7280 Review 1

NP7280 Report Number 1

About the User (me): I am not a gamer and have bought previous Sagers such as the 9890, 9261, and 2092. I buy the gamer types because I work with video editing and now more than ever, animation software. So I need something to handle Avid Media Composer 5, Adobe Priemere, Poser, DAZ, you get the picture. I bought the 2092 as a more portable lecture unit, to my regret. The Compal based 2092 was always trouble for me so I dumped it for a Toshiba A11S3540 which has been flawless for a year now. What I do: I create mainly video and video animation combo media relevant to American Sign Language (ASL) instruction and Deaf History topics. However, I have been turning more and more to other foci such as creating screensavers.

Take 1: Currently, I am installing the software I will need for this machine, so a second report will occur after I’m done. For now, here is my take on the NP7280.

A. What I like — I like he pretty blue lights when you turn it on. I like the fact my wife who uses but doesn’t really care about computers thinks it’s pretty, even sexy. I like the fact it arrived well packaged and protected against shipping damage. Got it via USPS so that says a lot. I replaced the three 7200RPM 320GB HDs with unopened 7200RPM 500GB drives I happened to have lying around due to Newegg special free shipping, no tax purchases at $55.95 each at the time. I found this upgrade easier to do than the NP9261. The screws didn’t rebel, the caddy didn’t flex hopelessly out of shape so the procedure went well and quickly. That’s all I can say about the positive side at this time.

B. What I Don’t Like— A lot in terms of my brief encounter with upgrading the new unit. I’ll start with the memory. It came with 6GB 1333 RAM. I had unopened packages of G.Skill 1333 RAM totaling 12GB. To install them, I was dismayed, then angry at having to remove a hinge panel, then the keyboard. The keyboard ribbon was dicey as it is thin and can easily break but it came out easily enough. The hard thing was putting that ribbon back in while trying to avoid smudging it, or bending it at an awkward angle. I made good use of handwashings when I felt myself sweating from the tenacious effort to not break anything. It’s like it was designed to discourage DIY as much as possible. I may think long and hard before I buy another Sager despite my belief only Sager meets my need for a TRUE DTP notebook. Further, the memory modules in the abovementioned location are away from the fans so get no cooling, thus shortens their lifespan.

I have mixed feelings about the optical drive. I had to literally hunt for it because it is so well out of sight in its recessed location. Half of me says GOOD! The computer looks slicker and when picking it up, you’re less likely to damage the drive since your grip would be on its protective overhang thus no pressure on the drive to cause the cover to slip off or misaligned the drive because you pushed or squeezed it too hard. On the other hand, I find it harder to access the open button so I can use the drive.

Boy, oh boy, if we thought the previous DTP units’ power adapters were bricks, the 7280's is a cinder block! I know the unit needs power and lots of it but this adapter is huge! Eats too much space on the desk.

Suggestions For Improving Future DTP Units:

1. Built in HD bays that let you just slide the HDs in place. Very much like the bay beneath the battery for the optional 3rd HD on existing units. This dumps the flimsy aluminum caddy which is more trouble than it’s worth.

2. Put the memory modules back where they used to be so they experience some cooling. Memory is the most likely upgrade users will make after the HDs, so forcing users to risks breaking important parts of their machines for a routine upgrade is just plain silly.

3. I never was a fan of the all black look . I’d like to see the option for the old brushed aluminum look with the macho metal SAGER decal on the back.
It made Sagers truly unique as opposed to the me too appearance.

4. Colorize the tiny logos that signify the ports on the machine. Even in a well lighted room I find I have to use a flashlight and put my face almost in contact with the computer to see what the logos are.