Who's already a member of the club? what do you use?

*looks at bank account* Looks like the secret laptop club will be continue being a secret then

You just broke the first rule of secret laptop club..

My wallet: All right, then. Keep your secrets.

I have had an eluktronics laptop for 3 years now. I was looking for a gaming laptop so I could take it with me while I had to travel for cancer treatments and a family friend recommended this brand to me. 3 years later the laptop and I are both alive and kicking.

"The 1st rule of laptop club is not to talk about the laptop club"

Dave calling his Discord subscribers "sweaty laptop nerds" never gets old

“I don’t use these laptops” -has a stack of 5 of these laptops

What needs to be pointed out is that: Even if performance betweek Eluktronics and Razer is only 5% on the same Spec, the price difference is basically 30-50% in comparison :)

90% : valuable information 10% : sweat

Others youtubers : “fancy opening”, .... Dave : “okay,.....” Owh god, i like this guy hahha

I appreciate how clean D2D's thumbnails are. They don't give me headaches. Love this video. Very informative. I thought these laptops were just Clevos that have been rebranded. Might consider buying these the next time I need a gaming laptop.

“Don’t be swayed by sweat” love it

You're doing a great job Dave keep it up.. and also surprise us by looking even more younger after 10 years. May you and your family stay fit👍

I've been using one of those secret laptop club, and I love it! A desktop processor in a laptop, a very worth portable powerhouse.

I just realized, dave sounds like sykkuno with good communication and less anxiety

Great video. I spent months trying to find the right laptop for me and went for the XMG. I wanted great gaming on a budget and this gave me the best for my money. Not too concerned about keyboard and in my opinion the aesthetics are suitable for a work meeting which was my bare minimum. Cheers for shedding your own light on these!

These laptops are like the flagship killers of the laptop sector

Clevo (the OEM of these keyboards) has an amazing business strategy. They simply let resellers focus on the high-risk work of business development, marketing, servicing. While they use that reach to negotiate with large vendors like Intel and nVidia to get the components in their devices for cheap

I ordered my XMG yesterday ! I am upgrading from a 2013 Lenovo. Quite a leap, very excited.

Such a reasonable and calm reviewer, so easy to listen to.

Im using a Metabox Alpha from 2014. They use Tong Fen bases and I can vouch for the cooling. While metabox choose decent enough specs, the cases have enormous fans, it keeps really cool, but its insanely loud. The looks are utilitarian but its fine if all you care about is longevity and performance.

Thanks for making this video - really great to hear your take on these Tongfang lappies

i love this review about those underrated laptop. Thank you so much for making such an honest review ^_^

Dave, your videos are so clean. Very minimal cuts while you are one the screen talking which makes it feel more authentic. Simple and concise explanations. Definitely one of the best tech KZfaqrs out there!

"Don't be swayed by the sweat." - Dave 2D

That's why I like your perspective and viewpoint regarding any product!

Good quick comparison and honest review 👍

"don't get swayed by the sweat" make that a t shirt please Dave.

I'm just surprised everytime I watch Dave because he doesn't have a written script and instead comes up with things to say on the spot which is something not everyone can do.👏👏

I have an Aftershock Vapor 15 pro (Australian mag-15). Its got a great minimalistic design aesthetic (unlike some of the other designs that have many holes). Amazing performance, light, battery time is excellent, it never gets hot and was a fraction of the price of others. I also debadged the lid to make it an even cleaner asthetic again. Couldn't be happier.

WOW! Can’t believe you covered this. AWESOME!

I actually love the look of these brick-like laptops.

These genuinely look so nice. So sleek looking and minimalist with amazing specs. Chinese computer makers are the dark horse of the world

Nice take on this laptops ! Great video Dave!

I just recently discovered your channel and I really like the style of the videos.

Almost all of his videos start with an Ok or Alright 😂

I've just received the european variant of the mechrevo code 01, and it is an amazing laptop. Absolutely recommend it to laptop enthusiast who are looking for a light workstation, with a 90 wh battery, a 100% rgb display an a ryzen 4000H that performs crazy well.

Totally appreciate the angle of this. These laptops are so uncommon from a mainstream perspective but have contain such a powerhouse of performance for a great price. And unless you go looking for them by name, you wont really find much on them in traditional comparison videos It seems that off the cuff they are great buys IF you are willing or open to compromise sound dB in fan noise OR the seemingly wonky keyboard mechanics/layout. After months of scoping out the Eluktronics laptops, i stumbled upon the Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED and that will be my next workhorse as its more in line with what I'd use it for in the day-to-day with the mild gaming side. Not a fan of the nose-cam, but I'll have the laptop mounted on an articulating arm equipped with both a dedicated mouse/keyboard. So really when im mobile will those things be a remote inconvenience to navigate. and even then, I'm still not worries about it. Thanks for the vid

I got the SEA version of the MAG 15 thanks to your other video. Really wanna say thank you so much for the review cause I love thie machine when I first got it an it is one hell of a machine :D

One thing you forgot to mention, which is a huge deal for many people that use these, is the large port selection. 2 to 4 USB-A's, USB-C, SD cardslot (which is rare these days), dedicated head- and microphone jacks, and some even have an ethernet port. Many _'premium brand'_ laptops have very few if any ports these days, and if you use your laptop on the go a lot then dongles are basically a no-go.

