according to your waiting period to get a laptop. 2-3 months later, starting from now.

the Y500 non SLI will be RM2999.

actually, there will be new models releasing. when it comes to new line up models, both will come with GTX765M and haswell processor, while lenovo Y500 remains GT750M with haswell spec.

you have to know that GT750M SLI > single GTX765M. so Y500/Y510P is better deal among them.

the ASUS will be better pick. however, i have some other options for you too :

Dell
Vostro 5460, i5-3337U + Nvidia GT630M + (32GB mSATA SSD + 500GB(5400rpm))@RM2199[1.54kg], 4GB, W8SL, 3 cell

HP
[Ultrabook] Envy4-1238TX, i5-3337U + AMD HD8750M@RM2099[Beats][1.75kg], 2GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W8

ASUS
A45VS-VX026H, i5-3210M + Nvidia GT645M@RM2199[2.4kg], 2GB, 500GB, W8
[Ultrabook]K46CM-WX059V, i3-3217U + Nvidia GT635M@RM1899[2kg], 2GB, 500GB, 4-cell battery, W7HP, OD

HP
Pavilion G4-2132/2133TX, i5-3210M + AMD HD7670M@RM1899[2.19kg], 2GB ,500GB(7200rpm), W7HB, colors: white/black

Lenovo
G480, i5-3230M + Nvidia GT635M@RM1899, 4GB, 1TB (5400rpm), W8, 2 yrs warranty

prices are RSP and negotiable. use the remaining budget to upgrade RAM to 8GB and/or extend the warranty to 3 years.

the HP is quoted from sellers in LYN, but you say you cant find the Dell's one, here you are.

the Lenovo Y510P will be a better deal. GT750M SLI = GTX770M but Y510P is expected to be released in malaysia soon.
the new lineup models im talking about is the new ASUS G series, Lenovo Y510P and MSI GE60.

ASUS
A45VS-VX026H, i5-3210M + Nvidia GT645M@RM2199[2.4kg], 2GB, 500GB, W8
A55VJ-SX093H, i5-3210M + Nvidia GT635M@RM2499[2.52kg], 4GB, 750GB, W8; color: black

Lenovo
Z400, i5-3230M + Nvidia GT740M@RM2099, 4GB, 1TB, W8; 2 years warranty; colors: chocolate
Y400, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT750M@RM2499, 4GB, 500GB, FreeDOS, 120wPSU, swappable ODD, 2 years warranty
Z500, i5-3230M + Nvidia GT740M@RM2299[2.2kg], 4GB, 1TB, backlit, W8; 2 years warranty

Dell
Vostro 5460, i5-3230M +Nvidia GT630M@RM1899[1.54kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), Ubuntu 12.04, 3 cell; W8SL@RM2099
Inspiron 15R, i7-3537U + AMD HD8730M@RM2549[2.32kg], 6GB, 1TB(5400rpm), W8SL

prices are RSP and negotiable.
recommended along with another user due to budget similarity and avoid lots of double posting.

edit - Qeeshen if you can wait, then it is worth the wait. the new haswell series are better in performance, battery efficient and reduced heat production. according to your waiting period, the new lineups already released.

This post has been edited by raymondtong94: Jun 6 2013, 10:00 AM

what kind of assignment is your friend into? cuz if it is not very processing intensive, then i suggest ask your friend to save back some bucks and get a core i5 instead. anyway, your options :

Acer
V3-571G-736b8G1T, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT730M(DDR3) + (1920x1080 IPS) @RM2899[2.6kg], 8GB, 1TB, W8

Dell
Inspiron 15R, i7-3537U + AMD HD8730M@RM2949[2.32kg], 8GB, 1TB(5400rpm), W8SL

Lenovo
Z500, i5-3230M + Nvidia GT740M@RM2299[2.2kg], 4GB, 1TB, backlit, W8; 2 years warranty
Y500, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT750M(GDDR5) + (1920x1080)@RM2999, 8GB, 1TB, W8, red backlit, swappable ODD, 120w psu, 2 yrs
Ideapad Z580, i7-3612QM + Nvidia GT640M@RM2499, 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W7HB, white

prices are RSP and negotiable. for Z500 and Z580, can consider upgrade the RAM to 8GB (RM9x/4GB stick) and HDD to 1TB for around RM250 for Z580.

lenovo Z500.

price for the dell 15R is actually RM2549.

