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This story was printed from CNET Asia.
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Polytechnic notebook deals

By Darius Chang
21/05/2008
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/notebooks/0,39050495,62041583,00.htm

Gone are the days when getting ready for classes involved sharpening pencils and buying lined paper. The modern education scene requires, nay, demands that each student has access to his own portable. In Singapore, polytechnics offer special bundles and interest-free loans to their faculty members to ensure that no one is left behind in the IT race.

However, unlike the local universities, not all schools offer the same bundle and price. If you are a student in one of the polytechnics intending to purchase a laptop, check out our buying guide to see which notebook fits your needs. We've also looked at configurations and bundles retailing at Sim Lim Square and compared them with on-campus deals to show you how much you save. Do note that some polytechnic laptop deals include warranty upgrades or higher specifications than the versions available in stores.

Nanyang Polytechnic deals
Ngee Ann Polytechnic deals
Republic Polytechnic deals
Singapore Polytechnic deals
Temasek Polytechnic deals


Acer


Apple


Fujitsu


HP
Lenovo 		 


Note:
  • This information is based on notebook deals currently offered to the staff and students of polytechnics in Singapore. However, conditions apply for those who have previously purchased notebooks under this scheme.
  • Do note that the models we have reviewed may not have the exact same configurations as the models being offered for campus use.
  • Prices include 7 percent GST and are correct as of May 21, 2008. Please check with the respective polytechnic notebook centers for more information.
  • Street prices are compared with the base model available to students.



    ACER



    Budget laptops

    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T7500 processor 2.2GHz; 2GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.4kg; one-year warranty
    S$1,219.80
    Nanyang Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T7500 processor 2.2GHz; 3GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.4kg; one-year warranty
    S$1,325.73
    Republic Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T7300 processor 2.0GHz; 3GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Home Basic; 2.4kg; one-year warranty
    S$1,325.73
    Singapore Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T8100 processor 2.1GHz; 2GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.4kg; one-year warranty
    S$1,998

    34-39%
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: Basically an Aspire 4920G minus the discrete graphics chipset, the TravelMate 4720 is cheaper than the former and more than competent when it comes to most business and productivity tools. Writing essays and creating PowerPoint presentations are no sweat for this TravelMate.


    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T5550 processor 1.83GHz; 3GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.4kg; one-year warranty
    S$1,059.30
    Nanyang Polytechnic; Republic Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T5550 processor 1.83GHz; 3GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.4kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,316.10
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T2370 processor 1.73GHz; 1GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.4kg; one-year warranty
    S$999

    6-32%
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: An inexpensive notebook with a hardy magnesium-alloy body, the Extensa 4620 is a basic model which, surprisingly, uses Windows Vista Business Edition instead of Home Basic. Its three-year warranty doesn't hurt, either.


    Lightweight laptops

    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T7500 processor 2.2GHz; 2GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 12.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.1kg; one-year warranty
    S$1,391
    Nanyang Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T7500 processor 2.2GHz; 3GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 12.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.1kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,496.93
    		 Republic Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T7300 processor 2.0GHz; 3GB RAM; 160GB HDD ; 12.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Home Basic; 2.1kg; one-year warranty
    S$1,496.93
    		 Singapore Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T7500 processor 2.2GHz; 3GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 12.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.1kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,658.50
    		 Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T7500 processor 2.2GHz; 2GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 12.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.1kg; one-year warranty
    S$2,398

    31-42%
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: The Acer TravelMate 6292 is one of the most affordable corporate thin-and-lights in the market, yet doesn't compromise on features or performance. Despite it's low cost this model comes with the fingerprint sensor/TPM security chip combo to keep your data from prying eyes.


    Performance laptops

    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T7500 processor 2.2GHz; 3GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; ATI Mobility Radeon HD2400 XT graphics card; Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.46kg; one-year warranty
    S$1,487.30
    Nanyang Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T7500 processor 2.2GHz; 3GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; ATI Mobility Radeon HD2400 XT graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.46kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,605
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T7500 processor 2.2GHz; 3GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; ATI Mobility Radeon HD2400 XT graphics card; Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.46kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,487.30
    Republic Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T7300 processor 2.0GHz; 3GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; ATI Mobility Radeon HD2400 XT graphics card; Windows Vista Home Basic; 2.46kg; one-year warranty
    S$1,487.30
    Singapore Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T7500 processor 2.2GHz; 2GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; ATI Mobility Radeon HD2400 XT graphics card; Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.46kg; one-year warranty
    S$1,698

    5-12%
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: The Aspire 4920G may be cheap, but it's definitely not boring with its Gemstone design. Billed as a portable entertainment notebook, it sports a dedicated ATI graphics card for additional video performance. Students who frequently edit videos or produce presentations will appreciate this affordable Acer PC.


