Any thoughts on Xicomputers

#1

Thinking about getting a new beefy laptop. I have a Dell Precision M6600 but it’s been sucking wind… lately… I probably need to do a reinstall.

Anyway … I’m wary of buying a new Dell. I see that they are selling Alienware laptops… I dunno fi I want to mess with one of those. I came across Xicomputer.com and I like the options they offer… I need 17, Nvidia Quadro … I need cuda 2.0 GPU, 32GB ram, SSD boot drive etc. The Dell gets really hot which is a problem so I like that the XI cases appear to be roomy.

Anybody use one of those before or have other suggestions?

#2

never heard of them before… looks like a local outfit, which could be a good thing for you if you live in the area and need face-time-support :slight_smile:

one thing I do like is that they seem to focus on DCC/CAD solutions (including HPC)… so perhaps they would be familiar with the lingo.

#3

Ah I hadn’t noticed they were in SoCal… Some of their products are available via Amazon but there’s not a whole lot of feedback yet from customers yet.

#4

well… if that side of LA is anything like Dallas… the south side is… scary. :stuck_out_tongue: (like don’t walk around at night kinda scary… or anytime of day for that matter).

but doing a quick look at the address on gmaps, it seems almost legit… so ya.

#5

Well I doubt I’d actually drive there… it’s 4 hrs round trip.

#6

It looks like they are using Sager barebone notebooks which have a reputation for being clunky. That one is just under 10 pounds which is extraordinary heavy for a notebook.

http://www.sagernotebook.com/index.php?page=product_info&model_name=NP8298
http://www.xicomputer.com/products/PowerGoIntelXT.asp

I think you’d be better off with a workstation class notebook from a reputable manufacturer than a rebadged gaming notebook. For example a Lenovo ThinkPad W540, HP EliteBook 850 G1, or Dell Precision M4800. Those all weigh 5 or 6 pounds (a huge difference if you plan to take it with you places).

#7

The least of my concerns is how much it weighs. I just need it to be portable and a laptop. 10lbs is portable enough… it could weigh 20lbs and I wouldn’t care as long as it was reliable. It also needs to have 17" screen, 16-32GB of RAM, SSD drive and a nVidia Quadro card and a i7 quad core CPU.

Dell Precision M4800 15" screen… I have a M6600 and the case is pretty crappy and it gets way too hot.

The HP EliteBook 850 G1, seems way under powered and 15" screen

The Lenovo ThinkPad W540 appears to be another budget system, 15 screen etc.

Define clunky? I really don’t care how much it weighs or even looks as long as it’s a laptop and has the specs I mention above and doesn’t overheat.

#8

I like the way these look… now If I can just find the specs I need… lol

http://toughruggedlaptops.com

#9

LOL… maybe

#10

I like these specs

http://www.msimobile.com/level3_productpage.aspx?cid=114&id=434
http://www.msimobile.com/level3_productpage.aspx?cid=114&id=444

#11

A 17" screen is overrated for a notebook because it’ll have the same resolution as a 15" but will use more battery power to light up and add more weight to lug around. If you plan to work at the same location most of the time and want a bigger display you can get an external display or simply get a desktop workstation instead. All of the workstation class notebook offerings mentioned are capable of the configuration you specify so I don’t understand why you call them underpowered.

Shitty. Dubious. Gimmicky. This review doesn’t have a lot of kind things to say about it, things like it’s heavy, loud, and the GPU is thermally throttled because it overheats. They do compliment the performance in some regards but the same components are available in notebooks from other manufacturers with a better reputation. They also point out it has a TN display panel so the colors get distorted outside of a very narrow viewing angle and it only covers 83% of sRGB colorspace.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Clevo-P177SM-A-Schenker-XMG-P704-Barebones-Notebook.114090.0.html

#12

All joking aside… it makes one wonder why people buy 60" monitors when they can get smaller ones with the same resolution.

Both non issues… I don’t care about weight and I don’t care about long battery life.

An external monitor is not an option… also if I was concerned about weight… then an external monitor would be too heavy anyway.

I need to beable to move freely to various locations in a studio or on location easily. I can be tethered to power but not a monitor. I need to be on battery for brief periods.

Okay this is useful information, thanks!

#13

Actually I find what they have to say about it as a positive. I’m not really concerned about fan noise if that means that it stays cool and they compare it to a desktop system as far as performance. I’m not really concerned about color or the viewing angle either.

Buyers who can live with a somewhat unfortunate design and an audible fan can take the XMG P704. The 17 incher passes as a real desktop replacement owing to the many maintenance options, the generous connectivity, and the good sound and image quality.

Except for the slightly unstable touchpad, the input options are also good. Particularly the three-zone adjustable and extremely classy keyboard backlight are a purchase argument. Four hard drive slots, a quad-core processor, and a high-end GPU not only ensure A-1 benchmark rates, but also a good future security.

