System76 Laptops

[Blondsy]

Hello to everybody on the forum! 

 

I am in the market for a new laptop in the next couple of months. I am going to university for Mechatronics Engineering, and am looking for a well built, well priced, and decently powerful computer that is moderately lightweight. The computer also needs to last me for 4-5 years running effectively and (fairly) quickly. I don't have a particularly tight budget, and am completely open to any and all recommendations (even from other brands). 

 

With that said, I saw an ad here on the forum for System76 computers. I was wondering if anybody is an owner of one of their currently available systems or has any experience with them. If so, would you recommend them? Which model would you recommend, and with what specifications (I was leaning towards a Galago UltraPro, but am open to any of their systems)? As a final question, how effectively would the laptop be running Windows, since I know that I will need it for specific (non-Wine compatible) applications and school requirements? 

 

Cheers and thanks in advance, 

 

Graeme

 

(Note that if there is already a forum thread or topic about this, feel free to direct me to it.  )

[DarrenP]

Hello to everybody on the forum! 

 

I am in the market for a new laptop in the next couple of months. I am going to university for Mechatronics Engineering, and am looking for a well built, well priced, and decently powerful computer that is moderately lightweight. The computer also needs to last me for 4-5 years running effectively and (fairly) quickly. I don't have a particularly tight budget, and am completely open to any and all recommendations (even from other brands). 

 

With that said, I saw an ad here on the forum for System76 computers. I was wondering if anybody is an owner of one of their currently available systems or has any experience with them. If so, would you recommend them? Which model would you recommend, and with what specifications (I was leaning towards a Galago UltraPro, but am open to any of their systems)? As a final question, how effectively would the laptop be running Windows, since I know that I will need it for specific (non-Wine compatible) applications and school requirements? 

 

Cheers and thanks in advance, 

 

Graeme

 

(Note that if there is already a forum thread or topic about this, feel free to direct me to it.  )

If you're going to be using this as a workstation kind of laptop i would suggest looking into the Lenovo W series laptops, or into the Sager Notebooks. 

 

Also is there anything in particular you're looking for? Such as screen size, resolution, GPU, what applications will you be using?

[Blondsy]

If you're going to be using this as a workstation kind of laptop i would suggest looking into the Lenovo W series laptops, or into the Sager Notebooks. 

 

Also is there anything in particular you're looking for? Such as screen size, resolution, GPU, what applications will you be using?

 

Hey Darren, 

 

Thanks for the reply and the suggestions, I will definitely have a look at them. 

 

As far as what I am looking for, I am not 100% sure. In an ideal world, I would like a (self built) desktop workstation and then a less powerful laptop for note-taking and other, lighter work. However, I don't see that happening in the near future, so I will likely need a powerful laptop and will then get a desktop down the road (Intel X99 platform, maybe?).

 

Application-wise, I know that I will be using 3D CAD software such as Solidworks, potentially some video editing(premiere pro) and Photoshop, adaptive software like Dragon NaurallySpeaking, MS Office, and other lighter applications. I would also like to be able to play games (again, in an ideal world). As far as screen size and resolution, I would ideally like a 2560x1440 screen in the smallest size possible since I will be carting the computer around to classes and such. 1920x1080 will also work if need be, and I will also go with a bigger screen if it means a higher resolution. If I can get away with using a GeForce GPU (probably an 870M or 880M) I will, since it will help with the games thing. However, if a Quadro is more beneficial or effective, then I will get a Quadro. For the CPU and RAM, I don't think that anything under an i7 is worth it, and I would ideally like no less than 8GB of ram (the more the better for longevity and speed). A slot (or 2) for an mSATA SSD would be great along with a traditional 2.5" drive for storage. 

 

Again, the computer needs to last me 4-5 years, so I am also looking for good build quality and reliability. 

 

Any other suggestions or recommendations, please let me know. 

 

~Graeme

[DarrenP]

http://www.sagernotebook.com/index.php?page=product_customed&model_name=NP9570

 

Bam that's what i would do. Might be a tad bulky as it has a full LGA 2011 processor. However will do the trick perfectly.

[Blondsy]

http://www.sagernotebook.com/index.php?page=product_customed&model_name=NP9570

 

Bam that's what i would do. Might be a tad bulky as it has a full LGA 2011 processor. However will do the trick perfectly.

That was the option that I was looking at. On that, what specs would you recommend (If you had a $4000 budget, what would you prioritize)? Also, so you think that I could get away with an 880M GPU, or do I need the Quadro (since I will be using solidworks or something equivalent). How much RAM do you think that I should go with? What kind of battery life do you think that I could expect out of it (both on/at high performance and with things scaled back or turned off).

