make it look as bad as it is.

The laptop next to it is my Sony Vaio F114FX that I've beaten to hell over the last year.

I've got a Viewguard matte protector en route, as this display is ultra glossy. I'm not noticing any major viewing angle issues as others had reported, but there is significant light bleed. No dead pixels.

 

Hey Everyone,

Just to let people know I got 6 matte screens =) B173HW01 V5's.


Thanks

 

They are the covers for the screws and I did not lose it, never got it. I might go out and find a small rubber cover at Radio Shack or something and carve it to fit. I build custom wood models ships so whats the diff between rubber and wood ... I'll let ya know

HTWingNut, How did the install of the viewguard go and how does it look to ya

update: I just took four flat rubber feet from a thing I had and cut them exactly to fit in the hole, made four of them, and now it looks pretty good. So now the display has support when closed and if I get lucky and get the real one, I'll just pop it in.

 

One of those best be on my order

 

Congrats on your new toy!

Ouch...I'm pretty anal about these things and for me the bumps you have on your lid would be a no go on a new laptop for me. I'd have it fixed for sure. But that's me.

 

Same here...

 

Normally, I would be too...but I don't think I can be without for a couple of weeks and go back to my old laptop with a 720QM+ anemic GT 330M after playing with this. Even though I wasn't waiting as long as some of the people here, those 3 weeks were killer.

 

I'll cross my fingers and hope for one of them as well.

 

I'm having issue with Vertex 3 in my Sager 8170.

I posted a thread here.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sager-clevo/572735-sager-8170-ocz-vertex-3-ssd-ahci-issue.html

Any Sager 8170 that has Vertex3 installed in his/her system?

 

I have a Vertex 3 in my 8170. No problems, other than the stall if I install the RST drivers and don't do the registry fix (which since I'm not running raid I just didn't install).

 

Is it normal for the 485 temps to be hovering around 100F - 110F while idling?

It also looks like the temps hit up to 135F-140F while playing WoW on ultra settings.

I'm currently using GPU Meter to monitor the temps.

 

If indeed those temps are Fahrenheit and not Celsius they are normal.

 

Got P3115 points in 3DMark 11 myself.
The highest score i got was P3768 but i wont overclock any higher.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sager-clevo/568478-clevo-p170hm-amd-radeon-6970m-goodness-d.html

 

I will be joining the 6970M goodness tomorrow, unless I miss the UPS guy. Though the UPS people in my area will leave a $2k notebook on the porch, like it's a box of coffee.

 

I just let the battery run down. Just light internet browsing and just letting it sit, I got to 2 hours and 10 minutes when it got to 10% left. That is not bad for a gaming laptop. My G73 made it to 1 hour and 45 minutes.

 

I'm getting my notebook set up now. This machine is amazing.

Words cannot describe how amazingly clear this screen looks. It's like glass. I just need to try a few of the color profiles I've collected.

It's also surprisingly light.

 

Congrats mate! Keep us up to date with your impressions!

 

Just checked my system and it has moved onto Software Build & Testing. Soon my precious... soon. lol.

 

Congrats on your new Sager! Finally! Hope you are happy with it. If you could let me know your thoughts on the viewing angles (primarily vertical), I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

Go into detail, on what you'd like to know about the verticals.

 

Well I guess you haven't had the "pleasure" of dealing with the default screen so it'd be hard to gauge I guess.

Even subjectively, I mean if I raise or lower my head to the top or bottom of the screen keeping my eyes perpendicular to the screen, the brightness/color shifts.