**Official Sager NP9270 / Clevo P270WM Owners Lounge**

[acr731]

No kicking but that's wrong. You can always get a price much lower than the advertised (especially if you live in the US) and if you upgrade RAM/HDD yourself, you can save even more. To me the 270 looks far more expensive as of right now. For example, Dell charges 500$ for dual 580Ms while Sager would cost you an extra 1000+. Even without his military discount the odds are in favor of the AW, IMHO. With Clevo's the prices are fine but non-negotiable, at least not by much.

Aikimox, I do understand what you are trying to say, but also understand where I am coming from. I'm not an OC'er and have no intentions of doing it. Why? Call me a chicken s__t who doesn't want to needlessly risk blowing up a $2.5k machine. Besides, I wouldn't know what I was doing in the first place. I really have no idea if the machine simply wouldn't boot if the settings were out of whack, or if it would fry. Either way I would rather not take the risk.

So, when I'm comparing machines I do this.... look at the specs in my sig below. That is the basic config of the NP9270 I pre-ordered from Powernotebooks, and there are no upgrades whatsoever. Compare it to the lowest end m18x, which starts at $2k and you will see the basic config of the NP9720 is a far superior machine when comparing hardware to hardware.

At this point I would start adding components to the m18x to get it as close to the NP9270 as possible (performance wise), and that would mean maxing out every available upgrade on Dell's config page. Do this and you end up with a machine that costs close to $3.5k (if not much more) and you still end up with a somewhat inferior machine when compared to the basic config of the NP9270.

Again, I like the m18x and think its an awesome machine, but for what I plan to do with my machine (GIS applications, with a little gaming on the side) the NP9270 was the better way to go.

[Aikimox]

Aikimox, I do understand what you are trying to say, but also understand where I am coming from. I'm not an OC'er and have no intentions of doing it. Why? Call me a chicken s__t who doesn't want to needlessly risk blowing up a $2.5k machine. Besides, I wouldn't know what I was doing in the first place. I really have no idea if the machine simply wouldn't boot if the settings were out of whack, or if it would fry. Either way I would rather not take the risk.

So, when I'm comparing machines I do this.... look at the specs in my sig below. That is the basic config of the NP9270 I pre-ordered from Powernotebooks, and there are no upgrades whatsoever. Compare it to the lowest end m18x, which starts at $2k and you will see the basic config of the NP9720 is a far superior machine when comparing hardware to hardware.

At this point I would start adding components to the m18x to get it as close to the NP9270 as possible (performance wise), and that would mean maxing out every available upgrade on Dell's config page. Do this and you end up with a machine that costs close to $3.5k (if not much more) and you still end up with a somewhat inferior machine when compared to the basic config of the NP9270.

Again, I like the m18x and think its an awesome machine, but for what I plan to do with my machine (GIS applications, with a little gaming on the side) the NP9270 was the better way to go.

So you ended up paying 2.8-2.9k for your machine. For that price I can get a M18x with 2x580Ms and inferior quad core CPU. 16GB RAM is only 80$ (Newegg). Don't forget Dell price is NOT final, you can easily get 20% off by calling a few different reps. Now, if you were to upgrade your machine to 2x580ms, the price would be higher than that of a M18x with 2960XM (factory OC'ed to 4ghz) + 2x580Ms. So, it depends on your desired config, but like I said, you can always end up paying less for a AW, while Clevo prices are non-negotiable.

Since some claim Clevo to be more suitable for work than AW, think about the following - what if your machine suddenly dies when you are in the middle of an important project? How long will it take Sager to fix it and send it back to you? It could easily be 2 weeks. I'd of course be afraid to even think of OC'ing my business machine with such a warranty. Dell on the other hand offers a next business day support by default and that gives me enough backup to venture into benching and OC'ing realm. If something unforseen ever happens (am yet to see that after almost a year of aggressive use including gaming and benching) you just make a call and get it fixed the next day. Another interesting aspect of Dell warranty is that you can actually choose to get replacement parts only without a technician. That's the best option for experience users, since we can do everything ourselves without worrying that some rookie tech may break something in the process.