 

It is definitely bulky, but the raw horsepower and for the sake of longevity is a trade-off that I will probably have to make. Just wish it had a 2560x1440 screen.

[DarrenP]

That was the option that I was looking at. On that, what specs would you recommend (If you had a $4000 budget, what would you prioritize)? Also, so you think that I could get away with an 880M GPU, or do I need the Quadro (since I will be using solidworks or something equivalent). How much RAM do you think that I should go with? What kind of battery life do you think that I could expect out of it (both on/at high performance and with things scaled back or turned off).

 

It is definitely bulky, but the raw horsepower and for the sake of longevity is a trade-off that I will probably have to make. Just wish it had a 2560x1440 screen.

I wouldn't count on having more than 1-2 hours of battery life. You could contact them and ask. I'd go with the 880M, 16GB of Dual channel RAM, a 250GB Boot drive, and 2x1TB HDD's, and the Blu-Ray drive. I can keep looking to see if i can find something with 2560x1440 screen. If you want. I mean that right there is basically what you explained to want. 

[DarrenP]

Hi, Blondsy; You could also look at something like this: Cheaper. The battery life will also be much better: http://www.originpc.com/workstation/laptops/eon17-s-pro/

[Blondsy]

I wouldn't count on having more than 1-2 hours of battery life. You could contact them and ask. I'd go with the 880M, 16GB of Dual channel RAM, a 250GB Boot drive, and 2x1TB HDD's, and the Blu-Ray drive. I can keep looking to see if i can find something with 2560x1440 screen. If you want. I mean that right there is basically what you explained to want. 

Yeah, that looks very good spec-wise. I will probably get a 2560x1440 monitor, so the 1920x1080 screen is fine (especially considering I am used to 1366x768). Going with the RAM in dual channel instead of quad is for upgrade potential sown the road, right? Would you do the HDDs in RAID0, RAID1, or without RAID, and would it be work the CPU upgrade to a 4930K? 

 

I will also have a look at the EON17 pro.

[DarrenP]

Yeah, that looks very good spec-wise. I will probably get a 2560x1440 monitor, so the 1920x1080 screen is fine (especially considering I am used to 1366x768). Going with the RAM in dual channel instead of quad is for upgrade potential sown the road, right? Would you do the HDDs in RAID0, RAID1, or without RAID, and would it be work the CPU upgrade to a 4930K? 

 

I will also have a look at the EON17 pro.

The RAM in dual channel for the possibility of future upgrades. I wouldn't put the HDD's in RAID. RAID in a laptop is silly to me. You wont be able to upgrade the CPU Yourself. i bet it would be soldered to the board. 

[Blondsy]

The RAM in dual channel for the possibility of future upgrades. I wouldn't put the HDD's in RAID. RAID in a laptop is silly to me. You wont be able to upgrade the CPU Yourself. i bet it would be soldered to the board. 

That's fair enough for the HDDs. I know I won't be able to upgrade the CPU myself; I meant prior to ordering the PC. Would you go 4820K or 4930K (with the Sager)? Also, what CPU would you go with for the Eon from Origin? I was thinking the 4910MQ; would it be worth the extra $600 for the 4940MX? 

[DarrenP]

That's fair enough for the HDDs. I know I won't be able to upgrade the CPU myself; I meant prior to ordering the PC. Would you go 4820K or 4930K (with the Sager)? Also, what CPU would you go with for the Eon from Origin? I was thinking the 4910MQ; would it be worth the extra $600 for the 4940MX? 

For the Sager i would grab the 4930K right out of the box. I would think a 6 core would be a little more "Future-proof" than a quad core 4820K. On the Origin i would grab the 4910MQ their both quad core, one just clocked a little higher than the other. 

[Blondsy]

For the Sager i would grab the 4930K right out of the box. I would think a 6 core would be a little more "Future-proof" than a quad core 4820K. On the Origin i would grab the 4910MQ their both quad core, one just clocked a little higher than the other. 

That sounds good. Now, all in all (durability, build quality, performance, and bang-for-the-buck), which laptop would you recommend (with your suggested specifications)? They are both about the same price the way I have the spec'd out right now ($3500)

[DarrenP]

That sounds good. Now, all in all (durability, build quality, performance, and bang-for-the-buck), which laptop would you recommend (with your suggested specifications)? They are both about the same price the way I have the spec'd out right now ($3500)

I'd go Sager Notebooks hands down. I was just suggesting different options. The thing i want you to keep in mind though. The battery life is going to be terrible with the Sager. That CPU and GPU are like electricity guzzling pigs! I'll spec one out the Sager the way i would for you. And type it all out for you. 

