Hi there...

This is a topic for EVERYBODY out there that needs special recommendation on buying a new laptop...

To request recommendation, what u need to post:

1. Brand.
2. Budget.
3. Specs.
4. Size.

Any new topic regarding recommendations shall be closed/deleted without explaination...

It's easy to be intimidated by all the laptop models on the market today. There are literally dozens and dozens in every price range.

The key to finding the right one for you is to step back and consider exactly how you plan to use your laptop. When you define what you need before you go shopping, buying the right machine becomes much easier.

Here are a few tips how to purchase such a piece of equipment.

Before buying:

Calculate with a generous budget.
Do not think about your current needs. Think about your future ones.
The device should manage all of your electronic daily needs for at least the next three years to come. It is also advisable to foresee your device as a mobile desktop replacement.
The device's usefulness is more important than its appearance which means that it must be practical and robust as opposed to being suitable for taking part in a designer competition.
Sleep the matter over again before buying.

Buying:

Take producers into consideration who have been in the laptop business for a long time and whose main line is computer production and who do not, for example, also produce refrigerators and vacuum cleaners. An advertising flyer which makes big promises at a low price is also not suitable.

The device should offer standard components which are independent of the laptop producer. This means, for instance, avoiding a graphic card from Joe Bloggs or a harddisk which fell off the back of a lorry. Good laptops contain components from IBM, INTEL, 3COM, LUCENT, CISCO etc. Remember that it might be necessary to install a new driver at a later point and this will still be available from a good producer in two years.

The device should be all-in-one which means that the DVD/CD R/W, network card, wireless LAN, analog modem, USB Version 2.x, FireWire, Bluetooth etc. are all built in. With an all-in-one device it is not possible to forget to pack in the wireless card or the bluetooth card or to leave them in the train. All in all devices with built-in components are lighter than those with separate add-ons. They are also much less likely to break down. Apart from that good robust devices do tend to be somewhat heavier than their less robust counterparts.

Floppy drives are no longer absolutely necessary for daily work and are hardly available on the market any more. Should you need one nevertheless, you can hook up an external USB drive. USB floppy drives can also boot DOS. However these days there are other possibilities for doing BIOS upgrades, backups etc.
You should choose a processor of the latest generation. Today (01.01.06) that would be an Intel Centrino Duo Mobile 2.0 GHz processor or faster (but not an Intel Celeron processor).

The harddisk should be 80 GB or more.

Today 1 GB of RAM is customary. Also think about your future needs. 2 GB of RAM (Windows Vista, Photoshop etc.) is definitely better and, what you buy right from the beginning, is much cheaper than a later upgrade.

Graphic cards with at least 64 MB of RAM (not shared) are standard in good devices. Running a large external monitor will then pose no problems whatsoever.
You should pay special attention to your choice of monitor. Many producers have allowed themselves to be persuaded to produce 15" monitors which use 1600 x 1200 pixels as their ideal resolution. Unfortunately this is not ideal for many users because the contents of the screen can hardly be read at this resolution. An ideal resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels or 1400 x 1050 pixels is better for 15" monitors.
The operating system should be Windows XP Professional SP2 (and definitely not Windows XP HOME Edition). XP Professional is only slightly more expensive but is well worth it. Make sure that you get the operating system on a separate CD and not as a 'preload' bundled together with other software. This is also valid for the drivers. (Good producers offer web pages where you can download the latest BIOS, drivers and the like.) You will then find it much easier to configure your own system. Also ask if Linux can be installed easily and whether support is available in any case. Installation of Linux is not possible on all laptops without problems. But if Linux can be installed without a great effort, you can assume that the components are good quality ones.

Conclusion:

There are endless variations you can buy. Don't hesitate to ask here. Questions don't cost anything...

u mean the RM2299 1 ?

ok ... seems like the old thread full already ^ ^ ...
ok .. still support here ...

wow version 2 already...cheers ..

ya ..there are a few models there also got New Price so my guess is all the v3200 series would have a new price tag ..

I just refering to what 5ive said.
You mean RM2299 is the new price already?
Other price tag for v3200 model?

i am not sure but here is what the brochure has
V3218TU RM2299(new price)
V3219TU RM2599(new price)
V3201TU RM2699(new price)
V3202TU RM2999(new price)
V3203TU RM2999(new price)
V3205TU RM3699(new price)

the v3218 tu should be no more already ...

