Acer 3820TG North America Purchase Options

If you're in the US and ordering from Canada, the I3 is the only option. I put in an I5-540M last week. If you're buying from the EU, you can get an I5 from one of the German retailers. If you want to order from Taiwan, PCHome has the I5 models.

The backlit KB mod is really nice (you understand that it likely voids the warranty - something to consider). I just took power off the underside of the USB board and I found it much easier to solder and it looks so much better. You can't really see the wires since they run under the board into the lower compartment. Love this backlit KB.

Good luck with your new unit.

Bronsky

 

Is there a significant performance difference btween the i3 config and the i5?

 

The I3-370M runs faster on base clocks than the I5-430M. It has the same base clocks as the I5-450M. It lacks turbo. That is the performance difference.

Bronsky

 

Good greif...I counted 8 different configurations on the shop.chip.de website...

 

This is one I found in the German site:
Core i5-460M 2.53GHz, 4GB RAM, 750GB 33.8cm/13.3 "1366x768 WXGA glare, iGMA / mobility Radeon HD5650 1GB, no optical drive, GB-LAN, WLAN b / g / n, UMTS, Bluetooth 3.0, 3x USB2 .0, HDMI, VGA, card reader, webcam, TimelineX Design, Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit

this is alot of money...strange how they are so different from USA or CN

 

UMTS is 3G. That is the most expensive unit. I paid about $850 from Computeruniverse for my Acer 3820TG with an I5-450M. PCHome in Taiwan has them for about $850 as well. If you order from Germany, you will probably be paying 14% added VAT. We have a simple sales tax in the US but no VAT to speak of.

Bronsky

 

I'm excited ... Both the 3820tg and Spinpoint 640gb hdd will be available for pickup tonight after 7pm at my local UPS pickup depot. Sweeeeet...

 

NCIX will price match pretty much anything, no matter how deep the discount. Have gotten stuff for ridiculously low prices for them that way (like $450 laser printers for 200 bucks).

 

kev video review and pictures!! heh oh and unboxing if its not to much trouble.

 

I guess it depends on what you need it for. I'm sort of a casual business/home entertainment user that plays a few games - primarily use mine for word processing, citrix remote access to get work programs, watching videos, and Civ 5. It does everything I need it to do with the i3.
Civ 5 is actually way faster on this than it is on my desktop (which is a few years old now and has an E8600 and 9800GT or GTX video card).

I also have connected it to a new 24' 1080p monitor and to my 50' 720p tv through the hdmi and it has put out video and Civ 5with no isues at all (looks pretty sick).

Would for sure be better with a SSD, and probably could use a fresh install of windows (I think I tweaked something when trying to get rid of the bloatware), but I don't really see any need to change processors or overclock.

 

If Canada Computers is selling the 3820TG for $749, NCIX.com will simply price match, but will they beat it too? For instance, match the price, then beat it by 10%?

 

cj-

Sounds like the i3 would be most appropriate for me also.

Hooray!

Is the model number anything to be concerned with? It lists the 3820T as having a 5650 gpu...

 

I have an issue maybe someone can help me with - when I close the computer and open it up again, no issues. But when it goes into hibernate and then I hit the power button, it goes to the resuming wondows page but then goes black, and I can't get back into the computer without doing a hard reset.

Happens all the time.

Any ideas?

 

A word of caution for potential buyers:

This morning I tried to cancel my 3820TG order from Lu Computers when the information popped up about a new 3820TG model appearing in China. I wanted to cancel and hold off a few weeks to see what might be happening with the 3820TG lineup. Anyway....they were going to charge me a 15% 'restocking' fee. They claim it is a 'special order'. I explained that I did not think this was fair for an in-stock and unshipped item but they would not budge. What it amounts to is a 15% order cancellation fee which I think is absurd.

Seeing as I can not afford to lose the 15% and details on the new 3820TG skus are sketchy, I am going to go ahead and receive the order. It might end up on eBay but at least that way I would hopefully be out less than the 15%.