Me a sweaty laptop nerd: pshhhhh, dumb sweaty laptop nerds

man, your sound quality is just out of this world, if you wouldn't mind me asking what equipment are you using, for the sound specifically?

wow.. not in my mind that dave2d will do a video on this. i used the illegear from malaysia and so far, the perfomance is the best. glad that you actually showed the website..

I'm on the XMG FUSION 15 / Core i7 / 64 GB RAM + 2070 Max Q. After some time you'll get used to the keyboard completely. The fan noise is no problem for me. Love this laptop :)

XMG user here. Another advantage might be the customer service of these smaller brands; as far as I know XMG has one of the best. When my SSD failed within the warranty they sent me a new one (with an even bigger storage capacity) to swap it myself - fast and clean, I loved it!

Can you please do a best gaming laptops of 2020 video! I'm so indecisive and I've been looking for a thin and light laptop for over 5 years now but I keep holding out so I could get the holy grail of laptops! I don't trust anyone's word but yours, I cant wait!!

Excellent framing in the intro ti capture that underground group of enthusiasts who make these kind of recommendations

i just noticed, he has the youtube "lofi for studying/relaxing/coffee break/bomb defusing beats" at the end

I think it would have been really helpful to include the prices next to each device when comparing fan noise and fps. You said you prefer the razer because performance is close enough that aesthetics wins out, but how much more are you paying for that design?

Great video, Dave. Keep up the good work. I used to be a part of the so called secret club, but I've returned two of those laptops already. In the USA those may be cheaper, but in Europe XMG is definitely not cheaper than other brands so the performance value is not that grand. Laptops are nice indeed, but small things here and there can make you hate them - mouse pad almost always rattles, fans are LOUD, temps are high coz usually those machines do provide more power, initial firmware problems can be quite serious. The chassis design that Dave mentioned about has not changed for several years now (get rid of that god damn nose cam, Tong fang!), keyboards also need some re-desining. Fortunately XMG are the kings of BIOS and software updates and user experience does get improved a bit over time. I'll give an example with the XMG Fusion 15 which I was so hyped about, but I ended up returning --> could not get used to the keyboard, fans were constantly on even on silent/eco mode, firmware issues, thunderbolt port failing. That's just me of course , lots of ppl like and keep Tong Fang laptops for a long time. I for one prefer the XMG Fusion 15 over the Asus Zephyrus 14, but in the long run ended up returning both machines, because of acoustics and temperatures. Cool looks and a bit more FPS is not everything and companies should finally realize that.

I'm so impressed Dave does this in ONE go.. like that's really difficult!!

I'm on the XMG Fusion 15 and I love it

Clevo : Joke I Am To YOu!? Everyone: si

I'm finna buy the Eluktronics RP-15 for my architecture classes and I'm hella hyped after seeing all these reviews. The build quality worries me because I'm gonna need this for the next 4 years but I figure if I take good care of it, then it won't be an issue.

Your videos are so good man.

I have one of those from a couple of months, coming from 2 asus rog of 2000 euros that always have defect (2 motherboard and battery fault last one, display 3 times first one). I choose to change and give a shoot buying the equivalent of max 17 here in europe (pcs vyper 17) and oh boy i love it. Design is just awesome, seems like a business laptop, magnesium feel sturdy, much more rigid than any other laptop i had before, glass touchpad, good screen (on par with my older rogs), but 4 things are to say that you dave lost here. My laptop has mux switcher, i can be fully nvidia or even fully intel gpu, and that's the biggest thing, it have big performance hit in games, and it have big performance hit in battery life (in integrate gpu mode i cover 9 hours with browsing and office, NINE, with that 92wh battery, is like having a different type of machine). Then go back home and enable again optimus (6 hours of battery life with the same use) or nvidia only gpu mode (allows better performance, dsr, fast sync and many other things that you can have only when display is connect ed to nvidia). Even the keyboard is good one, key actuation is precise (much more than rogs that are a bit mushy) but as you said need some weeks to type good cause keys are a bit too narrow one from another, and lacks nkey rollover (the real problem is this, not the way to have to adapt to key size and space). But for the rest in every aspect this laptop is a beast, is reliable (right asus? when you will be reliable in time?), no sw problem, my 10875h pushes out 4200 points on r20 compared to 3500 3600 of msi and other razer laptops, and 2070 super 115w is a real deal. All of this for what price? 1800 euros, basically HALF the price of a less performant (and less reliable i will say) razer or msi gs/zephyrus series. You will loose something in the switch for them? For my actual experience absolutly not, having one of those you understand how are detailed every single aspect of those pc, from the heatsink layout, to every other aspects of the case (and perforated bottom cover and side cover is just a big pro compared to closed ones... If you remember that recently for example asus was accused to fall back in performance many laptops cause of closed vents).

