Help in buying new Laptop

@ankur8819-Y8pKwX • Oct 18, 2024

Oct 18, 2024

1.1K

Hi CEans,
I am thinking of buying a new laptop and doing some research on the products available.
It would be great if you can share your experiences/views.
My requirements are:-
1)Running Eclipse ,Tomcat, Oracle DB one Music Player/Video player at same time .
2) Not much of a Gaming person but still would want 1Gb Graphics card (may be for a movie every week 😀)
3)15 inch LED display would be great
4) Good Speakers
5)Windows 7 (any version)
6)Good Battery backup while running software mentioned in point 1.
7)I can spend max of 45000 INR
8) Service of the product plus it should look GOOD ;-)

Help me get the best deal guys.

No reservations about Brand Name. Comfortable with using DELL/ASUS/ACER .

Regards,
Ankur

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Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Mar 31, 2012

Okay, first of all thank you for describing your requirements. It makes easier for us to offer our suggestions. For the budget and the configuration you're looking for; I'd suggest the following :-

#-Link-Snipped-# (Inclusive Of All Taxes)

The machine gets you 4GB DDR3 RAM, which can be upgraded to 8 GB. Plus, 2nd Gen Core i5 ( 2.5 GHz, 3 Mb cache) should be able to run Eclipse, Tomcat, Oracle DB and Music player. 500 Gb SATA HDD should accomodate all of your software and since the prices of external USB hard drives are falling; you shouldn't face any problem with the storage. 64-Bit Home Basic is preinstalled with the machine; but you should first check compatibility with the software that you're planning to install. I think home basic would stupport Oracle DB without any issues; but you better be sure.

15.6" screen would mean you can't expect much from the battery. I've had equally bad experience with all the laptop batteries I've used. So I won't bother too much about it. Batteries are a liability and they need a replacement/upgrade after about 1-1.5 years of use (depending upon your daily use). I used my Dell 15R for about 8-9 hours daily and the battery lost life in about 14 months.

The laptop has NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M (1GB memory) and should handle all the complex graphics easily. But again; be ready to sacrifice the battery. All other information is available on above mentioned link. I believe Flipkart sells laptops at a price lesser than markets. So I'd buy from Flipkart.

I hope this helps 😀
ISHAN TOPRE

@ishan-nohePN • Mar 31, 2012

Hey #-Link-Snipped-#, I use software like CATIA, PRO-E, Ansys. They are 3D modelling (and analysis) software. My requirements are the same as of Ankur. I want a longer battery life and the laptop should run "fast". I am against Apple because it is notorious of not letting certain software run. I will have to waste time for installing them on Apple. Hence, rightly restricting myself upto a range of INR 45000/-. Screen maximum available in that price range.

P.S: I will again poke you incase of any doubt. Be ready 😏
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Mar 31, 2012

Mac OSX is an entirely different software and if you want to run Windows applications on it; you'll have to install Windows separately on your Mac or run a virtualization software. That software itself would eat lot of resources and that's why it's not recommended. The positive side of using a mac is ease of use and a longer battery life.

Windows based laptops don't offer battery life; and the ones that promise to offer 6+ hrs battery life are SSD based (needs a double check); and are very pricy.

Other options are available from Lenovo; but they don't come pre-installed with Operating System; which makes them an ideal choice for those who want to run uBuntu or OSX on their laptops. Else, Windows 7 works the best.

Plus, keep in mind that Windows 8 is expected to improve your battery performance. So with a quality hardware bought now, you can expect to enjoy WIN 8 goodness by the end of this year 😀
ISHAN TOPRE

@ishan-nohePN • Mar 31, 2012

The_Big_K
So with a quality hardware bought now, you can expect to enjoy WIN 8 goodness by the end of this year 😀
Which is the time (muhurt) I am planning to buy my first one.

I guess, I will have to forget about battery aspect for the time being 😉

Also, I would like you to compare laptops displayed on this page. Like for example #-Link-Snipped-# and #-Link-Snipped-#.

Compare in terms of processors used, RAM- say "X" GB DDR3, of different laptops etc.. so that I can find the right combination available suiting my requirements 😀

Let this be your reference LAPTOPS
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Mar 31, 2012

You should be fine with any machine as long as it's 4GB RAM; and if I'm not mistaken, the more the better. CPUs, in my opinion, are highly overrated and most of the processing power goes unused. 90% of the laptops will be used to browser the Internet, watching movies and storing MP3s. No one really needs a high-end machine unless 'gaming' is one of the factors.

