Buying New Laptop: ~30K Budget

bump. I need user experiences on Lenovo G450, Acer 5536G, Zenith Director Plus and Dell Inspiron 14.

Acer 5542..... is what i'd suggest.. the best for your budget

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it has the new Athlon II M300, so better performance,battery life & no heating problems

---------- Post added at 06:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:06 PM ----------

it has the new Athlon II M300, so better performance,battery life & no heating problems

ssk_the_gr8 said:

Acer 5542..... is what i'd suggest.. the best for your budget

---------- Post added at 06:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:03 PM ----------

it has the new Athlon II M300, so better performance,battery life & no heating problems

---------- Post added at 06:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:06 PM ----------

it has the new Athlon II M300, so better performance,battery life & no heating problems

Click to expand...

WHOA! Athlon II CPUs already in India ?
Whats its price ?

30k....your budget

ssk_the_gr8 said:

30k....your budget

Click to expand...

Unfortunately GPU is only HD4200 IGP.
I want a decent GPU for gaming.
Any alternative ? Or does it come in G edition ?

yes it has a 5542G edition... but i think you will be able to manage in your budget

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acer 5542g costs around 35k
Specifications - AMD Turion II Dual Core M500 (2.2 Ghz,1 MB L2) / ATI-Rad 512MB DedGr/AMD M880G Chipset / 3 GB DDR2 RAM / 15.6" HD-LED / DVD Writer/ 320 GB HDD / BT/ MultiCR / FPR/Gigabit LAN / WebCam/ 4 x USB Ports / Dolby Stereo Speakers/HDMI/ 6 Cell

Hmm... everything is OK in config except missing DDR3 RAM.

And price is 35K only for linux edition. For windows I need to shell out a couple of grands more. Which pushes it way out of my budget.

And Athlon II M300 series CPUs with 512kb X2 L2 cache are supposed to be at par with Intel T4000 series CPUs right ? I'm thinking of going for a T4000 series CPU itself it athlon II continues to be this insanely expensive.

---------- Post added at 08:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:52 AM ----------

Hmm... everything is OK in config except missing DDR3 RAM.

And price is 35K only for linux edition. For windows I need to shell out a couple of grands more. Which pushes it way out of my budget.

And Athlon II M300 series CPUs with 512kb X2 L2 cache are supposed to be at par with Intel T4000 series CPUs right ? I'm thinking of going for a T4000 series CPU itself it athlon II continues to be this insanely expensive.

ok... 1st tell me what is your max budget.. is it 32k or 33k or what ever.cause you have mentioned around 30k.....
dont look for dddr3 ram it doesnt matter... there is no performance difference at this budget
& athlon II is not expensive, 5542g is expensive due to the 15.6" screen plus gfx crad

ssk_the_gr8 said:

ok... 1st tell me what is your max budget.. is it 32k or 33k or what ever.cause you have mentioned around 30k.....
dont look for dddr3 ram it doesnt matter... there is no performance difference at this budget
& athlon II is not expensive, 5542g is expensive due to the 15.6" screen plus gfx crad

Click to expand...

Reason I want DDR3 is because I want a safe upgrade path later when 4GB DDR3 modules become cheaper. I don't want to face the buying-ddr1-at-end-of-life effect I faced with my current desktop.

See difference between 5542G and 5536G. Almost EVERYTHING is same except CPU.

Actually due to faster turion cpu at 2.2GHz the 5536G is more powerful. Everything else in config is same. And abroad Athlon II X2 M300 is cheaper than Turion X2 2.2GHz because of it being cheaper to manufacture.

So the reason 5542G is expensive in India is because of high demand for Athlon II M300 series CPUs.

And I don't want to be a high paying early adopter. Would rather buy similar performing Intel. Only thing I won't get on Intel will be SSE4 instruction set support which is barely needed.

As for budget its 30K but I am willing to push it at most to 33k only because I can get a GPU with the 3K extra.

then 5536g seems to be the right choice for u... go for it
& if ddr3 is a bigger priority the dell studio 14 is what i'd suggest
stay away from lenovo cause i have had a number of bad experiences with it

ssk_the_gr8 said:

then 5536g seems to be the right choice for u... go for it
& if ddr3 is a bigger priority the dell studio 14 is what i'd suggest

Click to expand...

DDR3 ain't a priority obviously.

As for 5536G, its got overheating issues. But considering my uptime, I need a cool machine if its gotta survive 4 years. I fall asleep working.

So right now it boils down to Dell Studio 14 vs Lenovo G450.

Is lenovo reliable ?

when it comes to reliability dell trumps lenovo... so i suggest dell

ssk_the_gr8 said:

when it comes to reliability dell trumps lenovo... so i suggest dell

Click to expand...

