New owner of Z5 here.

Tell me about it. I ordered mine few days back too.

This is my short review on Z5 v3. My laptop was ready within 2 working days after I ordered it (No OS). I bought this laptop mainly for coding (I'm a programmer) and I don't really game a lot nowadays.

I have 2 mSata 256GB and installed Windows 10 Pro on the first drive, and Linux Mint 17.2 on the 2nd drive. So, for you folks thinking about running Linux, this laptop works well. Just install Nvidia proprietary drivers (if you want maximum performance) and you're good to go.

Keyboard. This is the number 1 priority for me when choosing a laptop. I type a lot (especially when I'm coding) and I own few mechanical keyboards (this shows how important the keyboard is to me). It does NOT flex at all, and feels really solid (perhaps the aluminum helps). I do feel Macbook Pro keyboards are better. I'm totally disappointed with Alienware laptop keyboards though!

Screen. I'm used to IPS screen at home (I have 2 Dell UltraSharp), so having IPS on a laptop screen is a definite welcome. However, the backlight bleed is quite obvious. But then again, you don't really notice it on everyday usage. The hinge is quite strong/solid. It's quite stiff to open and close the laptop lid. However, it's wobbly compared to Dell Latitude E6540. I suspect it's due to the hinge being placed closed to each other, where as the Dell's hinge is quite far apart in between. With that being said, it doesn't feel like it's going to break anytime soon. The black bezel is made of thick glossy plastic. It could scratch easily if you're not careful.

Storage. A laptop that allows 3 storage device? Awesome! The only downside is that m2 is replacing mSata (or so I heard), and I only realize this after I bought it. That's why I just get 2 mSata drive straight. No more worries. I can add a 2.5" 1TB drive for data storage.

This laptop runs really quiet. I can hardly hear the fan noise (compared to a Dell Latitude E6540).

I seriously dislike the trackpad. The buttons are stiff, and cursor movements are not smooth. But then again, not many laptop have really good trackpads anyway (Macbooks are the best!). It's worse if you run Linux. So I just use my Logitech bluetooth mouse. Given that gamers will be using their own gaming mouse anyway, this might not be a problem at all.

Battery is built-in, but can be removed. However, there's just so many screws to remove! I think there's at least 12 screws? The problem is if you're on the go, you can't easily swap battery. Now why is this an issue? Because the power supply (150W) is quite heavy. The 8-cell battery can last 4.5 hours on normal use.

Overall, I love this Z5. For the price, you're getting a lot compared to well-known brands such as Asus, Acer, MSI or Alienware.

Pros:

• Solid keyboard. No flex.
• Can install up to 3 HDD. (1 x 2.5", 2 x mSata)
• Beautiful IPS screen. (There's backlight bleeding though, which is common.)
• Feels solid overall.
• LED lights on top cover and trackpad.
• The anodized aluminum cover is really nice!
• Charging USB port (I haven't test the output current though.)
• Spdif digital output. (This is great as I have an external DAC/Amp.)
• Ethernet, HDMI and VGA ports at the back. (Good for cable management.)
• Runs cool and quiet!

Cons

• Though the hinges are solid, the screen panel wobbles more compared to other laptops such as Dell Latitude E6540.
• Thick black glossy plastic bezel could scratch easily.
• Trackpad buttons are stiff, and cursor movements are not smooth. (But then again, good trackpad are rare. Macbook still dominates in this area.)

Primus.

Sure! Thank you!

Oh no! So fast got that line!


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The black horizontal line. Lcd screen issue.

I'll come over in the morning tomorrow at 10am ok?

So I went to Illegear today to get my laptop fixed. I thought I'll have to leave the laptop there and come back later to get it (maybe after work or later in the week).

But no, I was asked to have a seat, and then the boss moved on to take out a new screen and change it on the spot. It only took about 15 minutes I think.

After that, all is well! I am impressed with the great service!

I highly recommend Illegear!

PS. Maybe this should be in the front page review as well.

I'm definitely considering the warranty extension. I have up to 90 days starting from the initial purchase to decide.

It does.

http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/wir...-bluetooth.html

http://www.illegear.com/warranty/#question5

Sorry bro. I do not know. I happen to read the warranty terms before I got my Z5. I would advice you to contact Illegear for this.

Sounds so fishy.

This is quite subjective. I would highly recommend for you to go to their office and try it out yourself.

There are plenty of other models for you to molest too.

Free?

And I'm still very happy with my Z5!

Starcraft II. Bought it during sale. I rarely play games, but sometimes just fire this one up to play with my Z5.

Congratulations! Keep up the great service!

Wow! I didn't know such software exist. Thanks for sharing!

I downloaded and installled the free version and it works great!