NUS/NTU notebook deals for 2007/08
Thin-and-lights (below 2.5kg)
Thin-and-light notebooks offer a nice compromise between performance and portability. Though not as small or light as ultraportables, the appeal of these systems is their integrated optical drives and full-power processors (as opposed to the energy-saving but slower ultra low-voltage chips).
Of the notebooks offered this semester year, the Acer TravelMate is the cheapest of the lot. Biometric fingerprint sensor aside, this model does not have many extras but is more than sufficient for most students who do not require strong graphics performance.
The MacBook and Fujitsu S6410 are larger 13.3-inch models for those who prefer larger screen estate. The Fujitsu model is lighter and has more connectivity options than the Apple machine, but when it comes to multimedia features the MacBook wins hands down with its iLife application suite and mini remote control.
Click here for a feature comparison table.
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Acer TravelMate 6292 (Core 2 Duo T7300 Processor 2.0GHz, 1GB RAM)
Outlook
A higher-end edition of the Acer 6291, this TravelMate bumps up the processing power and adds a biometric fingerprint sensor for added security. Possibly the first business-oriented notebook from the Taiwanese manufacturer, the Acer 6292 uses magnesium alloy for its top cover for added protection. However, for a 12.1-inch portable it's a little thick and heavy compared to other models in this category.
Configuration: Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz processor; 1GB RAM; 160 HDD; integrated graphics card; DVD writer; 12.1-inch display; Windows Vista Business; one-year international, three-year on-campus warranty; 2.1kg
Extras: Adobe Creative Suite 3 Web Premium; Microsoft Office 2007 Standard; notebook carrying case; USB optical mouse
Campus price: S$1,816.86 (US$1,337.67)
Street price: S$1,999 (US$1,471.77) (with 1.8GHz Core 2 Duo processor)
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Apple MacBook (Core 2 Duo T7400 processor 2.16GHz, 1GB, 13.3-inch TFT)
Outlook
Updated with a faster processor and larger memory from the previous incarnation, The Apple MacBook received high scores for its simple design and multimedia capabilities. However, some may find its glossy exterior a little high maintenance especially when moving around on campus.
Configuration: Core 2 Duo 2.16GHz processor; 1GB RAM; 120 HDD; integrated graphics card; DVD writer; 13.3-inch display; Mac OS X; three-year international warranty; 2.31kg
Extras: Adobe Creative Suite 3 Web Premium; Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac; 1GB iPod Shuffle
Campus price: S$2,630.06 (US$1,936.39)
Street price: S$2,229 (US$1,641.11) (excluding extra software)
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Fujitsu LifeBook S6410U (Core 2 Duo T7300 Processor 2.0GHz, 2GB RAM)
Outlook
The LifeBook S6410U version offers a strong security suite with Core 2 Duo performance in a slim profile. Its battery life is not too spectacular, clocking in at 3 hours using the standard cell. However, its optical drive can be swapped with a second battery to ramp the runtime up to 4.2 hours. Based on the Centrino Pro platform, it has 1GB of Intel Turbo Memory to boost application speeds, though some reports have noted that the actual performance increase is minimal.
Configuration: Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz processor; 2GB RAM; 160 HDD; integrated graphics card; DVD writer; 13.3-inch display; Windows Vista Business; three-year international warranty; 2.08kg
Extras: Adobe Creative Suite 3 Web Premium; Microsoft Office 2007 Standard; notebook carrying case; USB optical mouse
Campus price: S$2,244.86 (US$1,652.78)
Street price: S$3,188 (US$2,347.17) (with 1GB RAM and 120GB HDD)
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Introduction
