Question:
Aviator FX7 vs. Aurora m7700
Here are the 2 builds i am thinking about:
Aurora™ m7700
Processor: AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 4400+ with HyperTransport and Dual Core Technology
Operating System (Office software not included): Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2
Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support w/ Onsite Service
Display: 17" WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 LCD Clearview Display with Built-in Camera
Motherboard: VIA K8T890 + VT8237A Chipset
Memory: 1GB Dual Channel DDR SO-DIMM at 400MHz - 2 x 512MB
Video/Graphics Card: 256MB NVidia® GeForce™ Go 7800 GTX
Hard Drive: Single Drive Configuration - 80GB 7200 RPM SATA
Primary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 8X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW / 24X CD-RW Combo w/Software
Sound Card: High-Definition Audio with surround sound
Primary Battery: Alienware® m7700 12-cell Lithium-Ion Smart Battery Pack
Communications: Integrated 10/1000Mb Gigabit Ethernet & 56K V.92 Modem
Wireless Network Card: Internal Wireless 802.11b/g miniPCI Card
Floppy Drive: USB Floppy Drive
AlienRespawn: Alienware® Respawn Recovery Kit
Alienware Exclusive Offers: GameFly - Unlimited Game Rentals for 15 days - FREE TRIAL
Alienware Exclusive Offers: Gamespot Complete - Free 90-day Trial (a $20.85 value)
Free Alienware T-Shirt: Free Alienware® T-Shirt - Black
Desktop Enhancements: Exclusive AlienGUIse Theme Manager
Free Alienware Mousepad: Free Alienware® Mousepad
$3,693.00
Aviator FX7
Aviator FX7: State of the Art 17" Desktop Replacement Notebook - Qty: 1
Aviator FX7 in Silver with Graphite Accents - Qty: 1
AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 4400+ Dual Core Processor - Qty: 1
VIA K8T890 + VT8237A Chipset Mobile Motherboard for FX7 - Qty: 1
1024MB PC3200 DDR400 SODIMM - Qty: 1
Nvidia GeForce Go 7800 GTX PCI-Express 256MB - Qty: 1
Built-in ATA Hardware RAID Controller - Qty: 1
80GB 7200rpm Serial-ATA Hard Drive with NCQ & 8MB Cache - Qty: 1
8X DVD ± R/W Drive Dual Layer w/ DVD Recording Software - Qty: 1
10 in 1 Flash Media Card Reader Bay - Qty: 1
17" WUXGA 1920x1200 VividView™ Display w/ Super Clear Glossy Surface - Qty: 1
Built-in 4-Speaker 3D Sound System w/ 8.1 Channel S/PDIF Output - Qty: 1
Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Controller - Qty: 1
Internal 802.11G 54Mbps Wireless Mini PCI Network Adapter & Bluetooth - Qty: 1
Integrated V.92 56K Fax/Data Modem - Qty: 1
MS Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 CD & Manual SP2 - Qty: 1
Custom Hypersonic Disaster Recovery DVD (Recommended) - Qty: 1
1 Year Platinum Warranty with 24/7 Toll-Free Tech Support - Qty: 1
$3,213.00
In General: Looking to buy a solid top-of-the-line laptop but get lower/mid-range components that I can upgrade myself later when prices come down (such as sound card etc. -- yeah I know I have the 7800 in both builds but am thinking of going with 6800 ultra to save some cash now). Use for everything....work (not too graphics intense)......play (want to play anything out there...but not a huge gamer).....general media use (ipod etc). Basically, i dont want to be pissed if within next year my computer cant handle something i want to do.
Hyper definately looks to be a better build for the money but I know less about them. Any tips?
A few other questions...
(1) Does Hyper have good customer service? Is Alienware's much better?
(2) Is the NCQ Hard Drive a much better option that non-NCQ one from alienware? I know with vista it will be helpful, but is it that much better?
(3) Is there anything else I should consider in these builds??? Maybe upgrade/downgrade a compenent? For example, am thinking of dropping to a +3800 and then buying FX-60 in 6 months when prices drop -- Hyper says I can do this myself without a problem....is that true?
Looking to spend 2.5k to 4k.
ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT. AM FREAKING OUT!!!!!!
Answer:
Re: Aviator FX7 vs. Aurora m7700
Neither. Here's a nifty secret. Hypersonic (The first thread in the 'Other Manufacturers' forum has some info on this.) and Alienware (Just take a look at the Alienware Forum for all the explanation you need on that one) are just rebrand Clevo's. If you're look at those. Sager is by far the best choice. Check them out at Powernotesbook.com... The 9750 is the one to look at. I would also take a look at the 5720. You could even just get a Clevo at http://istnc.com/store/categories.php?cat=143. Oh and these will probably run a little cheaper.
Check 'em out. Hope that helps. =)
Answer:
Re: Aviator FX7 vs. Aurora m7700
How about the Dell e1705 with the Core Duo?
