If between z480 and k46cm for normal gaming plus possible future programming, which is better in terms of specs and aesthetics?

S56CM-XX090H i5-3317U + Nvidia GT635M + 24GB mSATA + 500GB@RM2199[2.3kg], 2GB, W8; color: black
This is a Asus budget line ultrabook (I told you the definition on ultrabook is getting confusing )
Seems the only difference is the HDD capacity (but 200GB HDD is kind of uncommon)

If the shop you go to quote you RM1.6k, and you are sure it's a brand new unit (not display / refurbished), then that is a pretty good deal, consider the RSP in Asus catalog.
A additional 4G RAM the shop give you is worth around RM80.

This model has a pretty good discrete GPU from Nvidia, much better than the HD4000 built in the i5 processor (it will automatically switch to either depends application requirement). So the graphic performance is a boost compare to ultrabook without discrete GPU. But battery performance will not last that long if the Nvidia GPU kick in.
This model use normal HDD (and a slow RPM one at that), you will find boot time and apps launch time slower than those ultrabook that use SSD (you should try it out for both type, e.g. switching the laptop on / off, try to launch an apps like MS Words). The good thing is you have bigger storage capacity.

So 2.3kg is not heavy to you? Good, then those 1.3kg ultrabook (e.g. Asus Zen) may be an overkill for you

Ultrabooks are designed to be thin and light, and are not meant to be compared to normal notebooks in terms of performance haha
The Z480 is running on a normal processor (i5-3210M) + a powerful GT640M, whereas the i5 variant of the K46 is running on an ULV i5-3317U processor with a slightly weaker GT635M....
I am not very familiar with programming and how much processing power it requires, but I believe that going for the Z480 would be the better choice- slightly more future proof in the CPU department haha~

When you have more budget later on, try to upgrade the HDD in the Z480 to an SSD, then you will have ultrabook speed (at least those with SSD)

Z480, i5-3210M + Nvidia GT640M@RM2299, 4GB, 1TB(5400rpm) W7HB, colors: grey/red/blue
K46CM-WX090H, i5-3317U + Nvidia GT635M@RM2199[2kg], 2GB, 500GB, W8, OD

In terms of raw CPU and GPU power (important for gaming and programing), HDD size, RAM, Z480 has a slight edge.
Aesthetics depends more on personal taste K46CM is more slender and lighter. Z480 give you some funky colour

Then would the z480 be enough for IT studies? Or should i go with y480 but a little scared y480 is too OP for basic gaming

I'm getting more and more confused with ultrabook. Never had such a dilemma before. The shop quoted 2399 for me. I never knew the price is rm 2199. I will check out the catalog. The 1.6 K is what price ? Sorry. I'm confuse currently.

I will go and check out this laptops tmrw in different shops somewhere else. Not sure why I couldn't find much ultrabook today. Maybe due to pc fair today. I guess that I need to avoid the graphic part and do the graphic work in my desktop pc. If I'm only going for performance and battery wise like you're suggesting, HD 4000 with i5 is just nice right? Does 3317U and normal i5 laptop series perform the same ? I have decided to cut out the graphic. The heaviness part was still ok compared to my other laptop. Thats why I said like that,

Which model is preferable and good so far ? My price range only up to rm 3500 or 3700 if squeeze to maximum.

Asus [Ultrabook] UX31A-R4005H, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD + (1920 x 1080)@RM3499[1.3kg], 4GB, W8 --> comes with a full HD screen, larger workspace

Dell
XPS13, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD@RM3299[1.36kg], 4GB, W8, backlit

HP
Envy SpectreXT 13-2018TU, i7-3517U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD@RM3399[1.39kg], 4GB, W8, 4 cell 45WHR, no ODD, backlit keyboard

Would i7 offer better performance and heat?