    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T7500 processor 2.2GHz; 3GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 15.4-inch screen; DVD writer drive; ATI Mobility Radeon HD2400 XT graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.88kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,712
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic
    Not available
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: A powerful laptop with a three-year coverage, the TravelMate 5720G is suitable for those doing intensive graphics work as well as video-editing. It even has a fingerprint sensor to make easy-to-hack passwords a thing of the past.



    APPLE



    Budget laptops

    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo processor 2.1GHz; 2GB RAM; 120GB HDD; 13.3-inch screen; DVD/CDRW combo drive; integrated graphics card; Mac OS X; 2.27kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,977.36
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo processor 2.1GHz; 1GB RAM; 120GB HDD; 13.3-inch screen; DVD/CDRW combo drive; integrated graphics card; Mac OS X; 2.27kg; one-year warranty
    S$1,688

    17%
    Apple online store
    Core 2 Duo processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 13.3-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Mac OS X; 2.27kg; one-year warranty
    S$1,870.36
    Nanyang Polytechnic; Singapore Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 13.3-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Mac OS X; 2.27kg; three-year warranty
    S$2,298.36
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 13.3-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Mac OS X; 2.27kg; one-year warranty
    S$1,998

    6% (NYP; SP)

    15% (NP; TP)
    Apple online store
    Core 2 Duo processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 13.3-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Mac OS X; 2.27kg; three-year warranty
    S$2,662.16
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 13.3-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Mac OS X; 2.27kg; one-year warranty
    S$2,288

    16%
    Apple online store


    Description: With the MacBook, Apple has hit a reasonable price point and delivered a laptop that makes a great compromise between size and portability. If you really need to run Windows software, you can even dual-boot via Boot Camp or use third-party virtualization software like Parallels.


    Performance laptops

    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 200GB HDD; 15.4-inch screen; DVD writer drive; Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics card; Mac OS X; 2.45kg; one-year warranty
    S$2,769.16
    Nanyang Polytechnic; Singapore Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 200GB HDD; 15.4-inch screen; DVD writer drive; Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics card; Mac OS X; 2.45kg; three-year warranty
    S$3,411.16
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 200GB HDD; 15.4-inch screen; DVD writer drive; Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics card; Mac OS X; 2.45kg; one-year warranty
    S$3,088

    10% (NYP; SP)

    10% (NP; TP)
    Apple online store


    Description: The MacBook Pro delivers unparalleled style, a solid set of features and software. If you really need to run Windows software, you can even dual-boot via Boot Camp or use third-party virtualization software like Parallels.


    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo processor 2.5GHz; 2GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 17-inch screen; DVD writer drive; Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics card; Mac OS X; 3.1kg; three-year warranty
    S$4,588.16
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo processor 2.5GHz; 2GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 17-inch screen; DVD writer drive; Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics card; Mac OS X; 3.1kg; one-year warranty
    S$4,388

    5%
    Apple online store


    Description: With a solid array of components, a terrific set of features, and the lightest weight of any laptop its size, Apple's 17-inch MacBook Pro is a power user's dream, but it doesn't come cheap. If you really need to run Windows software, you can even dual-boot via Boot Camp or use third-party virtualization software like Parallels.



    FUJITSU



    Budget laptops

    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T7250 processor 2.0GHz; 2GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 15.4-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.85kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,485.16
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T7230 processor 1.73GHz; 3GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 15.4-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Home Basic; 2.85kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,388

    7%
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: One of the cheapest LifeBooks in the market, the V1020 combines Core 2 Duo performance and a large screen to make presentations a breeze.


    Lightweight laptops

    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T8300 processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.26kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,741.96
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Republic Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T5550 processor 1.83GHz; 3GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.26kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,788

    3%
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: A design which has been around since the Pentium M era, the LifeBook S7000 series has proven to be one of the lightest and most popular 14.1-inch laptops in the market.


    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T8300 processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 1.7kg; three-year warranty
    S$2,127.16
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T8300 processor 2.4GHz; 3GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 1.7kg; three-year warranty
    S$2,127.16
    Republic Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T9300 processor 2.5GHz; 4GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 1.7kg; HSDPA antenna; three-year warranty
    S$3,988

    47%
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: The exceptionally thin bezel allowed Fujitsu to squeeze a 14.1-inch display into a 13.3-inch chassis. Though the retail model sports an HSDPA antenna, the campus edition foregoes this feature for a lower price.


    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T7500 processor 2.2GHz; 2GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 12.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 1.98kg; three-year warranty
    S$2,533.76
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T9300 processor 2.5GHz; 3GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 12.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 1.98kg; three-year warranty
    S$3,988

    36%
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: A full-featured tablet PC, the LifeBook T4220 is great for those doing graphics design work.


