Ultima Mobile - 15.4" WSXGA Laptop

[Mike1983]

Hello

I'm interested in purchasing the laptop below before the offer runs out next week but I have a few questions

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showp...bcat=&name=Ultima Mobile - 15.4" WSXGA Laptop

Some of the questions below are obviously aimed at OcUK but others to everyone, and also feel free to comment on the choice, other recommendations etc.

1) I would like to upgrade to a P9500 CPU, 4GB ram, 320GB / 7200rpm HDD. How long would it take from placing the order to build it up and have it ready for collection?

2) What chassis is this? This looks very similar to one I've seen on a competitors site but the OcUK one is priced better. I'm guessing it's a Clevo M860TU?

3) Does it definitely come with bluetooth 2 built in? I ask as the competitor is offering this as an additional option.

4) Is it DDR2 or DDR3 RAM?

5) Where is the catch!? This is far better priced than a similar model I've seen on a competitors site.

6) Anyone got any gaming experiences of this kind of laptop (9800M GTS 512). How does the card compare to a desktop 8800GT 512? Gaming is secondary to me, this is for multimedia work on the move.

Thanks

Mike

 

[BlairH]

2) What chassis is this? This looks very similar to one I've seen on a competitors site but the OcUK one is priced better. I'm guessing it's a Clevo M860TU?

It is indeed an M860TU. It's a very nice looking chassis, The lid and area around the keyboard is all brushed aluminum.

4) Is it DDR2 or DDR3 RAM?

It's DDR3, as it's based around the new Intel Mobile architecture.

5) Where is the catch!? This is far better priced than a similar model I've seen on a competitors site.

I was in on the first batch, so I can't complain about delivery times, but some folks out there had to wait around a month or so for their system. As far as I know, this is the only catch.

6) Anyone got any gaming experiences of this kind of laptop (9800M GTS 512). How does the card compare to a desktop 8800GT 512? Gaming is secondary to me, this is for multimedia work on the move.

It's about the same as a 9600/8800GT. Mine runs everything I throw at it, including Crysis.

 

[Shadows1990]

5) Where is the catch!? This is far better priced than a similar model I've seen on a competitors site.

The only catch that I have come across is that OCUK do not offer a 'Perfect-Pixel' warranty. This means some laptop screens come with a dead / stuck pixel (like mine did )

 

[NoodleKing]

Hi Mike, I thought some of the same questions too before I ordered from OCUK, but I've received my laptop and I have no complaints about it.
As far as the website says it's in stock and they build these laptops pretty quickly, so you won't be waiting a month like some of us were

 

[Slackworth]

The delay was due to not having any stocks of the barebones as we took things cautiously the first time round.

Our last order on the other hand was half a million dollars...we've got plenty in stock now. We are cheaper currently as we have a massive dollar rate advantage so now is a good time to buy one before we place our next order.

The other questions have been answered now

 

[Mike1983]

Thanks. I'm very tempted........

So if I was to place the order tomorrow then when could I pick it up

I ask as I'm off on holiday from December 9th so need it before then.

Thanks

Mike

 

[Slackworth]

We're currently operating around a 48 hour build time on systems and laptops at the moment. If you order one tomorrow morning there is a small chance that it could be built in the afternoon or more likely Saturday which means you would receive it Tuesday.

You would have it way before the 9th December. As long as the couriers don't make any errors and you clear security checks on time then I could guarantee one for Tuesday quite happily.

 

[Mike1983]

Thats great news.

Was assuming the upgrades may delay things.

Well I'm going to think about it over the weekend and hopefully order early next week.

I'm currently working on a project 5mins away from your office so I'll be paying and collecting in person

Thanks for the help

 

[Judge]

I have also been looking at this laptop, however after checking against competitors i can get the exact same spec laptop (with a lower graphics card) for 300 pounds cheaper.

Now don't get me wrong i've bought nearly everything from overclockers over the years, full systems, monitors, ram, mice, keyboards and speakers etc and the prices have always been competitive. However I just can't justify spending 300 pounds more for just the higher spec graphics card to be the only difference.

Will there be any significant price drops on these laptops soon perhaps ?

 

[Slackworth]

Which Graphics Card is it? The 9800Ms are quite a hefty increase.

 

[Judge]

8600M GT (GDDR3)

Obviously the 9800M is better, but is it really worth the extra 300 ?

