My bad, the user is suppose to apply the ABR to activate Win7. If I'm not mistaken, the OEM key at the back of the laptop can't be used to do Win7 online activation. It will probably only help to generate an ID which will then be used when you call up Microsoft to get a new key.

Here is my edited guide:

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This guide is written with the assumption that:
-you know how to follow instructions, with minimum hand-holding or spoon-feeding
-you know how to boot from a DVD and install Windows
-you know the basics in drive management (reformat, partition, etc.)

Step A. Backup! Backup!! Backup!!!
Before you begin doing anything potentially damaging to your system, make the backup DVDs using the Acer eRecovery application:
-Make the Recovery DVDs (3 DVDs): these DVDs will help you restore your system to factory default state, in case you screw up anything.
-Make the Application/Driver DVD (1 DVD): this DVD will contain all the drivers and applications from Acer (including bloatwares like games)
-This whole process will take about 1 hour+
Step A note: The Recovery DVDs will help you to restore your laptop's OS to factory condition (meaning as good as the day you bought it - working like it should, but with plenty of bloatwares)

Step B. Windows Activation - Ultra Important Step
-Download ABR (Activation Backup and Restore) - follow the instructions on the website
-This will backup 2 things:
(1) Windows 7 key (this is different from the sticker below the laptop)
(2) Activation Cert
-Save these files (just copy the whole folder) to a flashdrive (these files will be used in Step C)

Step C. Perform a fresh install of Windows 7
-If you have a Windows 7 64 bit DVD, then it is easy - just boot from the DVD and install Windows the usual way
-If you don't have a Windows 7 64 bit DVD, then there are ways to get it.
-This whole installation process will take about 30-45 minutes
-When you have successfully installed Windows 7, use the ABR to re-activate your Windows.

Step D. OPTIONAL - Partitioning your drive
-If you haven't already partitioned/resized your hard drive, you can use this freeware - MiniTool Partition Wizard (runs on Windows 7 64 bit). You can do resizing/reformatting within Windows itself (except for when you modify your OS partition, ie. C: drive)

Note: I am not responsible for any damages to your system that may result from following this guide
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This post has been edited by gome: Oct 27 2010, 10:25 PM

Nvm, silly me ^^;

This post has been edited by KahVII: Oct 27 2010, 10:14 PM

this is for Beouwulf:

Civilization V funning on 3820tg. Using the DX10&DX11 mode. Everything max (1366x768@AAx8), with VSync on, running at 25 FPS. Didn't try lower setting as the game is a TURN BASED strategy game, so, I guess 25 FPS is good enough (???).



And the gameplay, uploaded in youtube... this is probably the most boring gameplay ever in youtube since i have never play any turn based strategy game before... a few soldiers moving here and there...



since i have 750gb hardisk, i ll let this game stay put for awhile...

next... i m uploading Mass Effect 2!!! stay tune!

Actually you can, I've done alot of fresh installs and activated Windows 7 using an OEM disc with the key under the laptop.

---

Added on October 28, 2010, 6:04 pmThank for testing it , 25FPS with 8xMSAA not bad at all.


This post has been edited by Beouwulf: Oct 28 2010, 06:04 PM

Mass Effect 2 running 1366x768 at MAX setting getting between 35-60 FPS! even at most explosive, i m getting around 35 FPS! so, this game is super sharp, super playable in 3820tg! it's like watching a really beautiful sci-fi movie where i can interact with it. highly recommended for 3820tg and 4820tg owner!

just one thing, i was playing Mass Effect 2 on my bed (soft surface), the CPU temperature went crazy into over 90 degree after like 1 hour of gameplay.

then, i test it again on my table, CPU temperature is just around 75 degree after an hour!

IMPORTANT: don't let anything block the vent! be careful when putting it on a soft surface that could block the vent.




And here is the gameplay... super nice

damn this acer sure can handle game well,.. i wonder if i can get it below rm 2.5k so that the warranty is rm 100 cheaper..

@cowithgun : bro can test GTA : IV ? would love to see how well ati 5650 would do.

This post has been edited by sclikzs: Oct 29 2010, 05:12 PM

Hmm. Cheaper? From where?

The warranty is based on the Acer recommended retail price, even if the seller sell it to you at 2k, you still gotta pay the price for >RM2500 warranty. You can't extend the warranty for Timeline with <RM2500 warranty pack.

From her destination country? Since the warranty will be covered there..

oh snap. didnt know bout that.. thanks for the info beouwulf.

not sure bout it..but i think for extended warranty it shud b rm298 for 3years. im adding my lappy warranty into 3years plus 1yr(means 4years total coverage) for senheng plus1 member.

would changing itz hard disk void warranty?

Yes I think it would.

my 4820tg '}' key flew out while i was typing. snapped it back on and all's well now...
[attachmentid=1860434]

omg.. the 4820tg has its own mind .. it shoots key to attacks us

ohh!!! gome!!! that's too bad! painful for me to see that. i hate the keyboard anyway. not a good keyboard for playing game where i tend to slam on it hard... (and again, the damn small directional key...)

anyway, i m thinking of buying a keyboard protector, i m not really worry about dusk, but i m thinking, with a protector, the key wont feel that 'shaky'... but, i hate to carry extra gram in my backpack... (every gram count!)

after spending hours (about 4.5 hours) playing Darksiders (i love this game!), i know now that heat management is really really important for notebook. the notebook get hot really fast, but thanks to 2 fans, it never really go beyond 90. i heard that core i5 can handle up to 110 before throttling. still, i'd prefer it stay below 90... tends to think, my notebook will give me less problem...

This post has been edited by cowithgun: Oct 30 2010, 11:42 PM

hmm, i tried fiddling with that key again, and it can be easily detached! other keys are ok though. need to find time for warranty claim!

Yo where can I get the 4820TG in MY? Price?
And, definitely can you play GTA IV with it?? D:

Any IT shop will hv it bro... now around 2.6k la~
I wish thr will b selling 3820tg now in msia~ though i'm hving a 4820tg~
felt too big for me even juz 1'' bigger :-P

Not too many have stocks.. But try to ask around in the lyp, few shop still have stocks. Thats the info i got few days ago.
Fast grab if u can find one..