Tell me about your Sager ...

[MaxMercury]

I've been looking for a new laptop for several months. Like many other people, I've been encouraged by certain trends -- some vendors offer very good customization options, quality RAM, faster than 4200 rpm HDs, and no proprietary interference with the OS, i.e. no proprietary IBM or Sony or HP stuff mucking up the BIOS. At the same time, it boggles the mind that some of these very same vendors undermine their credibility by having utterly unreasonable "terms and conditions." One place won't allow you to return or exchange a customized laptop (or desktop) unless it's defective. :thumbsdown

My first choice for a new laptop was an Asus -- one of their L5000 models, (see their website). Most of Asus' laptops are Centrino-based, but these L5000 models are Pentium 4 with HT-based, high performance desktop replacements. I was especially interested in their Ace View technology, which purportedly results in a "jaw-dropping" viewing experience. See a thorough recent review of an L5000GA at FiringSquad.com: http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/asus_l5000ga/default.asp
Anyway, on paper, these Asus L5000 systems look powerful, stable and terrific, but it's not like I can run over to my local retailer to see if they're really as good as they sound. Further, according to some Asus laptop owners posting at notebookreviews.com, there may be some issues with heat dissipation. Thus, there's no way I'm going to pay about $2,000 for a laptop unless I can adequately evaluate it and return it without penalty fees if I decide it's not right for me. Unfortunately, I have yet to find an online Asus reseller with the same level of customer service and satisfaction guarantee as is offered at PCC. So, I'm out of luck on the Asus front.

I also investigated some other non-big-name laptops, but ran into the same problems as above.

Hence, I turn to PCC to see if a Sager will suit my needs. I'm familiar with Sager laptops via reading about them but have never tried one myself or even seen one in person. The models I'm interested in are the 4080 (an Aspen) and the 4780 (a multimedia model). If you use one of these, I'd love to hear how you like it. Feel free to gush enthusiastically, but also please provide an honest assessment with a few details, i.e. pros and cons.

I've read extensive user opinions on Sagers at notebookforums.com, but I'd like to hear from you here at PCC as well.

Thanks very much!
-- Max

[MaxMercury]

Are there no fellow PCC Grubworms or Grasshoppers, Dragonflies or Beetles who want to tell me about their Sagers? Hmmm?

My quest for a new laptop continues. After much research, I'm now pretty much set on getting the 5690, as I prefer the i865PE chipset in it over the SiS MM648FX in the 4080. There appear to be other advantages to the 5690 as well. I like the modular bays, for example.

Do any of you own a 5690? If so, regale me with your tales of computing nirvana.

I was also considering a Compal 56 (under various brands), but that would take me into Pentium M Dothan land. While I yearn for the 2MB cache on that processor, I don't think I want to pay for things I don't need, i.e. greater battery life, greater portability, wireless, and a slimmer, sleeker chassis. I don't need my laptop to be chic or stylish, just powerful and reliable.

As for the Asus L5000GA that I'd been coveting, I carefully compared the specs of it to the Sager 5690, and the Sager came out on top. Plus, the chassis design of the 5690 appears to be superior, allowing for better heat dissipation. (I'd read reports that this could be a problem with the Asus.)

Once again, I'd like to give a big round of applause to PCC for their commitment to customer satisfaction. As I'm sure you'd all agree, a computer is a very personal piece of equipment. Automobile metaphors abound, ("My PC is a hot rod"), and Acer even has a new model out called the Ferrari. (Of course, there are also plenty of airplane and spacecraft metaphors, but I can't cover everything. ;-) ) As with cars, we want our PCs to fit our unique selves as much as possible. Some folks even name their PCs like they do their cars. And one of the most important things you need to be able to do with a new PC is take it for a test drive for more than a few days without penalty. PCC's policy gives you peace of mind as a consumer. You know you'll have the opportunity to see if your new PC is really right for you or not.

So, rah rah PCC!! Since I'm buying my new desktop from you, I'm really glad it worked out that I decided on a Sager, so I could give you my laptop business as well.

-- Max

[TheMattrix]

Are there no fellow PCC Grubworms or Grasshoppers, Dragonflies or Beetles who want to tell me about their Sagers? Hmmm?

It's been really slow this weekend in the forums...just give it a bit...

[PCC-Richard]

Hi Max!

I *think* we might have a 5960 around here today. If we do, I'll go take some snappy-shots for you, and give you the full rundown.

