It's an Ivy Bridge duo core Celeron. TDP at 17W, yes, frugal on battery drain.
Definitely enough for "normal" usage, e.g. surf net with multiple tab (RAM will be a bigger concern, slap in more RAM if you can, 4G stick ~ RM100), MS Office, flash gaming, play music / video (can process FHD, just need to connect to external display).

Direct replacement is the Haswell Celeron 2995U, TDP at 15W, more frugal, but not yet found in lots of model.

Some of the models listed already have W8 pre-installed. For those FreeDOS spec, if you are with education institution, can get cheap legal Win OS.

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Sep 11 2013, 10:06 AM

Delivery mode typically is through DreamSpark.
Example, UM.
http://e5.onthehub.com/WebStore/ProductsBy...487d8897&vsro=8
UM students will get a login from school admin, then can go to this site and download the OS.
Different uni which has tie up with MS (almost all reputable uni has) will have a different site.
Each login (unique to each student) can only get 1 key. So don't share

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Sep 11 2013, 03:34 PM

yup, definitely will have more Haswell spec laptop in Jan14.

Yup, illegear is more bulky kind of thing, can see that you prefer sleek / thin design.

On screen panel:
There are different "grade" of IPS panel. IPS does not necessary mean good
Similarly, the Radiance screen of HP Envy is "brilliant" , but it does not mean that it has the widest gamut / most accurate colour reproduction. And Radiance screen on different HP models may be using different screen panel
In short, there are professional ways to measure screen (gamut, brightness, ... ).
But you should really go out and look / compare the real thing to make your call.
http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/articles.htm
Here are some good resources on screen panel technologies.

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Sep 11 2013, 04:16 PM

You has done your research quite well
Your ranking of GPU is about right, except for the GT740M and GT650M bit, which is not so straight forward.
Both GT740M and GT650M could be spec with either DDR3 or GDDR5.
But due to marketing positioning, we generally find GT740M spec with the cheaper DDR3.
And GT650M (just like the current GT750M) could be spec with GDDR5 in some good stuff, or spec with DDR3 and make users disappointed
GT740M (DDR3) ~ GT650M (DDR3)
GT740M (DDR3) < GT650M (GDDR5)
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphi...List.844.0.html
can find out more about GPU benchmark here.

Generally, all the laptop models with GT740M will perform similarly in games. So you just go with the model you like.
The only way you could improve is to go with models spec with GT750M (GDDR5):

Dell
Inspiron 14R, i7-4500U + Nvidia GT750M (GDDR5) @RM2499[2.32kg], 8GB, 1TB(5400rpm), Ubuntu 12.04 , 6 cell; W8SL@RM2699
Lenovo
Y400, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT750M@RM2499, 4GB, 500GB, FreeDOS, 120wPSU, swappable ODD, 2 years warranty (getting harder to find)

Negotiate, should be within your budget.

Durable and long lasting - pray hard or if you go with Dell, extend warranty to as long as you can afford.

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Sep 11 2013, 05:30 PM

For your usage, ideal is i7 quad core (lots of engineering software can make use of quad core), lots of RAM, medium level GPU for your 3D CAD / modelling, and games. FHD screen will be major plus for more work space.

But consider your budget, has to make compromise.
Not many laptop spec with FreeDOS.
Not many laptop spec with i5 Haswell M(obile) in Malaysia yet, more with Haswell U(LT).

Asus (2 years warranty)
N56VB-S3070H, i5-3230M + Nvidia GT740M@RM2899[/b][2.7kg][B&O], 4GB, 750GB, W8
PRO45VJ-V0047X, i5-3230M + Nvidia GT635M@RM2399[2.4kg], 4GB, 500GB, W7P

Dell (extend warranty to 3 years for ~ RM300, and it become international warranty)
Inspiron 15R (Special Edition), i5-3210M + AMD HD7730M@RM2199, 4GB, 1TB(5400rpm); backlit keyboard optional, W8
Vostro 5460, i5-3230M +Nvidia GT630M@RM1899[1.54kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), Ubuntu 12.04, 3 cell; W8SL@RM2099

Lenovo
Z500, i5-3230M + Nvidia GT740M@RM2299[2.2kg], 4GB, 1TB, backlit, W8; 2 years warranty
Z400 touch, i5-3230M + Nvidia GT740M + (1366x768, touch)@RM2199, 4GB, 1TB, W8; 2 years warranty
Z400 touch, i7-3632QM + Nvidia GT740M + (1366x768, touch)@RM2599, 4GB, 1TB, W8; 2 years warranty

Check the UK area that you are going has SC.
Prices are RSP, negotiable.

Place to buy - can start with the resellers in LYN garage sales thread. Some has physical shop, some offer delivery / COD

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Sep 11 2013, 05:32 PM

Lenovo
Y400, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT750M@RM2499, 4GB, 500GB, FreeDOS, 120wPSU, swappable ODD, 2 years warranty
Y400, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT750M@RM2799, 4GB, 500GB, W8, 120wPSU, swappable ODD, 2 years warranty
(grab it while you can, EOL-ing)

Price are RSP, negotiable.

