Miscellaneous laptop discussions : REAL desktop replacements - Ailenware, Hypersonic etc.
REAL desktop replacements - Ailenware, Hypersonic etc.
by Nickfree - 1/16/05 9:47 PMAnyone own one of these? Thinking about buying an Ailenware Area-51m 7700 and fishing for problems/issues.
Whoever really makes these (for said retaillers) has put together a serious computer that should have quite a bit of interest(other than the obvious market of performance gamers). Also interesting why c|net only reviews the brands that advertise (or potentially)?? Why is that?
Some information
by The User - 1/18/05 7:07 AM In reply to: REAL desktop replacements - Ailenware, Hypersonic etc. by NickfreeI would recommend visiting these two websites: www.directpc.ca and www.sagernotebooks.com They both sell exactly the same products as Alienware does but for much less (only difference would be top case cover). Don’t go for Voodoo also since they sell the same things for thousands more. In fact, all of these companies – Alienware, Sager, Eurocom, DirectPC, Go-L, Voodoo get parts from the same manufacturer so even cases are the same. However, when I got mine for $3500 CAD at www.directpc.ca same model from Voodoo was $5500 CAD and Go-L $4200 US - $5600 CAD. Alienware was $3900.
No other notebook on the market comes close in performance. Also, they would be cheaper than slower Sony, HP or Dell
Quality is good and design is beautiful. If you looking for a true desktop replacement get Sager 9860 (or similar model from other sites) (dual 60 Gb 7200 HD, P4 – 3.6, 1 or 2Gb of memory, 256 Mb video, 17in screen). I have high-resolution screen with 1920x1200 resolution but if I buy it again I wouldn’t get this one. It makes you go blind because everything is so small on the screen (but picture is crisp and beautiful, I have to say) so 1920x1200 is an overkill. 1440x900 screens are the waste of screen space so go for the one in between – 1680x1050 and you will enjoy it.
Where are the spare parts?
by R. Proffitt
- 1/18/05 7:43 AM
In reply to: REAL desktop replacements - Ailenware, Hypersonic etc. by Nickfree
2 years out and owners find out about service and spare part issues on these makes. Some find out earlier.
Definite names to never consider.
Bob
Just buy two ;-)
by Ryan T - 1/18/05 8:41 AM In reply to: Where are the spare parts? by R. Proffitt
Well Bob, have you ever considered just buying two? 
If you get two, and keep the other one in cold, dry, dark storage, then you have all the replacement parts you need.
What I find laughable is how much these stripped-down, no-Operating System, non-supported laptops cost. You definately have to consider service and support with these machines.
Misinformation is a sin
by The User - 1/18/05 1:12 PM In reply to: Just buy two ;-) by Ryan Ta. If you want you would get an operation system preinstalled by any of these companies
b. My previous Eurocom worked for two years without a single issue even though it was abused badly. As far as I know, it’s still well and operational
c. Cost. At the time of the purchase of my latest Eurocom from www.DirectPc.ca it was approximately $400 cheaper than slower Dell XPS. It was $500 cheaper than much slower top-of-the-line Sony and $800 cheaper than best IBM, which has 50% less powers/memory/storage comparing to my Eurocom does. Bottom line, no other companies make similar performing notebooks and much slower models go for much more
d.For extra $300 of $300-500 that you save buying faster PC (comparing to “brand names”) you can get 24-hours onsite support for 3 years so you don’t have to worry about the parts and as a professional consultant I have to say that service was great and fast
Keeping hardware for 10 years – go for mainstream models
by The User - 1/18/05 1:00 PM In reply to: Where are the spare parts? by R. Proffitt
Normally, those who buy high-end desktop replacements change them once in 2-3 years. Others go for mainstream models.
Mainstream models get replaced in 3
by Ryan T - 1/18/05 1:11 PM In reply to: Keeping hardware for 10 years – go for mainstream models by The UserI never said anyone should keep a laptop 10 years. I feel sorry for those who do. I plan on replacing my brand-new laptop as early as next Thanksgiving or Q1 07 if I can get a deal on 64-bit with good battery life.
The point is, I plan on getting a new 802.11G card and a Bluetooth module for my Dell 8600 (options that did not come on mine and were not available because I bought refurb) and installing them myself. If I so desire, I can get an ATI 9700 128 MB card and put that in myself too. You can't say that about these off-brand notebooks.
Check the websites
by The User - 1/18/05 1:20 PM In reply to: Mainstream models get replaced in 3 by Ryan TWell, as I said, people that go for fastest machines buy them for specific purposes. Mine came with 3.6Hz CPU; 2Gb RAM, dual 60Gb 7200Rpms hard drives, build-in G-wireless and Bluetooth, 17in screen, DVD burner, 256 video. I cannot see myself updating anything within next 2-3 years and then I’d get a new one.
However, they are easier to upgrade than “brand names”. In fact, these notebooks are designed to be upgradable, unlike 99% of Dells, IBMs, Sonys and HPs, check the websites to verify. ll of them build in a way so you can replace anything without reaping notebook apart. Video, CPU, memory, hd – everything gets replaced instantly by taking a “hardware block” out.
Wrong on Dell
by Ryan T - 1/18/05 2:42 PM In reply to: Check the websites by The UserAll new dells have an online service manual that shows the user how to replace EVERYTHING on the computer. If you can get upgrade parts, which IS easier than with an off-brand, you can upgrade them with their full-color diagrams.
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