Yeah the Z480 is enough
Its just that the Y480 is more or less within your budget range, and thus making it the more recommendable pick (if you can find one)

If its me, in the end I would still go for the Dell XPS13 (although its hard to resist the ZenBook)
XPS 13- Very awesome looking notebook with an above average keyboard (compared to other ultrabooks), good built, decent specs, and of course, the uber warranty support by Dell.
Try to extend warranty for the notebook (although its very expensive for Dell's XPS ultrabook lineups )

Sorry, me bad You wrote RAM 1600, I read RM1600. Sorry
You mean a i5-3317U vs i5-3210M? The U stand for ULV (ultra low volt). ULV ran at lower voltage compared to normal M processor. Power usage for ULV can go even lower when idle. That's one of the main part of power saving for "ultrabook". (The other main source of power saving for ultrabook is using SSD vs normal HDD).
Raw CPU power-wise, the 3210M win.

i7-3517U (this is a dual core, compare to the normal i7 QM which is quad core) is more powerful than i5-3317U. 3517U heat profile is still good.

There is no "perfect" laptop Each of the 3 has its pro and cons. You have to make a call based on what is important to you (screen, resolution, warranty, aesthetics appeal .... )

And yes, as TJ mentioned, since ultrabook is slender, some models has keyboard that don't "drop" as much when you type (i.e as you type how far down the key get depressed). Some people find it jarring, some don't care.

thanks [PF] T.J.

Are lenovo laptops only purchasable via resellers? unlike Dell I can't seem to find the option to shop online.

Can anyone recommend any reputable Lenovo resellers please? thanks.

Yes, you are right. Lenovo Malaysia don't sell through its own online portal (I think in Malaysia only Dell and HP (but without customisation options and only limited models) has this).

There are reputable resellers in LYN garage sales forums

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Dec 3 2012, 10:13 AM

how about lenovo G480, i5-3210M + Nvidia GT635M@RM1699, 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), FreeDOS.

Is this a good choice for my needs ? Final decision now....

The discrete graphic card is a bit overkill since you do not game... but other than that, its a good pick for that price range

Intel HD4000 having big difference with Nvidia GT635M ?
HD4000 can handle 1080p movie with samsung 46" tv ?

GT635M is way much more powerful than HD4000
Yes, HD4000 can handle 1080p movie (it's the resolution that matter, not the size of the screen). To link up to any TV, you need to make sure you have HDMI port in laptop (most do), HDMI port in TV (most do), and a HDMI cable.

Hi Im looking for a laptop 14-15.6" that has 1080 full hd

lesss than rm3k

This post has been edited by vetkin_gray: Dec 3 2012, 07:31 PM

1. Preferred Brand: Dell/Asus/Sony
2. Budget: 3k
3. Usage: Work, Photoshop and Gaming (L4D, Dota etc)
4. Preferred laptop/screen size: 14-15"

Would prefer something that's less than 2.5kg as I would need to carry it around often. Thanks in advance!

14" notebooks don't come with FullHD...
As for 15.6" notebook, there's only one below RM3k
Lenovo Ideapad Y580, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GTX660M + 1920x1080 @RM2999[JBL], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W7HB/W8, backlit keyboard, 2 yrs warranty


THough if you bargain you should be able to get below RM3k too for the Inspiron 15R SE
Dell Inspiron 15R (Special Edition), i7-3612QM + AMD HD7730M + (1920x1080; anti-glare) + 32GB SSD + 1TB HDD(5400rpm)@RM3199, 8GB,backlit keyboard optional, W7HP/W8

15" notebooks are usually heavier.
14"
Asus [Ultrabook]S46CM-WX023V, i5-3317U + Nvidia GT635M + 24GB mSATA + 500GB HDD@RM2399[2kg], 4GB, W7HP

Dell [Ultrabook]Inspiron 14z, i5-3317U + AMD HD7570M + 32GB SSD + 500GB(5400rpm)@RM2599[1.87kg], 4GB, W7HP/W8 *no VGA port, OD


Sony Vaio SVE14A26CV, i5-3210M + AMD HD7670M + (1600x900)@RM3199[2.4kg], 4GB, 750GB(5400rpm), W8; colors: black/grey; Vaio backpack, mouse and keyboard skin

Budget : RM 2000-3000

SSD is a must, do not prefer the hybrid harddisk

Use it for coding, editing photos , and editing videos. If possible do wish it can play diablo 3

Any brand also ok.

Thank you