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 Php30,000.

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
14.1” display screen (1280×800)
SuperMulti 8X Double Layer DVD±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: Php29,940

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 24,999

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 T3400 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
Php24,999

Lenovo G430
Intel Pentium Dual Core T3400 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
Php27,995 

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: Php28,500

For differences in memory, just factor in 1GB of RAM at Php750 or 2GB at Php1,100. 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.