Lenovo Y500, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT750M(GDDR5) + (1920x1080)@RM2999, 8GB, 1TB, W8, red backlit, swappable ODD, 120w psu, 2 yrs
Acer V3-571G-736b8G1T, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT730M(DDR3) + (1920x1080 IPS) @RM2899[2.6kg], 8GB, 1TB, W8
Dell Inspiron 15R, i7-3537U + AMD HD8730M@RM2499[2.32kg], 6GB, 1TB(5400rpm), 6-cell, W8SL

these are upgradeable to 16GB by installing 2x8GB.
but not recommended to upgrade to 16GB, as it is a waste of money. just my advice.

1. Lenovo Y500 is always worth the buy.

2. HP? overheating issue is always a problem for their consumer line laptops. the quality is still ok though but not recommended for gamers.

3. Lenovo has an official store at lowyat. but it is best suggested to buy from sellers in LYN.

sometimes sellers in LYN have better deal.
like wavezard says, if you are good at negotiation, then you are good to go.

reasons not to get HP? price doesnt match specs and requirement. most of them are less powerful than Y500 for laptops priced at RM3k.
or just say the Y500 has a cooler look than other laptops because the red backlit keyboard (if he mentions alienware, tell him 'see how beautiful the prices are for alienware')

so, my final conclusion is, get Y500.

yes. the price is RSP and negotiable.
just hope there are still stocks left, as this is a hot cake model.

if you can live without full HD screen and full size keyboard, then you can get it.
if you have trouble getting it at retail outlet, i suggest to look at reputable shops at around 3rd and 4th floor.

or the best is, schedule a meeting with seller on LYN and COD with them.

Lenovo Y500 is the best among all. Acer has the best screen among all.

Acer V3-571G-736b8G1T, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT730M(DDR3) + (1920x1080 IPS) @RM2899[2.6kg], 8GB, 1TB, W8
Lenovo Y500, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT750M(GDDR5) + (1920x1080)@RM2999, 8GB, 1TB, W8, red backlit, swappable ODD, 120w psu, 2 yrs

prices are RSP and negotiable.

Dell Inspiron 14-3421, i3-3217U + Intel HD4000@RM1399[1.99kg], Win8SL, 2GB, 500GB(5400rpm), 4-cell
Lenovo G480, i3-2348M + Intel HD3000@RM1299, 2GB, 500GB (5400rpm), FreeDOS; W8@RM1499

prices are RSP and negotiable.

the one that closest to your budget and requirements is this.

Acer V3-571G-736b8G1T, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT730M(DDR3) + (1920x1080 IPS) @RM2899[2.6kg], 8GB, 1TB, W8

Dell Inspiron 15R, i7-3537U + AMD HD8730M@RM2499[2.32kg], 6GB, 1TB(5400rpm), 6-cell, W8SL
ASUS A55VJ-SX093H, i5-3210M + Nvidia GT635M@RM2499[2.52kg], 4GB, 750GB, W8; color: black
ASUS A45VS-VX026H, i5-3210M + Nvidia GT645M@RM2199[2.4kg], 2GB, 500GB, W8
Lenovo Z500, i5-3230M + Nvidia GT740M@RM2299[2.2kg], 4GB, 1TB, backlit, W8; 2 years warranty
Lenovo Y410p, i7-4700MQ + GT750M(GDDR5)@RM2899, 8GB, 1TB, W8, red backlit, 120w psu, swappable ODD, 2 years warranty
Lenovo Y400, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT750M@RM2499, 4GB, 500GB, FreeDOS, 120wPSU, swappable ODD, 2 years warranty

prices are RSP and negotiable.

Surface Pro is better. Samsung is a bit overpriced. RM3599 128GB storage w/o keyboard dock. Surface Pro is RM3049 128GB storage w/o type cover. both are core i5 ULV.

Illegear RS-15 or RS-17 with HD8970M.

ASUS and Alienware is overpriced.

sorry and thanks for notifying that.
i didnt keep on the update, as im following the price list topic. now, you can find the ativ pro with keyboard dock on lelong for RM3299 but im not sure if it sounds true, as it says 'feature available to store members' at bottom center of the picture.

linky

are you going to lowyat?
the stall-like shops sometimes show old models. the Z500 saw at retail outlets are GT740M. to differentiate between GT740M and GT640M, the nvidia sticker shouldnt have labelled any information or model about the graphics card.

it is only replaceable, means you cant remove the battery like normal laptops do.