Novatech X80R...

[spoon_]

My mate is looking to flog his gaming lappy and wondering what's worth?

What you guys think?

Specs:

Screen: 17” Glossy WUXGA widescreen (1920x1200)
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 2.1Ghz
GPU: nVidia GeForce 8800M GTX 512MB
RAM: 4GB DDR2 (667mHz)
HDD: OCZ Vertex 30GB SSD
ODD: 8X DVD-RW Drive
Wireless: Intel Wireless 4965AGN with Internal Bluetooth
Battery: 8 Cell Lithium Ion

Very comprehensive review:

http://www.forum.techpond.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=730


Adrian

[spoon_]

Let me ask in a different way...

How much would you be willing to pay for a laptop with above specs?

[scaryjim]

Does it seriously have only the 30gb ssd? My feeling is that this will reduce the appeal of the package, as 30gb storage is incredibly minimal. With a good sized hdd I'd say £500 minimum, but with 30gb ssd I'd be hesitant about buying at all...

[peterb]

It looks very well specified and has got good reviews.

I recently bought a laptop from Logitech (not specifically a gaming machine) and for the price it was extremely well specified (bluetooth, wi-fi - built in 3G) etc.

However the build quality while OK and reasonabgly solid is not up to a more expensive machine. I used to have a Panasonic tougth book that just went on - and on - and on, bounced of airline conveyor belts, but they cost about 4times the price of the novatech! The keyboard on mine is probably the weakest feature, but the one on the review machine looks a better one. If I am at home with mine, I use an external kbd.

So if your friend is using it as an alternative to a desktop machine, and buying it for portability, then yes, they represent very good value for money. If he is using it as a laptop where it will be used a lot on the move, then he might want to have a look at one first just to check the chassis and keyboard. But it would certainly be on my shortlist.

As I say, my machine is not the one he is considering.

These machines are built around one or two common chassis. I found that buying one of the lower spec machines and getting upgrades built by Novatech was cheaper than buying the higher spec as advertised! That may have been a pricing anomaly, it certainly surprised the Novatech sales guy!

You need to check specs pricing carefully too - these do change quite rapidly.

[Pob255]

@peterb he's looking to sell not buy

That review quotes it as originally £580 new, but with a 160gb hdd not ssd
I'd agree with jim that 30gb is a bit small but personally I'd not say overly small for a laptop.

2nd hand cost, no idea sorry, I'd not by a laptop for gaming period.