Sub-30k Laptops as Netbook Alternatives

While most of the current netbooks are in the Php20k to Php30k range, some people will still opt for a decently spec’ed notebook within that price range for obvious reasons. Here are my recommended full-featured laptops under Php30,000USD 511INR 43,338EUR 487CNY 3,723.

Compaq Presario CQ40-340TU
Intel Pentium Dual Core T4200, 2.0GHz, 1MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB
Mobile Intel GL40 Express Chipset, GMA 4500M
1GB DDR2 RAM
250GB SATA HDD
14.1â€ display screen (1280×800)
SuperMulti 8X Double Layer DVDÂ±RW Drive
WiFi 802.11 b/g
5-in-1 card reader
Webcam
3x USB 2.0, HDMI port
Altec Lansing Speakers
6-cell battery
Price: Php29,940USD 510INR 43,251EUR 486CNY 3,716

Asus X80-LE
Intel Pentium Dual Core T2390, 1.86GHz, 1Mb L2, 533MHz FSB
Mobile Intel 965GM Express Chipset, Intel X3100 384MB shared
14.1″ display screen
2GB DDR2 533MHz RAM
120GB SATA HDD
DVD-RW
4-in-1 card reader
ExpressCard Slot
Webcam
Intel PRO WiFi b/g/n
Gigabit LAN / 56Kb modem
1x firewire, 4x USB 2.0
Price: Php 24,999USD 426INR 36,114EUR 406CNY 3,102

Dell Vostro A840
Intel Pentium Dual Core T2390 1.86GHz
14.1″ display screen
1GB DDR2 667MHz RAM
120GB SATA HDD
WiFI 802.11 b/g
56Kb Modem, LAN
DVD+RW
Price: 27,999

MSI MegaBook PR400
Intel Pentium Dual Core T3400Â 2.16GHz, 1MB L2, 667MHz
Intel GMA965 / Intel X3100
2.0GB DDR2 667MHz RAM
160GB SATA HDD
DVD+RW
14.1″ WXGA / Biometric + camera 1.3MP
WiFi 802.11 b/g
GigaBit LAN
Php24,999USD 426INR 36,114EUR 406CNY 3,102

Lenovo G430
Intel Pentium Dual Core T3400Â 2.16GHz, 1MB L2, 667MHz
14.1 inch screen
Intel GMA4500m
2.0GB DDR2 667MHz RAM
250GB SATA HDD
DVD Dual Layer
WiFi 802.11 b/g
Php27,995USD 477INR 40,442EUR 454CNY 3,474Â

Acer Aspire AS4730Z-342G16Mn
Intel Pentium Dual Core T3400 2.16GHz
14.1″ LCD display screen
Intel GMA 450MHD (64MB Dedicated, up to 1659MB Shared)
2GB DDR2 RAM
160GB SATA HDD
DVD Super Multi Drive
Gigabit LAN
Webcam
5 in 1 Card Reader
Bluetooth
Price: Php28,500USD 486INR 41,171EUR 463CNY 3,537

For differences in memory, just factor in 1GB of RAM at Php750USD 13INR 1,083EUR 12CNY 93 or 2GB at Php1,100USD 19INR 1,589EUR 18CNY 137. So, if it’s still within budget, you can upgrade it. Some of these don’t have Windows pre-installed though so you might also need to factor them in (there’s always Ubuntu).

The next time you look at a netbook, think if you really need the portability. Otherwise, a regular laptop with the same price could be well worth it. At least you know that a Pentium Dual Core are still way faster than the Intel Atom.

Abe Olandres

Abe is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of YugaTech with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is one of the pioneers of blogging in the country and considered by many as the Father of Tech Blogging in the Philippines. He is also a technology consultant, a tech columnist with several national publications, resource speaker and mentor/advisor to several start-up companies.

https://www.yugatech.com

27 Comments

calvin says:

16 years ago

all are dual cores. means to show there are no decent core2duo under 30k?
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Go says:

16 years ago

I am eyeing on the Lenova G430. I was about to get an Eee PC 1000H until I see this article.

visit http://pinoygadgetprice.blogspot.com/ for other great deals in gadgets in the Philippines
- Reply
madzman23 says:

16 years ago

Yeah, but its definitely faster than Atom and more functional than netbooks.
Good timing to post it Sir Abe, my sister is planning to get a laptop but her budget are just 30K. I think the Compaq will be the one.

Thanks!
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jhay says:

16 years ago

Yeah, I got my eyes on the Lenovo G430. :D But for my next notebook, I’m looking for a smaller screen size and lesser weight.
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aldrin says:

16 years ago

all of the above are generally better than netbooks, but maybe the weight and battery life.
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Abe Olandres says:

16 years ago

@aldrin – some of them even have 6-cell batteries too.

Jamby says:

16 years ago

doesn’t any of these models have multi-touch pad?
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Darren says:

16 years ago

I thought NEO should be listed too ~
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Ryan Umadhay says:

16 years ago

I don’t even consider netbooks that’s more than 20k. Netbooks have smaller screens and they can’t give you the gaming experience compared to regular laptops.

That’s why I have a regular laptop (already 2 years old) and an ASTONE UMPC (almsost six months 10k only).
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madzman23 says:

16 years ago

@jHay – Oh yeah, Lenovo specs is also good. I overlooked at it. :D

@Jamby – Multi-touch is not that required, performance is what we need to look to dude. :)

@Sir Abe, where did you get your source to these pricelist?
I mean, from which store/s?
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Rodney Garcia says:

16 years ago

In what stores are these units available?
- Reply