    Performance laptops

    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T9300 processor 2.5GHz; 2GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 15.4-inch screen; DVD writer drive; Nvidia GeForce 8400M G graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.5kg; three-year warranty
    S$2,234.16
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Republic Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T9300 processor 2.5GHz; 4GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 15.4-inch screen; DVD writer drive; Nvidia GeForce 8400M G graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.5kg; HSDPA antenna; three-year warranty
    S$2,988

    25%
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: The LifeBook E8410 benefits from a large, high-resolution screen. The USB ports could be better positioned, though, and the campus model forgoes the HSDPA antenna for a lower price.



    HP



    Budget laptops

    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T2400 processor 1.83GHz; 1GB RAM; 120GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Home Basic; 2.3kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,068.93
    Republic Polytechnic; Ngee Ann Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T2400 processor 1.83GHz; 1GB RAM; 120GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.3kg; one-year warranty
    S$1,199

    11%
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: A full-featured budget portable, the HP 520 was originally conceived for the business world but found favor among those looking for a basic and affordable laptop.


    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T5500 processor 1.83GHz; 1GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Home Basic; 2.5kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,282.93
    Nanyang Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T5500 processor 1.83GHz; 2GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Home Basic; 2.5kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,389.93
    Republic Polytechnic; Singapore Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T5500 processor 1.83GHz; 1GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.5kg; one-year warranty
    S$1,399

    0.6-8%
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: For a low price, the Compaq Presario V3700 offers a strong feature set with an attractive finish. It also helps that the high-gloss top cover is scratch-resistant, especially in a hostile campus environment.


    Lightweight laptops

    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T8100 processor 2.1GHz; 1GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 12.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Home Basic; 1.92kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,389.93
    Nanyang Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T8100 processor 2.1GHz; 2GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 12.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Home Basic; 1.92kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,496.93
    Republic Polytechnic; Singapore Polytechnic
    Not available
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: If you need portability and yet are unwilling to sacrifice performance and features, then this laptop might be the one for you. Despite its portability and affordability, the Presario B1200 holds an integrated DVD writer under the hood and uses the latest Penryn Core 2 Duo processor.


    Performance laptops

    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T8300 processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 15.4-inch screen; DVD writer drive; Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS graphics card; Windows Vista Home Basic; 2.78kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,764.43
    Nanyang Polytechnic; Republic Polytechnic; Singapore Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T8300 processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 15.4-inch screen; Blu-ray drive; Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS graphics card; Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.78kg; one-year warranty
    S$2,599

    32%
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: For work or play, the Pavilion dv6700 offers excellent multimedia features with strong performance. Though it may be a little hefty to lug for extended periods, the large screen will be appreciated by those involved in intensive graphics work.



    Lenovo



    Budget laptops

    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T5470 processor 1.6GHz; 2GB RAM; 120GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.46kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,588
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T5450 processor 1.66GHz; 1GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; Nvidia Quadro NVS 140M graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.46kg; one-year warranty
    S$2,199

    28%
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: The IBM blueprint is still evident in the Lenovo ThinkPad R61, but the addition of a widescreen display and all the latest Centrino Duo tricks make this a ThinkPad that could woo students and home users along with its legion of fans among business travelers.


    Lightweight laptops

    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T8300 processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 12.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 1.8kg; three-year warranty
    S$1,940
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T7300 processor 2.0GHz; 1GB RAM; 120GB HDD; 12.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; integrated graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 1.8kg; one-year warranty
    S$1,999

    3%
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: The Lenovo V200 offers both performance and portability in a serious business-like design. Thanks to the Lenovo Care button, keeping this machine in tip-top shape is as easy as pressing a button.


    Performance laptops

    Model
    Specs
    Price
    Availability
    Core 2 Duo T8300 processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; Nvidia Quadro NVS 140M graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.38kg; three-year warranty
    S$2,020
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T8300 processor 2.4GHz; 4GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; Nvidia Quadro NVS 140M graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.38kg; three-year warranty
    S$2,020
    Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T8300 processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 250GB HDD; 14.1-inch screen; DVD writer drive; Nvidia Quadro NVS 140M graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.38kg; three-year warranty
    S$2,999

    33%
    Sim Lim Square
    Core 2 Duo T8300 processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 15.4-inch screen; DVD writer drive; Nvidia Quadro FX 570M graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.75kg; three-year warranty
    S$2,341
    Ngee Ann Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T8300 processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 15.4-inch screen; DVD writer drive; Nvidia Quadro NVS FX 570M graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.75kg; three-year warranty
    S$2,341
    Temasek Polytechnic
    Core 2 Duo T8300 processor 2.4GHz; 2GB RAM; 160GB HDD; 15.4-inch screen; DVD writer drive; Nvidia Quadro NVS FX 570M graphics card; Windows Vista Business; 2.75kg; three-year warranty
    S$4,002.74

    41%
    Sim Lim Square


    Description: Lenovo's 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. It may be a little of an overkill for some students, but its hardy design allows this ThinkPad to survive where others won't.