Trumps by what margin ?
If Lenovo is good enough to last 4 years, till end of 2013, I'm all in for it.

Gautam,have you considered any compaq model?

i wouldnt count on lenovo for 4 years.....

@red dragon:

HP-Compaq not under consideration because of the lack of dedicated GPUs on their laptops in the price range around 30k. And these days all old good compaq models are being withdrawn. Its no more as viable an option is it once was.

@ssk_the_gr8:

know anybody with any experience with lenovo ? I am almost finalising my choice but want to be sure I cant depend on lenny since its too good a config to just pass over.

And the dell comes at 33k online. Can I get discounts with retailers or bargain over phone ? Do they give student discounts ? If price comes down to 30k will be really helpful. Is EPP still on ?

user experience on zenith director

bad battery life 2 hrs
slightly flimsy built quality

I guess I'm finalizing on Dell Inspiron 14.

Please give me advice on buying a Dell.

i know 3 people with bad experiences with lenovo, bad built quality , heating issues etc.
that is why i'm against it.
u could try to bargain on the phone but you will have better luck with retailers if you can get the same config.

OK. And yeah, I also realized that while I sacrifice on the Dell for GPU, I get better battery (9-cell over 6-cell), travel mouse, faster wifi and clearer screen. This and more secure HDD (FFS). So the deal is indeed VFM now.

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what price do you think I can manage the dell at after bargain ?
since I'm from bangalore, can I pick up the laptop personally and remove shipping charges ?

---------- Post added at 12:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:47 AM ----------

what price do you think I can manage the dell at after bargain ?
since I'm from bangalore, can I pick up the laptop personally and remove shipping charges ?

u can definitely give it a try , picking it up on your own & canceling the shipping charges..
call dell customer care & find out...
bargaining for 30k laptops is much more difficult compared to say a 45k laptop... but u could definitely try for free goodies like mice,earphones etc. which is more likely to happen....
i will still say go to a few shops.. you could get a better deal.

Finalized with Dell. Desiibond helped me a lot when it came to finding a store.

They remove Tax and its only discount offered. Unfortunately assembley is in Chennai and not Bangalore so delivery charges still apply. I even have to pay 1K for laptop bag.

Modifications were done to dell site. They have removed DDR3 and put DDR2 in there.

I'm going with base config plus following changes:

1. 250GB 7200RPM HDD w/FFS
2. Travel Bag
3. Dell Optical Mouse
4. EP-630.
5. Radeon HD4330.

Though I am not sure if EP-630 is worth paying Rs 384 extra.

---------- Post added at 08:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:44 AM ----------

Finalized with Dell. Desiibond helped me a lot when it came to finding a store.

They remove Tax and its only discount offered. Unfortunately assembley is in Chennai and not Bangalore so delivery charges still apply. I even have to pay 1K for laptop bag.

Modifications were done to dell site. They have removed DDR3 and put DDR2 in there.

I'm going with base config plus following changes:

1. 250GB 7200RPM HDD w/FFS
2. Travel Bag
3. Dell Optical Mouse
4. EP-630.
5. Radeon HD4330.

Though I am not sure if EP-630 is worth paying Rs 384 extra.

---------- Post added at 08:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:44 AM ----------

Dell(TM) Inspiron 14 Laptop (S541001IN8)
Qty 1 Base for Direct, Genuine Windows® 7 Home Basic 64bit (English) Unit Price Excl. tax and delivery Rs.32,616.01
Catalog Number: 78002 S541001IN8 Module Description Show Details Base Base for Direct Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Basic 64bit (English) Processor Intel® Pentium® Processor T4300 (2.1GHz / 800FSB / 1MB Cache) Memory 2GB (1 X 2GB) DDR2 SDRAM Keyboard Internal Dell(TM) 86 Keys Keyboard (English) Video Card 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 Hard Drive 250GB 7200RPM w/FFS HDD Mouse Dell(TM) Optical USB Mouse Optical Drive 8X DVD+/-RW Drive with DVD+R double layer write capability, with Roxio Burn 1.0--For Win 7 Audio Solution Intel(R) High Definition Audio 2.0 Software Microsoft(R) Works Include Microsoft(R) Home & Student 60 Days Trial Pre-install Dell Services: Hardware Maintenance 1 Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis WinRE Dell(TM) PC-Restore Included Wireless Network Card Dell Wireless 1397 802.11b/g Half Mini Card Bluetooth Module Dell Wireless 365 Bluetooth Dell Service: Remark Laptop Batteries Carry 1 Year Warranty Only From Invoice Date Dell Service: Remark Dell's Terms and Conditions apply Batteries 48WHr 6-cell Lithim Ion Primary Battery Carrying Cases Belkin Simple Backpack 15.6" Pitch Black / Soft Gray (Jetset Red) Item Included in the System MOD,BZL,ODD,1440 Item Included in the System Dell Connect 2.1 Item Included in the System Discount is only valid if the corresponding upgraded item is selected above. Item Included in the System Limited time promotional offer only. No further discounts apply. Item Included in the System Dell Dock Item Included in the System User Guide Document (English) Item Included in the System MOD,LBL,REG,NBK,ALBA,IDA,APCC Item Included in the System Adobe Reader (English) Item Included in the System Mod Specs Info (India) Item Included in the System Integrated 10/100 Fast Ethernet Item Included in the System 7-in-1 Memory Card Reader Security Software McAfee(TM) Security Center (Multi-Language) - 30-Day Trial Version Camera Integrated 1.3 mega pixel web cam Optional Notebook Colour Kits Obsidian Black with High Gloss Microsoft OS Labels Genuine Windows(R) 7 OS Label More Accessories Noise Isolation Ear Buds Label Options Intel Pentium Label Display 14.0 " High Definition (1366x768) LED Display with TrueLife(TM) Freight Charges Inspiron-NB Handling & Insurance Charges /Express Premium Delivery Charges Delivery charges not included Power Option 90W AC Adapter Dell Services: Datasafe Backup Service Dell Online Backup 2GB

