Maingear rolls out updated eX-L 15 gaming laptop
By Donald Melanson 
posted April 20th 2010 9:27PM
posted April 20th 2010 9:27PM
Maingear's original eX-L 15 gaming laptop may have been something back in the heyday of August, 2009, but times have changed and, now, so has Maingear's eX-L 15 gaming laptop. Supposedly the "fastest 15-inch HD gaming notebook on the market," the updated ex-L 15 packs your choice of Core i5 or i7 processors, along with ATI Radeon HD 5870 graphics, an LED-backlit 1,920 x 1,080 display, up to 8GB of RAM, and a whole range of different hard drive / SSD choices, among other standard gaming laptop options. As you might expect, however, the price can easily top $4,000 with just a couple of clicks, but those satisfied with the base-level offering can snag one for $1,599.
MAINGEAR Unleashes Revamped eX-L 15 Gaming Notebook
15" notebook gives gamers the world's fastest mobile graphics performance to date
Kenilworth, New Jersey – April 20, 2010 - MAINGEAR Computers, award-winning builders of custom computers for PC gamers and enthusiasts, unveils the eX-L 15, the fastest 15″ HD gaming notebook on the market. Featuring DirectX 11 graphics courtesy of the ATI Radeon HD 5870 graphics adapter, and resolutions up to 1920×1080 and an LED back-lit screen, the eX-L delivers killer graphics and performance.
Processing Power – eX-L15 can be configured with 45nm quad-core processors for blazing fast performance or the all new 2010 Intel Core i5 and i7 32nm processors for enhanced battery life.
Visual Feast – eX-L 15 packs the world's fastest mobile GPU in the ATI Radeon 5870 with a crystal clear 1080p LED backlit screen providing the most brilliant resolution for today's hottest games. And enjoy a complimentary 30-day, ZERO dead pixel warranty free of charge.
Connectivity, Security, and Expandability– Featuring DVI, HDMI, and S/PDIF audio out, the eX-L 15 gives users enhanced connectivity capabilities to bring movies, games, and music onto a larger monitor and sound system. Additional connection features include eSata, Firewire, 4 USB ports, and a webcam.
Cooling Capabilities – To combat an overheating lap, MAINGEAR implemented a dual heatpipe cooling design for both the CPU and GPU with Artic Cooling thermal paste.
Additional Advanced Features – eX-L 15 offers gamers a dedicated number pad easing the transition between gaming on a desktop and notebook.
"The eX-L was designed for maximum performance in a portable package," said Wallace Santos, CEO and Founder of MAINGEAR. "With the DirectX 11 performance of the Radeon HD 5870, we're not only able to provide that performance, but do it with exceptional visual quality for today's and tomorrow's hottest titles."
Consumers can purchase the eX-L 15 at MAINGEAR's Web site http://www.maingear.com/custom/laptops/exl-15/ or order by phone at (888-MAINGEAR). The base price for the eX-L 15 is $1,599 and comes with MAINGEAR's premium Lifetime Labor and Phone Support with a 1 year hardware warranty and is backed by the best in-house support team in the country.
MAINGEAR eX-L 15 Notebook
OS Windows 7 Premium
CPU Intel Core i5 and i7 Processors
Graphics ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 1GB GDDR5
Memory Premium dual-channel DDR3-1333
Storage Various high performance mechanical and SSD solutions
Optical Drive DVD and Blu-ray burner options
Display 15.6″ 16:9 LED back-lit 1600×900 with 1920×1080 option
About MAINGEAR
MAINGEAR is the premier high performance systems integrator in North America. MAINGEAR
custom builds gaming, home office, mobile, multimedia, small business and 3D workstation solutions of the highest quality, which have won them many editors' choice awards in every major computer publication such as C-Net, [H]ard|OCP, Maximum PC, CPU Magazine, etc. For more information on MAINGEAR, please visit www.maingear.com or call, toll-free, (888)624-6432.
