Specifications, Configurations and Pricing

The system we're running in today's benchmarks is rather powerful for a 15-inch configuration. It sports an Intel Core i7-3840QM quad-core CPU that is clocked at 2.7GHz. It can TurboBoost all the way up to 3.7GHz if the 45 TDP is not all taken.

The Vybe 15 features Intel's HD4000 graphics as well as an NVIDIA 660M with 2GB of GDDR5 video RAM. The 660M runs the 1920 x 1080 15.6-inch screen without much trouble.

The system features 16GB of Corsair Vengeance RAM running at 1600MHz. It also boots off of a 256GB Crucial m4 mSATA SSD drive, which Maingear says will provide 500MB/s. In a couple of pages, we'll put that claim to the test. Users also get a secondary 750GB 7200 RPM drive for storing games, music and other large files.

The Maingear Vybe comes with onboard Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n wireless and integrated Bluetooth. It sports a 1.3 MP webcam, a 3-in-1 card reader, and a DVD drive to make installing games easier.

The Maingear Vybe 15 that I have sitting here today for review is a pre-built model, which means it is available to ship within 24 hours. It will set you back $1999, which isn't too bad when you start looking at the benchmarks.

For those looking to customize their own, it appears that there are very few customization options. Mainly, it looks like the internals of the laptop are set in the four different configurations available. These configurations range in price from $1099 all the way to the $1999 model we have here today.

Packaging

The system was generally packaged in a manner that would survive the common bumps and bangs that occur during shipping. I only have one real qualm about how it was packaged, and I'll let you take a look at the picture below to see if you spot it.

Yes, as you can see, the "binder"� which contains reinstall CDs, manuals, and some other goodies was just left inside the box to bounce around and possibly damage the laptop. It's not clear why this isn't secured down, but it's definitely something to be aware of. If you purchase the Maingear Vybe and find the binder not secured down, it's worth checking out the machine to make sure it wasn't damaged.