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NUS/NTU notebook deals for 2007/08





Mainstream notebooks

Mainstream notebooks are large enough to incorporate high-end processor and graphics card, yet maintain a relatively portable form factor for trotting round the campus.

Both the MacBook Pro and Fujitsu E8410 are 15.4-inch models, though the former sprints ahead with its powerful Nvidia GeForce 8600M graphics chipset. The MacBook Pro appeals with its smooth aluminum body and Mac operating system, while those who believe in system security will appreciate the fingerprint sensor and TPM security chip on the Fujitsu.

However, strong battery life and superior physical protection of the ThinkPad T61 are a boon for those with slippery fingers and who always forget to charge before leaving the dorm. It's black Bento box body may not be as exciting and its integrated graphics also means no fragging during lesson time, but ThinkPads have been known to offer one of the best typing experience with its keyboard.

Click here for a feature comparison table.
1.  Apple MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo T7400 processor 2.2GHz, 2GB, 15.4-inch TFT)
 
Outlook

Updated from the previous MacBook Pro configuration, this version hops on the Santa Rosa platform with a DirectX 10-compatible graphics card. It remains one of the more portable 15.4-inch notebooks around, and the fact that it can dual-boot with Windows is a major plus. However, it is a little costly considering it lacks common features such as a memory card reader and full-sized ExpressCard/54 slot (it uses the smaller ExpressCard/34 format).

Configuration: Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz processor; 2GB RAM; 120 HDD; 128MB Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics card; DVD writer; 15.4-inch display; Mac OS X; three-year international warranty; 2.45kg
Extras: Adobe Creative Suite 3 Web Premium; Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac
Campus price: S$3,550.26 (US$2,613.89)
Street price: S$3,452 (US$2,541.54) (excluding extra software)

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2.  Fujitsu LifeBook E8410U (Core 2 Duo T7300 Processor 2.0GHz, 1GB RAM)
 
Outlook

The LifeBook E8410U descends from the E8210 and takes over the role as Fujitsu's flagship business model with a 15.4-inch display and Nvidia GeForce 8400M G discrete graphics card. This Centrino Pro system has a bright 300nits widescreen display and strong security features, with 1GB of Intel Turbo Memory installed.

Configuration: Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz processor; 1GB RAM; 120 HDD; 374MB Nvidia GeForce 8400M G graphics card; DVD writer; 15.4-inch display; Windows Vista Business; three-year international warranty; 2.45kg
Extras: Adobe Creative Suite 3 Web Premium; Microsoft Office 2007 Standard; notebook carrying case; USB optical mouse
Campus price: S$2,319.76 (US$1,707.93)
Street price: S$2,988 (US$2,199.92)

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3.  ThinkPad T61 (Core 2 Duo Processor T7300 2.0GHz, 2GB RAM)
 
CNET Asia rating: 7.6 out of 10
The good: Internal roll cage protects LCD; 802.11n Wi-Fi for faster wireless throughput; very small AC adapter adds little to overall travel weight; Intel's Active Management Technology provides remote support.
The bad: New Centrino technology doesn't offer outsized performance gains.
The bottom line: Lenovo's 14-inch ThinkPad T61 shaves a few millimeters off the company's more mainstream R-series laptops, but still boasts the same solid ThinkPad DNA along with IT-friendly features by way of Intel's new Centrino Pro platform.

Configuration: Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz processor; 2GB RAM; 160 HDD; integrated graphics card; DVD writer; 14.1-inch display; Windows Vista Business; three-year international warranty; 2.32kg
Extras: Adobe Creative Suite 3 Web Premium; Microsoft Office 2007 Standard; notebook carrying case; USB optical mouse
Campus price: S$2,354 (US$1,733.14)
Street price: S$2,799 (US$2,060.77) (with 1GB RAM and 120GB HDD)

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