The three ideapad models above will NOT last long

Consider at least ideapad 5 or thinkbook normal (non-s)/E series or stretch budget for s models instead if want last long or stretch for thinkpad higher end series (L or T)

AMD is same perf, yet budget friendly, so you don't have to limit just intel only

DM zm fong for discounts

With discount code will be more palatable for your limited budget. Have to ask zm fong though.

Or try yourself DOORBUSTER when add in cart.
Ideapad 3xx series or Inspiron 3xxx series problem is hinge easily broken due to material plastic cut cost, so will be mostly same. If you don't mind request warrenty during 1-2year or even replace with new after warranty then go for it , your choice

mind waiting 1-3 months?

4th gen (mobile) onwards (which is since 2 years ago), AMD can match if not perform better than Intel on mobile CPU already. Their segmentation is similar, Ryzen 3, 5, 7, 9 etc.

AMD generally have more powerful integrated graphic than Intel (except for specialized solution) and always beat Intel in terms of pricing (like you can get Ryzen 5 vs Intel i3 at a cheaper price and etc).

Though one thing to note with iGPU is that I'll recommend to buffer 2-4GB of your RAM just for iGPU and upsize the whole system RAM of your PC. So try to go above 12 (sub-optimal) or 16GB of RAM.

BTW, despite the cheap and plastic built of Ideapad 1 and 3 series since it's inception, my mileage with it is actually OK thus far. The 180 degree hinges made it quite resistant to wears, mine is now over 2 years in service and still in tip-top condition (though I'll consider myself as someone who're more delicate with his stuffs).

I wouldn't turn down for the option if I happen to find a Ideapad 3 cheap and worthy enough for it's price. If it's sub RM2k, you just need it to last 2-3 years and made another better downgrade down the line.

But the main turn-off of all these budget laptops is often the display, extremely terrible+eyesore display. That's why Thinkpad/Thinkbook often came top of recommendation list as you can configure for a better and more fitting display with them, sadly currently they're over your budget (they used to be configurable within 3k range).

This is lead time to shipping AFTER you make order of Existing model like now from lenovo, nothing to do with upcoming model

Like I mentioned above, if you chosen a model without dedicated GPU which has its own VRAM, better upsize your system RAM further from 8GB.

It’s their play safe lead time, may actually be faster but you never try never know.

Nope, buying with Lenovo Malaysia, they either ship from China or SG. If you want some properly customised model, then most often it needs to come from China and with a long lead time.

ThinkBook 15 Gen 3
Processor: AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500U Processor (6 Cores / 12 Threads, 2.10 GHz, up to 4.00 GHz with Max Boost, 3 MB Cache L2 / 8 MB Cache L3)
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64
Display Type: 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) IPS 300nits Anti-glare, 45% NTSC
Memory: 8 GB Soldered DDR4 3200MHz + 8 GB SO-DIMM DDR4 3200MHz
Hard Drive: 512 GB M.2 2242 SSD
Warranty: 1 Year Depot
AC Adapter: 65W USB-C
Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics
Second Hard Drive: None
Battery: 4 Cell, 60Wh
Camera: 720p HD Camera with PrivacyShutter
Fingerprint Reader: Fingerprint Reader
Keyboard: Backlit, English
Pointing Device: ClickPad
Security Chip: Firmware TPM 2.0
Wireless: 11AC (2x2) & Bluetooth® 5.0

Those low end GPU typically not gonna be used for any gaming or graphic acceleration usages either, so most of the time they’re just worth as much as iGPU, so long as they’re powerful enough to drive your video usages (of which modern iGPU definitely should).

8+8 should still have the advantage over solely 8, for its dual channel and iGPU won’t take more than 2-4GB RAM. Dual channel RAM means a more responsive system performance too.

Not much commend on the Thinkpad, just feels that their price are so much inflated and inflexible vs what’s available last year or even few years back. But well, we all know that chips market sucks now and it’s still lucky to not have 100% price increase like graphic cards did.

Computing wise, 5500u definitely more than enough for your expected needs.

Human Nature, btw the Dell looks OK specs/price wise, BUT I'm not clear on the display quality of it (which I expect it to be typical - average/mediocre) and I'm not a particularly at ease with the over-hinge design.

Such design lock the viewing angle and put unnecessary stress onto the hinges for no reason. Why the heck woul you want a fragile part like hinge to take the load of the laptop or any additional presses?

The red arrows are the reaction force exerted towards the lappy at support.

In a way I agree with that, the Thinkbook aren't overpriced at that either. Just that the default display is on the average side and not what I will go with if I'm getting a RM3k+ lappy.

Don't have the panel for this model, but it's Intel iteration used this display, which is OK in brightness and contrast but expectedly mediocre at color reproduction and accuracy.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-ThinkB...p.533402.0.html

This is the specs I will go with myself if I'm getting a RM3k+ laptop. But too bad it isn't available already. Key strength is with the 100% SRGB display (upgrade for a little cost) and the Thunderbolt4 port (this is extremely rare in budget sub RM5k lappy, good for external graphic card or even futureproof against USB4).

Just bought Lenovo Thinkpad E15 Gen3 on their official website, ard rm3.4k
Official LT is 10 weeks. But i order early Dec 21, received by 1st week of Jan 22. 

AMD Ryzen 5
16GB ram
512GB SSD
15.6inch Screen
2 yrs warranty

Now lenovo website most think or even ideapad models has removed the customization option, you can now choose from preconfig options only subject to stock availability

Are you urgent or can wait for a while for possible better deals (but not very likely)?

I thought Thinkpads should have according settings in Bios is change them back? Don’t have a Thinkpad with me to check though.
One of the charm of Thinkpads is their keyboards, much more solid typing feel than other typical ultrabooks.

Those low end GPU typically not gonna be used for any gaming or graphic acceleration usages either, so most of the time they’re just worth as much as iGPU, so long as they’re powerful enough to drive your video usages (of which modern iGPU definitely should).

8+8 should still have the advantage over solely 8, for its dual channel and iGPU won’t take more than 2-4GB RAM. Dual channel RAM means a more responsive system performance too.

Not much commend on the Thinkpad, just feels that their price are so much inflated and inflexible vs what’s available last year or even few years back. But well, we all know that chips market sucks now and it’s still lucky to not have 100% price increase like graphic cards did.

Computing wise, 5500u definitely more than enough for your expected needs.

Nowadays they no longer drop price for last gen products. Though it will still feel real sucky to know your newly bought purchases got a newer and better version right after you got it.

sRGB on ideapad? That’s a rare one too.

Hopefully it’s good and congrats on your purchase.

BTW, mind share your final configured specs?

I noticed that Lenovo only bundle MX450 with i7. Also don't forget to grab the MS office home and student.