Sager NP2096 Owners Lounge

Hi VCheese!

Check out this thread ... all you want to know about Coolers and you can ask Specifically what they recommend.

NBR Cooling Central
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=263039

Then post back here with their Recommendations for the next guy!

G!

 

Hi jbrennen,

THANKS for sharing this Temps with us.

You are one LUCKY person ... those are Great Temps in my mind.

G!

 

Just ordered: Sager NP2096
15.4" WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050) Glossy LCD
nVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT w/512MB
Intel P9500 2.53GHz Processor w/6MB L2 odc (25W) 1066MHz FSB
Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
4GB (2 SODIMMS) DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory
4GB Intel® Turbo Memory 2.0
200GB SATA II 3GB/s 7,200 RPM Hard Drive (16MB Cache Buffer)
Combo Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
4-in-1 Memory Card Reader (MS/MS PRO/SD/MMC)
Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5100 802.11a/g/n
Built-in Bluetooth Wireless
9-cell Smart Li-ion Battery
Windows Vista Premium - (64-Bit installed - 64 and 32-bit CD included)
Full Range Auto Switching AC Adapter


Eagerly waiting...

 

Thanks! Any thoughts about the speed/performance?

Anyone else care to share?

 

Hey DocZ,

If you are comparing or deciding between a 320GB 5400RPM OR 200GB 7200RPM Hard Drive ... 320GB performance is as good as the 200GB 7200RPM HDD ... you might see a negligable better performance in Start-Ups ... so a tiny bit better access time ... But the Transfer Rate will be the same for both.

Now in 7200RPM category if you move up to a 250GB or 320GB and depending on the Model and Manufacturer ... then you will see a better performance out of the 7200RPM hard drive.

For example ... here is the top 3 performing Hard Drives in this specific order that I know of ...

#1: Samsung Spinpoint MP2, SATA300, 250GB, 16MB Cache, 7200RPM

#2: Hitachi GST Travelstar 7K320, SATA300, 320GB, 16MB Cache, 7200RPM

#3: Seagate Momentus 5400.5, SATA300, 250GB, 8MB Cache, 5400RPM

You notice the close 3rd is a 5400RPM hard drive.

So, I personally would go with the 5400RPM 320GB for now ... runs cooler and quieter and has the BEST "price to performance" at this time.

Hope this was of some help!

G!

 

Hi Nighted Scholar ...

Congrat on your new toy!

Dude ... you must have a ton of money ... a P9500 and 4GB Turbo ... wow ... this one probably can cook your breakfast for you too.

After you get it can you post back here and comment on the Turbo memory ... if you can see any improvement!

Thanks,

G!

 

The thing is there is only a $5 difference between the 200GB 7200RPM HD and the 320GB 5400RPM HD. It seems that the 7200RPM HD will be better, though not by a lot, but I might as well stay with it since space doesn't matter to me as I have an external HD already.

 

the turbo memory are overrated, useless for me though

 

Everything seems fine. The graphics card seems to heat up during gaming though. It looks like a cooler will definitely come in handy.

 

How long do you guys think the NP2096 will last? How reliable/durable of a notebook will it be?

 

probably 2 year+

 

I was wondering if anyone had any comments, or suggestions on this customization. I've been looking into xoticpc now for a while and I narrowed it down to this model with these specs, and I've been reading this forum here and figured maybe I should ask my questions directly. Here're what I'm planning on getting in it;

Sager NP2096 Custom Laptop (Built on the Compal JHL90)
- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050) `
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® P9500 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.53GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 25 watt
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9600M GT DDR2 DX10
- ~ 4,096MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory (Requires Vista 64-Bit to recognize Full 4GB)
- 4GB Intel® Robson Turbo Memory II
- Standard Finish
- ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
- ~ 500GB 5400RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 8MB Cache)
- Internal 3-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS)
- Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5100 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (9-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- Full Size Notebook Cooler - Dual Fans - USB Powered
- ~Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit Installed (64&32-Bit CD Included) w/ Drivers & Utilities CD's
- 3 Year Parts/Labor Warranty 24/7 Tech Support w/ LCD Accidental Damage Protection

