This is just a short review of Horize Clevo P150EM that I just received yesterday and kinda huge jump for me that coming from 4 years old Dell laptop to the specs as below:

Intel i7 3610QM
AMD 7970M 2GB GDDR5
8GB DDR3 1600Mhz RAM
95% Gamut Glossy FHD Display
Crucial M4 256GB SSD
Backlit keyboard
and some other basic stuff.
Total is AUD$1790 including $30 postage

How does it look/feel? Simple and rubberized design with horrible and FUGLY logo. The design is similar with Sager NP9150 but is just the logo different and some China brand feel (Clevo is from Taiwan anyway lol). Bad thing about rubberized design is that it easily attracts oil mark. My face is a bit oily and it will leave some mark on the laptop but it's easy to wipe them off though. The speed is fast, very fast! Thanks to SSD and maybe Ivy Bridge processor? Cold boot up time is within 17 seconds and my dell laptop took few minutes to get me on the screen. Now I don't need worry about updating windows which need me to reboot the computer to make changes.
Benchmark of my SSD:


Picture of the laptop.


And the freaking big power brick. I thought my old dell is big enough but this one seriously looks like a real brick size..


Keyboard:
It feels quite good when I'm typing with it but I still not used to the laptop with numpad beside and the size of keyboard is shorten to fit numpad in. There is no dedicated button for Home and End buttons(registered with numpad 7 and 1) which I always use as well. Also the numpad 1 doesn't register properly and I need to press harder to make it works. Not sure if I can fix it by myself but I already email my reseller about it.
The backlit keyboard looks awesome an colorful but it looks a bit "ah beng/lala" for me? Maybe because of the keyboard color doesn't suit the lightnings(compare with macbooks) but better than nothing right?

Backlit time!


Touchpad:
The touchpad is rubberized too and kinda hard to scroll around but don't think it does matter since you need a mouse to gaming right? My model doesn't come with fingerprint reader unlike US model(they demand fingerprint reader) because this model come direct from Taiwan (who is a country that does not use fp).
The buttons are good to press too.

Screen quality:
Moving from HD to FHD display really need some time to get used to it but so far I love it. The display color is vivid and beautiful (can I put Samsung Galaxy S 3 display as example? ). No dead pixel so far(thank god). The bezel around the screen is glossy as well and looks like a cheap glossy plastic there + the ugly Horize logo. yuck...
Tried to watch 1080p and original video from Youtube and it looks awesome. Again, the color is so vivid.

GPU performance?
Just tested it on Max Payne 3 with everything maxed out and the average FPS is around 75-80. No lag, stuttering, slow, crash,etc. Highest temperature is 82c but only for few seconds then it went back down to average 70c. The fan is so noisy and can be on par with my 4 years old CM Notepal cooling pad
I will try Diablo 3 when I can find the cheapest price :/

Benchmark in 3dMark Vantage is around 20500(kinda low compare to others) but I only ran for 1 time. Maybe I should try few more times.
I don't have benchmark score for 3dMark 2011 as I don't have the license for full version. Basic version only run in HD resolution so there is no point for me to test it.

So, overall not bad for me and I just need to fix that damn numpad and hope AMD can provide better driver support for 7970m.

EDIT: Forgot to mention about sound quality
But there is nothing to talk about. The sound quality is normal compare with other laptops and I just don't understand why they place the subwoofer below the laptop that don't really do anything. I can't feel the bass but I have cheap Logitech speaker to replace it though.

This post has been edited by hihihehe: Jun 22 2012, 08:19 AM

good review bruh haha seems like everything is all good cept for the logo eh?

Grats on your purchase!
Love your review, easy to understand plus some personal touch! ^____^

I think the laptop looks quite nice (apart from the weird logo, that is), very conservative and non-attention-grabbing

Mind sharing some temperature SS bro?

OH YEA!!! First backlit keyboard on Sager/Clevo laptop!

How I wish I can have one. Good for typing in the dark

Congratz on your purchase man.

latest Catalyst beta 8.981 support 7970M, maybe you can try that driver.

wow.. powderful lappie .. love the keyboard

Nice laptop and review....damn jeolous about 7970M..XD superb for gaming...

I check from here: http://www.illegear.com/sager/16-sager-np9150.html

GTX 670M add rm 630 to get AMD 7970M. Wow.

U played max payne 3 at 1920x1080 with highest settings right? still get 70 - 80 fps wow that's very powerful.

Max payne's requirement actually quite high one...sth like battlefield 3.

GENG!

Btw, where did u buy your lappie from? around 5.8k rm?

This post has been edited by mrkenn: Jun 22 2012, 01:21 AM

^ for 680M need to add RM 1,559.

over >RM900 more for a mere 10%-20% bump.

