New generation of Intel Sandy Bridge laptops

Recent weeks have been bustling with new laptop launches. The primary focus is on new range of Intel-based laptop running on the new Sandy Bridge chipset. The new Intel chipset allows a laptop to run at least 7 hours on a single charge with WiFi turns in its standard 6-cells configuration. There are few models worth considering but again, this subjects to your personal preferences.

1. Toshiba Portege R835 – This model has launched in Malaysia.

2. Samsung Series 9 – One of the most talk-about model in recent launches due to its extreme thin profile (comparable to MacBook Air) & reasonably well equipped – almost RM5,000/unit selling price

3. Lenovo Thinkpad x220 – The old school design but never disappoints reliability & performance (approx. RM4,000 & less)

4. Lenovo Thinkpad T420s – This is the top of the range business notebook; recently launched with the new Intel chipset & processor. Was told to last 10 hours on full charge. It is thin & light but pricey at RM6-7k/unit; Can't find any full review on the net yet. Slim/low profile model has its model number ends with "s"

5. Apple MacBook Pro 13" (2011 model) - This is a worthy consideration. At just RM3.5k/unit, you get the best value for money. The Apple hardware is undeniably the best among those listed and only rivaled by Lenovo Thinkpad but again, minus the "feel-good" & "wow" factor. On top of that, in addition to Microsoft Windows 7 (sold separately), you have the option to use Mac OSX which is equally user-friendly and powerful.


Being a Windows user & developer since 3.0, I have been using it for the past 1 month and started to get the hang of it. Well, some (differences)/irregularities in terms of key placing but this is no show stopper. Mac OSX is not the best OS but again, the whole package blends well together. On top of that, I am able to run my MS-Windows applications & OS X applications side-by-side in OS X operating system seamlessly by using VMWare Fusion. So, for me, paying a reasonable sum for the great Apple hardware & get the option of using the apps of two great OS is priceless. How about you?