Maingear debuts eX-L 17 gaming laptop
By Donald Melanson 
posted June 23rd 2010 3:41PM
posted June 23rd 2010 3:41PM
What's bigger than a Maingear eX-L 15 laptop but smaller than a Maingear eX-L 18? If you said a Maingear eX-L 16 you'd be dead wrong, but if you said a Maingear eX-L 17 you'd have amazingly guessed the name of the company's latest gaming laptop. As you can see, this 17-incher sticks pretty close to the company's other laptops in terms of appearance, and Maingear is also unsurprisingly claiming that it offers the "most powerful components ever assembled into a 17-inch notebook." That includes your choice of Core i5 or Core i7 processors, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870, NVIDIA GeForce GTX480M, or Quadro FX 2800M graphics, up to 8GB of dual channel DDR3 RAM, a max 750GB hard drive or 512GB SSD and, of course, your choice of laser engraving options on the lid. Also like Maingear's other laptops, this one doesn't exactly come cheap -- configurations start at $1,899.
MAINGEAR HITS THE IGNITION WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE eX-L 17 CUSTOM NOTEBOOK
Kenilworth, New Jersey - June 23, 2010 - MAINGEAR, an award-winning PC system builder offering custom desktops, notebooks, workstations and media centers, is now adding a 17" high performance notebook solution to their product line. With support for the Intel® CoreTM 2010 mobile processors and NVIDIA® and ATI® graphics, PC gamers will be able to harness desktop-like power wherever they go, while creative professionals will be able to work on site with no loss in productivity.
MAINGEAR's eX-L 17 features the Intel® CoreTM i5 and i7 mobile processors, ATI® Mobility RadeonTM HD 5870 with 1 GB of dedicated memory, NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX480M with 2GB of GDDR5 memory NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 2800M featuring the NVIDIA ®CUDATM Architecture 38‐bit color accuracy for creative professionals. The eX-L 17 has full vibrant 1080p resolution all on a glare-free full LED backlit display (1920x 1080) that comes with a dead pixel warranty.
The eX-L 17 is a perfect combination of functionality and design with built-in biometrics security via fingerprint reader for security, touch sensitive hotkeys for executing customizable macros and applications, and five different MAINGEAR's M.A.R.C. laser engraving to choose from that offers a clean and elegant design.
"The launch of the eX-L 17 reiterates the passion and commitment we have for our customers: choice." said Wallace Santos, CEO and Founder of MAINGEAR. "With the multitude of options available on this notebook, we are offering the performance and quality of our outstanding desktops in the convenience of mobility."
"MAINGEAR's eX-L17 notebook goes hand in hand with Intel's Core i7 mobile processor and Intel Turbo Boost technology," said Greg Baur, Director of Sales, CESG East, Intel Americas Inc. "MAINGEAR understands users that need accelerated performance for demanding applications prefer the Intel Core 2010 processor family , and we're pleased to provide MAINGEAR as well as their customers with this solid solution."
Technical Specification:
Video Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 480M, NVIDIA® Quadro FX 2800M, ATI Mobility Radeon® HD 5870
Display: 17.3" Full HD 1920 x 1080 - (1080p) Widescreen (16:9 Aspect Ratio) LED Backlit
Processor: Up to Intel® Core i7 820QM
Memory: Up to 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 - 1333Mhz
Optical Drive: Up to 2X Blu-ray reader/8x Multi Combo (BD-R, DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Hard Drive: Up to 512GB Solid State Drive or 750GB 5400RPM SATA 2.5
Network Adapter: Integrated b/g/n wireless
Audio: Integrated High-Definition Audio
Media Card Reader: Built in 7-in-1 Media Card Reader (MMC/RSMMC/MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/SD/Mini-SD)
Operating System: Genuine Windows® 7 Home, Professional or Ultimate 64-Bit
Battery: Removable Li-Polymer Lithium-Ion
I/O Ports: 1 HDMI out, 1 DVI-I out, 4 USB 3.0*, 1 IEEE-1394 Fire Wire, 1 S/PDIF out, 1 RJ-45 LAN, 1 RJ-11
Dimensions: (W)16.25" x (H)1.75" x (D)10.75"
Price: Starts at $1,899
All of MAINGEAR products are supported with lifetime labor and phone support with one to three year hardware warranty. For more information about MAINGEAR's eX-L 17 notebook, click MAINGEAR eX-L 17 .