15" notebook gives gamers the world's fastest mobile graphics performance to date
Kenilworth, New Jersey – April 20, 2010 - MAINGEAR Computers, award-winning builders of custom computers for PC gamers and enthusiasts, unveils the eX-L 15, the fastest 15″ HD gaming notebook on the market. Featuring DirectX 11 graphics courtesy of the ATI Radeon HD 5870 graphics adapter, and resolutions up to 1920×1080 and an LED back-lit screen, the eX-L delivers killer graphics and performance.
Processing Power – eX-L15 can be configured with 45nm quad-core processors for blazing fast performance or the all new 2010 Intel Core i5 and i7 32nm processors for enhanced battery life.
Visual Feast – eX-L 15 packs the world's fastest mobile GPU in the ATI Radeon 5870 with a crystal clear 1080p LED backlit screen providing the most brilliant resolution for today's hottest games. And enjoy a complimentary 30-day, ZERO dead pixel warranty free of charge.
Connectivity, Security, and Expandability– Featuring DVI, HDMI, and S/PDIF audio out, the eX-L 15 gives users enhanced connectivity capabilities to bring movies, games, and music onto a larger monitor and sound system. Additional connection features include eSata, Firewire, 4 USB ports, and a webcam.
Cooling Capabilities – To combat an overheating lap, MAINGEAR implemented a dual heatpipe cooling design for both the CPU and GPU with Artic Cooling thermal paste.
Additional Advanced Features – eX-L 15 offers gamers a dedicated number pad easing the transition between gaming on a desktop and notebook.
"The eX-L was designed for maximum performance in a portable package," said Wallace Santos, CEO and Founder of MAINGEAR. "With the DirectX 11 performance of the Radeon HD 5870, we're not only able to provide that performance, but do it with exceptional visual quality for today's and tomorrow's hottest titles."
Consumers can purchase the eX-L 15 at MAINGEAR's Web site http://www.maingear.com/custom/laptops/exl-15/ or order by phone at (888-MAINGEAR). The base price for the eX-L 15 is $1,599 and comes with MAINGEAR's premium Lifetime Labor and Phone Support with a 1 year hardware warranty and is backed by the best in-house support team in the country.
MAINGEAR eX-L 15 Notebook
OS Windows 7 Premium
CPU Intel Core i5 and i7 Processors
Graphics ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 1GB GDDR5
Memory Premium dual-channel DDR3-1333
Storage Various high performance mechanical and SSD solutions
Optical Drive DVD and Blu-ray burner options
Display 15.6″ 16:9 LED back-lit 1600×900 with 1920×1080 option
About MAINGEAR
MAINGEAR is the premier high performance systems integrator in North America. MAINGEAR
custom builds gaming, home office, mobile, multimedia, small business and 3D workstation solutions of the highest quality, which have won them many editors' choice awards in every major computer publication such as C-Net, [H]ard|OCP, Maximum PC, CPU Magazine, etc. For more information on MAINGEAR, please visit www.maingear.com or call, toll-free, (888)624-6432.
Nice
@sajd4000
Rather get the Envy 15 for 950. Which, I did.
@Outsider
Envy 15 is overpriced, overheats, and is just useless.
HP can go to hell.
-HP laptop owner
I just ordered the new Sony Z (hopefully will get it by the weekend)
I considered the Envy 15 but did not like the fact that it is HP
@Peytral
Ha, not at 950 it isn't. And, maybe you would not know, but overheating is not a universal issue. Some reviews found it to be cool, and in many cases it's fixable. Mine heats up as much as my old MacBook Pro used to, while gaming, and quickly gets cool after I leave the application.
@Outsider The Envy lacks an optical drive, which seriously limits its usefulness and also makes me wonder about HP's sanity.
