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Enquiries/Recommendations Buying a new laptop? NEED RECOMMENDATIONS? V20, Kindly FOLLOW the FORMAT TQ~!

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hasif63
post Aug 1 2013, 11:51 PM

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Hi there guys.. Need some recommendations here.

1. Preferred Brand : Dell
2. Budget: 2k-2.4k
3. Usage: Assignments (Estate Management), Watch Movies, Casual Photoshopping, Light gaming (RA2, maybe?)
4. Preferred laptop/screen size: 14inch / 15inch

I've narrowed down two of my most probable choices, which are the Dell Inspiron 14R(5437) and 15R (5537).

Both are
-powered by intel i3-4010u haswell
-has Intel 4400HD graphics
-has 6 cell (65Whr) batteries
-has same resolution, 1366x768

But 14R has
-touchscreen
-OS media kit

I've specced both at the dell website and the 15R actually came cheaper at RM2088 compared to 14R which costs RM2477.

Which of the two will be a better buy?
Which of the two will have better battery life?
Is the touchscreen on the 14R really worth it?
The OS media kit, is it a necessity?

Lastly, can i configure my laptop at the Dell Concept store at lowyat plaza? I don't have the confidence of ordering my lappies online

Sorry for the looong post sweat.gif. Your feedback is much appreciated guys, thanks thumbup.gif

hasif63
post Aug 2 2013, 02:54 PM

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Answers in bold smile.gif
QUOTE(nexus2238 @ Aug 2 2013, 11:31 AM)
Inspiron 14R, i3-4010U + Intel HD4400 + (1366x768;touch)@RM1988 [2.32kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W8 , 6 cell
http://configure.ap.dell.com/dellstore/con...s=dhs&cs=mydhs1

Inspiron 15R, i3-4010U + Intel HD4400@RM1599 [2.32kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W8 , 6 cell
http://configure.ap.dell.com/dellstore/con...s=dhs&cs=mydhs1

How do you get to the prices you mentioned?
I added 3 year Dell Pro warranty with another 3 year Accidental Damage. 

If you only want 14", 14R also has a no-touch screen option (but only 4 cell battery): (if the customisation option is not there for 6 cell, chat with Dell Sale and see if they can help to upgrade it to 6 cell)
Inspiron 14R, i3-4010U + Intel HD4400 + @RM1549 [2.32kg], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W8 , 4 cell
http://configure.ap.dell.com/dellstore/con...s=dhs&cs=mydhs1

If you don't need touchscreen, go for the cheaper option of course smile.gif
if both 15R and 14R has the same capacity battery, 14R will have slightly better battery running time (smaller screen)
W8 is perfectly usable without touchscreen. If you want to try touchscreen, make sure you are perfectly comfortable with the strength of the hinge. Wobbly screen is very annoying.
Is the difference in battery life substantial? According to this they managed to get abt 7 hours in browsing (not in full performance of course), and the laptop has a dedicated GPU and an i5. And I think I might need the numpad as i have some accounting subjects in my course

OS media kit - If you intend to re-install OS later, you absolutely need it. It is free from Dell, take it. For 15R, you can actually ask for it, they will give it to you for free as well.
Oh that's a good thing to know smile.gif

Dell Concept Store in LYP? masih ada ke?  hmm.gif
I just googled the store... don't know if it still there or not. Haven't been to lowyat for a while already  tongue.gif

Just wipe out your credit card, no worries laugh.gif  icon_rolleyes.gif Dell Online is safe.
Customise, negotiate (online chat, must do otherwise you miss out discount / goodies), pay by credit card. Dell will update you on expected delivery time (you can track it yourself online), and deliver to your doorstep.
Unfortunately, I don't have a credit card  sad.gif
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hasif63
post Aug 2 2013, 06:59 PM

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QUOTE(nexus2238 @ Aug 2 2013, 04:06 PM)
Pro support - apparently only RM30 difference from basic support  hmm.gif You probably won't need the software support. 24x7 phone support is useful if you can't wait. The good thing is Pro support assure you the technician will be there NBD, whereas Basic is 1-2 BD (but typically next day).

Accidental damage - it's quite cheap for RM150(?) extra. If user are hamfist type of person, worth it.

But you do realise you just add 25% (14R) or 30% (15R) to the cost of the laptop tongue.gif

Generally, strongly encourage buyers to get as long period warranty cover as they can afford. Whether accidental coverage is needed, has to weight cost/benefit  hmm.gif

The difference in battery running time is not substantial (screen do drain a lot of power, but difference in screen surface area between 14" and 15" is not that big). In browsing, the GPU does not kick in at all (which leads to the pretty good battery running time). Do note some other assumption on those test on battery running time (i.e. power profile, screen brightness, etc).
Accounting course - yup, definitely need numpad biggrin.gif

Dell do accept direct banking. They will give you the banking account details, you bank in, then scan the bank-in slip to them for confirmation.
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i really invested in warranty because when i bought my last laptop, "the champion of overheating" compaq cq40 (with amd and radeon3450 no less) they lasted only a year. I did not think much abt warranty back then. Now, warranty is one of my main factor when purchasing a laptop. Furthermore i already factored-in the cost of warranty when i'm deciding my budget smile.gif

i see, it is possible then for me to get similar battery running time if i purchase the 15R? I mean, it has haswell on board, so i can at least expect a similar or better battery running time yes?

hasif63
post Aug 2 2013, 08:20 PM

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QUOTE(nexus2238 @ Aug 2 2013, 07:18 PM)
Swing from 1 extreme to another?
Generally, I will say Accidental Coverage is important for certain type of users:
Those who carry laptop by hand a lot (e.g. move from 1 room to another in office); like to eat and drink beside the laptop; working in hazardous area with uneven surface; butter-fingers; young children using; don't use proper laptop bag (normally ladies tongue.gif); like to bang on keyboard when frustrated ....
But if you budget for it, by all means go for it. It's the best peace of mind you can get

As I mentioned, the battery running time of the 15R and 14R won't differ by much smile.gif (both has Haswell right?)
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when i went to college, i did some of the things you mentioned (mainly eating/drinking in front of the lappy) sweat.gif
so the accidental damage warranty is pretty much essential smile.gif

i'll be getting the 15R then. thanks for your time and your feedback yeah rclxms.gif notworthy.gif icon_rolleyes.gif





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