*USB3.0 is only available with GeForce® GTX 480M
About MAINGEAR
MAINGEAR is an innovative high performance PC system builder that offers custom desktops, notebooks, workstations and media centers. Each system is hand crafted for precision performance and uncompromised quality, and has won multiple Editors' Choice awards from publications such as Hot Hardware, PC World, Maximum PC, Computer Shopper and more. With a passion to build the best high performance computers, MAINGEAR will continue to set the standard among system builders. MAINGEAR's expert team custom builds and supports all products in the United States. For more information visit: http://www.maingear.com/
Kenilworth, New Jersey - June 23, 2010 - MAINGEAR, an award-winning PC system builder offering custom desktops, notebooks, workstations and media centers, is now adding a 17" high performance notebook solution to their product line. With support for the Intel® CoreTM 2010 mobile processors and NVIDIA® and ATI® graphics, PC gamers will be able to harness desktop-like power wherever they go, while creative professionals will be able to work on site with no loss in productivity.
MAINGEAR's eX-L 17 features the Intel® CoreTM i5 and i7 mobile processors, ATI® Mobility RadeonTM HD 5870 with 1 GB of dedicated memory, NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX480M with 2GB of GDDR5 memory NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 2800M featuring the NVIDIA ®CUDATM Architecture 38‐bit color accuracy for creative professionals. The eX-L 17 has full vibrant 1080p resolution all on a glare-free full LED backlit display (1920x 1080) that comes with a dead pixel warranty.
The eX-L 17 is a perfect combination of functionality and design with built-in biometrics security via fingerprint reader for security, touch sensitive hotkeys for executing customizable macros and applications, and five different MAINGEAR's M.A.R.C. laser engraving to choose from that offers a clean and elegant design.
"The launch of the eX-L 17 reiterates the passion and commitment we have for our customers: choice." said Wallace Santos, CEO and Founder of MAINGEAR. "With the multitude of options available on this notebook, we are offering the performance and quality of our outstanding desktops in the convenience of mobility."
"MAINGEAR's eX-L17 notebook goes hand in hand with Intel's Core i7 mobile processor and Intel Turbo Boost technology," said Greg Baur, Director of Sales, CESG East, Intel Americas Inc. "MAINGEAR understands users that need accelerated performance for demanding applications prefer the Intel Core 2010 processor family , and we're pleased to provide MAINGEAR as well as their customers with this solid solution."
Technical Specification:
Video Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 480M, NVIDIA® Quadro FX 2800M, ATI Mobility Radeon® HD 5870
Display: 17.3" Full HD 1920 x 1080 - (1080p) Widescreen (16:9 Aspect Ratio) LED Backlit
Processor: Up to Intel® Core i7 820QM
Memory: Up to 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 - 1333Mhz
Optical Drive: Up to 2X Blu-ray reader/8x Multi Combo (BD-R, DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Hard Drive: Up to 512GB Solid State Drive or 750GB 5400RPM SATA 2.5
Network Adapter: Integrated b/g/n wireless
Audio: Integrated High-Definition Audio
Media Card Reader: Built in 7-in-1 Media Card Reader (MMC/RSMMC/MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/SD/Mini-SD)
Operating System: Genuine Windows® 7 Home, Professional or Ultimate 64-Bit
Battery: Removable Li-Polymer Lithium-Ion
I/O Ports: 1 HDMI out, 1 DVI-I out, 4 USB 3.0*, 1 IEEE-1394 Fire Wire, 1 S/PDIF out, 1 RJ-45 LAN, 1 RJ-11
Dimensions: (W)16.25" x (H)1.75" x (D)10.75"
Price: Starts at $1,899
All of MAINGEAR products are supported with lifetime labor and phone support with one to three year hardware warranty. For more information about MAINGEAR's eX-L 17 notebook, click MAINGEAR eX-L 17 .