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---------- Post added at 08:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:46 AM ----------

congrats.. do post some pics..

ssk_the_gr8 said:

congrats.. do post some pics..

Click to expand...

Not ordered yet. Only config has been finilized.

Thing is I *may* be able to get a better offer thanks to a friend of mine. Will post about it if its confirmed. But most probably I'll stick to my fallback option, Dell Inspiron 14.

BTW final price is 33.5K Inclusive of all taxes, Shipped. Does it seem decent enough ?

it seems decent enough.. but hold on if u can get a better offer

Price reduced to 32.5K !!!!!

Thanks to the fact that I got a laptop bag as a free compliment from somewhere. This one is awesome so I'm not getting one from Dell.

Now only payment should be sorted out.

Dad doesn't want to pay entire amount before hand. Says he wants to pay advance and then pay rest only AFTER delivery. Wanna know if its possible @ Dell so doing some research right now.

Gautam, Dell has opened a huge exclusive store at DOmlur in Embassy Golf Links campus (on Inner ring road). YOu can either buy Dell laptops there or give them the configuration and money and the laptop will be shipped to your place from Chennai (900 bucks for shipping).

Also, I learned that price there is much better than that in other stores like e-zone and croma.

my friend yesterday purchased acer 5738z for 27.5k

pentium dual core T4300
GMA 4500M
15.6" LED backlit LCD
3 GB DDR3
320Gb HDD
dvd writer
Acer 802.11 b/g/n wireless
card reader
6-cell battery

only goodie given was laptop carry bag.

for 5k more you can get 5738G which comes with core 2 duo, better GPU, multitouch trackpad.

I have checked the laptop and except the touch pad buttons, it's pretty good and well build laptop. Also has a full sized keypad with flat keys which is superb for typing.

desiibond said:

Gautam, Dell has opened a huge exclusive store at DOmlur in Embassy Golf Links campus (on Inner ring road). YOu can either buy Dell laptops there or give them the configuration and money and the laptop will be shipped to your place from Chennai (900 bucks for shipping).

Click to expand...

Yeah that's where I'm buying.

Also, I learned that price there is much better than that in other stores like e-zone and croma.

Click to expand...

Learnt it the hard way. Went to every place and enquired about models.

my friend yesterday purchased acer 5738z for 27.5k

pentium dual core T4300
GMA 4500M
15.6" LED backlit LCD
3 GB DDR3
320Gb HDD
dvd writer
Acer 802.11 b/g/n wireless
card reader
6-cell battery

only goodie given was laptop carry bag.

for 5k more you can get 5738G which comes with core 2 duo, better GPU, multitouch trackpad.

I have checked the laptop and except the touch pad buttons, it's pretty good and well build laptop. Also has a full sized keypad with flat keys which is superb for typing.

Click to expand...

Config looks good.
Does it come with Windows 7
Is it durable and reliable long term ?
I may as well have bought the Lenovo G450 but choose dell due to quality factors. And I seem to find lenovo better than acer.

hmm. build quality of Acer 5738z is not as good as that of Dell Inspiron. But the trackpad is pain in the ass. Am writing a review of the laptop right now and will be posting it along with couple of images by tonight. Also the keypad of 5738 looked deceptively similar to the one's found on Sony and Apple but still it's very good.

If you can pay 2k-3k extra, Dell Inspiron is certainly the way to go.

Well Dell Inspiron 14 is finalized for now unless a better option suddenly pops up out of nowhere.