"Don't be swayed by the sweat" - Dave Lee

Bought a Mag-15 from your review, still love it now

Typing on my Schenker Via 15, which is a thin and lite notebook from XMG's office brand. It has the keyboard with the single cutout and flat switches. It's THE BEST keyboard i've used on a laptop so far. Also this particular device looks astonishing! Very Clean and Minimalistic

Didn't know it was a secret. Eluktronics has some of the nicest panels, that's why I got one a couple years ago. I think you reviewed the 15" version Dave.

this is the kinda laptops we want, we people to know.

Good review and suggestions. Another thing that’s important that no one ever really talks about on KZfaq is their support process. What happens if you get a bad one and need an exchange or warranty replacement? With my Alienware they sent someone to my house. When the tech agreed that it couldn’t be fixed, they sent me a new one which I received 3 days later. Then I sent mine back. Didn’t have to send mine in until after receiving the replacemen which I believe is critical for busy people who don’t have time to be without their machine and for people who aren’t techy and don’t want to spend hours on the phone trying to explain a problem they don’t fully understand. No KZfaq reviewer talks about the support system with the machines they review that I’ve seen. I received my replacement even though I opted for just the normal support plan not their upgraded plan. So yeah I know I’m paying more and I my performance might not be off the charts, but I know if something goes wrong I’m covered and covered quickly.

I have the xmg fusion 15. I get what you mean with the fan noise, but I'm actually quite a fan of the keyboard. I've also added 1 tb ssd 970 evo plus and that went buttery smooth. Really happy with this device :)

Tong Fang is a brand name coming out of Tsing Hua University associated businesses. In China, it's called Tsing Hua Tong Fang. It's quite a reputable brand name in China. Until this video, I do not know they work with these "boutique" brand names to create these "secret club". Anyway, if you search on Chinese online stores, you can find similar spec machines that's half price of a Razer Blade Pro. For me (live in HK), I would probably NOT go for it because of the support issues that may arise. I'd also have a big question mark on the Chinese - US arguments that may impact US software (Windows) running on Chinese hardware although, on the surface, it should be ok.

Please make a new recommendation list for laptops for creatives!

BTW CONGRATULATIONS FOR 3 MILLION!!

That 59-60db fan noise vs the 50-51 is HUGE. I used to use a clevo type laptop...great performance but man, the fans are just insane.

"Don't be swayed by the sweat." -Dave Lee 2020

"Don't be swayed by the sweat" Best quote I ever heard in long while

That's why my Fusion 15 is the perfect device for me. I love the single cutout keyboard and I also dig the simple block design. It's actually fairly similar to the razer blade 15.

I keep watching this video, i love it. Maybe a "Secret Laptop Club Chapter 2" video coming from you Dave when amd advantages or intel future dgpus will make their way in XMG and Eluktroniks products ? I hope so, big up from France !

Yeah, I've got one of these! The Apex 15, with the 3950x!

Hey Dave, I am a big fan of your channel and I need your assistance, could i get any of your old laptops you aren't using?

clevo too please make a complete video about clevo ones with desktop cpus,from mx250/mx350 equipped with i9 9900/9900t/10900/10900t, the NBXX series, all the way up to rtx2070 versions and compare them to current brand's models ,price-wise....for 1% low smoother gaming plus productivity.

Hey Dave, I know you do tech, but you should review the QOR360 Ariel office chair. Its kind of tech cuz they use a mechanism thats unique. Anyway, love your stuff! Keep it up!

I'm from Malaysia and I use the Asian variant of them, ILLEGEAR 1:29. I'm not too sure about performance comparison because I've never had experiences on the well-known brands. But games run smoothly on it, fan noise not too obnoxious and the price was probably about 1000 bucks.

Dave: *Vents everywhere* Me: Hm, sounds like the imposter is gonna be happy

I actually have one of these Tongfang laptops from when Walmart's OP gaming brand dropped out and it was $1k for SOO much. Love this beast

I am using the Singapore version of the Mag 15 - Aftershock Vapor 15. I agree that the fan noise can get pretty loud. Loving it so far and would recommend it to anyone. One of the main reason I got it is the balance of having good performance, a built in sd card reader and decent weight.