Anyway, just wanted those that are shopping around to be aware of this. It does not seem like a fair policy to me.

-Gary

 

If anyone is interest in the i5-460M model of the 3820tg, I have a new one in box for sale.

Check out the craigslist add if interested and shoot me a text or email.

Acer 3820tg i5-460M, ATI HD 5650 gpu, 13.3'' Laptop (BNIB)

Looking to get $880 CAD.

Cheers

Darren

 

Sorry forgot to mention, this is a face to face sale only, will not be shipping it.
I live in Vancouver, BC. Canada

 

Why only face to face?,

It sucks for people like me who live in the US and want a decent price on the 460m model, there needs to be a better easier way to purchase.

 

Thanks for this information. I was on the verge of ordering one from lu computers myself (i still might)

But before I do, can you or anyone give some details on this "new model"? First I've heard of it...a link perhaps? I figure a new refresh will show up eventually, question is it worth the wait?

Thanks.

 

Chances are even if it is Sandy Bridge and HD 6650, performance may improve 15-20% tops. Who's to say it will even be the stellar performer that this Acer is. Most likely it won't show up until March or later anyhow. So if you need it now, buy it now. Otherwise might as well wait.

 

Would you like some cheese with that wine?

 

Sorry to hear about your experience with LU. I might note it on the front page. Eric is selling so many of these to people who read about it in this thread that it would have been a nice courtesy to permit you to cancel your order as long as it had not shipped. I would think that NCIX would get my business in that case.

Bronsky

 

Is that the one for $15 + $10 shipping or did you find a link for $15 shipped?

 

Thank you Bronsky. After numerous emails they have agreed to reduce the 'restocking fee' as they call it and although I disagree with it in principal I agreed to the lesser charge so I can put this behind me. I would have surely lost a little money in eBay fees had I received the unit and tried to sell it anyway. Part of me takes this as a learning experience. I am frustrated with myself that I did not read their policy fine print more carefully which states:

LU Computers - company policy
"Any cancellation of computer system order will be treated as a Product Return. You will be responsible for a restocking charge of 15% or $40 minimum whichever is greater"

I've never heard of charging a fee for cancelling an unshipped order that was for an in stock item.

But in the end, and for a couple of reasons, I needed to stop this order and at least that was done.

EDIT: I should mention that Eric worked with me to find a solution that was agreeable to us both and explained their policies.

I just felt like I should mention the policies here so others are not surprised as I was. Like I said, this was a learning experience for me.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.....

-Gary

 

I'm curious as well. Where did you get this information?

 

Check the 3820TG owner's lounge thread. There was some discussion about this earlier today.

 

I live in Canada, so I'm interested.

One question, how did you get an i5-460m? They don't retail here in Canada.

 

I don't have the link, Bronsky does.

Bronsky, do you have the links to the English keyboards? Thanks.

 

Quick counterpoint on Lucmputers - I received my unit from them and they shipped same day as my order. It came from Toronto to Pennsylvania in 3 business days. I had one phone call with Eric to confirm my purchase and he was really friendly and gracious. The unit arrived in mint condition. Even the box was impeccable. Overall experience was an A+ and I'd order from them again in a heartbeat. Not ranting here, just wanted to share my Lucomputers experince.

 

Glad to hear it went well for you. There are certainly a number of people on these forums with very good experiences with Lu Computers. I hope my post did not come across as a rant. I did not intend it that way. I just don't agree with their policy on cancellations and think everyone should be aware of the policy when they order. My situation was not the norm. Like I mentioned, this was a learning experience for me. Had I not needed to cancel the order I feel certain that the experience would have been completely positive.

And I would agree that dealing with Eric was definitely amicable.

-Gary

 

I'm confused, we talking about backlit or regular here?

Bronsky

 

No worries here. My experience was great, but it's definitely worthwhile for the forum to be aware of the restocking fee.

 

When will Canada get the i5-460M?

