Is This Laptop Cheap And Good?

[Lungker]

Is this laptop available in Singapore?

http://priceguru.in/archives/features/895

A friend of my friend bought this in Batam for approximately $833. His includes 1 G Ram and 120G harddisk. However it came with a Linus OS and he had to install XP himself.

Can buy? I tried it and the sound was very good.

[IkuTube]

For simple home use, it is a good buy. It has all the features of a good laptop.

However, do bear in mind about the software issues - http://priceguru.in/archives/features/895/8

Alternatively, you can buy Window XP Home edition @ $135 to replace the OS. Doing so, however, will probably void your warranty.

[Lungker]

Thanks IK. I just checked Acer local website. The local version's specs and price is here:

http://www.acer.com.sg/products/aspire4520...aspire4520G.asp

It is selling for $1298 in Singapore but the graphics card (nVidia® GeForce® 8400M G) is better and the harddisk is 160G. Also it has Vista home pre-installed.

[IkuTube]

Hehe, still a good buy.

For a difference of $465, you will get a higher speed processor [from 1.7 to 1.8]and a better graphic card [from 7000 series to 8000 series] plus a negligible increase hard disk space.

For the OS, with the recent release of Vista Service Pack, it should be better now.

Try squeeze retailer to increase ram up to 2GB [512 x 4] - provided there's 4 RAM slots. Otherwise, negotiate for 1GB x 2.

[Lungker]

Thanks Dear.

I copied the following statement from the priceguru website:

The Acer Aspire 4520 comes pre-installed with some basic Linux (which is also named as Basic Edition) distribution. The choice of Linux was to keep the laptop’s end price down. The driver and recovery CDs feature the Acer software suite and device drivers for Windows Vista. If you can live with the shiny new version of Microsoft’s latest operating system, then all is fine.

Referring to the stetment in bold, does it mean if I were to install Vista in Batam *wink*, I can import the device drivers from the the CDs that are included. Does it also mean I cannot import the drivers from the CDs if I install XP. Apologies from an IT idiot. - me.

I am thinking of buying this to replace my three and a half years old PC. Primary use - 95% is web surfing, downloading torrents like the Mary Tyler Moore Show and watching prawns. 5% for playing games like Tiger Woods PGA Tour and Super Collapse. No intensive graphics required. Also if webcam is available, I may perform some pole dancing for people who wish to watch.

So this notebook good enough?

Btw, this notebook for the same configurations cost about $150 more in Jakarta. According to my Indonesian friend, it is because Batam is a tax free region.

Thanks again IK. Any comments from other notebook gurus?

[IkuTube]

What we need is for Linux users to comment.

The hardware specs vs budget is good for someone who just need a simple notebook for everyday simple use. It is also good enough for simple games. Plus, you can "perform some pole dancing for people who wish to watch".

Referring to the stetment in bold, does it mean if I were to install Vista in Batam *wink*,

01. I can import the device drivers from the the CDs that are included.

02. Does it also mean I cannot import the drivers from the CDs if I install XP.

01. Yes, you can - installing device drivers from the Acer Software Suite CD will not give you problem.

02. No, you can't - Problems start when XP is installed. As reported, "Somethings are just meant not meant to be together. At this point of time, XP is not gonna happen on 4520".

Hence, if you getting this notebook, just stick with what is being bundled.

[SunDevil]

Lungker,

I have never liked Acer products. I find them to be of a more inferior quality compared to brands like HP, Compaq or Dell.

For the price quoted for the Acer laptop, I think you are better off looking at some other brands. I don't think some offerings from Compaq or Dell are that much more expensive.

If you're clueless about IT, I think Linux is not for you. Sure, Linux has come a long way from its beginning, but it's still not as user-friendly as Windows or Mac. You will probably need to do quite a lot of tweaking here and there to get Linux to work to your liking. Add to that the compatibility issues of softwares and hardwares....you'll probably spend more time scratching your head rather than practising your pole dancing moves!

Just a word of caution....if you wanna install Vista, I suggest you don't "install Vista in Batam", y'know what I'm sayin'? Microsoft's WGA will be a bitch to deal with. It is also the reason why I am running Linux on my old desktop.

So Ikutube is right...if you were to decide on this notebook, just stick with what's being bundled. I don't know about you, but after spending some serious bucks getting something, I don't wanna be spending a lot of time fixing it up. Now, if your previous posts were of any indication, I am sure you feel the same too.

[Lungker]

Ok SD, will take your advice.

The only reason I am considering this notebook is because the last time I met you, you told me AMD is as good as Intel. I am a equally opportunity purchaser. I had never use a PC or notebook with anything other than Intel....so I thought I'll give AMD a try.

One last question to all the experts here. If I were buy the notebook in Batam and ask them to install an original Vista there (I would make sure it is an original), would it be ok? I think an original Vista might be cheaper there as well. Just hope the language is not just Indonesian alone. Haha.

Thanks.

[Lungker]

Is this laptop available in Singapore?

http://priceguru.in/archives/features/895

A friend of my friend bought this in Batam for approximately $833. His includes 1 G Ram and 120G harddisk. However it came with a Linus OS and he had to install XP himself.

Can buy? I tried it and the sound was very good.

This laptop with the same specs as the link above is now on sale in Singapore for $962 AFTER GST. Check out today's Straits Times, main section page 4.

However there is one HUGE difference. This come preloaded with VISTA. So can buy?

[IkuTube]

This laptop with the same specs as the link above is now on sale in Singapore for $962 AFTER GST. Check out today's Straits Times, main section page 4.

However there is one HUGE difference. This come preloaded with VISTA. So can buy?

Go for it! - It solves the linux problem.

Err, but but, with GSS, will there be further reduction in price? :smokin: :twisted:

[Lungker]

Go for it! - It solves the linux problem.

Err, but but, with GSS, will there be further reduction in price? :smokin: :twisted:

Errr, what is GSS huh? I did googled GSS and it is mind boggling what it stands for. Please....treat me like an idiot.

[IkuTube]

Errr, what is GSS huh? I did googled GSS and it is mind boggling what it stands for. Please....treat me like an idiot.

Great Singapore Sale lah

[browncow]

have you guys come across kohjinsha laptops?

looking for small lappy with considerably low budget <$1200. Just need it to access wireless and type word documents for stock taking.

I know theres this EEE, but thats too small! lol

any views? or recommendation?

[IkuTube]

Have a look at what Lungker had in mind, browncow.

As mentioned by him, "this laptop with the same specs as the link above is now on sale in Singapore for $962 AFTER GST" and pre-loaded with Vista.

If you don't mind an AMD, this laptop [in my opinion] is a good buy.