Acer 3820TG North America Purchase Options

Thank for the responses. What about the Staple Canada version? I don't really need the fancy graphics (though I do want some). Are there any other shortcomings of that version? I librium in Seattle so I can easily drive up to Vancouver.

 

You have to be honest with yourself before others can help you. Do you or do you not care or need the "fancy graphics"?

If yes, get the version with the 5650 GPU. If not, then the 5470 GPU should suffice.

 

If the lower end graphics in the Staples Canada 3820TG are good enough, then you might want to look at the ASUS U35JC that should be available very soon. Similar processor/graphics. Optimus and better warranty.

13.3" HD (1366 x768) (LED)/i3-370M/4G DDR3/NV 310M 1G DDR3 + Intel GMA HD (Optimus Technology)/500G 5400/No ODD/W7HP (64bit)/802.11BGN/VGA/HDMI/0.3M Pixel/8-cell 5600mAh

http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-U35JC-A1...3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1281988074&sr=8-3

 

That's an excellent recommendation of an alternative to the 3820TG with 5470 GPU.

I'll add that the screen is probably a touch better in the U35jc as well.

 

If you don't need a fancy graphics card then this will suffice but the sale ends tomorrow I believe. (if there are still any left)
The shortcomings I have noticed is the poor display and the touch pad in the beginning but i'm starting to work into it.
I love the battery life and the keyboard is very comfortable to type on.
And basically, even the integrated GPU has been enough for all the games I played so far (MMOs and WC3)
And with all the support for the TimelineX in this forum, there really is not much to worry.

 

Yeah, the Staples sale price of $699 makes it a good deal. But what is the tax? Also, if there is a problem do you have to go through Canada warranty support? The ASUS I believe has a 2 year warranty ans a 1yr accidental protection.

The U35JC is $820 through Amazon. Not sure what the net price difference is after taxes.

 

Thanks. I've been following the u35jc thread for a month now. Its just that someone posted in that thread that this the 3820gt is thinner, lighter, has a better keyboard and costs less...

 

It is not thinner or lighter. It does cost less (but what are taxes in Vancouver these days 12%? So $784 C$ vs $820US). I do like the appearance of the 3820TG, and would definitely get the higher spec'ed one if it came to the States.

The Bamboo version (U33JC) is heavier and pricier...

 

Taxes is 12% and there's an environmental fee of like $1 ?
Let's assume 785$ CAD

 

$785 vs $1050 with 5650 shipped from PCHome...

 

If you do take the PCHome route, do yourself a favor and get the Yada transparent keyboard protector while you're at it from them ($10 USD).

You might want to also get the anti-glare screen protector that Hendrickson reference on page 1 of the 3820TG Owners Thread too.

I got both protectors.

 

For those who bought from PCHome in the US, did you get your USPS shipping information from the iPost screen?

My laptop arrived on Saturday AM and went through US Customs shortly after. I haven't seen an USPS shipping information yet, though.

 

Mine is also still at JFK but I think its still might be at customs inspection because 1 minute at in customs seem bit fast

 

Hi Guys,

Basically I've been laptop hunting for college and I came across this thread and this Acer computer from PCHome. I'm highly considering purchasing this computer.. as it looks like the best bang for the buck deal in my price range ($1000 CAD and under) considering what i can get here at home. (Canada)

However, I have several questions/concerns. I hope that you guys will be able to help me answer them because I don't wanna be making a wrong purchase on this laptop or any other one. This is quite an investment for me. And I understand that some questions might have been answered in the thread (for which I've read most of it), but I just wanna be double checking.. better safe than sorry.

I'm referring to i5 450m, 2GB + Free 2GB Ram, ATI 5650 for NT$30900 ($1000 CAD)

So here goes... Again Thanks for your help and any answers are greatly appreciated.

1. (For Canadian Members mainly) Do you think this is the best performance/price ratio I can get in Canada? Should I wait 1-2 more weeks for a better deal on PCHOME or another laptop anywhere else in Canada?

2. Another thing I've read a lot about on this thread is the screen... It seems to be of poor quality? Not too sure.. getting mixed messages. I'm not that big into screens.. so just as long as its viewable its good for me. Is it really a problem?

3. The warranty. I read on this thread that it is void in Canada? Is there no international warranty? How would I get it repaired or if its a dud when it first comes over?

4. The cd-drive. There is none right? Is there a way to make my discs (Office, Games, etc) into ISO's so i can stick them on the usb?

5. The OS. All i gotta do is reformat into english version with downloaded windows 7 and enter the cd-key on the back of laptop right?

Thanks for answering my questions guys, I know it might be a little annoying hearing them over and over again.. but I really don't want to be messing up with 1 grand.

 

1. Yes, it doesn't look like it's coming out in Canada anytime soon.

2. Screen is adequate, my biggest peeve with it is the viewing angle.

3. Pretty sure you can return it to PCHome and get your full money back including shipping. If it's something small you can take it to any computer repair shop, if it's something major you might have to ship it back to Taiwan for them to do work on it.