Me: Has no money to buy any of these laptops. Me: still watches video

Illegear is most common in SEA countries like Malaysia, since I'm using the Ionic Series.

The thinkpad EX95 series laptops aren't exactly cooling powerhouses, but they do have decent price to performance without a lot of modern laptop compromises (good keyboard, decent screens, removable parts, extended service, etc)

We have Infinity here in Australia with really good keyboards, Check out the Infinity S7 it's a beast with one of the best keyboards on a laptop IMO

How everyone starts: Hey guys, How dave2d starts: OKAY.

The price to value ratio you're getting with these laptops is pretty great imo. Just even having the peace of mind in knowing you stretched your dollar as far as it can go is what sets these apart from the rest. I'm not loaded with cash by any means but if I wanna spend my hard earned money on a laptop then I'm definitely going with this. Serves me no purpose as a consumer to pay more money and knowing some of that is going to advertising where there is 0 value in return for the product I'm getting. But to each they're own. Just sharing where my priorities are at.

Lol didn't expect to see eluktronics. I've been using one of their laptops for about 4 years now. Everything still works well. Keyboard wasd definitely shows wear and the w key has been bugging out, so I got a mechanical keyboard and that has been a lot nicer to type on anyways. It does get very loud and hot, to the point my wife complains that I'm heating up our bedroom. You may have issues with the screen, mine had some hiccups, but was fine in the end. Compare prices and what hardware you get and it's a good deal. I bought it on black Friday and they had some good deals during then.

Back in Malaysia, one of the most famous ODM brand is "illegear". In the video saw "illegear" snapshot. There is also "Tech Armory" but more to business laptop where they also representing Razer, Gigabyte and etc. "illegear" is the only who have nearly the full range. Another brand one is "Level 51", not sure this from Malaysia or Singapore. USD1.00 ~ MRY4.14.

XMG is great, love it

I actually got drawn to these because of your earlier review on the MAG 15 "The Impossible Gaming Laptop". I have the Illegear Selenite Pro (which I think would have been the Mag 17) and it was one of the earliest 17in thin and light laptops to get the RTX2070 Max P variant at the tail end of last year. I don't care too much about the design aesthetic aside from the ridiculously small size and weight (For a 17 inch), but the price point was what made it so attractive because they accepted a 2 year instalment plan where others only accept 1 year. The company also did make its own original custom 15in laptop that's only 1.5kg. These laptops do have loud fan noise and soft speakers though and the 240hz screen isn't free from ghosting, and the nose cam is just tragic. These laptops tend to be good for long term too. They can still even service an older, clevo-based laptop I bought in 2014.

was looking for my next gaming laptop... looks like I found myself a club to go along with it.

All I know is that we are all in the 3 million club now! GJ Dave! Congrats!

I‘ve got the Intel XMG Core 15! I love it❤️❤️❤️

Dave: "Secret Laptop Club" Me: Sees my laptop in the video :O I'm running an Eluktronics Mag-15 with a 1660ti, btw

I own the Metabox Prime-S P960EF i7, RTX 2070 Max-Q, and wow. What a performer. Got it for such a good price. Just ordered the Metabox Flo L140MU-i7 with the new Tiger Lake CPU to become more of a daily driver considering the battery life they proclaim.

Became part of the club at the end of August. Bought the UK equivalent of MAX-15 (PC Specialist Vyper III). Beast of machine in a very thin form factor. Hard to throttle, excellent cooling system, magnesium build for 1550£ for a i7 8 core, 2070 Max-P 115W, Samsung 870 Evo Plus, DDR4 32GB configuration. And it's got switchable GPU in BIOS! You can run the laptop in direct dGPU mode disabling the iGPU! I've been playing with it in VR with my Oculus Rift S, just buying a USB-C Display Port adapter and no issues so far! Most important thing, I've asked them directly if I could replace the thermal paste by myself. They replied I can do and the warranty isn't void at all! (unless you break something of course). Of course these aren't laptop for everyone as they need more fine tuning for a good noise-temp-performance ratio as well as battery life. For me, I've managed to tune mine to last 6 hours, or even 8 hours (estimated) with office usage and browsing (with some KZfaq videos watching). Considering it packs an 8 core CPU and it has a small 62Wh battery, I'm quite happy with the results!

I'm a member of the broke club, anybody else?

Anyone else get anxiety thinking about how those lights could fall over and shatter?

I just bought an HP omen 15 as the XMG devices were quite more expensive and as long as I have researched have pretty much the same perfomance, maybe just a little edge, plus build quality in omen is quite good (the lid flex is not that bad)

Dave: I really like this laptop Also Dave: Don't be swayed