Damn poison la this 7970M!

Was thinking of buying ultrabook/lightweight laptop for work and replace my current NP8150 with a desktop.

Now thinking of buying ultrabook/lightweight laptop for work and upgrade my current NP8150 with a 7970M(RM16xx - RM18xx).

At least can bring my NP8150 when balik kampung.

Btw, good review there bro!

This post has been edited by Amal: Jun 22 2012, 04:41 AM

If you don't like rubberize surface, you can put carbon fiber sticker to cover the palmrest and touchpad.

definitely not worth it...7970M is great enuf...

and the stupid numpad button 1. awaiting for reseller reply

thank you. i forgot to take the picture of back cover slapped with huge logo. i tried to "wipe" it off with my finger nail and it get scratched a little bit (see how desperate am i to get rid of that logo)

i will take screenshot in max payne 3(using msi afterburner) later when the graphic is stressing out.

still finding chance to try in the dark.weekend is the best time!!

im looking for latest beta/modded driver but first need to get more good feedback first

go grab one!

i believe so. tempted with gtx680m but the price a bit
hard to fork out $300 just for 5-10% improvement unless i have money printer

yes, settings maxed with FHD resolution and highest AA but most people say i dont need that high AA for FHD laptop. is that true?
the price from gtx670m to 7970m sounds right. it cost me $199 to jump from 670m to 7970m

i like max payne too(completed 1 and 2). the graphic is just awesome especially with 95% gamut display. so vibrant
yes, doesn't sound convincing even though i am nvidia fans

thank you
will add more comments once i fully explored the laptop

actually i prefer everything stock(without modification,etc) or maybe i just lazy to do everything..lol
touchpad not really concern me cause i have razer mouse to get over it

i just need to familiar myself with keyboard layout. always accidentally pressed spacebar when i want to press alt key

correct unless they just within $150 difference. now is up to amd driver to optimize this little monster

nice maaan. congratulation for the awesome laptop

n sweet backlit, try do color mixing n post up please

i thought i posted that in 1st post? it only allows me to mix 3 different colors in 1 time

maybe i should take short video of color mixing when i get back? lol

oh... the pictures wasnt load probably. its cool now. lolz SWEET JEALOUSSSSSS

i can set the light to glowing,tempo,mix,etc too but it's just a gimmick lol

Nice backlit! Now I feel like change my old Sager already.

one common flaw about u and my model. no next track/previous track for music player short cut

which is, i always use that often

you selling sager so it's not that hard for you right?

spot on! guess this laptop is not for multimedia use and more to gaming purposes only?

is like there is no dedicated Home and End button which is always use when viewing website

there are dedicated home and end button as long as u didnt active the numpad.

yeah... this is indeed for gaming only. not for music. but THX is awesomely boost up the performance of my 2.1 speakers!!!

want better audio performance, buy external sound card.
Onboard sound card is not good enough.

if i want buy sounds card, i think i'm more then willing to invest on better GPU

yeah.trade off with each other :/

better sound card need better speaker too

This model is exactly the one that I been eyeing since a week ago.

Will decide once back to Malaysia this July.

you already decided don't you?

And the answer is?

the model you eyeing

Not exactly. Either M17x or NP9150 now.

From the benchmark. It shows even GTX 670M suffer when u play max payne 3(below 30 fps) at ultra settings(1920x1080 Very High, DX 11 Very High FXAA 8xA)

7970m very powerful card indeed

This post has been edited by mrkenn: Jun 23 2012, 12:57 AM

Screen size is 15.6"?

Yes, the jagness of line will blend itself once you set the resolution of the game the same with your native screen resolution.

AA should significantly help if you play game with lesser resolution compared to the original screen resolution.

Yes. Complete option for configuration @ http://www.illegear.com/sager/16-sager-np9150.html

just switch off AA. we dont need AA if we running it in FHD.

then it will running smooth-ie/er

Eh same here. I'm considering between a r3 and the np9150

Decision decision.

sager - plain design, has baklit keyboard (selected models) future component upgrades, performance > price

alienware - beautiful design, has backlit keyboard, future component upgrades, good warranty, price > performance

*my personal opinion ^^

if you do get any of those two, what gpu will you be getting?

i switched AA to the lowest (2x) and the display looks much more better. I tried latest beta driver and the FPS reading not accurate. Need to reinstall the driver again

Well said, but since I able to get some discount for Alienware, that what makes me thinking hard regarding which one to choose.

I need to check the price once Dell MY put GTX680M as a GPU option for M17x, so that there no doubt for the decision making.

If the price is right, definitely Nvidia especially for their driver support.

