the 4820tg model for malaysia comes with only 2GB ram. if you intend to upgrade the ram later by yourself (usually the shop assistant will ask if you want to upgrade), then probably you can choose the PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333) type.

for my laptop, it came with a 2GB Samsung DDR3-1333, so i bought a Kingston PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333). only rm100 for a 2GB ram, and the price seems to be dropping . fyi, the ram can only run at 533MHz due to processor limitation (PC3-10600 max speed is 667MHz).

[attachmentid=1846038]

To those who feel the OS is too sluggish for your liking, I'd recommend doing a clean install of Windows 7. Simplified to the 3 steps below:

1. Use the Acer eRecovery to create:
-The recovery DVD (3 DVDs): these DVDs will help you restore your system to factory default state, in case you screw up anything.
-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+

2. Use ABR (Activation Backup and Restore)
-This will backup your Windows 7 key (different from the sticker below the laptop) and the Activation Cert
-Save these files to a flashdrive and you will need to 'apply' it to activate your freshly installed Windows 7 later

3. 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 process will take about 30-45 minutes

Note: I am not responsible for any damages to your system that may result from following this guide

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

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

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!

you can only install the 64 bit version when you do a clean install, because your OEM key is only meant for the 64 bit.

fyi, the 64bit OS is referred to as x64, the 32bit OS is referred to as x86.


edit: i think you can install 32 bit too, but have to download new 32bit drivers. i stand corrected.

This post has been edited by gome: Dec 8 2010, 10:03 AM

you didn't create the driver/application dvd? all your drivers should be there already.

it's 5400rpm - if 7200rpm, the battery probably won't last 6 - 8 hours.

you've probably read some online reviews about this model. a few of the reviews mentioned that that there's some flex on the keyboard and on the lid. for me, i don't really notice the keyboard flex, unless i really test it out. i've tried other acer models, and those keyboard flexes are really annoying - this one's ok . but as stated in my previous post a few pages back, one of my keys jumped out while i was typing. will be getting a warranty claim soon (waiting for parts) .

disregarding the key that jumped out, i think the build is quite alright. lenovo/ibm is known for it's good build quality, so can't be compared heheh. but if you're into light gaming (and more on surfing), i'd suggest you get a cooler laptop. this one runs hot...and the built-in webcam sucks

good battery life with similar specs - afaik none at the moment . but good battery life with lower specs, probably Asus U45JC (8 cell battery).

but no one's stopping you from buying the 4820tg. if you like the battery life + price + looks, then consider the 'overkill' specs as an investment for future light games . go test it out at the store, because it will answer most of your questions (build quality, heat, lcd glare, keyboard flex, etc.).

wear the bunny ears in you avatar and no hot-blooded salesman will neglect you...

hmm, if you can find a shop that has the 4820tg on display (may not be possible now since many places out of stock), then you can try it out. the display model have been switched on for at least a few hours, so it can give you a general feel of it's heat (idle temperature, in an air-conditioned room). if you're daring enough, bring along a movie for a "test drive"....it should raise the temperature within minutes

i did a fresh install if win7 and didn't install that 2 drivers. so far so good...so it's safe to remove

firstly, using the ABR will only backup the existing key and cert of your already installed Win7 - which is Win7 Home Premium. this key and cert is only valid for Win7 Home Premium, no more, no less.

secondly, there's no need to be alarmed about the 'high' memory usage you see in the Win7 task manager. what you're seeing is Win7 (Vista too) SuperFetch in action. it loads your frequently used applications into memory, so that it will launch faster when you need to use it. for more into: http://www.osnews.com/story/21471/SuperFet..._it_Works_Myths

wow, while playing darksiders for a few hours, my 4820tg cpu core can go up to 99°C!

yeah, my GPU max is about 80+. i've actually elevated the back of my laptop and made a diy usb fan to blow from there. hmmm...

if you read some pages back, i did. heck, i even mentioned to you about my key flying out. so yes, i claimed warranty.

i added 2GB ram to my laptop and sent it for keyboard warranty claim at high point (lowyat plaza). i asked the person servicing my laptop if i'm still eligible for warranty claim, since i upgraded my ram, and he said no problem.

so there, for those of you still afraid to upgrade your ram (because of the acer sticker at the back) - do it.