*USB3.0 is only available with GeForce® GTX 480M
About MAINGEAR
MAINGEAR is an innovative high performance PC system builder that offers custom desktops, notebooks, workstations and media centers. Each system is hand crafted for precision performance and uncompromised quality, and has won multiple Editors' Choice awards from publications such as Hot Hardware, PC World, Maximum PC, Computer Shopper and more. With a passion to build the best high performance computers, MAINGEAR will continue to set the standard among system builders. MAINGEAR's expert team custom builds and supports all products in the United States. For more information visit: http://www.maingear.com/
And yet a core i7 macbook pro cost more but offers substantially less
@DefPoet
My macbook pro doesn't have this 'frying eggs' feature. =C
@DefPoet I still do not understand the allure of "Gaming Laptops". You spend so much money into something with so much power, yet it's mainly going to stay tethered to a power outlet or stuck on your desktop table. It's never going on your Lap, it's never going anywhere unless you're going somewhere for an extended period of time. If you wanted a gaming rig, why not just build one on the cheap or buy one of those cheap ones that are pre-built by OEMs? I'm in the opinion that the only laptops that are good enough to be carried around are Netbooks, Midrange laptops (13 - 15 inch) & MacBooks/Pros. They are light, long lasting (battery), and powerful enough to do what is need to be done.
@Teslanaut
The point of powerful laptops like these is that it is more portable than a desktop. Yes, it won't last very long on battery, but your desktop won't either unless you go with a UPS. Besides, most places you would take this to you'll be able to find a free outlet.
@Teslanaut
May I ask you a question?
Quote: "Midrange laptops (13 - 15 inch) & MacBooks/Pros"
Aren't Macbooks midrange laptops?
Why the hell you separate them?
They're still notebooks.
They're not special or a different form-factor.
@Teslanaut the m11x has some choice words for you.
@DefPoet
I would never buy a laptop that is over an inch thick that doesn't have the build quality of a Lenovo or Apple. Hence why I spent $2500 on my MBP 2.4Ghz C2D back in day. People will buy what interests them. Some will want a 2-3" gaming laptop, some a desktop, some something quite portable all day.
@Revolutionary
Eggs. Pffft. This thing frys Bacon
@Revolutionary it actually does with those pos fans in it. my friends macbook pro fries his lap whenever he uses it.
@DefPoet The MacBook has way more battery life, which is the #1 feature for me on a laptop. What good is a laptop that only runs for 1 hour on batteries?
@Teslanaut
It's a portable rendering machine of anything from games to video editing.
@fuzzylollipop This is a gaming laptop. The battery isn't gonna last as long as a MBP (not an 1hr though, lolexaggeration), but that's because it has such high-end Class 1 processors. You take that out of the equation, then what would be the point of buying this laptop?
There are obvious sacrifices to owning this laptop, but that's because when you buy this, you're looking for a specific target, as opposed to another. I don't even know why you guys are comparing the 2 laptops in the first place, since their targets are totally different.
@DefPoet
Less Windows? Yes!
@DefPoet
Who cares? This isn't about the Mac.
Anyway, you already got your numbers mixed up with Droid / 3GS sales, so probably wouldn't take your word for it anyway.
Away you go and talk about the size of bezels....you boring fud
@N900 ugh, *GPU's, not processors
@Teslanaut Youre a fucking idiot - obviously you have no idea that there are OTHER people (namely 7 billion) on this tiny blue dot. So, stfu.
Looks better than an Alienware.
gaming laptops = sperm killers
@HowMuchArtCanYouTake
most gamers wont be needing them anyway
@HowMuchArtCanYouTake
gamers = no need for sperm anyway, it just stickies up their keys & serves no other purpose
Of course it looks similar, it's an ODM notebook from Clevo.
When will you editors at Engadget realize this? Nearly every gaming notebook on the market from Sager, Digital Storm, Falcon Northwest, Maingear, CyberPowerPC (ugh), etc are all ODM notebooks from Clevo or Compal?
Jesus christ!
@Prevacator
Yeah it bugs the crap out of me too that they keep publishing stories on the same damn computer, just different companies. Nothing about it is new, it's just a laptop that over 5 other people have put their name on because they bought it from Clevo.
I wonder if they know that Mac's are made by someone else too...