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Sep 11 2013, 05:26 PM

Haswell i3? Rare animal right now

Dell
Inspiron 14-3437, i3-4010U + Intel HD4400@RM1399[1.99kg], Ubuntu, 4GB, 750GB(5400rpm), 4-cell; W8SL@RM1549
Inspiron 15R, i3-4010U + Intel HD4400@RM1599 [2.32kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W8 , 6 cell

If you want Haswell i5
Acer
E1-472G-54204G75k, i5- 4200U + Nvidia GT720M@RM1899, 4GB, 750GB, W8
E1-472G-54204G50, i5- 4200U + Nvidia GT720M@RM1699, 4GB, 500GB, FreeDOS

Dell
Inspiron 14R, i5-4200U + Nvidia GT740M@RM2049 [2.32kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W8 , 6 cell

Prices are RSP, negotiable.

For quick start up, get SSD. 128G ~ RM300, 256G ~ RM600. Swap SSD with HDD (keep the HDD as external HDD), install OS and apps on it.

Dota2 is playable on Intel HD4000 IGPU, but discrete GPU still give better experience
Stick with 14" for your budget.

Acer
E1-472G-54204G75k, i5- 4200U + Nvidia GT720M@RM1899, 4GB, 750GB, W8
E1-472G-54204G50, i5- 4200U + Nvidia GT720M@RM1699, 4GB, 500GB, FreeDOS
V5-473PG-54204G50, i5-4200U + Nvidia GT740M +(1366x768;touch)@RM2299, 4GB, 500GB,W8 *no OD

Asus
K46CB-WX060H, i5-3337U + Nvidia GT740M@RM2199[2kg], 2GB, 750GB, W8, 4-cell, OD

Dell
Inspiron 14R, i5-4200U + Nvidia GT740M@RM2049 [2.32kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W8 , 6 cell
Vostro 5460, i3-3120M + Nvidia GT630M@RM1949[1.54kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W8SL, 3 cell
Vostro 5460, i5-3230M +Nvidia GT630M@RM1899[1.54kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), Ubuntu 12.04, 3 cell; W8SL@RM2099
Vostro 5460, i5-3337U + Nvidia GT630M + (32GB mSATA SSD + 500GB(5400rpm))@RM2199[1.54kg], 4GB, W8SL, 3 cell

Toshiba
Satellite L40-AS109Xb/G/W, i5-3337U + Nvidia GT740M@RM2199[Onkyo], 4GB, 750GB, 3 years local warranty; colors: Blue/gold/white

Prices are RSP, negotiable.

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Sep 11 2013, 05:50 PM

Garage Sales thread right here at LYN.

As I said, the thing with Dell is not about "durability", it's about their warranty support service and return policy.
If you buy a laptop from Dell, and opt for their standard on site warranty support, if there is any hardware problem, call them, and technician will be at your door within couple of days to fix it for you. This is true as long as warranty period is in force. Don't need to send to SC. So the idea with Dell is extend the warranty period, ideally to 3 years.

Personally, for laptop, I only buy Lenovo Thinkpad and Dell (any series) for family members (except that one time when my cousin insisted on MBA ) since their top notch on site warranty support ensure that aunties / uncles never bug me

Some users believe certain brands are very durable. But machine failure is a matter of statistics, and it will happen, the question is percentage. If user happen to get the lemon unit, then it all fall back to warranty support. And nobody want to deal with SC from hell (you can find 1 thread right here in LYN talking about that )

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Sep 12 2013, 06:56 AM

1. the i7 Haswell ULT is duo core. The i7 Ivy Bridge M is quad core. Quad core is more powerful, and if engineering software can utilise quad core (most can) then obviously the quad core can get job done faster

2. Yes, Nvidia mobile GPU is definitely more common in Malaysia (globally as well) currently. There aren't many review about the HD 8850M out there, but from what I read so far, it should be comparable to GT740M.
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphi...List.844.0.html
You can refer here for more benchmark and comparison of mobile GPU.

3. "Lenovo new tech of cooling"? no lah
Yes, generally 15" laptop offer more space to dissipate heat.
Also make sure you periodically clean the laptop air inlet / outlet / fan of dust, and if possible re-apply good thermal paste onto heatsink.
And make sure you get good external cooling solution (cooling pad, table fan ... ) when you do heavy duty task for extended period using ANY laptop.

4. Not many models with Haswell CPU right now.

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Sep 12 2013, 07:14 AM

which country? Sometime it is cheaper to buy overseas.
If buy in Malaysia, need to make sure you get International Warranty, and the brand has support at the country you are going.
What course are you studying? Depend on software that you are going to use, may require different computing power.
All laptop models are "wide screen" now

I thought that was above your budget?
Anyway, if that a Local set (not AP set), then the price is about right.
Lenovo Y series is the most bang for buck for 15" gaming around RM3k range.

