RFC: Notebook under RM4000
Request for comments. I am looking for a notebook to replace my old Pentium III PC. My budget is under RM4000. I need your help to recommend a notebook, or do you know any place (Malaysia) to get a good notebook offer?
My ideal notebook
Here are my “want to have” and “nice to have” lists.
Want to have: (not in any order)
- 512MB memory
- Weight less or equal to 2.5KG
- DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive
- WiFi support
Nice to have: (not in any order)
- DVD burner
- Bluetooth
- InfraRed
- Memory card reader
- More than 1 year warranty
- Wide screen
The notebooks I found
I did a simple search at CNET Asia for the target notebook (price below SG$2000, weight: 2 – 2.49KG). The first result is Apple iBook Notebook 12.1″, and it is cheaper than others! I am surprised.
 |
1.33GHz PowerPC G4 512MB memory (DDR333 SDRAM) 12.1-inch TFT Display ATI Mobility Radeon 9550 32MB DDR video memory 40GB Ultra ATA hard drive Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) Built-in AirPort Extreme Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR |
| Apple iBook Notebook 12.1″ M9846LL/A | |
I checked on MacAsia Malaysia, the standard price is RM3,999 (while it is USD999 at Apple Store). Do you know any shop selling cheaper than RM3,999?
I also found a valuable notebook from Hyundai (no, not car).
 Hyundai M-Life M540V |
Intel Pentium Processor 730 (2MB, 1.60GHz, 533MHz FSB) 256MB DDR RAM 40GB Hard Disk Drive Integrated Combo (DVD/CD-RW) Drive 14.0″ WXGA (Ultra Bright) TFT Built-in Web Camera Module Built-in LAN / Modem 4 in 1 Card Reader 3x USB 2.0 3 Years Warranty 2.2 kg |
Not bad huh? It has card reader, 3 years warranty and even built-in web camera somemore. Need to add more memory and a wireless card, though.
Apple or PC ?
Do you think that I should switch to Apple? After using Windows for 10 years (It was Windows 95’s 10th birthday 2 days ago), I wish to try and learn about Apple computer. (maybe create a Apple Mac beginner blog? ;) )
I was considering between PC or Apple, but after online chatting with a Apple user wannabe, I think I will go for Apple iBook. Let’s see the reason why there are so many Apple fans.
Anyway, do you know any great offer that can turn my heart back to PC notebook? Also, don’t forget to tell me any good Apple iBook offer!
Here is the deal
As you know, this tech site is popular and has few thousands daily visitors. To encourage the notebook shops give me good offer, here is my offer.
For the company that gives me a good notebook offer and I bought it, I will give you free one month BlogAds advertisement (graphic and text, worth USD55) on this site.
I believe it will increase the company’s popularity and their product sales.
For recommender to the company, you will get free one month Adbrite text link. This will bring visitors to your website.
Please tell me the good Apple iBook or notebook offer~
They are giving away ipod mini’s with the purchase of a mac right now. Go for it I love my powerbook.
iBook might not be powerful enough…you might wanna consider a powerbook instead?
i think there’s a toshiba offer going around at RM3999 too…
hi, the 12″ ibook is great, but its really for general consumers. power users will want something more powerful. but actually it depends on what you want to do. if you’re only doing web development and some light graphics editing, the ibook is fine. but if you want to do video/audio editing, the 1.33GHz processor will start gettting really slow…
also, if you’ve not tried using mac os x before i suggest you familiarise yourself with it before making your decision. if you buy it and decide you don’t like mac os x (which is unlikely) or can’t get used to it your 4k is wasted.
Try looking at Asus’s lineup. I think they are the best motherboard makers and the notebook I’m currently using performs above average. Price is reasonable too with 2-3 years international warantee. Oh yes … Asus OEMs for Apple too :)
Looks like your “want to have” notebook spec is exactly what im having now. My notebook is 1 year old NEC E680 Centrino 1.4GHz 512MB. I love Centrino so much because the battery life is very long =) When i buy that time around RM4.6k…i think now drop alot already.
If you have friends in US, you can ask them to help you to buy Dell laptop with discount. You can get a laptopn that fits your requirements for $600-$700.
yalo..i buy dell 1 year and 10 month ago for USD1200. But from US. and I got a freaking good deal because of using multiple coupons
My spec is
P4 3.02
512mb ddr2700
40gb
15″ svga
Cd-rw and DVD combo
Wireless 802.11a/b/g
2 USB (you might wanna get more)
No IRDA
No Memory Reader
Freaking heavy, but is like a portable desktop replacement. But it is great laptop and I can even play online game…..I think it will still last for another year or so before going outdated.
agree with boringfest…the Toshiba is a good buy..!
compaq 2235AP and its range..
i got this in my mailbox today. mebbe it’ll be of use to u. i oso thinking of switching, but not now. if not, we can nego a better deal by buying two, hoh.
“Dear Friends,
This is the month for you to indulge yourselves on the good deals that
we’re having !!
There’ll be loads of freebies plus 3G subscription for free. Trying logging on to the http://www.spotamac.com, for this promotion.
For sale enquiries and quotation request email us at :
consult@spotamac.com
For any other enquiries on this promotion, please email us at :
spot@spotamac.com
OR contact our consultant at 019.600.2848.”
got email attachment oso. u want? let me know, k. it’s ibook + celcom3g promo.
i’m impressed.
you’re still using a P3??
CooL!!
why not a desktop?
RM4000=Good for another 2 years desktop.
there is nothing in the website.
3G is useless for me. I do not have a 3G phone and not in 3G coverage area. :|
what can you do with 3g so far ? news and cartoons only ? who needs it ?
I have proved that you do not need an advance computer to become a tech geek. :P Well, I get a notebook because I want to be “portable”.
Plus, ringtones and wallpapers. ;)
also it supports video-calling and broadband internet speeds of up to 384kbps. =)