Rs. 32,500 is a sweet deal and hey, I can count on good linux support since its a Dell.

Now only payment remains to be seen to.

Do I need to make full payment in advance or is it part advance and rest after delivery ?

full payment afaik. shouldn't make a difference right?

desiibond said:

full payment afaik. shouldn't make a difference right?

Click to expand...

Hell yeah it should.

Dad was willing to order today if initial payment was just an advance and final payment was after delivery.

Now I need to convince him that dell are not a company who steal money just like that.

If waiting period is fairly short, I will have less issues however.

hmm. afaik, you have to do the full payment and instead of you going and picking the laptop from Dell store, the laptop will be delivered directly to your house.

desiibond said:

hmm. build quality of Acer 5738z is not as good as that of Dell Inspiron. But the trackpad is pain in the ass. Am writing a review of the laptop right now and will be posting it along with couple of images by tonight. Also the keypad of 5738 looked deceptively similar to the one's found on Sony and Apple but still it's very good.

If you can pay 2k-3k extra, Dell Inspiron is certainly the way to go.

Click to expand...

Is your review written yet ?

Two of my friends have been pestering me to give Acer 5738G a try since they know atleast 10 guys in their college with the same lappy all of whom are satisfied highly.

And please DO mention the full config there.

BTW, just noticed on the internet that Acer 5738G comes with nVidia GeForce G105m Graphics Card. This is supposed to be weaker than Radeon HD4330.

*www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html

Can you confirm if it indeed comes with this GPU or HD4570 ?

I've a rule that I'm only going for 45nm CPU. So anything with Athlon or Turion 65nm (with overheating madness) is out of question. If I buy a CPU it will be T4200/T4300/T6500/T6600/T6700/M300(athlon2)

NOW, if Acer 5738G comes with nVidia GeForce G105m its out of competition and only Lenovo (which already is almost out) and Dell (most probable buy) remain.

My Dad wants me to be 100% sure of what I'm buying so I asked.

Acer 5738G also has a config that comes with HD4570 if I am right. But that goes near to 40k.

5738z on the other hand comes only with Intel IGP.

dude... go with dell.. dont worry its the right choice for your budget

desiibond said:

Acer 5738G also has a config that comes with HD4570 if I am right. But that goes near to 40k.

Click to expand...

40k ? Its high enough to make my stomach burn. And you get Dell Studio at that range
So its officially out of my list.

5738z on the other hand comes only with Intel IGP.

Click to expand...

Yeah. For IGP-only machines I could as well go for something in the 25k range.

There are plenty of good notebooks in size 14", 15" or 15.6" which have Intel T4200 CPU, 1GB or 2GB DDR2 RAM and GMA X4500MHD Graphics. Not to forget the existance Of Acer Aspire 4530 AMD solution either.

ssk_the_gr8 said:

dude... go with dell.. dont worry its the right choice for your budget

Click to expand...

I hope I don't regret later

And speaking of 25K solutions, a friend of mine is considering getting one. Any good ideas ? He has identical needs as me (both study at same place and have similar usage habits).

I'm keen on Compaq solutions since they are sturdy and well built compared to flimsy aspire and relatively unknown samsung.

*desiibond.blogspot.com/2009/12/acer-5738z-review.html

Here is my review on 5738z

note: have to still write the conclusion and performance part. build, keypad, touchpad, display.

Gigabyte Q1458L 29400 INR

Did you guys come across Gigabyte Q1458M ..
Spec
Dual core T4400
Intel Chipset
2GB RAM
320GB HDD
Wifi/LAN/0.3 MP CAM
2-year warranty

Price : 29400 INR chennai
*lh3.ggpht.com/_N_D-iY0FFlk/SwYWnGHE0kI/AAAAAAAAAIc/MvhT2CAPQt8/Q1458M%20sideshot.jpg

BTW, I seem strangely attracted to an eMachines notebook:

(model I forgot)

14.1" WXGA 1280x800 screen with cam
Intel T4200 2.0GHz 1MB L2 Cache
160GB 5400RPM HDD
1GB DDR2 RAM
Bluetooth
WiFi
5-in-1 Card Reader
FreeDOS
Intel GMA X4500MHD Graphics

Rs. 23,500 Including TAX

Available at Sahara Computers @ SP Road, Bangalore.

Should I change my option and go for it ?

Is eMachines a good brand ? Is it durable for 4 years use ?

No man eMachine wont probably last for 4 years.

hey guys within how many days does dell usually ship??? im located in mumbai.
btw i am thinking of buying an inspiron 15 with 4gb ram and a 9 cell battery which comes out to Rs.38,750/- excluding shipping. What can i do to squeeze in extra freebies within the amount like accessories and stuff??? bargain with the sales rep??