Answer:
Re: Aviator FX7 vs. Aurora m7700
The same configuration from Sager comes out to $3059, so relatively speaking, it's not that huge of a savings though Sager is the most reputable of all those companies, so that's a plus. I would also consider looking at the Dell E1705. With coupons, you can get out a maxed out machine with some superior specs for way under $3000 or even less than $2500.
Answer:
Re: Aviator FX7 vs. Aurora m7700
if you want style with good service, go with Aviator FX7. I would also recommend you look into dell e1705. cheaper price without those extra paint job.
Answer:
Re: Aviator FX7 vs. Aurora m7700
You can check www.resellerratings.com to see customer ratings and comments for those companies and stores, be sure to do that.
It is possible to replace the CPU with an FX-60.
If you complete our What should I buy faq at the top of the what-to-buy forum, we can help more.
Answer:
Re: Aviator FX7 vs. Aurora m7700
Kingpin,
are you looking for a "boutique" lappy? if so, there are others out there... do your research.
if not, Sager seems like a good deal if the "premium" is not in your criteria.
as for myself, i was looking for a boutique premium dream machine and a nice paint job, got a voodoo, and still waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting...
i will post review when i get it...
Chaz, new avatar, i see... dude, the last one had more charisma...
Answer:
Re: Aviator FX7 vs. Aurora m7700
THANKS for advice so far guys, very helpful. Here is more info (chaz).
1) What is your budget?
Budget is not a concern. Just want a "very smart buy". I will spend $ on components features that (i) make sense now; or (ii) are hard to upgrade later. Am looking to save money on components that (i) are not important; or (ii) I can easily upgrade when prices drop (such as to the fx-60)
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Work (word processing/reviewing and downloading video for work/connecting via citrix to run powerpoint etc.)
Games (want to be able to handle most games with a bit of room to spare....but I am not a serious gamer)
Music
I spend a lot of time on the computer (usually doing a few things at once). What I am looking for is flexibility.....if I want to play the top new game, I want my computer to handle it (even if it requires a new vid card...just want to be able to do it myself).
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
The computer will most likely sit at my apartment (or my girlfriend's...hence the portability need) and I will take it when I travel for work, which is not too often.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Guild Wars, Civilization, Empire at War etc....My old computer wasn't great so I was limited in what I could play.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
My preference is to be with an established company that has great track record for fixing problems and good customer service....don't really care too much about brand name (although I wish Alien was better b/c I do like those Alien eyes). I can't stand it when I call customer service and the people are idiots. I wouldn't mind spending extra just to know that I have good customer service if i need it.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Not many. Will mostly have it plugged in and will buy extra battery.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
I would rather buy online.
9) What country are you buying this in?
USA
Screen Specifics
10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
WUXGA = Widescreen Ultra eXtended Graphics Array; 1920x1200
11) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Not sure here. I want the best screen possible b/c my eyes get tired staring at small screens or ones that are not very clear. Also, want one that is best for video.
Build Quality and Design
12) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
A little bit, but it is not important. I dont want to pay $400 to get it painted.
13) How long do you want this laptop to last?
I would love for it to last 2-3 years. That is why I prefer AMD 64, just in case I need 64, and the ability to upgrade. Basically, as I stated above, I want to buy those components (or have the ability to upgrade to those components) that will help it stay relevant as long as possible. That is why I can't understand why anyone is still buying Intel 32 cpu?
Notebook Components
14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
Don't need much space b/c will have external drive. Just want a fast hard drive (7200 + / NCQ). Is NCQ that important? I think it is especially with vista.
15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?
Not that important right now. Only need a CD-RW/DVD drive.
______________________________
THANKS.:D
Answer:
Re: Aviator FX7 vs. Aurora m7700
http://www.pctorque.com/sager-9750-gaming-computers.php
I would consider the X2 9750-C Sager and then when you need to upgrade to Vista64, you just upgrade the proc to an FX60 or FX62. I know NCQ helps for server type disk requests but also can actually slightly slow HD performance so you may want to have it turned off, for fastest single user performance.
Here's another X2 Laptop that is fully upgradeable in the future.
https://www.widowpc.com/cgi-bin/comm...0Customization
Definitely get:
1. Geforce 7800 GTX
2. 7200 speed HD with NCQ. (You could buy this seperately too and save money and get the fastest SATA 7200 8mb or 16mb buffer HD)
3. 2GB's of RAM. (Generally buying this seperately is cheaper as well)
4. A 64bit-Ready processor. You already know this.
Answer:
Re: Aviator FX7 vs. Aurora m7700
Thanks for advice. I checked out widow and the price is higher than hypersonic and components don't seem to be as good.
Why is everyone so down on hypersonic? Price seems ok to me (maybe not lowest but better than other boutiques) and the company has a good track record. Is there something I'm missing?
Also, how bad is the heat on these babies. Does the AMD x2 chip in the laptop have bad overheating problems.....reviews are mixed on this.
:)