The only real downside of the AW is the QC, you have higher chances of receiving a system with minor defects (loose screws, connectors, etc). But then again, given the coverage, you will end up getting it fixed with free upgrades in no time. I know quite a few ppl who purchased basic (2630QM + single 560M) configs and got them upgraded for free to the max specs (2960XM +580MSLI + SSD) because someone at the assembly did a poor job, lol.

Again, I'm not trying to convince anyone to switch camps, simply providing a different perspective, something that most may not be aware of. Personally, I like the P270WM for several reasons and am watching it closely, ready to pull the trigger, if my expectations are met or exceeded this time around. But I do have a few worries like :
1) Will the system be convenient to use during long working days with tons of typing given how thick it is? My M18x is scratching the limit of ergonomics and its far thinner than the Clevo.
2) How good is the new backlit keyboard?
3) How good is the new cooling system?
4) Is there any OC' on the CPU?
5) will there be a good quality 120hz screen?

[Patrck_744]

Isnt it better to have a warranty that you will never use. Just saying.

[Aikimox]

Isnt it better to have a warranty that you will never use. Just saying.

As someone who has sold hundreds of x7200s and offered additional warranty support, I can assure you at least 5-10% of the systems do require servicing during the first year. There's no black magic, Bro. My machine never failed on me, but I'd rather have a NBD warranty and never use it. At least you know you're covered. Murphy's Law is still active, you know.

[jclausius]

what if your machine suddenly dies when you are in the middle of an important project? How long will it take Sager to fix it and send it back to you? It could easily be 2 weeks.

I guess those times may vary depending on the user and their physical location. Of the 8 or so Sagers my company has purchased, we've only had one issue. Turn around was four days total from encountering problem / boxing up for shipping to receiving the fixed lappy. I'm sure those turnaround times are dependent on the cause of the problem and distance from Sager (we're in the midwest), but that was our experience. Also, there was an older spare laptop which was used in the interim, so downtime was minimized.

Now, we also have Dell desktops. When there's been problems, yes a tech was there next day to fix things, but on more than one occasion, while the tech was there next day, the problem was not corrected until day 2 or 3 - as tech didn't have parts. Again, we have older spare desktops for this as well, so when a problem does occur, the machine is swapped and it is then it is up to IT to try to correct the problem as soon as possible.

Changing topics... In regards to OC'ing in the business world, I'd like to know what longevity is of the OC'd AW as well as the P270WM. Overclocking tends to shorten the lifetime of any computer - not only on the CPU, but also on RAM, voltage regulators and capacitors on the mobo as well as other components.

[AbsintheKat]

So I was extremely close to pulling the trigger on the NP9270 and I really went over the details on the system....My largest hang up right this sec is.. The power supplies..

Does anyone have images of these beast? We had an M18X in the house at one point and I know what a 300 watt power supply looks like but TWO of them for the dual 580m .....and then when I look at the pics of the system I only see ONE power port.

I would love more info on the power issues here.. Where BOTH are to plug in, IF they are the same massive ones that Dells uses ect.

[Larry@LPC-Digital]

So I was extremely close to pulling the trigger on the NP9270 and I really went over the details on the system....My largest hang up right this sec is.. The power supplies..

Does anyone have images of these beast? We had an M18X in the house at one point and I know what a 300 watt power supply looks like but TWO of them for the dual 580m .....and then when I look at the pics of the system I only see ONE power port.

I would love more info on the power issues here.. Where BOTH are to plug in, IF they are the same massive ones that Dells uses ect.

Both 300W PSU's plug into the convertor box, then the plug from the convertor box plugs into the back of this model. See the pic.

-

[unityole]

The M18x only needs an extra 20W on the CPU cooling to allow a 24/7 4.5ghz across the board.

very informative, ty for the info, AW ftw

they are both flagship systems with very similar specs with only a few differences. The major one is the CPU: desktop vs mobile. Just by blindly claiming that a 6-core 3960x is far better for work than a 29x0XM, means you either did a very good research and know exactly how both systems perform in your work scenario, or you are totally oblivious to the real life performance part. I work in IT and am yet to find a real life situation where a desktop CPU can save me a few bucks on a scale of 24/7 load vs a 2960XM. (I don't do video encoding)

i think only reason people dont like it is having to OC it, it seems very complicated and most company warranty do not cover OC (that i know of except Dell). OC would likely cause the CPU to die sooner, then of course theres no way to tell 3960x or 3930k in 270 cause the machine isnt even out yet. but the facts remains both 3960x and 3930k at stock speed (in desktop) out performs 2960xm when OC to 4.5 ghz.

