[devarshi84]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

Dell Mini has Atom processor. Its fine for net surfing etc. But if you plan to work with office etc, it might not work that well. Specially after you install anti-virus etc.

Do check out this physically. I think is available on display at Croma Malad.

Not true. tried and tested. Apart from gaming and some CPU intensive apps, Atom is pretty much enough for most work. Even the best of the graphics cards wont be able to help since the atom chipsets are the bottleneck here.

I would rather not buy a pc than buy an HP.

[tsk1979]

Have you tried playing 720P videos on it?
I have seen that in entry level processors, if there is no GPU(even entry level will do there), 720P video stutters sometimes, and 1080p is almost impossible to watch.

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by amtak

W.r.t. Gaming, so I think, it is best to stick to Desktops rather than Netbooks/Laptops?

Netbooks wont play most 3D games nicely. On laptops, you can add 1 GB ATI/Nvidea card at the time of purchase, but tough to do that to existing laptop.

On desktop can upgrade grafix card for 5k.

[amtak]

I would rather not buy a pc than buy an HP.

Not too sure what this statement means. Please advise?

Netbooks wont play most 3D games nicely. On laptops, you can add 1 GB ATI/Nvidea card at the time of purchase, but tough to do that to existing laptop.

On desktop can upgrade grafix card for 5k.

Okay. At the moment, I am just buying one Netbook, but would certainly would like to buy a desktop for future.

[anku94]

Originally Posted by amtak

W.r.t. Gaming, so I think, it is best to stick to Desktops rather than Netbooks/Laptops?

Desktops are to gaming what jeeps are to offroading. Period.

To get the performance of a 50k desktop, you'll need to spend 70k-80k on a lappy. And then there are weight/battery/heat issues with high-performance laptops.

Desktops are easily upgradeable, and if you specifically need a gaming PC, you can couple a mid-end CPU with a high-end GPU, or a low-end CPU with a mid-end GPU, depending on your budget. You won't find such flexibility in lappies. There, to have a high-end GPU, you need to buy a high-end CPU too. [Dell, for instance, offers 435M with i7 and 420M with i5 in its XPS 15 series. The 435M is a mid-end GPU while the i7 is a high-end CPU. Too lopsided for gaming.]

As long as you can deal with the fact that some of the highest-demanding games won't run on your system, you can get a good gaming PC for 50k (Including monitor and other accessories). For 70k, you can get a PC that will run virtually any game at low resolutions like 1280x1080 [something in this range] at high settings and most games in 1920x1200 at middle settings. If you already have a monitor, case, good PSU, you can do this for 35k and 50-60k respectively. You can save 5k-15k if you can get someone to get you parts [even just CPU and GPU will do] from US.

[devarshi84]

Originally Posted by amtak

Not too sure what this statement means. Please advise?

Okay. At the moment, I am just buying one Netbook, but would certainly would like to buy a desktop for future.

While their products are good, their service and support are no better than a Chinese laptop manufacturer based in a dinky basement.

with Netbook, at the moment the best option is to go with ION based solutions. not the best alternative for gaming but you can run then at low resolutions. I have never played on mine though.

Originally Posted by tsk1979

Have you tried playing 720P videos on it?
I have seen that in entry level processors, if there is no GPU(even entry level will do there), 720P video stutters sometimes, and 1080p is almost impossible to watch.

mine's is a top-end dual core atom with ION2 solution. plays 1080 videos just fine.

[amtak]

Originally Posted by devarshi84

While their products are good, their service and support are no better than a Chinese laptop manufacturer based in a dinky basement.

Thanks a lot for the information. I have pretty much finalized the Dell Mini 1018 and would be checking it out this weekend (may be today evening/tomorrow afternoon) and buy it around next week.

Just hoping that the stocks don't get exhausted!

Now, also looking for someone who can assist me with office solution? How much is office 2010 for?

[NetfreakBombay]

Basic version of Office 2010 is free. However, it is not released to general public.

When you configure your system on Dell site, it should give you an option of adding Office 2010 starter free of cost. Has Word and Excel that covers most of what average user needs.

If you buy it from store, it might be pre-installed.

[amtak]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

Basic version of Office 2010 is free. However, it is not released to general public.

When you configure your system on Dell site, it should give you an option of adding Office 2010 starter free of cost. Has Word and Excel that covers most of what average user needs.

If you buy it from store, it might be pre-installed.

Wow! I would need the basic version only. Dell India site or Dell USA?

[NetfreakBombay]

I bought from Dell USA. 2010 starter should be available in Dell India site too. Best would to call Dell India and confirm.

[tsk1979]

How much does a Top end mini cost.A 14" toshiba with a 512MB dedicated card, and AMD processor costs around 25K in India

[anku94]

Originally Posted by amtak

Wow! I would need the basic version only. Dell India site or Dell USA?

According to wikipedia, the Asian versions come with Office pre-installed. Better confirm it with your dealer.

[devarshi84]

Originally Posted by amtak

Now, also looking for someone who can assist me with office solution? How much is office 2010 for?

Office 2010 basic is free with ads even in India. Make sure you select it if it is an option. you cannot add it later on IIRC.

Originally Posted by tsk1979

How much does a Top end mini cost.A 14" toshiba with a 512MB dedicated card, and AMD processor costs around 25K in India

I would buy the AMD solution than the Atom. But do check if the AMD solution is equivalently equipped.

[amtak]

Originally Posted by anku94

According to wikipedia, the Asian versions come with Office pre-installed. Better confirm it with your dealer.

This weekend, I saw a few Netbooks but not the Dell Mini 1018. I think I'll have to go to Malad Croma for the same. Also yes, you guys are correct, I noticed a few netbooks with office 2010 with the following options

• 60 days trial
• 1 week trial
• Basic office with ads

Not too sure, how would I get the correct one! A lot of due diligence is needed

[NetfreakBombay]

If you decide on Dell mini, purchase it directly from Dell. You will get better pricing then Croma.