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This story was printed from CNET Asia.
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With tertiary institutes pushing for a paperless system, increasingly more educational material and administrative matters require students to be online. However, for most students buying a notebook represents a significant investment. Though interest-free notebook loans are offered by the universities, Singapore-based National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have taken it further by offering big discounts on selected systems from some major vendors.
This year, the majority of choices fall in the thin-and-light category. This class of portables offer good mix of performance and mobility. However, for those who travel alot, ultraportables sacrifices the integrated optical drive in exchange for a smaller and lighter chassis. With the exception of Apple notebooks, Adobe Macromedia Studio 8 is bundled together with every PC purchase. Microsoft Office is also available as a S$119 option.
Apple has switched from the PowerPC platform to the Intel-based chipset. Though there is a significant performance boost, this applies only to software which has been optimized for the new platform. The new range of Intel Core Duo Mac are offered at a discount to tertiary students in NUS and NTU this year. Check out our guides on how to select the appropriate portable for your needs.
This information is based
on notebook deals currently offered to the staff and students of National University of
Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). However, conditions apply for those who have previously purchased notebooks under this scheme.
Do note
that the models we reviewed may not have the exact same configurations
as the models being offered for campus use. For example, the NUS ThinkPad X60 featured has a 1.5GHz Core Duo L2300 processor whereas the test unit we reviewed incorporated a 1.66GHz Core Duo T2400 chip.
Price
exclude 5 percent GST and are correct as of August 04, 2006. Please check
with the respective campus notebook center for more information.
Street prices are compared with the base model available to students.
Ultraportables are the babies of the notebook world. Sacrificing the inclusion of integrated optical drives, ultraportables put a premium on mobility which allow them to be easily accessible anywhere. Size and battery life are the cornerstones in is class of mobiles.
There are two systems on offer. The Acer TravelMate 3012WTMi is cheaper than the ThinkPad X60 and uses a faster processor. However, the latter has a stronger magnesium-alloy shell and security features which warrant the extra cost. Students who only bring their systems to lecture halls may want to consider the Acer notebook. Those whose usage patterns require computing in outdoor environments will do well to shell out more for the ThinkPad.
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. For students who are required to use advanced design tools, the Toshiba Tecra M5 is the best choice as its Nvidia Quadro graphics card offer superior rendering performance. However, it should be noted that the Quadro graphics processor is not optimized for games and may not offer the same gaming experience as its GeForce Go equivalent.
The Acer Aspire 5551AWXMi is a good value for money model which incorporates a Core Duo processor and DVD Super Multi Drive for under S$1,500.
For students who require strong security features, the ThinkPad T60 and Fujitsu LifeBook S7110 are no brainers with their fingerprint sensor and TPM (Trust Platform Module) chip. The latter allows you to store your passwords to the hardware component instead of your harddisk, making it harder for hackers to assess sensitive information.
Three-year local on-campus and international warranty
Student Price
S$2,123
Street Price
S$3,299
Promotions
For first 500 buyers: Upgrade to 1GB system RAM and 100m Bluetooth adaptor for S$50 For first 1,000 buyers: 1GB flash drive and 100m Bluetooth adaptor for S$88
With the recent transition from PowerPC processors to the Core Duo platform, Apple claims a significant performance boost in its latest series of Intel-based Mac notebooks. However, there is a caveat. Software which have not been optimized for the new platform, like Adobe Photoshop, needs to undergo a translation program which results in slower performance. You can view a list of Intel Mac-optimized software at the Apple Web site.
As a note of caution, the Cupertino manufacturer has recently recalled some units of MacBook Pro batteries. Though it is unlikely, you should check if your power cell comes from the defective batch when you collect the unit. However, since Apple claims that the defect is not a safety hazard, it's up to you whether to insist on an immediate exchange.
Tablet PCs occupy a special niche among notebook users. Marketed as the electronic replacement for pen and paper, the pick-up rate had been rather slow due to its significantly higher cost. There are two types of Tablet PCs--convertibles like the HP Compaq Business Notebook tc4400 and Fujitsu LifeBook T4210 which can be used like a normal clamshell notebook or with its screen flipped for the tablet mode.
Slate systems, like the Fujitsu Stylistic ST5030, do not have a keyboard. Fortunately external input devices can be added for a more conventional and comfortable entry style.
Introduction