I know what you mean I've been resisting the temptation to buy Asus for so long, their products do look very nice

What is your concern about the Acer?
The V5 is pretty ok for an 11", and it come with W8 already. Warranty support from HighPoint (Acer appointed SC) is considered ok as well nowadays. Worth a look

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Sep 12 2013, 09:53 AM

Acer product range has moved up a slight notch over the past 1-2 years in terms of look and feel (the S series is a looker, eg). And lately the complaint on Acer warranty service has tapered down (could be Highpoint is doing a better job, or less people are buying Acer )
As usual, it's always better to go out and decide for yourself

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Sep 12 2013, 10:20 AM

Asus
K46CB-WX060H, i5-3337U + Nvidia GT740M@RM2199[2kg], 2GB, 750GB, W8, 4-cell, OD
S550CB-CJ102H i5-3337U + Nvidia GT740M + 24GB mSATA + 500GB + (1366x768; touch)@RM2499[2.3kg], 4GB, W8
S551LB-CJ077H, i5-4200U + Nvidia GT740M + (1366x767; touch)@RM2699, 4GB, 750GB, W8

Lenovo
Y400, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT750M@RM2499, 4GB, 500GB, FreeDOS, 120wPSU, swappable ODD, 2 years warranty
Z400 touch, i5-3230M + Nvidia GT740M + (1366x768, touch)@RM2199, 4GB, 1TB, W8; 2 years warranty
Z400 touch, i7-3632QM + Nvidia GT740M + (1366x768, touch)@RM2599, 4GB, 1TB, W8; 2 years warranty
Z500, i5-3230M + Nvidia GT740M@RM2299[2.2kg], 4GB, 1TB, backlit, W8; 2 years warranty
Z500T, i5-3230M + Nvidia GT740M + (1366x768, touch)@RM2499[2.2kg], 4GB, 1TB, backlit, W8; 2 years warranty

Prices are RSP, negotiable.

Dell
Latitude 14 7000
XPS 14, i7-3537U + Nvidia GT630M + 32GB mSATA + 500GB(5400rpm) HDD + (1600x900)@RM4249[2.1kg], 8GB, backlit, spill resistant keyboard, W8

Lenovo
ThinkPad T430U, i7-3517U + Nvidia GT620M + 24GB mSATA + 1TB HDD@RM4399, 8GB, W7P, 3 years on-site warranty

Sony
Vaio SVS13137PGB, i7-3540M + Nvidia GT640M LE + (8GB + 750GB HDD)@RM4199[1.72kg], 4GB, W8Pro; color: black; Vaio carry case

www.illegear.com
Illegear RE-13 Pro, i7-4700MQ + Nvidia GTX765M + (1920x1080 IPS)@RM4299[2kg][Onkyo, SoundBlaster Cinema], 8GB, 500GB 7200RPM, Backlit Keyboard, FreeDOS, [CPU Options: i7-4700MQ - i7-4900MQ]

Prices are RSP, negotiable.

RM3k with Nvidia GTX GPU? Ada ke?
The best within your budget is spec with GT750M only.

Dell
Inspiron 14R, i7-4500U + Nvidia GT750M (GDDR5) @RM2499[2.32kg], 8GB, 1TB(5400rpm), Ubuntu 12.04 , 6 cell; W8SL@RM2699

Lenovo
Y400, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT750M@RM2499, 4GB, 500GB, FreeDOS, 120wPSU, swappable ODD, 2 years warranty
Y400, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT750M@RM2799, 4GB, 500GB, W8, 120wPSU, swappable ODD, 2 years warranty
Y410p, i7-4700MQ + GT750M(GDDR5)@RM2899, 8GB, 1TB, W8, red backlit, 120w psu, swappable ODD, 2 years warranty
Y510p, i7-4700MQ + Nvidia GT750M(GDDR5) + (1920x1080)@RM3099[2.7kg], 8GB, 1TB, W8, red backlit, swappable ODD, 120w psu, 2 yrs

MSI
GE60-2OC, i5-4200M + Nvidia GT750M(GDDR5) + (1920x1080; anti-glare)@RM3099,8GB, 750GB(7200rpm), W8, steel series KB

Prices are RSP, negotiable.

Now we are talking

www.illegear.com
Illegear RE-15, i7-4700MQ + Nvidia GTX765M + (1920x1080)@RM3799[2.6kg][Onkyo, SoundBlaster Cinema], 8GB, 500GB 7200RPM, FreeDOS, [CPU Options: i7-4700MQ - i7-4900MQ]

MSI
GX60-3BE, AMD A10-5750M + AMD HD8970 + (1920x1080; anti-glare)@RM4399 8GB, 750GB(7200rpm), W8, steel series multi color backlit KB
GE60-2OE, i7-4700MQ + Nvidia GTX765M + (1920x1080; anti-glare)@RM4299,8GB, 750GB(7200rpm), W8, backlit keyboard

Prices are RSP, negotiable.

Asus
X201E-KX178D/9D , Intel 1007U + Intel HD@RM999, 2GB, 500GB, FreeDOS, 1 year
VivoBook S200E, i3-3217U + Intel HD4000 + (1366x768; touch)@RM1699[1.38kg], 4GB, 500GB, W8; colors: Grey/Pink/White, 2-cell, 1 year

Lenovo
S300, 1007U + Intel HD @RM899[1.8kg], 2GB,500GB(5400rpm), freeDOS; W8@RM1099

Prices are RSP, negotiable.