GuruX's new toy -- err.... laptop

[Devhux]

Well it's now official -- I've joined the folks who own a laptop computer.

Pics can be seen HERE (http://members.shaw.ca/gurux/laptop).

Specs:

AOpen 1557GLS Barebones notebook
15" SXGA+ display / ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 w/64MB RAM
3 x USB 2.0 ports / 1 x Firewire
Paralell / Serial / VGA / S-Video Out / IR / SD/MS/MMC Card reader
(There's also an audio port that glows red -- I'm guessing an optical S/PDIF connector)

Intel Pentium-M 1.4GHz processor
Micron 512MB PC2700 DDR memory (1 SO-DIMM)
Fujitsu 40GB 5400rpm HDD w/8MB cache
24x CD-Writer / 8x DVD-ROM
Intel Pro/Wireless 2100 802.11b MiniPCI card.

I'm still in the process of installing software, but so far I like this machine. :)

[look_ma]

I have been wonding what the cost of one of these were, how much did you specifically pay, link please, and how hard was it to put together? Did you have to buy anythign extra, and last how much was the wireless card you should, thinking of putting on in my webpc for kicks.

[Devhux]

1) I purchased the laptop from a local vendor here in Calgary. The laptop itself was $1289 Canadian. If you find a local vendor in your area, make sure that they have the seperate accessories box! This box is shipped seperate from the notebook itself, but it contains the keyboard, AC cable for the charger, manuals, and the driver disc. This caused a fun little scenario when I bought the machine, but it wasn't specific to the local vendor I bought it from -- which is why I bring it up here.

2) Installing most of the components was fairly simple, except for the keyboard, and the CD player control panel (you need to remove that to install the CPU). The thick cable running from the display to the laptop's motherboard is the culprit here. Furthermore, when finally managing to get the control panel back in place, it makes some very scary click sounds -- it definately sounds as though you are breaking something.

3) I added the processor, memory, hard drive, and wireless card (the CD-ROM drive came with the unit itself).

4) The Intel Pro/Wireless card was $80 Canadian -- just make sure your MiniPCI slot accepts 3B cards (I think there is another type of MiniPCI card). Also note that this laptop has two internal antennas, which is required for the MiniPCI card.

[bachviet]

Cool laptop. :thumb:

[speedracer120]

That looks pretty nice. But I swore to myself I'd never make another system in my life again.

[Devhux]

That looks pretty nice. But I swore to myself I'd never make another system in my life again.

Well, then just call up Gateway and order their M505 (I think that's the model #) -- it's the same unit. :)

(There are actually a few vendors that base their systems around the AOpen 1557GLS chassis).