I think most of our forum-goers are desktop aficionados. I'll see if I can get any pictures for you to viddy thy glassies upon. If I can't find one, I'll still give you the rundown on what I see as the pro-s and con-s of that unit.

Richard

P.S. - Max, I love your posts. Have I mentioned we're looking for hardware article authors? :-D

[PCC-Richard]

Just for the record, we've moved this to emails. When I manage to get my a hands on this model of laptop, I'll still post some pictures for all of you to see. :)

[MaxMercury]

Yes, it's true, Richard and I have been feverishly discussing the 5690 via e-mails. We exchanged them at such a blistering fast pace today, in fact, that I'm still woozy. In a good way. :-D

Nevertheless, I'd still love to hear from any of you PCC-enthusiasts who have a Sager.

And Richard, I'm looking forward to those pictures! They'll help tide me over until mine arrives. :)

[PCC-Richard]

Until then, you can enjoy these pictures!

http://www.pugetsystems.com/pictures/forums/bunny/2.jpg

http://www.pugetsystems.com/pictures/forums/bunny/3.jpg

http://www.pugetsystems.com/pictures/forums/bunny/4.jpg

http://www.pugetsystems.com/pictures/forums/bunny/1.jpg

I :love bunnies. I miss mine. :cry

[MaxMercury]

That is one cute bunny!! What's his/her name? Is that some PhotoShop wizardry I see, or is he really balancing all that different stuff on his head? If so, AMAZING! Whatever inspired you to teach him to do that?!? Anyway, great photos! We need a "champ" emoticon for those. :-)

-- Max

[PCC-Richard]

Actually, that poor bunny passed away. :O(

(Disclaimer: I'm a backwoods farm kid. Ignore the nerdy-farm talk about to happen)

That rabbit breed is "Dutch" (variety Brown (Comes in black and blue too (but blue is more like grey))). There's a few breeds of rabbits, specifically the Dutch, Holland Lop, and especially the Himilayan, which tend to be incredibally docile, which is why they're popular house-pet rabbits. I once had a Himilayan who would literally sit wherever you put her, in whatever position, and fall asleep. :shock Anyway... the moral of this story: some rabbits are just docile... and probably could care less if you sat stuff on its head.

/nerd farm talk off.

:)

[PCC-Richard]

We need a "champ" emoticon for those.

:first
:second
:third

:showoff

:jaw

Hooray!

[Sartaeus]

I've been lookin for a laptop for a few months too! I bet you're headed off to college right?

I've been lookin at the Sager NP5690H, and had my heart set on it at other manufacturers before I even came to PCC. Imagine my delight when I came across PCC and then recognized the picture of the chassis! I like it 'kuz of it's modular bays, large design (like you mentioned - airflow) and I don't really want to carry around (or pay for) a widescreen laptop.

If you don't mind... could I hear what was said in the e-mails? For the salesman (or whoever else has access to it), I've been talking with...lemme check...Richard! I just checked and saw that. Anyway, my quote is 8020 if you wanna take a looksy. Feel free to post any of that stuff in the forums if you want.

Since I've got you here...

You mentioned I could get an 802.11a+g WiFi card, bluetooth, AND a TV Tuner stuffed inside the laptop. Your configurator thing doesn't mention those, so I'd like you to tell me a second time that it can be done. I just submitted this question on my quote too, but I'll ask here again: Are offering the ATI Mobility RADEON 9700 256MB in the Sager NP5690H?

And one last thing... I feel bad since I made you reconsider offering the P4 Extreme Edition in your laptops. :bang: Could you still do it anyway please? :love: You said that if I want a long lasting laptop I shouldn't risk the heat of the Extreme Edition, but that huge chache is just so... sexy. And your warranty would cover any damage done by the heat during that period anyway. :devil:

[MaxMercury]

I bet you're headed off to college right?
No, my college days are behind me. I'm just a total PC nut and would love to have, oh, an assortment of 10 in my house. :love

If you don't mind... could I hear what was said in the e-mails?
Sorry, e-mails are private. I understand your enthusiasm, though, and eagerness to learn all you can about the Sager 5690. So, I don't mind telling you what I ordered:
Sager 5690 with SXGA display (standard base config. with floppy drive in one of the "SmartBays")
Pentium 4 2.8 GHz 800 FSB
1 GB PC3200 DDR400 RAM (OCZ, not Samsung), 2x512MB
DVD/CD-RW drive in the other "SmartBay"
Hitachi Travelstar 40 GB 5400 rpm HD
Windows XP Home
In the next upgrade to this model, I'd like to see Sager offer a combo floppy drive/card reader.