4. No CD drive, yes you can make ISOs (in another computer) or get an external DVD drive that attaches via USB. You will want to make a bootable USB stick of Windows 7 if you want a clean install, follow Bronsky's guide.

5. Yes, make sure you get Home Premium. You can also not reformat and just download a language pack to make it in English.

 

1. (For Canadian Members mainly) Do you think this is the best performance/price ratio I can get in Canada? Should I wait 1-2 more weeks for a better deal on PCHOME or another laptop anywhere else in Canada?

Yes and No depends if you have money to waste or not, you might not see a huge performance jump with the new chips coming out. but if u can wwait why not? but if you keep doing that u'll never buy one !

2. Another thing I've read a lot about on this thread is the screen... It seems to be of poor quality? Not too sure.. getting mixed messages. I'm not that big into screens.. so just as long as its viewable its good for me. Is it really a problem?

Some people have noted an issue me including on three different models, depends on the site, but really no issues viewing angels are okay, blacks aren't the best

3. The warranty. I read on this thread that it is void in Canada? Is there no international warranty? How would I get it repaired or if its a dud when it first comes over?

You might or might not get one depending who you speak at acer, i registered mine via the pc and then called in to verify and thus have an international warranty -

4. The cd-drive. There is none right? Is there a way to make my discs (Office, Games, etc) into ISO's so i can stick them on the usb?

Sure Magic ISO i use this

5. The OS. All i gotta do is reformat into english version with downloaded windows 7 and enter the cd-key on the back of laptop right?

NO. you can change languages with the MUI i posted a few pages back, So far i had installed it on my machine and my friends and we both have had no issues as somene claim we might with genuine advantage breaking -

I have a feeling that isn't with OEM laptops - because i have done the genuine windows test everytime i download something and it's great. why format ifyou dont have to?>???????????? waste of time
[/QUOTE]

 

Hey,

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated.

There's new chips coming out? Do you think something will be better for under $1000 CAD?

So if I register the computer ID on Acer Canada i'll get the warranty?

And btw, I have to buy with Paypal right?

Thanks again.

 

not sure about the warranty , i registered via the application and then the next day i called in, and the tech got me to fax in my receipt - i told him i got it from online - so he told me to use attention to with his info and my warranty is now valid for the year.

might work for u - might not, like some others have posted you might end up getting a nice tech.

everything that hit me with the screen i ended up getting a nice tech

 

ehh.. if I were you, I would go for the PCHome one b/c of the 5650 =] just hope for the best!

 

The number you use for iPost is the same as the one you use on the USPS Track & Confirm website.

 

Thank you Peter. It worked like a charm! I'm glad someone finally mentioned and confirmed this.

It finally got cleared by customs. Only took them 1 whole day to do it!

So Peter, how do you like the laptop?

 

Nice move. (+rep tomorrow when I have more ). It seems that Acer can't ID a registration number from another region. That was the problem when I tried to buy a speaker from Acer USA. They registered mine too. I think it will help if you have a problem and may ... "MAY" ... avoid the need to ship to Europe or Taiwan (caps are not for you Don. I know someone will read this and take from it that registration = warranty. It's still the luck of the draw and you are in the hands of the niceness of the techs you use.) Did you call the service center in Texas?

Bronsky

 

Thanks for the info Peter, looks like mine is getting to me in couple of hours since its out for delivery

 

I can't believe how quickly you all are getting your computers. Mine took 15 days from Germany. Waiting for your unit to arrive is the worst.

Bronsky

 

Mine is out for delivery as well!

Ordered on 8/11 (Wednesday).
On a 747 jet from Taipei, Taiwan on 8/12 (Thursday).
Arrived at JFK International Airport in New York City on 8/14 (Saturday)
Sat in customs over the weekend but was released to the US Post Office on 8/16 (Monday).
Out of delivery on 8/17 (Tuesday)!

If it weren't for the weekend, I'd have gotten it sooner.

Coincidentally, my R705 is arriving today as well via UPS. Ordered it 1 week ago, and it was shipped ground service UPS from California to the east coast.

 

Are you planning on running the 2 units side-by-side and returning one? Make sure you write that up ... it will be interesting. You must really be a banker if you can afford 2 units. Using any of our bailout money?

Bronsky

 

LOL! All bailout money has been repaid in full with interest! Of course, whether the average American taxpayer will ever get to use that interest remains to be seen.....

Looking at the specs in my signature, there really is no contest from a performance perspective between the 3820TG and the R705.

The only thing that would result in my naming the R705 the winner is if it's keyboard is not as spongy, cramped, and atypical as I've heard and if it's light weight blows me away.

The gameplan is to go to BestBuy tomorrow and physically inspect the floor demo of the R705. If I'm not impressed, then I'll return my unopened R705 right then and there. That will save me from paying the 15% restocking fee ($120 USD).

If I do like the R705, then the 3820TG (unopened) will go on sale here and eBay. I'm sure there's a smart person in the US who'd love to get their hands on a 3820TG (even without a warranty possibly) without having to deal with a foreign website.

