Question:
T61p vs. Sager 2090 vs. 8510P vs v1s
I’m looking for a new laptop that will be fairly light (definitely under 7 lbs travel weight, but the lighter the better) as I travel frequently for my job. I'm thinking primarily about a Santa Rosa laptop with at least a T7300 CPU and at something like the nVidea 8600M GT with at least 256MB on board and at least 2GB of RAM.
I live overseas and do not have access to competent service most of the time, so I would rather buy a computer that doesn’t need service than one that has a great service plan, but questionable build quality. So, build quality is a major issue for me. I can afford to wait until late August for delivery of the machine, but no later. I want something that will last me for the next few years, so build quality is very important.
I have been looking at the Compal Ifl90/sager 2090, but am unsure about the build quality. It seems like the Asus v1s will have good build quality, but I’m not sure if it is comparable to the T61p build quality. I really like the look, feel, build quality and weight of the Macbook Pro in 15.4, but am not really interested in switching to Mac. Someone recently suggested the hp 8510p as an option, but I am hesitant about hp build quality
Here are my details in the FAQ format.
1) What is your budget?
$1500-$1800
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.
Buying in the U.S.A.
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I want the most quality and most bang for the buck. I don't care what the label says.
5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Primarily writing and publishing, but also some video and photo editing and gaming.
6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
60% of the time on my desk and 40% mobile.
7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Supreme Commander, Civ4, Europa Universalis, and anything in the Total War series. I don't play fps, but as you can see I like some of the graphics intensive RTS games.
8) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Most of the time I'm mobile I can plug in, so I'm not overly concerned about battery life, anything over 2 hours would be fine.
9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
I do not mind buying online. I have purchased from both ISTNC and Powernotebooks in the past and have been VERY happy with both experiences AND the machines I purchased.
10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
I think I prefer XP pro because I am familiar with it and I have heard some complaints about Vista (drivers, lags with gaming, etc...). I have been considering Vista Ultimate as I would want the security and networking features as well as the entertainment functions. I'm not sure if the complaints I have read about Vista relating to gaming would be a problem for the games I have listed.
Screen Specifics
11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Not a strong preference, but I have gotten used to a 15.4 in the last couple of years.
12) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Either XGA or SXGA for Standard format or WXGA to WSXGA+ in widescreen format
13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
I would prefer a matte screen, but I would also like a pretty bright screen and high contrast, and would be willing to go with a glossy if that was the best option.
Build Quality and Design
14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
The looks and style are not VERY important to me, but I would prefer something that is professional looking and sleek if possible.
15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
I can afford to wait about a month from now, and I would like for it to last at least 3 years, if not longer. I am also concerned about build quality as I am often in out of the way places in the world for extended periods of time. I would rather have a machine that never or rarely needs service than a machine that breaks but offers a good warranty or a good service plan.
Notebook Components
16) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 200GB?
I want at least 100GB but more would be nice.
17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
I do need an optical drive. I would prefer a DVD-RW, but could make due with a CD/RW if necessary.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Answer:
Re: T61p vs. Sager 2090 vs. 8510P vs v1s
Check out my post about the same notebooks here:
The Compal IFL90's build quality will not be as good as the others, also the keyboard will be consumer level and it's the thickest and heaviest.... All in all, it's better built than most consumer-level notebooks but not up to the level of business-class ones.
Answer:
Re: T61p vs. Sager 2090 vs. 8510P vs v1s
Here's a link to the thread I had which was similar since it might help
Also there's another thread on here where I gave my opinion on picking between the T61p, 8510p, and v1s which might help as well. As for Sager, as I gather it, they have decent build quality, not as good as the other, business laptops you mentioned, but good for a consumer laptop. Also, while I don't know about Sager's service plan, powernotebooks and xoticpc both have great plans for Sager laptops. Lastly, HP build quality on their business models is supposed to be solid. Overall, like in the other thread, I suggest the wait and see. However, if you must have a T61p I'd order one now since the shipping dates are getting into late August I believe. That might rule out the T61p if you must have it now. Although I don't have any guarantees about the others either :( The 8510p is supposed, keyword supposed, to come out early August says one of their reps.