For the salesman ... I've been talking with...lemme check...Richard!Yeah, Richard is terrific. I once called him the Secretariat of customer service reps, but he's really a lot more than that. The following is from PCC's "About Us" page: Furthermore, we do not hire salesmen. We hire qualified technicians. The same people that talk to you before your purchase are the people that build your computer and give you support after your purchase. If you haven't had a chance yet, you might want to check out the biographies of the PCC folks -- also on the "About Us" page. Very interesting and impressive.

Anyway, I suggest you trust Richard's recommendations. Good luck, enjoy your Sager, and be sure to tell us all about it once you get it! :-)
-- Max

[Sartaeus]

Well duh! I wasn't asking for exact copies of the e-mails,:loco I was referring to anything you found out about the hardware.

Share the wealth!

[MaxMercury]

Why don't we keep this discussion friendly and respectful.

As noted in my first post, I invested a lot of time researching various Sager models before approaching Richard with questions.

You want me to "share the wealth." Well, there's already a wealth of information on the Sagers right here for you to read. There are many other websites loaded with similar information. You can go to http://notebookforums.com, where you'll find dozens of user reviews on various Sager models and plenty of discussion.

While I'm always open to helping fellow PC-enthusiasts, it sounds like you want a shortcut to information rather than doing your own homework. However, I may have misinterpreted, so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt on that.

As far as hardware for the 5690: PCC acknowledges that the Sager pages are a bit confusing and need some work. Matters that Richard or Jon clarified for me included the following:
1. Modem capabilities (v.90 only)
2. Whether I could use OCZ RAM (yes)
3. Whether the OCZ RAM was PC2700 or PC3200 (It's the latter)
4. Modules for the SmartBays are not hot swappable; you have to power off before swapping, say, the card reader for the floppy drive.
5. Pricing for various parts.
6. What's included in PCC's base configuration vs. that on Sager's website. (PCC doesn't include the DVD/CD-RW drive in their base config./price).
7. Software included with the laptop: XP, drivers, Nero, WinDVD.

-- Max

[PCC-Jon]

2. Whether I could use OCZ RAM (yes)

Just a point of clarification -- we have had some problems with OCZ memory in Sager laptops before. We *think* we can use the OCZ memory for this laptop. For some of the lower end laptops, we've had problems with OCZ, the timings are too fast for the laptop to keep up! This is a top end laptop though, and we're confident that it'll work with OCZ RAM. If however, we are wrong, and we do have compatibility problems with the OCZ, we'd be happy to order in some Samsung PC3200 as well for substitution.

Just want to cover our bases and not do any false advertising on things we're not 100% sure about. :thumbsup

[Sartaeus]

Why don't we keep this discussion friendly and respectful.

Um... I didn't mean for it to sound disrespectful. If I did I would have been much more clear with that :censored :curse :censored :curse :shock :thumbsdown

:group

Anyway, its hard to get the minutae of emotions into script :(

While I'm always open to helping fellow PC-enthusiasts, it sounds like you want a shortcut to information rather than doing your own homework.

Um... of course I'm looking for a shortcut (after all, aren't you providing a shortcut every time you blurt out some information that could have been researched?). I've done quite a bit of homework and just wanted to make sure I didn't miss any information. It turns out that I did, seeing that Puget has tried OCZ memory in Sager laptops, and I missed that on other boards. I'm sure other people will enjoy having that info too.

By the way... I was getting a bit fustrated because you were being so secretive. Hiding information like that made me think you were indignant and condescending. I tried to use the smilies to show I meant no offense - but it didn't work. Oh well... I hope we cleared that little issue up so I'm not banned from the boards :thumbsup

[oczivan]

if tight timings are an issue on some of the motherboards, i would be happy to put in a special note for them to program the SPD to whatever timings you wish :)

[TheMattrix]

They don't have options for timings in laptop bioses?

[PCC-Jon]

if tight timings are an issue on some of the motherboards, i would be happy to put in a special note for them to program the SPD to whatever timings you wish :)

That's awesome. Have you heard of issues with OCZ and Sager laptops in the past? Its been pretty "hit and miss" for us.