Owh really..? I thought my friend was looking for it at the moment....

hey guys, i am think about the Compaq Presario 3203TU and Lenovo Y400 945433A

can u all tell me which 1 should i buy

this laptor will be used for doing assignment, playing game(war3,wow), music and movie, surfing internet and oso download via BT.

gv me some opinion ya!

the lenovo 945433A using GMA 950 izzit..? coz Y400 too many model liao, make me confuse..

if using GMA 950 then should be no major different liao.. i think Y400 slot in dvd-rw is a cool stuff, but just cant use small disc..

Yes,this is the model come with GMA950. I think better he take the HP v3250 rather than Y400 cos GF IGP has better gaming experience.

any of this model with Free DOS?

Yes, below is the freedos model
V3218TU RM2299
V3201TU RM2699
V3203TU RM2999

but slot-in is better than tray in terms of reading and also more quiet lol ..the only drawback is cannot use small disc lol ..

V3205TU seems like quite good.
got altec lancing speaker too...

yup Duo2Core 1.83Ghz
Vista Basic preloaded
just the GPU is shared ..so mild gaming is okay .. altec lansing speakers is bassy too ..tried it b4 .

Hi all,
Need some recommendation..

Brand - any
Budget - 3.5k
Spec - c2d, 2gb ram, 15.4" display

currently in my mind is Dell 6400..

with tat budget and 2GB RAM..
i think Dell Inspiron is ur perfect fit..
perhaps if u 1 a good gaming laptop..
Benq S73G is another option..
go find for john...he's selling it at RM3599..

oh... ok..
i just use it for multi-tasking and play online games..
neway, thanks for the suggestion.. appreciate it.

yeah .. if this 1 come with home premium will be more better ^ ^

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Added on May 2, 2007, 7:14 pmnow is RM 3550 already
but the stock is almost finish already ^ ^

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Added on May 2, 2007, 7:17 pmif u want dell also can find me ^ ^

This post has been edited by john_jay2: May 2 2007, 07:17 PM

ya, if not mind 14.1", S73G is a good choice since it got X1600 that Dell's X1400 cant compare...

ya ... but now is kinda limited for the stock ....

izzit because they gonna introduce S73V ? or S73GV ? comes with vista preloaded rite ?

no .. comes with latest santa rosa ^ ^ but the selling price is a bit higher ... ^ ^

erm no major diff ya~

then how about the service centre? i am stay in pj so if my NB got any problem, then where should i go ? call the reseller ?

and this 2 model, which is better for open long period (1 week)?
bcos i used to using desktop, i seldom shut down my desktop...

you might wan to look at the reviews at the Y400 thread ...

http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=399390&st=0

this 1 .. if i not mistake pj got service centre ..
wisma ibm or ibm tower ...

normally laptops open a week .. if i not mistake is ok lar ..
but better pull out the battery 1st lar ^ ^

This post has been edited by john_jay2: May 2 2007, 11:42 PM

ya ikinda fancy Y400 too ..looks department not bad, spec not bad ..service center near PJ plus it has a SLot-in like my lappy ..l love slot in ..although u can't put in mini disc ..

overall this model is quite satisfy lar ..
i heard tht this model ... speaker is quite nice ... ^ ^

of coz le ..coz it got 3W woofer integrated too !!!! cool!!! hel ya !!! boom boom boom ..

but the woofer will make the machine spoil or not ?
coz built in inside ??
heard tht not so good for laptops ?

erm... woofer... not much defferent la.. depends on the watt of the woofer la.. jz marketting skill only la! maybe sounds quality bttr.. and 1 more thing, the woofer is build under the laptop where the spce always covered.. how the sound spread out.. haha.. like mine 1...

no problem ..lol ..coz not like our woofer la ..can turn until vibrate hehe ..the 3Watt woofer gives more bass and treble sound to it ..altec lansing also loose here ..

icic ^ ^
but the clearness ?? which one sound more clear ?

i never compare unit to unit le .. you try to get some demo unit to compare le ..let us knoe the outcome ..olol

ok ok .. to be arrange ... once try already .. will post here ^ ^
but so far .. i kinda like altec lansing ^ ^