The point is, are you using any apps that benefit from 6 vs 4 cores? Or are you just saying 6 because 6 is more than 4, lol?

there will be programs very shortly if not already out, that will benefit 6 cores. all for the ease of heart, for possible upcoming future programs =/ (even if its 1 or 2 they'll ever use)

But I'm not here to bash Clevo or worship AW.

imo worshiping is not a bad thing, makes you YOU. if i like it i would say i worship it lol.

So you ended up paying 2.8-2.9k for your machine. For that price I can get a M18x with 2x580Ms and inferior quad core CPU. 16GB RAM is only 80$ (Newegg). Don't forget Dell price is NOT final, you can easily get 20% off by calling a few different reps. Now, if you were to upgrade your machine to 2x580ms, the price would be higher than that of a M18x with 2960XM (factory OC'ed to 4ghz) + 2x580Ms.

this I AM VERY interested, if you dont mind PM me of how you are able to do that, cause I sucked at getting them to give me a lower price =(

Since some claim Clevo to be more suitable for work than AW, think about the following - what if your machine suddenly dies when you are in the middle of an important project? How long will it take Sager to fix it and send it back to you? It could easily be 2 weeks. I'd of course be afraid to even think of OC'ing my business machine with such a warranty. Dell on the other hand offers a next business day support by default and that gives me enough backup to venture into benching and OC'ing realm. If something unforseen ever happens (am yet to see that after almost a year of aggressive use including gaming and benching) you just make a call and get it fixed the next day. Another interesting aspect of Dell warranty is that you can actually choose to get replacement parts only without a technician.

to many of you who probably did not notice, he is from Calgary Canada, and im in Vancouver Canada. where sager laptops will most likely take at least 2 weeks to ship and return including repairs, and this is not an option when Dell offers "get replacement parts ONLY without a technician" or send technician out to your home in less than 3 days. to most of you in the states, good for you, i wish i could be in states and buy this machine with less to worry about.

The only real downside of the AW is the QC, you have higher chances of receiving a system with minor defects (loose screws, connectors, etc). But then again, given the coverage, you will end up getting it fixed with free upgrades in no time. I know quite a few ppl who purchased basic (2630QM + single 560M) configs and got them upgraded for free to the max specs (2960XM +580MSLI + SSD) because someone at the assembly did a poor job, lol.

couldnt agree more, my BRAND NEW machine was a used/refurbished one with scratches on it =D

Again, I'm not trying to convince anyone to switch camps, simply providing a different perspective, something that most may not be aware of. Personally, I like the P270WM for several reasons and am watching it closely, ready to pull the trigger.
2) How good is the new backlit keyboard?
3) How good is the new cooling system?
4) Is there any OC' on the CPU?
5) will there be a good quality 120hz screen?

1) cooling, 4 fans just too good
2) three hard drive slots.. +1 to P270 over the AW
3) Desktop CPU, something to brag about really.
4) only 17 inch, oh well

[AbsintheKat]

Thank you for the pic that helps a lot!!

Does anyone know if there is a caddy needed for drives 2 and 4? or if its just part of the system?

For money reasons I think I will have to buy it with one drive and put in the others a tiny bit down the road. I really can't find anything on the net about how they mount and the only Sager caddies I could find were for OLD systems..

[unityole]

Thank you for the pic that helps a lot!!

Does anyone know if there is a caddy needed for drives 2 and 4? or if its just part of the system?

For money reasons I think I will have to buy it with one drive and put in the others a tiny bit down the road. I really can't find anything on the net about how they mount and the only Sager caddies I could find were for OLD systems..

imo if i am correct, caddy are included even if you dont purchase the hard drive. but then i donno sh*t, so wait for the experts to answer it =)