[oczivan]

hmm i havent heard of any specific issues but i'll go ask support tomorrow and see if they've heard of any problems

[PCC-Richard]

Sartaeus,

Feel free to email me with whatever questions you have. :) I also plan on writing up (w/ pictures) the Notebook that Max ordered, when it gets here.

[Sartaeus]

Eh, there's no rush right now. I put in another quote just for grins, and posted a few questions.

Wow, in a week (between 07/11 and 07/18) you received 120 quotes (I have qotes 8020 and 8140)! You guy's aren't exaggerating when it comes to your growth! I understand why responses are pretty far apart, and I don't even plan to buy until late September.

At least I think thats a correct count...

[PCC-Richard]

Actually, I just got all caught up!

Generally, I get to all the quotes same day. However, Monday kicks my rear, since they build up all weekend, and I'm trying to keep up with everything else around the office. Once we get moved, things will calm down a little, and we'll be better able to keep up. As is, I'm all caught up by tuesday, so thats not so bad.

I think it's just frusterating for those that submit on Friday night. For the most part, we've got AWESOME customers who totally understand though. :thumbsup

[PCC-Richard]

http://www.pugetsystems.com/gfx/forums/lap2.jpg

http://www.pugetsystems.com/gfx/forums/lap1.jpg

http://www.pugetsystems.com/gfx/forums/lap3.jpg

http://www.pugetsystems.com/gfx/forums/lap4.jpg

Running some tests on it now! :thumbsup

[MaxMercury]

Thanks for the photos, Richard! That's one nice looking laptop! I can't wait to get it and try it out! :-)

-- Max

[Sartaeus]

Yup, the photos are much better than the ones on Sager's site. Very nice.
[edit]Looking at them more closely... where does the air come out? I see a vent on the side, but it has a mesh cover (which will prolly clog with dust). That can't be enough to keep the thing cool, can it?

By the way, who actually expects a customer service response during the weekend if you haven't even paid for anything yet! :loco

Watch out for those people, I bet all they want is a discount as an apology. :thumbsdown

[PCC-Jon]

Looking at them more closely... where does the air come out? I see a vent on the side, but it has a mesh cover (which will prolly clog with dust). That can't be enough to keep the thing cool, can it?

I'm not as good as Richard at taking great looking pictures, but here's a picture of the 4th side with the vents.

http://www.pugetsystems.com/pic_disp.php?name=/gfx/forums/lap5.jpg&width=500 (http://www.pugetsystems.com/pic_disp.php?name=/gfx/forums/lap5.jpg)

[PCC-Richard]

nevermind :shock

[MaxMercury]

Richard and Jon,
Thanks again for the great photos!!

In case it's not obvious what everything is on my new Sager :love,
-- Right side view shows: a) floppy drive; b) DVD/CD-RW drive; c) infrared port;
-- Left side view shows: a) power jack; b) lots of vents; c) pcmcia slot;
-- Back view shows: More ports than you can shake a stick at! ;-)
a) security lock; b) audio jacks; c) mini firewire port; d) 56K modem jack; e) ethernet jack; f) (4) USB ports; g) S-video out; h) VGA port; i) parallel port; j) PS/2 port;
-- Front view shows the audio DJ controls.
It's a beauty, that's for sure! :thumbsup

-- Max

[NathanMcD]

Man, thats a nice laptop, keep up the good work you guys, it would be cool to see some specially designed ones, with some awesome artwork on them, but i'm sure thats alot of work. I seen one cool case in another thread.

[MaxMercury]

My 5690 arrived this evening. :-) I'm really looking forward to giving it a good workout over the weekend.

By the way, the dial-up modem is indeed v.92 compliant even though Sager told Richard it wasn't, so that's a plus for me when I want to use dial-up.

It wasn't obvious to me in the photos or in any of the descriptions, but the chassis is nicely built for comfort and proper ergonomics. This is achieved by back feet that are about .8 cm taller than the front feet, so there's a slanted effect to the keyboard, similar to the IBM Thinkpad G series. (Of course that Thinkpad can't hold a candle to the 5690 when it comes to performance, options, etc.) The 5690's keyboard has been called "mushy," but I think this may be another ergonomic feature, i.e. supple on purpose in order to ease the burden on your wrists of long hours of typing.

More info later,
-- Max