@sajd4000 I guess its not the question of what it can do, but the question of how much can the price go down. first hand* http://bit.ly/maingear-mxl-15-experience
@sajd4000 The greatest thing, although the price is great as well. Reactions-- http://j.mp/maingear-exl15-impressions
Chiclet keyboard WIN. It's hard finding a gaming laptop that doesn't look fugly (except for the new Envy and Vaio F, if you consider them gaming machines)
@TareG
This thing isn't exactly good looking, but at least it isn't covered with glossy plastic, flames, and LEDs.
only if it was biodegradable....
@CaptainPlanet Yes! The power is yours!
That's my line!
Seriously these gaming laptops are just money spending competitions.
@yulebellow +1
http://www.appple.com/macbookpro
@Leindurstit
Macs are more a money having competition than a money spending competition.
No one buy's one of these gaming laptops "because they have the money"...you buy a suave little Macbook Pro "because you have the money"
You buy one of these gaming laptops so you can say "MY LAPTOP p0wns UR LITTLE n00b MACH33N! T-BAG T-BAG FTW!!!!!!!!!!"
@yulebellow
I wouldn't say that, but I think it is fair to say there is a name tax on laptops with high end mobile GPU's.
@Leindurstit
Are you seriously comparing a macbook pro to this?
I don't even know where to start.
BTW nice spelling fail on the link.
edit: http://www.apple.com/macbookpro
@Leindurstit
This OWNS a macbook pro...I will list each way:
1.) Higher resolution screen (1080p)
2.) Better video card with TWICE the dedicated graphics ram MBP's offer (ATI 5870HD with 1GB vs NVidia 330M with 512mb)
3.) DVI and HDMI ports right on the laptop itself, you don't have to pay for a stupid adapter for a proprietary "display port" connector
4.) Option for a Blu-Ray drive (there is no blu-ray support _at_all_ on macs, I don't even believe there is a software player that runs on os x but I could be wrong).
5.) Built in e-sata port for fast throughput to storage devices (on anything except the 17" macbook pro this is not even possible since apple have removed the expresscard slot on _all_ other models, and even so it requires you to buy an e-sata expressard adapter)
6.) They are offering a 6GB\sec SATA SSD at purchase, so I am assuming that this has onboard 6Gb\sec SATA controller. Not sure about the MBP but I would bet that it doesn't (someone chime in?)
7.) Best processor you can get on MBP is the i7 620M which is dual core. With this laptop you can get the 820QM which is quad core and
8.) It has both integrated ExpressCard slot and Memory card reader.
@Leindurstit
Confirmed, the new macbook pros do _not_ have 6gb sata, only 3gb.
Ha! Took them almost a year to upgrade it with obsolete components.
Oh apple....
seems like they think they can excuse any shitbox but tacking-on the "game" extension.
Is OK. Kind of bland. I like my laptops, how I like my Homosexuals, flaming.
^
gaming
I like how they don't put any information about the weight or battery life of this. I doubt they're particularly flattering, but generally when you're asking people to shell out $1,599+ for a computer you're supposed to show all information possible.
@Dafrety
Most ppl know that portable gaming systems eat batteries, and weigh a tonne. So there is no need to post those specs, cause 98% of the time it sits plugged in, on a desk, pwning.
@A25i That's stupid, I want as much information as I can get about products I'm considering purchasing.
@Broderbund
Then hit the read link and go to town. Not all specs need to be in a story about a product. Especially obvious ones. Like OMG, no one wrote that it comes with a battery, or that it comes with a keyboard. Oh noes! Obvious specs are OBVIOUS.
And if you are really interested in this product to know that much about it, go to the manufactures site. Cause only someone who is "stupid" would buy something like this based on an Engadget review.
This is kinda overpriced.
Way overpriced. Yes, its 15". But it's also thick as all hell.
To configure it to an ASUS G73Jh-A1, you're talking over 2600.
The ASUS can be had for less than 1700.
gg.
@Jonny Wow. *drool*
Kinda makes me not want my macbook anymore.
Standard: 17" 1080p
Core i7 720QM
8GB RAM
ATI Radeon HD5870
1TB HDD
Blu-ray
ALL FOR $1600!?