It comes to, without any discounts $2051.00.
I am not really sure if the Turbo Memory is even worth it, I've read what's been posted in this forum about it, and I'm still not sure. I want to be able to keep this laptop for 5+ years. I can't upgrade the memory any higher than 4GB but I know that someday I'll need/want more RAM but may not have enough money to get a whole new laptop. Will the 4GB Turbo Memory help with the speed of everything 5 years down the road? I know it hasn't been out that long, but, I'm asking theoretically. Also, is the safeware a good idea to get? I haven't been able to find any forums or discussions about the reliability of the company. Any suggestions, answers, or just general information would be a great help.

 

if u intend to spend 2000$ so look for sager nb5796

 

With that notbook the price goes up to nearly $3000 for what I want in it. Also I would have to deal with a 17" screen which I don't really want because of how heavy it is and I do plan on taking this to class with me. Also, I'm not looking to keep up with the latest games or anything, just maybe get one or two and play casually. I'm just really worried about my school work for now.

 

ok if i were you, id pick 320GB HDD, no turbo memory ( useless and overrated)
and you will save yourself a big 500$... not worth the 4GB turbo and 500HDD( probably 2 HDD with 250GB )

 

So, noone really expects Turbo Memory to be of any use. Is the Sager upgradeable to two hard drives then? I don't recall hearing about that option. So, if I need to I could add more later on.Thanks. Any other suggestions? Would opting for the faster processor and a slower hard drive be a good idea? If I could always upgrade the hard drive later....

 

NP2096 can only hold 1 HDD

 

Hey guys. I'm about to order! I have everything configured. I'm just worried about the screen quality. Any thoughts/advice?

 

yay my sagers coming tomorrow
XD i cant wait

 

Hey Elite,

On my Sager NP2092 I had the WSXGA+ Glossy (Chi Mei brand) and I loved it. So, I would go with WSXGA+.

G!

 

Hi Nikolai,

Q1: What are you going to be using for this laptop MOST of the time?

Q2: If Gaming ... are you a heavy-duty gamer? Which games do you plan to play?

Q3: Do you need a 500GB internal HD?

Oh BTW, if you want to spend $2000+ ... alos look at Sager NP8660 ... 15.4".

So ... let us know what your needs are? May be you get a much better response (because some people cruise that Thread more often) if you fill out FAQ on what Laptop to buy ... BUT be specific that you want to only compare Sager 2096 or 8665 or something like that.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=29271

G!

 

That sounds reassuring. Still, having used a Sony monitor for so long, I don't know if the Sager screen will have the same quality.

I actually did pick the WSXGA+ option. I hope I get a quality screen.

Also, would you recommend getting the Intel Robson Turbo Memory(2GB)? I know you can pinn important applications onto the turbo memory and have them run a lot faster than they regularly would. But is it necessary? Will I actually see a difference? I might as well get a notebook cooler instead...

 

Hi Elite,

I hope that I will not EAT MY WORDS ... but if this WSXGA+ is the same Quality as my 2092 Screen ... you will LOVE, LOVE this screen 100 times better than the SONY Screen. The only SONY screen might, might ... come even close to this .. it might be the Sony Hi-Brite (dual lamp) ... the ECO one not even close.

From everything that I have read and the posts on this Forum also ... the 2GB Turbo memory is waste of money. Pinning or no pinning. Also, you can do the same thing with a Thumb-drive ... just search NBR ... they show how to do it.

Notebook cooler much, much better money spent. Look here or ask the Q to see which one they recommend specifically for 2096.
NBR Cooling Central
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=263039

Hope this answered your Q!

G!

 

Alrite guys, enough bashing on the turbo memory. I haven't received mine to test it out yet but i haven't read anyone who actually talks any specific program load times or anything. I only saw 2 or 3 people say that its "useless." I'm sure its not completely useless and it seems that most of us went ahead and got it before anyone commented on its performance anyway.