Hi my budjet around 4k below,uses are mainly for games and music lol
so i really need a high performing one.Thinking of getting 2 gig and a grafik card,and 1.7g core duo isit possible?
any brands to suggest?
thx your help is appreciated

The woofer so low watt no problem la cos didnt vibrant much. Quite like the woofer cos looks so special compare with other laptop.

there is several model in this market ...
such as Asus A8jr , benq S73g,R55

hi guys..i need help..

i thinking of getting either compaq or dell's laptop

my budget would be around rm1900 - rm2400!

i'll be playing games like warcraft 3 n some other games which are not so latest,listen to songs,uni assignments,BT d/l,msn messenger..

do you know of any major 'producer' or what that have installment payment?

thank you very much..

how bout compaq v3250 au ?

If got CC sure can installment....
I think ur requirement can go for V3250...

yeah ... installment in low yat normally require a credit card ..
unless u r going to the AEON 1 ..
but tht one the interest is more higher ...
not really worth ^ ^for me i accept HSBC , AMBANK ,MBF
but normally there is a 5% handling fees ^ ^

thanks for the fast reply guys..appreciate it..

AEON how much interest then? haha...saw it b4 but duno the rate...

AEON..? izzit that 1 related with Jusco..?

not really sure ...
but i heard is 10% above .. if i not mistake ...
coz pay by cash 1 .. no need c.card .. ^ ^

nope...individual i think. They offer a lot installment plan 1. Not sure though their rate.

izzit ??
i heard tht AEON bank owned JUSCO ... dono whether is right or not ??

AEON company brought Jusco long ago already ar ..few years back .. that is why you see the Jusco trademark got 'owned by AEON' and you can also notice AEON cc centers at every JJ ..

yeah .. no wonder always see many AEON ... even near bukit bintang there oso hv ....
they are dominating ..
xin u know their interest or not ar ? for installment ?

dunno I get direct from HP got 24 month installments 0% on all CC

Finance Amount
Below RM2,999 Interest Rate 1.5%
From RM3,000 to RM6,999 Interest Rate 1.2%
Above RM7,000 Interest Rate 1.0%

more info at Aeon Malaysia Webpage

the chargers is per month .. right ??
is quite standard huh ???

ya but i think it can only be used on AEON Easy Payment Scheme for your purchases at participating merchants... so if you r a merchant of Aeon then the interest do applies and up to 36months installment ..

Not that high though......
Can consider...haha

aiyo..better use cc o buy la(0% interest). 1% per month then can be 24% for 2 year alr. No worth la. Yesterday go to Aeon sales counter in penang saw they selling BenQ R55 (RM3999) lower spec: Core duo,512MB RAM,GF7400,80GB HD... wa lao..quiet expensive. I just bought RM3349 in passed PC fair come with standard C2D spec.

huh ?? why so expensive 1 ??
not worth lar .. they r cutting ppl head off ^ ^

lower specs but expensive..? how come man...

maybe aeon already count in the interest inside ..
thats y it is expensive ..

Hai..
I would like to buy laptop but I need some opinion from you.
I wish to have Toshiba or any other good recomend brand below RM4,000 with below spec:-

Specs: Intel(R) Core(tm)2 Duo Processor T5500 (1.80GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB), 1GB DDRII RAM, 80GB-120GB HDD, 13"-14.1" WXGA SSV, DVD Super Multi Drive, DOS, Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950 DVMT 128 MB (shared),2-2.3kg (approx.), 56K Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, WiFi 802.11b/g, IEEE1394, Bluetooth, 4 x USB, RJ11, RJ45, 4-in-1 Card Reader (SD, MMC, Memory Stick / Stick PRO), 1x S-Video, Integrated WebCam and Skype(tm) One-Touch Activation Button, 1x PCMCIA type I / II slot, Facia Black Colour/White Colour, at least 1-year Warranty

Waiting for your reply.
Thanks & Best regards,
sally



[[YOUTUBE][/YOUTUBE]

Ya, i have the same feel like you. They tot all of us no knowledge or wat? 1stly i tot my eye was blur when saw the price with that lower spec. Totally cant believe it. We can sue them cheating there?

i dont think we can sue them ...
coz .... they hv the right to sell at wht price too ....
is depends on the customer want or dont want to buy ... ^ ^

They sell it with higher price tag because they offer a longer period installment plan so you can't sue them.