If anyone wants to use a laptop for Gaming; I'd suggest investing more in a high end GPU, RAM plus CPU configuration. Or just go with any 'branded' gaming laptops viz. alienware.
ISHAN TOPRE

@ishan-nohePN • Mar 31, 2012

The_Big_K
If anyone wants to use a laptop for Gaming; I'd suggest investing more in a high end GPU, RAM plus CPU configuration. Or just go with any 'branded' gaming laptops viz. alienware.
I am not much into movies or MP3 players. Is gaming equivalent to 3D modelling? I mean the required accessories are the same? or gaming requires better accessories than 3D modelling?
ISHAN TOPRE

@ishan-nohePN • Mar 31, 2012

This is something what we do in 3D modelling and we all know about gaming.
ISHAN TOPRE

@ishan-nohePN • Mar 31, 2012

How about this #-Link-Snipped-# for Ankur?
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Mar 31, 2012

I'd like to believe that Gaming consumes more resources than simple 3D modeling. However, it all depends on the graphics application that you're using. Just check out system requirements for the software that you wish to run. That should give you a fair idea of how your machine should be.
ISHAN TOPRE

@ishan-nohePN • Mar 31, 2012

Thanks. I would say in Japanese "Tasukatta Koto Da Ne"
I have zeroed in on the #-Link-Snipped-# as compared to #-Link-Snipped-#. It is still a couple of months that I will buy one. Will talk to people and keep in mind your advise in above post 😀
avii

@avii-TGGs8o • Mar 31, 2012

#-Link-Snipped-# #-Link-Snipped-#

I suggest you guys to invest bit more & go with Dell XPS. I am suggesting you guys cos you are not into serious gaming. It's one time investment & trust me you will be happy 😀

I have Dell XPS 15, back then I paid around 75k. It has i7 740, 4GB RAM, 500 HDD, NVIDIA 435M. Dell XPS has awesome screen + most awesome speakers which makes multimedia experience even more awesome.

XPS series starts with 50k I guess.
avii

@avii-TGGs8o • Mar 31, 2012

You guys can read my review here : #-Link-Snipped-#
ankur8819

@ankur8819-Y8pKwX • Mar 31, 2012

Thanks everyone for the inputs.I am currently using the below DELL laptop. The only issue with this one is its heating problem.Although it is not used for watching movies or playing Games still it heats up a lot.
Anyone tried ASUS /ACER/Samsung laptops?
I would not want to go for VAIO coz I have had bad experience with Sony.
ISHAN TOPRE

@ishan-nohePN • Mar 31, 2012

Here is the one by SAMSUNG that I have selected. Only drawback is that no expandable ram beyond 4GB.

Specifications of Samsung NP300V5A-S0GIN 2nd gen Ci5/4GB/1TB/1GB graphics/Win 7 HP

PROCESSOR
Processor 2nd Generation Core i5
Variant 2450M
Chipset Intel HM65
Brand Intel
Clock Speed 2.4 GHz
Cache 3 MB
MEMORY
System Memory 4 GB DDR3
STORAGE
Hardware Interface SATA
RPM 5400
HDD Capacity 1 TB
OPTICAL DISK DRIVE
Optical Drive Super Multi Dual Layer Drive
PLATFORM
Architecture 64-bit
Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium
DISPLAY
Screen Size 15.6 Inch
Resolution 1366 x 768 Pixel
Screen Type LED HD Display
GRAPHICS
Dedicated Graphics Memory Capacity 1 GB
Graphic Processor NVIDIA GeForce 520MX
INPUT
Web Camera HD
Pointer Device Touch Scroll Pad
Keyboard Island (Chiclet) Keyboard
AUDIO
Internal Mic Yes
Speakers Stereo Speaker
Sound SoundAlive
COMMUNICATION
Ethernet 10/100/1000 LAN
Wireless LAN 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth v3.0
POWER
Battery Backup Upto 6hrs
Power Supply 60 W AC Adapter
Battery Cell 6 Cell
PORTS/SLOTS
USB Port Yes
Mic In Yes
RJ45 LAN Yes
HDMI Port Yes
VGA Port Yes
Multi Card Slot Yes
SECURITY
Lock Port Kensington Lock Port
MACHINE DIMENSIONS
Color Black
WARRANTY

1 Year Domestic Pick and Drop Limited Warranty
IN THE BOX
Sales Package Laptop,Battery,AC Adapter,User Guides and Manuals
ISHAN TOPRE

@ishan-nohePN • Apr 2, 2012

#-Link-Snipped-# Please have a look at the specifications of #-Link-Snipped-# I think it is the best among all variants. The expensive versions have less facilities than this one!😨

But can we expand its RAM above 4GB (do we need it?)? Nothing is mentioned there.
ISHAN TOPRE

@ishan-nohePN • Apr 2, 2012

And if we do require more than 4 GB RAM, then I am confused in between these two.

<a href="https://www.flipkart.com/samsung-np300v5a-s0cin-laptop/p/itmd65dckvb7k9gv?pid=COMD65DCTZN89XH9" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Online Shopping India | Buy Mobiles, Electronics, Appliances, Clothing and More Online at Flipkart.com</a>
and
#-Link-Snipped-##-Link-Snipped-#

Also which one is advanced and required..Intel Core i5 or Intel core i7?
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Apr 2, 2012

Issue
And if we do require more than 4 GB RAM, then I am confused in between these two.