But I don't mind ATi as the crazy price different is too much. Still, need to wait for Dell to equip GTX680M as their GPU option.

Roughly how much is the FPS different between AA enable and AA disable?

not much difference.maybe 2-3 fps but highest AA make the screen to blur and bright

Please play Battlefield and provide review here

i don't have the game lol..i will think about it

weird,i updated the driver to latest beta and the fps keep hovering around 60fps in max payne

Already disable Vsync?

nope, it's in low with AA. could be the driver issue but the temp just around 70c

no offence but if you think alienware is "beautiful", you're not yet an adult

the design just screams "I'M AN ATTENTION WHORE AND I NEED SHINY LIGHTS TO SHOW OFF MY PURCHASE"

There I correct the spelling for you, dear adult forumer, eventhough the way you express your opinion shown you the opposite

im not sure whether im an unlucky one but there is a black spot suddenly appear at top right screen.



seems like i need to send back the laptop to them.

This is scary


Anyway, how is your matte screen? How much is the different between normal laptop screen with yours?

CALL THEM! EMAIL THEM! SPAM THEM! SEND THEM THIS PICTURE!!!!

this is what i did when i got freaking blue screenssss. and then they do everything for me.

btw, i think they got 90 days screen/pixel guaranty. therefore, ACT FAST!!!!

Is it a common problem for Sager? I never heard Alienware had such problem since Mothership V1. Its scary

nope mine is glossy screen as i prefer the vibrant display and the laptop always stay indoor.

did that last night and they will arrange courier to pick it up. they assume it could be damaged during courier transit as the numpad 1 and the black spot are near with each other.

that means i can't play with it for another week

lucky i finished Max Payne 3 last night

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Added on June 25, 2012, 8:04 ammore likely i am the unlucky one because i can't find this same issue in google.

btw, i always have some issue with online shopping :/

This post has been edited by hihihehe: Jun 25 2012, 08:04 AM

good good... may the force be with you.

since they most likely will replace the whole screen, should i change to matte display?

glossy not really a concern for me but i read that matte screen is beautiful as well

there's many types of screen in the market that targets to specific audiences.
default glossy and matte would do just fine for normal users.
all in all, it depends on the user's preferences.

very rare, but this also depends to the seller.

just change to standard matte screen.

but i prefer 95% gamut even though the difference is minimal

What does this 95% mean?

well, i'm using my external screen n rarely use my laptop screen. so matte or glossy wasnt my concern. i only use my laptop screen for msn (playing games still manage to read every each msg).

but what i can tell u is, the glossy reflection quite serious. i can see my face on the screen. lolz

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Added on June 25, 2012, 1:31 pmin every each colors (red, blue, green, black, cyan, etc etc) there are 255 density (0 density of black is white, 100~200 is grey, 255 is black)

95% means, ur screen can display 95% of all the color densities. it is very high. if no mistaken, normal TV jus manage to generate 65% gamut color.

This post has been edited by skeith: Jun 25 2012, 01:31 PM

hmm. i don't have matte screen before(except the workplace monitor) and i'm fine with glossy. i'm not sure if i like matte more as my primary computer

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Added on June 25, 2012, 2:08 pmalright, they gonna arrange courier to pick up my laptop tomorrow and it will take at least a week..grrr

can't believe i need to use back my old laptop(which is working super fine). oh well, shit happens sometime

hope there will be no issue after the warranty.

This post has been edited by hihihehe: Jun 25 2012, 02:08 PM

save ur money n go eat some good food with ur darling better lar

btw, i dont know much about "anti-glare" thing. at least, my samsung LED is wide angle view, no reflection = no worries.

but in color-wise, my laptop screen more "vibrant" then my LED.

i already reserved some money just for her

guess your monitor is matte and thats why u can see more vibrant color in your glossy laptop screen

looking back at my old laptop booting up is so painful. i can do many things while waiting to boot up..lol

just install SSD on your old lappy would do just fine
i install Force 3 SSD on my old lappy Acer AS4720, able to boot less than a minute (since the port use sata2)

ofcoz it is matte. coz i cant see myself on the screen!!

well, me too, gotta stuck with my old comp last week. it was so hot n slow. tortured me for more then a week

alright i played 5 minute of Battlefield 3(train scene) with everything maxed and im getting average 48-50fps with temp up to 90c
that's with latest beta driver which has been reported increase FPS

many people in notebookreview reported the GPU is not fully loaded but MSI afterburner showed 99% of GPU usage.

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Added on June 26, 2012, 7:27 amalso tried NFS:The Run and FPS is just below 30fps with gpu load under 50%.

This post has been edited by hihihehe: Jun 26 2012, 07:27 AM

wow! 90C degrees....

