Does anybody here have an eMachines M6805 laptop?

(e.g. http://www.shopontheweb.net/emachine...p-p-12141.html)

With the exception of the weak hinge, making sure that the BIOS is up-to-date, latest video drivers, and OS specific issues with it (including 1 for Solaris 9 04/04), anybody else have any problems/issues with it?

I am looking to get one probably within a week, or so if there aren't any problems reported.

Originally, I was looking to get an Averatec for ~$600, and then found out that there might not be a video driver for it for Solaris.

Then I was looking at getting the Acer Ferrari (4000/4005WLMi) but I was told that it has serious thermal management, stablity, and reliability issues that are even worse than Dell (statistically speaking). So much for that idea.

I know that historically, eMachines haven't been the greatest, so if you know or heard of anything (other what's mentioned already), feel free to share please. Thanks.

Quote: Originally Posted by alpha754293 Does anybody here have an eMachines M6805 laptop? (e.g. http://www.shopontheweb.net/emachine...p-p-12141.html) With the exception of the weak hinge, making sure that the BIOS is up-to-date, latest video drivers, and OS specific issues with it (including 1 for Solaris 9 04/04), anybody else have any problems/issues with it? I am looking to get one probably within a week, or so if there aren't any problems reported. Originally, I was looking to get an Averatec for ~$600, and then found out that there might not be a video driver for it for Solaris. Then I was looking at getting the Acer Ferrari (4000/4005WLMi) but I was told that it has serious thermal management, stablity, and reliability issues that are even worse than Dell (statistically speaking). So much for that idea. I know that historically, eMachines haven't been the greatest, so if you know or heard of anything (other what's mentioned already), feel free to share please. Thanks.

Yes I have one. I had the broken hinge problem. Called up emachines they wouldnt fix it. Spent 300+ bucks on parts to fix it. I might put it up on ebay soon because i cant find the stupid part i need. The only problem with it is the little flat cable connecting the power button board to the motherboard broke and i cant find one anywhere. Not to mention how much of a PITA it is to upgrade ram. It also has a terrible problem with screen flicker when the screen is opened. The hinges also have alot of play which is annoying.

I have the Gateway MX7515 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1125464966640
which is the big brother. It's about twice the price, but it's a very nice laptop.

Quote: Originally Posted by Slider I have the Gateway MX7515 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1125464966640 which is the big brother. It's about twice the price, but it's a very nice laptop.

Sweet! Can you tell me if it's got the same chipset as the M6805? Someone else pointed that out to me today as well, and I've been trying to do a lot of research on the system, and to find out if it's Solaris certified and/or certifible. (The theory/guess here is that if it's got the same chipset, same NIC, different video - but I am pretty sure that I've seen that on the Hardware Compatiblity List (HCL) before), that the rest of the system should be able to pass the cerification tests for Solaris.

Downside, however, is the cost, since it will be coming out of my own pocket, and I really don't believe in spending more than $600 for a laptop (probably the M6805 being the only exception).

The MX7515 has a faster processor, more RAM, larger hard drive, and a DVD burner rather than a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive. Would it be NICE to have those things? Yes. Do I NEED it? No. In fact, probably the M6805 is already overkill for what I need, but it's about the cheapest "modern" (i.e. not P3 generation or less) that I can get that is listed on the Solaris HCL.

Stuff that I know (based on what I've read) are the broken hinge issue (my guess is not enough plastic, and that to reinforce it, super glue with work and/or any other epoxy/epoxy-based adhesive would work assuming that the hinge is polycarbonate (PC) and that the epoxy is compatible with PC.) I also found out that when I get it and assuming that it works upon arrival, to update the BIOS, and also the get the latest and greatest video drivers.

But I mean, other than that, I haven't heard too much in the way of bugs/issues with the system.

As for "luck" with them, I've heard mixed reviews. Most of them say that it's a great laptop for what you pay for. Some say that they've had absolutely horrid time with it. So, I guess that it's inconclusive either way, and luck of the draw I suppose.