We see drawbacks primarily in the weight and noise production. It is also upsetting that the GTX 880M lowers its clock during full load (should not happen in gaming routine). Apart from that, the XMG P704 is a very good and individually configurable gaming laptop.

#14

The MSI GT70 2PE-890US impresses us with its strong performance, good display, great connectivity and excellent sound system. If you want performance and do not want to invest in an SLI or CrossFire system, then we recommend this test model.

The good upgrade possibilities and extensive cooling system will appeal to tweakers and overclockers equally. It is a pity that the manufacturer did not choose a stronger power adapter, which would offer more room for optimizations. The enormous emissions might be a serious issue for a few prospective buyers, especially when the system is turned up to maximum cooling. However, if you enjoy gaming with a headset, this should not disturb you. We are happy to note that the speakers are even louder than the emissions. In everyday use, this level of emissions will be hard to reach. Gaming enthusiasts will be able to look past this flaw, as the laptop is a lot of fun to use.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-MSI-GT70-2PE-890US-Gaming-Notebook.115293.0.html

#15

I wish I had seen this review before I bought the one that I have.

Dell’s Precision M6700 …When it comes to the sheer computing and graphics performance, then the system has to give up in certain CAD applications, whereby apparently existing driver problems prevent a better performance.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-Precision-M6700-Notebook.84606.0.html

#16

I’m almost convinced!

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-HP-EliteBook-8740w-Mobile-Workstation.42252.0.html

It is accomplished. HP’s top model of the business range has successfully completed our tests. The result: Remarkable. The HP Elitebook 8740w clearly illustrates the limit between a “very good” and a just “only” good device.

Once again, the notebook’s most essential advantages and drawbacks in a brief review: The case proves to be very solid and remains very unobtrusive in terms of looks. It is also surprisingly slim in view of the possible equipment. The given ports bid a more than comprehensive array in terms of connectivity. However, the positioning isn’t quite perfect in certain conditions, in particular in stationary use without a docking solution. The input devices, especially the keyboard, are inviting for typing and navigating. External solutions won’t be used, above all during mobile use.

The highlight of the version we tested is doubtlessly the high resolution Dreamcolor IPS display. It can particularly score with an excellent image contrast and an especially large color spectrum beside its good rates. In terms of the given viewing angles, we would consider the installed screen as a reference for the currently at most possible in mobile devices.

The performance is right, and can be perfectly modified to suit individual needs with numerous configuration alternatives. From basic office up to high-end workstation, everything is possible for the HP Elitebook 8740w.

Beyond that, the version with Intel’s 820QM CPU and Nvidia’s Quadro FX2800M graphics that we reviewed could especially score with low noise and heat emissions. Naturally, it’s possible that these rates deviate in a different configuration, or with stronger components. This also applies to the battery life, which you basically shouldn’t expect too much of though. Nevertheless, HP has surcharge liable extensions that could give even this 17 inch workstation a feasible battery life.

The HP Elitebook 8740w range will likely not come in question for private users, even if the entry price starts at about 1700 euro (dual core). However, if the Dreamcolor display is on the equipment wish list, you’ll have to reckon with a leap to 3000 – 4000 euro, and depending on the configuration perhaps even more.

Ouch… bad user reviews on amazon…

http://www.amazon.com/HP-EliteBook-XT910UT-17-Inch-Laptop/product-reviews/B0044UEUZ8/ref=dpx_acr_txt?showViewpoints=1

#17

The HP ZBook 17 Mobile Workstation is looking like a good candidate.

http://www.notebookreview.com/notebookreview/hp-zbook-17-mobile-workstation-review/

#18

Considering this one as well… the price is right that’s for sure.

ASUS ROG G750JM-DS71 17.3-inch w/ GeForce GTX 860M

http://www.amazon.com/G750JM-DS71-17-3-inch-Gaming-GeForce-Graphics/product-reviews/B00IKF2H12/ref=dpx_acr_txt?showViewpoints=1

#19

Ha… so I just ordered one of these off amazon to check it out… if it sucks I can send it back no problems… gotta love Amazon Prime for that.

#20

I’ll be curious to hear your feedback on that one… I was looking to buy my son a graduation gift, and that is in the ball-park.

The one thing (besides performance), that I always will make my final call on regarding laptops has to do with the power block and how it connects to the unit. I’ve repaired three machines that used straight connectors… they get knocked about, and the PCB contacts become loose and will refuse to charge their batteries. The latest laptop I purchased is from HP, and they designed a 90° angle bracket for the power block plugin (into the laptop), and I’ve seen zero issues so far.

So ya, for what its’ worth… especially if you’re really mobile with it.