I see. Googling for comparison now.

90 degree Celsius under room temperature is not good. Either something blocking the vent or the card itself is questionable...


NFSTR is known by its stucked FPS at 30, so its normal. Maybe due to poor optimization of game's engine.

Your GPU is kinda hitting high temperature. I wonder if in future we can have external display card, making use of desktop graphics card. I know Vidock had been active in dealing with this external graphics card stuff, seems like they are inactive now.

I don't put much hope on that, just trying to be as realistic as possible by depending on current mobile GPU performance.

btw TS card temp could be due to unstable GPU driver. I hope you can fix that problem, 90 degree is really not sweet at all

Agreed! Why too high until reached 90C..

let me know if you found something more then that. cause i just told you from what i understand nia, not pro proven 1

lol. dont judge the person by its cover. but ppl always do that..ROFL

yes 90c!!been told that it's normal for BF3. alienware m17 able to go up to 85c

my room temperature is around 10c? thanks to super duper cold winter here lol
no blocking or whatsoever but i placed the laptop on cooling pad

i think most likely will be driver issue because i install latest beta driver on top of stock driver(the FPS and temp not stable even though they works fine)

i asked t he reseller to test the GPU as well and i will try diablo 3(AUD$63 is cheap right?) once i get back the laptop.

I don't rely much on beta driver, regardless nvidia or radeon.
i prefer to stick with default driver that comes with the cd and update to the latest, stable version.

if that temperature in malaysia room temperature, sure the system shut down.

This post has been edited by soundsyst64: Jun 27 2012, 07:43 AM

ya man.i might reformat the whole OS and install back the stock driver.

my stock driver perform low in benchmark and get higher temp compare to the others but it works fine in games. anyway,i don't play benchmark

catch of the day last time sell AUD20

but 1 mins sold out every copies dy

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Added on June 27, 2012, 9:04 amstatement agreed!

i installed nVidia 30xR beta driver at the 1st day of beta launched and the performance of my 670M drop drastically



This post has been edited by skeith: Jun 27 2012, 09:04 AM

COTD is popular in trolling mate. you won't get anything form there

haha yeah, mostly just trolling. especially those time limit product

ehh, i just noticed that there are 2 "\" keys on the keyboard. no idea why

You sure its not "\" and "/"?

im pretty sure im not wrong. go have a look at my pictures in 1st post and you can see \ key beside space bar and above enter

awsome laptop.... vry awsome price..... with awsome spec.... argh....

3d mark 20k kinda low, where people say comparable to desktop GTX670, but i can say is quite far for the different...

This post has been edited by putochip123: Jun 28 2012, 04:21 PM


Attached thumbnail(s)

good to see that instead of countering the argument, you choose to focus on a NON-EXISTENT spelling mistake. both spellings are correct, you could learn a lot from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7E-aoXLZGY

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Added on July 2, 2012, 7:20 pmand thank you hihihehe for the review. really appreciate it!
its been a few days since you purchased the laptop.
have you encountered any problems with it thus far? i've heard a lot about unstable drivers causing the laptop to crash randomly/BSOD while gaming.
the AMD card is amazing value for money, just wish they'd release stable drivers for it



This post has been edited by sharklaser: Jul 2 2012, 07:20 PM

i thought i post the issue in this thread but actually it was in sager thread

anyway, i sent it to warranty from last week due to display issue and at the same time change the keyboard as the numpad 1 not register when i press it lightly.

you can see the faults below:


it appears after 1 week of usage and reseller told me the issue could be during the transit time(which i highly doubt it) because that black spot position is around numpad 1 position there. they already replaced the screen and keyboard and sent it back to me earlier today so i should receive it on wednesday.

not to say that i am superstitious but i don't have much luck with gadgets this year especially from online store :/

before i sent it to warranty, the machine works beautiful but i need some time to get used to FHD resolution. watching youtube with FHD resolution is just awesome(SNSD )

stock display drivers from clevo is fine and no BSOD but because of 'hand itchy',i tried out latest leaked beta(install on top of stock driver) and the fps in game seems to be dropped/not accurate(but there is no glitching/lag in game when it showing 20fps). i removed AMD driver and i got BSOD once it successfully removed but i able to install back the leaked driver still the fps doesn't looks accurate(compare to stock driver)
i maybe will try the latest official beta driver from AMD once i received the laptop. also,diablo 3 is lying on my desk now

lastly, AMD really need to release driver that mainly focus at 7970m with Enduro! or even better if they can allow us to disable iGPU and use only dGPU.

there's no such thing as issue appear during transit time to deliver the package. I buy from USA and arrive in 7 days got no such issue.

try watching transformers in FHD laptop screen. Gooding to the max