As both these transactions were funded with my platinum card and credit will be issued forthright, there's 0% cost of carry with regards to the laptop that doesn't get picked. Not bad if I do say so myself.

 

Bronsky i called this number (866) 706-2237 - I was very polite with him on the phone, and told him i had other acers and the past and how the international warranty was before - , but before all that i did the registration via the pc, and then i called in made sure they received the info, and he told me i have a 1 year warranty, and if i could fax the receipt in and all he would update it to make sure it's all good.

-

side story my cousin that came here from germany a few years ago, and went back boguht an acer and she had to call in a few times to acer to actually get her warranty in. i think its more of getting a trained good rep then someone that doesn't know what they are talking about

 

Does the EXPC 3820TG come with English keyboard?

 

I'm moving this running account to the 3820TG Owners Thread. Feel free to read it over there if you're curious about what to expect when ordering from PCHome.

Thanks.

 

It is a combo with US/international symbols and chineese. It looks like it has the same typing pattern so there is no need to change it if you don't want to. Haven't heard from you in a while. Getting one?

Bronsky

 

Peter was correct about his warnings on Vistalizator, a program that Lastdon was kind enough to bring to our attention.

Using it to change your Windows OS from its default language to one of your choosing will render your OS as non-genuine when performing CERTAIN tasks.

Apparently, The program does its thing by changing core files that WAT depends on for validation. When WAT attempts to verify the hash signature and can't base the native language of the SKU, it flags the system and places it in notification mode. While in this mode, no functionality is removed from Windows. However, the desktop will turn black and you will receive notifications when starting the computer, performing certain tasks. In addition, you might not be unable to download certain MS applications and MSE may or may not work

The good news is that this situation is reversible, thanks to a special software program. The bad news is that you need to contact Microsoft Assisted Support to get it. Granted it's not totally bad news, but it's a hassle nonetheless.

Here is the link to the article:

Vistalizator, Multilingual users and Validation problems.

 

It is unfortuante that this program works great with the acer computer,
and no problems have been reported in the last week with all the windows 7 updates. from me at least
and three days almost for my buddy.

there are two menus under wifi though that are still in chinese characters, but that is it

laptop is genuine as it is. I believe because the cert files are from OEM, it doesn't touch them and therefore the validation remains in tact.

Again why format if you dont have to.. no need. works like a charm

edit: i just checked the validation again, and it passed with flying colours

 

...................

 

Thank you.

Which laptop did you get this program to work successfully on (without any validation problems)? The laptop from PCHome or Staples?

 

Hey Bronsky. Yea I've been waiting, hoping the 3820TG would reach the U.S. but it doesn't seem like it's gonna happen.

I checked PCHome but they're only offering i3-330/350/370
And both EXPC and PChome only offer 2 GB ram...
The PCHome keyboard is in Chinese?

 

It's a US KB with chineese characters as well. The I5's seem to be running out everywhere until the 460M is released in a few weeks. PCHome usually has a sale for an upgrade of another 2GB (you put in yourself).

Bronsky

 

Hey Bronsky,

You said the 460M is coming out soon? How soon exactly? And do you think it'll be around the same price as the 3820TG?

 

Just_A_nick says the release date in Germany is September 23rd. They're already being advertised there. Synex, the Canadian distributer (supplying Staples) lists a 3820TG/HD5470 model with the I5-460M and says that it is scheduled for release in October. So I would guess we will start to see them in late September or early October. I would also guess that the price will be the same. Just in case, if anyone is advertising a 4820TG I5-450M for sale (cough * microcenter * cough), I would get a raincheck.

Bronsky

 

pchome

the staples is already english

 

Hmmm... do you think it'll be a lot faster? Or do you think I sohuld just stick with this PCHome one?

 

LOL! I'm laughing at myself. I can't believe I didn't realize that already. I must be getting old....or just losing my mind.

Thank you again, Lastdon.

 

processor isnt gonna make a difference its still arrandale. just high bus/core ratio

 

honestly ,i am not goign to lie, the MUI english pack worked like a charm, i haven't had a single issue.

i always format my laptops with a clean install, but until i get some spare time to do it, the MUi has worked greatly.

 

If it's reversable, it might be the way to go in the short run so that you don't have to wipe the drive.

 

I just posted Part 2 on the 3820TG Owners thread. It deals with the keyboard, trackpad, and Yadi keyboard protector.

Part 1 is already up and dealt with the packaging.

Part 3 will deal with the laptop screen.

 

Thanks guys.

I think I'm going to go with Bronsky's idea of getting another HDD.

Saving the original HDD in case I need to return the laptop for factory work or a complete return (looking more doubtful hour by hour) seems the smart way to go.

 

+1 rep on sharing this fantastic news, Lastdon.

It gives us hope that there is at least a chance that we can secure a warranty for a great laptop.

Thanks!

 

75 pages of people buying from over sea and Acer is still not releasing this for the States yet!?

 

^Yea, and it zucks this is supposed to be a thread about 'purchasing options for north americans' but it's mostly just irrelevant crap.