THE Laptop Thread: Configs, deals and questions.

[ess_a]

I am in a really big fix right now. Am planning to buy a laptop for my higher studies.

Budget: 40-41k is verry comfortable. Can stretch it to 46-47k if I get some real good config.

Basic congif needed:
Want it to be a dual core (Core Duo or Core 2 Duo). Have no idea about AMDs used in laptops. (Have heard they are good in desktops though)(But aint that keen on them. Intel is preferred.)

1GB RAM.
No need of graphics card.
Need Bluetooth.
Good wifi connectivity.
And a decent battery life (2.5 hrs or more).
80GB Hard drive (which almost all would provide, so no issue here)
Not really keen on getting a shipped along OS. (Have solutions)

Models considered:

Acer Aspire 5573:
Intel Pentium Dual Core 2080 @ 1.73GHz,
1 GB RAM,
14.1" WXGA,
6 cell battery.
(Abt Rs 38-39k with Linux)

Acer Aspire 5583:
Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 @ 1.66GHz,
1GB RAM,
14.1" WXGA,
6 cell battery.
(Abt Rs 44-45k with Linux)

Dell Inspiron 6400:
Intel Core 2 Duo T5300 @ 1.73 GHz
1GB Ram,
15.4" WXGA,
9 cell battery.
(Rs 47,000)

HP Pavilion DV2214TU:
Intel Core Duo T2060 @ 1.6GHz,
1GB Ram,
14.1" WXGA,
6 Cell battery
(Abt Rs 49-50k, with Vista Premium)

Compaq Presario V6316TU:
Intel Core Duo T2080 @ 1.73GHz,
1 GB Ram,
6 Cell battery
(Abt 43k with DOS)

Issues:
Acer has a very insignificant market share in India, so am getting practically no feed back on them. How do they fare, what is their customer care support like etc.
Am very much interested in Acer because of the prices which are good 4-5k less than Dell or HP/Compaq.

Dell is costing me 47k WHICH is not good... But then the 9 cell is very tempting.
Secondly, Dell is saying it would take 4 weeks to deliver, so........

HP/Compaq are way overpriced.

Questions:
How is Acer? Their service etc?

Whats the difference between "Pentium Dual Core" and "Core Duo"?
Why are HPs and Compaqs so expensive?

As I am on shoestring budget, AMD also looks good. But I dont need any kind of problem, because, I am on a shoe string budget.... Peace of mind is important as well.

Any Lappy that I am missing?

PLEASE HELP ME OUT!!!!!!!!!

[compenn]

Guys which is the best data card for internet connectivity for a laptop?

One which can be used all across india and maybe outside too!

[low_bass_makker]

major are Reliance and Tata indicom......choose which one you like as people will have mixed answer some will prefer Reliance and some will Tata

[ess_a]

Hey nobody willing to help me out from my conundrum... Plz check post no 698..

@Compenn
Most people I know of, use Reliance. But as LBM has mentioned, its a tussle between Tata and Reliance..

[low_bass_makker]

from the above lot dell is the best product....it will be a bit heavy as it is a 15 inch but you will be happy with the product.

[ess_a]

I agree LBM, that Dell is the best among the above lot, but two factors are deterring me. Firstly, Acer is muuuch cheaper while Dell I can only get by stretching my budget a lot more.
Secondly, it seems Dell India is phasing out its 6400 model so they are talking abt 4 to even 8 weeks of shipping time. Now i can max wait for 10 days.

So any idea about the Acers?

[low_bass_makker]

they are also good..better than the HP and compaq

[devarshi84]

acer's are good value for money. But they dont last well. If you are planning to keep the lappie for 3-4 years I would suggest

1. Lenovo Thinkpad's are the best in ergonomics and quality you can get in a laptop. Only look at the thinkpad(IBM) lineup.

2. Hp pavilion is extremely recommended. HP's new designs are good and fun to use.

3. Dell Inspiron 6400. Its not the best looking laptop and is also on the heavier side but still a good product.

[ravi@64bhp]

I have a HP Pavilion Dv1000 series Laptop that is one year old. I bought for 55,000 one year back. I would like to sell the same and I would like to know how much I would get now. Below are the specifications.

Processor: Intel Centrino Mobile 1.66 GHtz.
RAM: 512 MB.
Hard Disk: 80 GB
OS: Windows XP home licensed version.
ADditional Features: DVD DL writer, Wi-Fi enabled, Inbuilt bluetooth, Inbuilt WebCam, 6-in-1 card reader, remote, altec-lansing speakers.
14 inches widescreen.

So, please tell me how much money I can expect.

thanks

[ess_a]

Thanks Devarshi and LBM.

The Thinkpads are wayyy out of budget so am not looking at them.
The Dell problem I have mentioned.

So guess its between HP/Compaq and Acer. Now Lappies with the same config are costing more in HP as well as Compaq than Acer.

I need to keep the lappy for AT LEAST 2 yrs, maybe 3.

Now I do know of decent service for HP/Compaqs and they do have decent build, but I have absolutely no idea about Acer.

It seems I am confused for nothing as the choices seem clear, BUTTT i am not on a lavish budget, so Acers are really great VFM for me right now.

Its just that I have NO idea abt them.(I am unable to find reviews on them @ notebookreview.com) They may be specific models for the Indian market, which CAN be a reason.
So any review on them would be really appreciated.
Thanks.

[filcord]

see if you can have an US or Canadian friend get you a Dell from there. Go to Dell india site and compare same model on US or Canadian site. They are 40 per cent or more cheaper there than in India. Product is top-notch, but don't get ripped off.

[ess_a]

@filcord
Hmm I know of that. Just that the person I know there aint coming to India soon. So......
BTW I came across a decent config Toshiba. Have decided to go for it. Hopefully will finally decide by wednesday.

[Sankar]

Guys i have a Compaq Presario 1500 laptop which is around 4 years old. Now it has developed a strange display problem. The problem is that the display is like a negative image ie., white background looks greyish black and the text i'm typing in looks greyish white. The red team-bhp bar looks like turquoish in colour. The screen light intensity varies a lot (like a tube light with a bad starter) and the screen would come back to normal for one or two seconds.

First the problem seemed to crop up after a couple of hours of usage of the laptop. And the display would be allright when the machine is turned off and turned on after one or two hours, but then again the prob would crop up.

This is not a driver/software problem as the display condition is same even when the system is booting up and is in BIOS stage. Does anyone has any clue as to what the problem could be?? I plan to open up the lappie myself.

[devarshi84]

the circuit wire to the lcd has developed a defect or has broken. Get it repaired by a technician.

[BunnyPunia]

Hi fellas
I have been using an Acer lappy for some time now and quite satisfied with it.
I m looking at purchasing a laptop for my wife this weekend. She will be using the laptop for making presentations/general surfing/chatting and watching movies.

Suggestions on a good laptop for under 35k in Mumbai? I live in Navi Mumbai and wil be going to the Geonet shop (sec 17, vashi).. I m also looking at the finance option.. Ideas/suggestions please

sankar : my acer lappy to has developed a similar thing. a one inch wide vertical strip is yellowish in color in the right hand of the screen. some one told me the wire has a prob.. shall be getting it fixed soon