 

For those looking to buy from canada and ship to the US. Although I have yet to receive mine from NCIX, (it shipped last friday) you don't have to pay tax or a foreign transaction fee. I paid via paypal with US dollars as that is an option when you go though the checkout process. I was hoping to get it today but will have to settle looking at my US keyboard I ordered

 

Doubt it.

If they continue the 3820, they will likely update it with new hardware, such as the Sandy Bridge processors, in early 2011.

 

That is a tragedy. Guess I'll have to order from PCHome (Taiwan) to get the i5-460M & ATI 5650...

 

Quick question : NCIX or Lu Computers accept US Credit Cards?
Please don't answer if you are not sure.

Thanks

 

I can tell you for sure that LU would not take my American Express. I think there is a post (search button is your friend) where someone discussed paying with a credit card. I know that LU insists on being paid in Canadian Dollars.

An airplane crashing or a tsunami hitting an island killing thousands of people is a tragedy. I think you'll admit that this is something less.

Bronsky

 

So how could I order the computer if I have a US Credit Card?

 

I used my MasterCard and had no issues with LU.

 

I was just wondering if it was confirmed which type of display you get ordering from LU or NCIX? I know Bronsky got the AUO322C from LU but has anyone got the LG from LU? Also those who've ordered from NCIX, which display did you get? Just wondering if each supplier has a batch with all the same display or if it is just a crapshoot which one you get.

 

How is it a tragedy? Newer technology is always superior to older technology? If anything, you should be happy.

In the meantime, up until Sandy Bridge and the new Nvidia, ATI chipsets will be implemented in notebooks, you can still purchase a 3820. You've got a good 2-3 months, before they probably discontinue the 370m, 460m and 5650.

 

The two units purchased just before mine from LU were LG's. So, it's a crapshoot.

 

Acer Aspire TimelineX 3820TG-7360 w/ Core i3-370M, 4GB, 500GB, 13.3in HD, Radeon HD 5650, WIn 7 Home Premium 64-bit at Memory Express Computers

$699 for those who are interested.

 

Amazing price, but man it sucks knowing I just paid $750 for this a week ago. C'est la vie - when it comes to technology whatever you buy will always become cheaper and less cutting edge more or less immediately, but seriously - it's been less than 10 days since I made the purchase!! haha...

 

Expires 11/28. Dangit, my money hasn't transferred to my paypal yet! It should be there tomorrow I hope. I might bite, that's a darn good price. NCIX should be able to price match this right? Doesn't look like this place ships to USA.

edit: seems NCIX will only pricematch for Canadian customers...

And why are none of these stores near Windsor, Ontario? I live 20 minutes from the border and could zip over there and buy it. Oh well...

 

Give NCIX a call, speak to them, and notify them about where you saw it cheaper. Perhaps they will consider a price match for you. If you don't try, you'll never know.

I'm tempted to purchase this, since the price is so low. However, there's probably a new model just around the corner, with new gpu, and Sandy Bridge cpu. I'm going to wait.

 

I think I'm going to wait too. I don't need it right now. My netbook suffices for the most part for on the go stuff. Maybe the 3820TG will drop another $100 to clear inventory once they SB version comes out?

 

So, do any of the stores come with the us keyboard right from the start?

 

Nope. There was no official USA release for this laptop, so no USA keyboards.

 

I'm not sure. $699, seems very low for a 370m & 5650 all packed into a 13" machine; lots of power in a small package.

It also depends on how much of a performance & innovative increase Sandy Bridge has to offer over the current Westmere (i3,i5,i7) processors, and the new gpu's over the current.

There's pros & cons to waiting.

Pro's, the new versions of the 3820 may be much more powerful than the current generation. Thus, worth the wait.

Con's, the new versions may only be slightly more powerful and much more expensive than the current generation, meanwhile the current 3820 is phased out, and you can no longer purchase it. Thus, you will have missed out on a good deal at $699, and have to pay $750-$850 for something only slightly better.

Personally, if you don't need it now, just wait. There's no point in predicting the future quality or prices. Also, if you purchase the 3820 now, you may regret it, only 2 months from now, if the new versions are that much better.