 

Display 17.3" Full HD LED-Backlit Display featuring 90% NTSC Color Gamut in Super Glossy Surface (1920 x 1080)

Video & Graphics Card Nvidia GeForce GTX 880M GPU with 8GB GDDR5 Video Memory

CPU Processor Intel® Core™ i7-4930K Processor ( 12MB L3 Cache, 3.40GHz / 3.90GHz in Turbo Mode, 6 Cores ) [$310.00]

Thermal Compound IC Diamond Thermal Compound - CPU + GPU [$35.00]

Operating System Genuine MS Windows® 8.1 64-Bit Edition

Memory 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1600MHz - 2 X 8GB [$90.00]

RAID Storage Options 

Non-RAID Storage Hard Disk Drive 1 256GB Samsung 840 Pro Series SATA3 Solid State Disk Drive [$180.00]

Hard Disk Drive 2 1TB 7200rpm SATA2 Secondary Hard Disk Drive [$95.00]

Hard Disk Drive 3 1TB 7200rpm SATA2 3rd Hard Disk Drive [$95.00]

Optical Drive Bay — Optical Drive or Hard Disk Drive in Optical Drive Bay with Caddy case 6X BD-R Blu-ray Burner/8X DVD±R/2.4X +DL Super-Multi Drive & Software[$80.00]

Wireless Network Card Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 AC Wireless LAN + Bluetooth Module[$35.00]

Primary Battery Smart Li-ION Battery Pack Integrated Security Device Fingerprint Reader

Microsoft Office Microsoft Office 2013 Trial - Included in Price

Warranty Sager 3 Year Limited Parts and Labor Warranty[$249.00]

Canada Two Way Ground Shipping Coverage Add-on ( For Canada Customer Only!) Canada two way ground shipping service coverage add-on for Sager 3 Year Limited Parts & Labor Warranty [$70.00]

Additional Power Adapters ACA-9570, NP9570 100V/240V autoswitch AC Adapter (330W) [$165.00]

That's exactly what i suggest. Of course add any software you need. I also included 3 year warranty and shipping both ways. Plus an additional power adapter. 

[Blondsy]

I'd go Sager Notebooks hands down. I was just suggesting different options. The thing i want you to keep in mind though. The battery life is going to be terrible with the Sager. That CPU and GPU are like electricity guzzling pigs! I'll spec one out the Sager the way i would for you. And type it all out for you. 

If you could do that, that would be great. Thanks! 

[DarrenP]

If you could do that, that would be great. Thanks! 

Let me just tell you that that laptop is beastly. I'm actually in the process of saving up for a 13" model that they have. 

[Blondsy]

Let me just tell you that that laptop is beastly. I'm actually in the process of saving up for a 13" model that they have. 

The way you spec'd that out is almost identical to the way that I did, and it looks really good to me. Now, my only other question is would you purchase direct through Sager, or would you go through a retailer (specifically xotic pc)?

 

Also, thanks for introducing me to Sager, think I will get my brother's next laptop there as well.  

[DarrenP]

The way you spec'd that out is almost identical to the way that I did, and it looks really good to me. Now, my only other question is would you purchase direct through Sager, or would you go through a retailer (specifically xotic pc)?

 

Also, thanks for introducing me to Sager, think I will get my brother's next laptop there as well.  

You do get a 3% Cash discount through XoticPC plus you also get more customization options. Up to you really. 

[DarrenP]

I would go with XoticPC. That Cashback adds up pretty quickly. I also want you to know that the laptop will be heavy. (Like 12 pounds heavy). 

[Blondsy]

I would go with XoticPC. That Cashback adds up pretty quickly. I also want you to know that the laptop will be heavy. (Like 12 pounds heavy). 

Yeah, I realized that. However, it's a price that will have to be paid for a computer that powerful. 

 

 

The Sager NP2740 and the System76 Galago UltraPro looks to be the same laptop? 

 

https://www.sagernotebook.com/index.php?page=product_info&model_name=NP2740

 

https://www.system76.com/laptops/model/galu1

 

If you really want a workstation laptop, then

 

 

That laptop would cost a fortune with a Xeon in it, although it would be an absolute tank too. 

[DarrenP]

Yeah, I realized that. However, it's a price that will have to be paid for a computer that powerful. 

 

 

 

That laptop would cost a fortune with a Xeon in it, although it would be an absolute tank too. 

Alright so long as you know man. Also wanted to say post pics when you get it! Would be awesome to see! 

[Blondsy]

If I pick one up, I definitely will post pics.  

[DarrenP]

If I pick one up, I definitely will post pics.

You should man!