Haiz..The person who bought from them looks so pity. 1 month pay RM166.67x 24months looks so attrative. There are many saleman & gal. When walking near only they sure ll stick with u and keep asking questions. Do u hear about Aeon?Do u have cc?u like......

ya .. normally salesman or salesgirl is like tht 1 ..
wht they called it ??
ar ... see potential only go ...

They sell cellphone and digital camera too with higher price too. Sometimes i am sorry for those ppl bought from them since they got axe pretty bad.

yeah ... but wht can we do ... coz they gv cash installment tht other cant do ...
haihz .... pity ...

john jay2,
do you have any idea when will the benq laptop with fancy santa rosa will come out?
will the laptop have any x1600 gc?

june or july ...
i heard tht they come with more better g.c ..
not really sure ..
but 1 thing for sure is ..
we hv to wait .. ^ ^

i wish they come wit webcam too ..lllol

DVDRW
1GB

no card reader,
no webcam,

what the reliable brand i can get?
budget is around Rm2500

Asus,
Acer,
Compaq Presario,
Dell,

give me the best price

ok.. i will wait and see
if really have something like that around my budget i will sure get one from ya
anyway, benq quality ok or not? let say compare with acer?

Actually s73g is pretty good already if you have the dough just change the processor to Intel c2d T7400 then it will be smoking fast.
BenQ own acer

Im thinking should i get a laptop at end of May or i should wait for promo? since new things will come out soon. Ohya, im only taking the low spec laptop, so dun ask me to take the latest.

SO u guys think how? Take it at end of May or wait for promo? which probably going to have in June/july....

June or july? so mebbe wait until nov during pcfair.....will be cheaper or better deal i think....

budget now = low spec

budget when at june = maybe medium spec

coz santa rosa platform out ..so all the medium spec lappy should decrease price hehe ..

benq quality is better than acer ..
u really can see the big difference ...
both are like brother sister company lar ^ ^

Compaq Presario V3200

ACER 5583 ,
Compaq V3313 , V3250
should be ok ...

just wanna know...is this model presario 3205TU still available in the market?
wonder how much was the cost last time...mind to share...

visit John for more details ..lol

thx for the advertisement bro ..
yeah .. visit for more info ^ ^

ya, i agree, after santa rosa have been released, the previous platform shud be cheaper right..? so mayb just wait 1-2 month..

thx guys

maybe cheaper...but duno got stock anot leh? maybe got those leftover from previous batch only.

so those interesting shud try keeping update the stock and price lo.. try get the last stock and shud be lower price...

but not recommend for those aiming high specs machine, coz their budget shud enof to buy santa rosa platform..

welcome , you can try Dell 640m too ..now they are doin promotion and it starts from 2499 onli !!!! go check it out ...

I was thinking whether getting 3205, or 3203 then add RAM and Vista Premium to it..any opinion?

is there a lot of difference between C2D T5600 and T5500?

3205 be upgraded to vista premium? ><

and what is the difference between "WXGA High-Definition BrightView Display" and "WXGA TFT BrightView Display" ?

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Added on May 5, 2007, 2:05 pmdon't charge the 5% can or not?

This post has been edited by justinalnz: May 5 2007, 02:05 PM

Intel Core 2 Duo T5500, 1.66 GHz, 2 MB L2 Cache, 667 MHZ FSB - 25 Watts (TDP according Intel 34 Watts)
Intel Core 2 Duo T5600, 1.83 GHz, 2 MB L2 Cache, 667 MHZ FSB, VT - 25 Watts (TDP according Intel 34 Watts)

the only diff is the Ghz .. it does not differs much if you are normal use ..no worries

TFT is a technology and HD is a standard. The TFT technology is what that makes up a pixel. HD specifies how MANY pixels can ur lcd supports. Basically it is the same for lcd notebook standards ...

So TFT gives better display than HD is it?

err ..nope lol ..TFT is the standard ..like CRT or TFT ..

HD is the technology applied into TFT ..hehe ..its the same for notebook ... ... the full name is WGXA TFT HD LCD TV ..but some makers use TFT LCD and some use HD LCD ...