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE REFER TO SPECIFIC TESTS USING THE TURBO MEMORY!? Did anybody load a program not in the cache with and without it to test it out? did anyone disable it and enable it to test boot time? I'm not trying to make any claims here but I haven't seen one post that talks about anyone using Turbo memory 2.0

 

Thank you for all your advice! You have been very helpful.

I have one last question - do you think that the Sager NP2096 will have the same problems with the headphone jack like the other Sager notebooks (namely the NP5793)?

Thanks. I appreciate it.

P.S. I ordered the notebook cooler!

 

I don't think turbo memory is bad. It's just not necessary. It will be a nice feature to have though.

If you're interested in seeing some "tests", you should check this thread out:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=296154&page=3

I hope this helps!

 

sweet thread Elite... thanks for that. I would still like some 2096 owners to comment on their experience with it though.

Thanks guys

 

Hey has anyone found a better driver for the integrated webcam? The picture quality is good but the framerate is pretty slow and I'd like it to be faster.

 

sphinx said he uses "debut" and that it works nicely. check out his videos (i think theyre around page 16 or so on this thread... use the search )

 

I just want a computer that will be portable, and very fast. I wouldn't mind a large hard drive but for speed I will give up the large hard drive space. I am mostly using it for school, which now means papers, program writing, photo editing, website creations, large music library, CD and DVD burning, and obviously web browsing etc... So I guess, what is it that I can get that's fast and lightweight. I'd prefer not to have to carry around an external hard drive, especially cause they're slower than internal ones, but I will if I find it's needed.

 

When I did those videos, the framerate was pretty good at around 13. I was far away from the screen in those and I've noticed that if I sit in front of the screen and talk on msn to my girlfriend, the framerate goes down. The quality is still there but the fps hovers around 8.

If I ever go back home, I will try to run some video and data tests regarding turbo memory. I will try to show some startup times with programs pinned and unpinned. I am also trying to find some kind of benchmark program that will allow me to test the efffectiveness as well. If anybody has any ideas on what kinds of programs I can run to test the turbo memory, please shoot me a message.

 

just got mine today! ill probably test some temps and such later.

just wondering, has anyone updated their nvidia drivers (through laptopvideo2go or otherwise)?

 

I updated mine with the driver on the Compal website ( http://www.compal.com/asp/driver_dnd/index.htm) because I was having issues with Sleep mode in Vista. It was just giving me a blank screen when it came back out of sleep, and forcing me to manually shut it down (hold the power button) and restart it to do anything. But I looked around a bit on the web and one site recommended updating the video card drivers, and it has worked. Sleep mode works fine now.

I wouldn't let this glitch deter anyone from buying this laptop, though: it's very nice! I'm very happy with my purchase, and the sleep problem is almost certainly Microsoft's fault.

 

http://service1.marasst.com/Compal/JHL90_91/XP32%20Driver/

http://www.compal.com/asp/driver_dnd/index.htm
any other sites to download compal jhl90 drivers

 

so basically people have tried the 175 and 176.02, which is what comes with my driver disc. has anyone tried any 177 drivers? ill probably give it a shot when im done undervolting.

 

yes my sager finally came
but the weird thing is that i ordered a logitech vx nano and it didnt come with the laptop
i ordered from xoticpc
waiting for a reply from them

 

What is the best software to check temperature?

 

Hi Nikolai,

Appreciate your reply. Here is my 10 cents on this laptop and your configuration and what would be the best Bang for your money and ...

1) CPU: First of all for Photoshop and other intensive Graphic and video stuff ... you choose a Great CPU ... P9500. Keep it.

2) At this time with your config Turbo Memory (TM) is waste of money. And TM is still is being developed ... not a ripe technology. Anyway please read this thread for more feedback ...
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=282811

3) HDD: If you are interested in SPEED ... then I strongly suggest that you take the 320GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache) much faster than the 500GB 5400RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 8MB Cache). The 7200RPM Hard Drive with 16MB ... is blazing FAST. BTW, I believe 320GB HDD should be more than enough for your PhotoEditing and your music library ... and so forth ... I personally have not been able to fill up my 80GB iPod with Music and I make my MP3s at 320KB ... even though your ear can't really tell the difference past 192KB ... for my ears anyway.