 

[Mike1983]

I have also been looking at this laptop, however after checking against competitors i can get the exact same spec laptop (with a lower graphics card) for 300 pounds cheaper.

Really!?

I kind of thought this was a great deal. I've seen this on 2x competitors sites that specialise in the "enthusiast" laptop market and both of them are considerably more expensive for this same item.

The only drawback I can see is that the competitors offer collect and return warranty of up to 3 years whereas I presume the OcUK deal involves you having to send the laptop to the office yourself and for only 2 years. Also the dead pixel issue that has been mentioned.

Would like to know more about this offer you have seen.

 

[Slackworth]

8600M GT (GDDR3)

Obviously the 9800M is better, but is it really worth the extra 300 ?

The 8600M GT is nowhere near the performance of a 9800M.

Really!?

I kind of thought this was a great deal. I've seen this on 2x competitors sites that specialise in the "enthusiast" laptop market and both of them are considerably more expensive for this same item.

The only drawback I can see is that the competitors offer collect and return warranty of up to 3 years whereas I presume the OcUK deal involves you having to send the laptop to the office yourself and for only 2 years. Also the dead pixel issue that has been mentioned.

Would like to know more about this offer you have seen.

Unfortunately it is not possible to get a 9800M for anywhere near the price Judge was talking about. The 8600M GT is nowhere near in performance and hence attracts a much lower price than the 9800M.

If you do get any faults we will arrange for the laptop to be collected from yourself by courier to save you the hassle.

 

[NoodleKing]

I have to agree with Slackworth, that laptop with the 8600M GT is nowhere near the performance of this beast, even if it is DDR3, just have a look around other forums and the people will verify it for you there with all their geeky stats
If you want this exact model the only place cheaper than OCUK was in the states...of course that isn't the case anymore due to the appalling exchange rate and also add in the cost of international shipping.
Only drawbacks for OCUK is mentioned, no dead pixel policy, but that didn't affect me because I have a lovely screen hehe. Also the fact that they don't send a technician as part of the warranty.

 

[Mike1983]

I'm sold on this.

I've been looking at the competitors models from **** and ****** Mod: Slight edit but the OcUK one is cheaper and I would prefer to buy from OcUK due to it's established reputation and the fact I can drive to the office if there's any troubles.

So the last few questions,

1) Is there a model in store that I can come and look at prior to purchase?

2) Do you definitely have all parts in stock to build my spec (a P9500 CPU, 4GB ram, 320GB / 7200rpm HDD)

Thanks

Mike

 

[Slackworth]

We would gladly be able to show you one if you want to pop down to the shop. It's not on display so you will have to ask one of the guys at the counter. If you get any problems tell them Adam sent you and I will come and help.

The parts are all in stock so can get this built quite happily for you so that you have it within the next few days (depending on when you place your order).

 

[Judge]

Laptop i was looking at is a XPS M1530 (Delete name if needed).

I can get the following spec for 100 pound less than the starting price of the Ultima Mobile at OCUK:

320GB HD (7200rpm)
4GB DDR2
T9300 (2.5Ghz)
2.0 MP Camera
8600M GT (GDDR3)
9 Cell Battery

Not trying to be annoying, but that spec is still good and the price is brilliant for what you get.

 

[Shadows1990]

Hi Judge,

The price may be great, but with a 8600M GT, it's hardly going to stand up well against today's games.
Also, I'd like to point out that the Ultima Mobile that OcUK offer has one of the best cooling systems I've ever seen on a notebook

 

[Slackworth]

It's not a bad spec but it's like comparing apples to pears. The 8600M GT will not be able to play games at anywhere near the performance of the 9800M. The processor is not Centrino 2 technology either.

 

[Mike1983]

Ahh an XPS

Yes I'd seen them a while back but discounted them due to the preference of the other 2 competitors models. A few of my thoughts below

1) I don't think the XPS is the new Centrino 2 platform, so lower FSB and reduced performance. That was the case when I last saw it anyway.
2) Processor doesn't run at the lower power consumption associated with the P9500 (affects battery life)
3) XPS is DDR2 rather than DDR3 Ram
4) Would want something that approaches the performance of my desktop 8800GT to make it smoother / less annoying swapping between desktop and laptop.

So still happy with the OcUK one, it's more suited to my needs.

Just need to work out finances over the weekend.