If anyone remembers those VooDoo PCs that were insanely over priced, those make this look cheap. I remember some lady reveiwing her gaming laptop that cost over 10 grand from that company, and she says I just loved the free chocolates. I just wanted to say, so have fun paying ten thousand dollars for a box of chocolates and laptop that is going to be obsolete in six months? Then a few months later HP bought the company and scrapped them.
@xXxVladxXx
I’m not exactly sure where your misinformation comes from, but, technically speaking, HP did not "scrap" VooDoo PC. You would know this if you had the foresight to go to their site prior to making such an asinine comment. If you had, you would have found that, while they no longer sell any desktops directly to the public, they do continue to manufacture two computers, one being the Envy 133 laptop, and the other being the HP Firebird. They have produced a few different versions of the Firebird, all of which came from their first desktop, the Blackbird 002, also sold under the HP nameplate. None of these computers were, again, technically speaking, HP products, for HP had no direct hand in designing them. They were all designed by VooDoo PC, for their parent company, HP.
@Panther1968
Dude, don't come on here and jump me over a stupid computer manufacture that indeed did get bought out by HP. VooDoo NO LONGER EXISITS, plain and simple. Those overpriced POS computers you are referring to, are made by HP, VooDoo has nothing to do with it. So don't sit here and imply that I'm an idiot, when you have no clue what you are talking about. So, in the future if you see me post something that just burns you up, please do not reply.
Thank you.
@xXxVladxXx
First off, I never said, nor implied, you were an idiot (although now I question that), for all I said was that you made an asinine comment, which, quite obviously, you don’t seem to know the difference between the two words. As for the current status of VooDoo PC, obviously, YOU are the one who doesn’t know what he is talking about.
In regards to your referencing the computers made by VooDoo under the HP nameplate, maybe you should go back and read some of the reviews. If you did, then you would find that, with the exception of price (yes, I’ll admit they were overpriced, as are almost all boutique gaming computers), the Blackbird 002 received very good to excellent ratings, including a PERFECT 5 out of 5 from PC Mag, and 7 out of 10 from Maximum PC, both of which are highly regarded.
According to HP, based on their very own statements, and I directly quote, “HP now maintain Voodoo as a high-end brand within the parent company.” They also state that, at least as of last November, the only VooDoo models (whether sold under the HP name, or VooDoo name) are the Firebird & Envy 133, although it is unknown whether, or not, there will be any further models created by VooDoo. On a closing note, it drastically appears as if you have anger issues, and should seek out anger management classes. As for me, nothing I have said, nor in any way have I said anything, that would have led any normal person to come up with such a hypothesis.
Now, if you’ll excuse those of us who have better things to do with our time than waste it on someone who wants nothing more to do than rant, I’ll bid the adu.
Something I should have added is, while HP makes excellent printers (as does Epson and Canon), their computers (meaning the ones they designed & manufactured themselves), on the other hand, have never been up to the same standard. On occasion, they have had a few (very few, actually) decent models of laptops, but as for their desktops, they have always been problematic...extremely so in many cases. While my dad may have worked for an IBM subsidiary for 30, and while he also wouldn't purchase an IBM computer, he would tell anyone to stay away from HP & Compaq computers, for they have always been known to have problems, as many of their reviews have shown. Just because a product is extremely popular doesn't make it a good, or problem-free product, as can be seen by RIM's BlackBerry Curve smartphone models. In other words, maybe HP should consider getting out of the computer business, and stick with what they know best, and were doing best before they got into the computer business...stick to printers. The HP-VooDoo computers were always better than actual HP computers, even if they were outrageously priced.
every time i hear gaming laptop i think racing van. what is the point? battery runs out in no time, they are heavy and overheats easily, costs significantly more and yet doesn't perform as well as desktops. i had one friend who bought a gaming laptop because he wanted to play games at work since he can slack off, but ended up having it overheat so much that it crashed his games constantly, even with a cooling pad under it.
@noxipoo
Cool story bro.
@noxipoo Your friend is an idiot, and it takes one to know one.
How about using a 'laptop' tag for laptop articles?
If you want us to use exclude tags, please use them in the articles, thanks.
I use a gaming laptop when I'm DJ'ing because I need the power to run the music videos I am mixing. I definitely would not want to lug that thing around to school or anywhere else every day...