Is it too late to return my June 2009 Macbook Pro??
@InKahootz
It was too late for you when you considered an apple product.
Line up with the rest of the trendy sheep, plug in your shitty white headphones, download some fart apps, and not* game on your PC. Good for you.
I like this company...
From their site:
"NO BLOATWARE
Large, multi-national computer manufacturers have commoditized the PC market by subsidizing their products with the installation of intrusive, third party software. They are paid to do this. This software bogs down your system and prevents it from running at its highest potential. It also has the tendency to make your system unstable or may conflict with software you wish to install. A MAINGEAR Everyday Supercomputer eschews these tactics as we believe that YOU are the customer, not a third party software provider. We build purebred PCs designed for performance and reliability, not billboards better suited to advertising."
I think if you buy a Sony VAIO laptop they actually charge you 25-50$ just so they don't preload it with all their garbage antivirus \ etc applications (they call it a "Fresh Start" option when you are building it). Unbelievable..
A bit expensive... But from what I hear computers are better gaming experience than consoles. So I believe it should be worth it, no? I have only seen one Gaming laptop (a dell xps or something like that flashing lights and all on the train) and damn it looked VERY good!!!!!!!!!!!
@Mike Vick This isn't nearly as good as the Asus G73JH though. Now that is a beast with an amazing value.
I am typing this on a G73jh-A1!!!
yes, it is as fantastic as it seems, and it looks TONS better than it does in pictures.
This maingear: IS A SAGER. Sagers are clevos. it's not really maingear's computer.
The sager (which is the EXACT same) weighs about 7.8 pounds if memory serves. The Asus G73 weighs 8lbs. Marginal weight difference. 1k price difference when both specced to:
i7-720, 8gb ram, largest hdd possible, blu ray. AND the g73 comes with free bag and mouse. thats value.
Summary: Bang-for-buck gaming, the G73 CAN NOT be beaten right now. It looks nice to boot compared to sagers/clevos and costs 1/3 of the price of similar alienwares (which are also 3lbs heavier)
ps. mac's are not gaming machines*period*. A gt330 is not a gaming card. it is a "midrange" card and just because your computer has the word "pro" in it does not mean that it can compete with a gaming built machine. not even a close call.
@alcal
It's not the same. This one apparently doesn't have the dorky HDMI sticker that you see on other Clevo NP8690 rebrands.
@alcal 100% agree...price/performance of the Asus G73 is hands down best you will find. prolly 2x better than any other system on the market today. I wouldn't want to get caught without an outlet with one, but thats not the market for gaming rigs.... people who say its heavy or has 20 min battery life have missed the point of this machine completely
xoticpc has both the asus and the clevo at the best price i have found. and they are intelligent.
with both of these you can get the OS without the extra crap. i would only hope those gamer geeks know enough and could delete all the start up crap anyway.
i just wish both offered a back lit keyboard.
oh also besides having great luck with a bare-bones asus built laptop the asus is upgradeable to 16 ram.
@jdubz I LOVE XoticPC!!!! seriously people, if you are in the market for a high performance laptop, PLEASE do yourselves a favor and check them out... I've bought from them in the past and they are an AMAZING company to deal with, very helpful, honest, economical. you will love what they have to offer and there sales/tech reps are actually HAPPY to help you, they are as excited as you are about getting a new system in your house.
@jdubz I didn't know enough but a quick look at some of the forums would tell you which of the crapware you need to remove. The G73 is a great, the heat dissipation is very good. I love Macs and was going to purchase a 17" MBP prior to the refresh. Putting an i7 620 and a GT330 was a deal breaker for me. I have yet to regret getting the G73. Runs like a dream.
This looks exactly the same as my Sager NP8690.
http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np8690-built-clevo-w860cu-custom-gaming-laptop-order-p-2659.html
re branded clevo/sager
@goke89
Engadget tends to post a lot of these boutique rebadge releases, but never the latest news from the ODM's.