4) Notebook Cooler ... call "Xotic PC" and find out what BRAND and Model is their Notebook Cooler ... $48 and no Tax ... probably pretty good price ... but let see if it is any good. If they say is a Zalman or a NZXT ... then you are in business ... Read this Thread .. a ton of Great Info on Coolers.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=263039

5) As far as WARRANTY ... may be you can re-think you blowing $349 on a Warranty ... if your laptop is about $1600 you want to blow $349 for warranty that most likely you won't use. I would Strongly Suggest you take the $139 - THREE Year Warranty ... that is all you really need. Your Options below at a glance ...

Hope this has helped your Config decision.

G!

 

Hi WebDancer,

HWMonitor 1.10
http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php

G!

 

Hi Sphinx,

How is your 2096 running!?!?

BTW, I will be looking forward to your "Review" on TM.

G!

 

I have one last question - do you guys think that the Sager NP2096 will have the same problems with the headphone jack like the other Sager notebooks (namely the NP5793)?

Thanks. I appreciate it.

P.S. I ordered the notebook cooler!

 

Hi Elite,

I am not sure what "headphone jack" problem are you referring to ... but "Sager 5793" is CLEVO based laptop ... whereas Sager 2096 is Compal laptop.

Also, I had no problems with my Sager NP2092 (Compal JFL92) headphone jack .. so most likely the 2096 should not have any problem!

G!

 

Thanks for the info!

 

do u know how to turn off the bluetooth on the sager
and anyone know if xotic pc sends extra stuff in a separate package
cus i ordered a mouse with my laptop and it didnt come

 

I got mine from powernotebooks.com, so I can't tell you about how xotic sends stuff, but it is possible they send things in different shipments. To turn off bluetooth, on mine there is an icon by the clock that I can click on to turn either wireless or bluetooth off. Or there is a switch on the left side to turn both off, but I don't image you want to do both.

 

Does anyone know of any laptops around $2000 to $2050 that are incredibly fast that I could customize? Or do you think that the Sager 2096 would probably be the best for my money?

 

I got mine! I got mine! dont mean to sound like a broken record but this thing looks sweeeeet in person, very sleek, tough build. Screen looks awesome! I for one dont have any problem with the touchpad, the tap to click does NOT effect me. If i had to pick a "worst" part it would be the keyboard, there is nothing wrong with it but it doesnt feel great, i am used to a Sony vaio keyboard, which is flawless. Its super fast, seems to be cooling efficiently and everything works, only had to update obvious drivers and its good to go! I will try to do some tests with the turbo memory to let u guys know how well it works

 

@NICOLAI
perfect sager nb5796 ....no issue recorded.
Also hp d7t best bang for buck.

 

I think when I get the money all together I'll just go with the np2096 with this in it;

Sager NP2096 Custom Laptop (Built on the Compal JHL90)
- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050) `
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® T9600 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.80GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 35 watt
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9600M GT DDR2 DX10
- ~ 4,096MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory (Requires Vista 64-Bit to recognize Full 4GB)
- Standard Finish
- ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
- ~ 200GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache)
- Internal 3-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS)
- Internal Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5100 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (9-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- Full Size Notebook Cooler - Dual Fans - USB Powered
- ~Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit Installed (64&32-Bit CD Included) w/ Drivers & Utilities CD's
- 3 Year Parts/Labor Warranty 24/7 Tech Support w/ LCD Accidental Damage Protection

With this from www.safeware.com


Your total policy cost for 3 Months of coverage is $101.20.

Features
Covering: Laptop
Total Coverage Amount: $4102.00
Coverage Area: Domestic & Internationally
Policy Term: 3 Months
Deductible: $200.00
3 Month Premium: $92.00
3 Month Municipal Tax: $0.00
3 Month State Tax: $0.00
Policy Fees: $9.20

Total Policy Cost: $101.20

Anyone think I could find better?

 

I think if you really want to spend that much money on the 2096, mite as well get the 320GB Hard drive.. It fills up faster than you think a lot of times...
Also, I would def look into something with a better Graphics card.