<a href="https://www.flipkart.com/samsung-np300v5a-s0cin-laptop/p/itmd65dckvb7k9gv?pid=COMD65DCTZN89XH9" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Online Shopping India | Buy Mobiles, Electronics, Appliances, Clothing and More Online at Flipkart.com</a>
and
#-Link-Snipped-##-Link-Snipped-#

Also which one is advanced and required..Intel Core i5 or Intel core i7?
The question first needs to be answered is - why do you think you need more than 4GB? As I said earlier, if your budget allows; the bigger RAM is the better.
ISHAN TOPRE

@ishan-nohePN • Apr 2, 2012

Money is no problem. I have a rough line of INR 45000. 4GB RAM, i5 processor =>40000, while 6GB RAM i7 processor =>51000. So with just 6000, I am getting advanced version. Why not go with it? Ain't I thinking on right lines? 😀
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Apr 2, 2012

... you can; but you'll be wasting money if you aren't going to utilize all the extra 2GB of RAM and i7 processing power. Why not invest in more storage or accessories?
ISHAN TOPRE

@ishan-nohePN • Apr 2, 2012

The_Big_K
Why not invest in more storage or accessories?
Good point. The Samsung laptop already has 1TB Hard disk. So no point in getting more storage space. How about high capacity graphics card?

As far as specs from Flipkart are concerned, Samsung is offering me advanced things at a low cost. How about ASUS, ACER and other brands? Is Samsung trustworthy?

What does #-Link-Snipped-# thinks about it?

#-Link-Snipped-# Thanks 10000 saved 😀
Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk • Apr 2, 2012

#-Link-Snipped-# : The whole process of gadget selection is similar to traveling. If you know that your destination is 'Mumbai' and if you're starting from 'Nagpur' - you can choose between railway travel, air-travel, bus-travel and so on. But if you don't know where you are going; it's totally pointless to talk about which means you're opting for to travel.

Similarly, you should first determine your needs with your laptop for the future (~3 years). Are you planning to play video games on your laptop? Are you planning to go for high-end graphics/video processing tools? If not, you'll be wasting money on GPUs. But if you are; you should invest more in GPUs than anything else; while keeping the rest of the hardware compatible.

I've even seen those who primarily use laptops for watching videos online and checking mails go for a 1GB NVIDIA graphcis card. Pure waste of money! If I'm going to watch videos on my laptop; I'd rather invest money in getting a high-quality external speaker set to enhance my overall video watching experience.
PraveenKumar Purushothaman

@praveenkumar-66Ze92 • Apr 2, 2012

I kinda agree with the #-Link-Snipped-#! 😀
ISHAN TOPRE

@ishan-nohePN • Apr 3, 2012

#-Link-Snipped-# The thing is I do know what hardware does what. Anyways I will use it for part modelling. My friends suggested me that I require only 2GB RAM for running mechanical modelling software.

Meanwhile the samsung laptop that I have selected provides me with all of my needs. i5 processor 1TB hard disk, 4GB RAM. That too in ~INR 39,500. It has good speakers and mic, HD camera.

So I think I should stop my search here 😀

#-Link-Snipped-#: Now I have heard that laptop gets heated up. This is definitely a problem with SONY VAIO, ACER and HP. Is it a problem with Samsung too? Just take a final call Praveen and check the specs if everything is okay- #-Link-Snipped-#
PraveenKumar Purushothaman

@praveenkumar-66Ze92 • Apr 3, 2012

Issue
#-Link-Snipped-# The thing is I do know what hardware does what. Anyways I will use it for part modelling. My friends suggested me that I require only 2GB RAM for running mechanical modelling software.

Meanwhile the samsung laptop that I have selected provides me with all of my needs. i5 processor 1TB hard disk, 4GB RAM. That too in ~INR 39,500. It has good speakers and mic, HD camera.

So I think I should stop my search here 😀

#-Link-Snipped-#: Now I have heard that laptop gets heated up. This is definitely a problem with SONY VAIO, ACER and HP. Is it a problem with Samsung too? Just take a final call Praveen and check the specs if everything is okay- #-Link-Snipped-#
Will confirm you tomorrow man! 😀
ISHAN TOPRE

@ishan-nohePN • Apr 4, 2012

Praveen-Kumar
Will confirm you tomorrow man! 😀
Compare Samsung with other brands. Waiting for your review. Take your time 😀
avii

@avii-TGGs8o • Apr 4, 2012

According to my friend, ASS of Samsung is not so good as compared to others. Since I don't have personal experience, I cannot say anything. According to me :

Dell > Sony > Asus

I wouldn't go with samsung if I were you.
ISHAN TOPRE

@ishan-nohePN • Apr 5, 2012

Got this review-

Samsung is not famed for quality laptops.
I do not know why people are saying this. Any one for or against this statement?
PraveenKumar Purushothaman

@praveenkumar-66Ze92 • Apr 5, 2012

Issue
Got this review-
I do not know why people are saying this. Any one for or against this statement?
Due to their heat! 😔