Acer 3820TG North America Purchase Options

No US shipping.

 

Might be time for a trip into London this weekend then.

Played with the lesser (HD5470) version in Staples today, apart from the desperate need for a US keyboard I quite liked it. Couldn't tell what screen that model was, but it looked fine to me (albiet low-resolution).

So $700 + taxes + a US keyboard ($30 on eBay) seems like a pretty sweet deal.

 

Can someone explain exactly what is different about a bilingual keyboard?

 

One cosmetic difference, and two key placement differences.

The cosmetic difference is that, there are these additional green symbols / labels on a lot of keys targeted at Francophone buyers.

The key placement differences:

'Left Shift' key is no longer a 1x2 (flat rectangle) key, but a 1x1 square key, with a '\ |' 1x1 key squeezed in beside it and 'z' key.

'Enter' key is no longer a 1x2.5 (flat rectangle) key, but now more like a 2x1.5 (tall narrow rectangle) key.

 

Thank you. So changing out the keyboard involves what? Actually rewiring switches or just placing a different overlay over them?

 

I just saw MyOnlySt4r's second post with the four options available, so I am going to check ResellerRatings and see which option is more reliable. I wanted to ask you guys, however, to confirm if the i5-480M w/ ATI 6550 is the best option available unless one is lucky enough to buy from Singapore.

 

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forums.

I'm looking to buy the 3820TG from LU Computers. I want this model based on what Bronksy and others have said about the dual cooling fans that are only found in this model of the TimelineX series.

The grand total including shipping comes to $774.48 CAD ($790 USD). Is this a good deal, and are LU Computers a reputable store?

Also, are there any differences with the plug or keyboard that I should be concerned about?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

I paid 805 CAD = 833 USD less than two months ago, but there was no expectation of the 3830TG model, which may be released next month with some good improvements.

I didn't have any problem with LU Computers, but people say if you need them, you won't get any help. They just sell to you and forget you exist.

 

So if they sell me a defective product, what are my options?

 

I've never dealt with LU directly, but judging from there website they have a 14 day return policy assuming by "defective" you mean a DOA laptop. After that period, it'd be quite similar procedures to Staples, Future Shop, etc., whereby you need to deal with Acer directly (never had to use it, but great Customer Service I've heard, any takers?). If you think it's worth it you could always purchase the warranty (I always advice against this).

If your only reason for that model is the dual fans, I believe all 3820tg's have the dual fans. That being said, you can opt to purchase from Staples for $599.99 if you can find it, however it is the i5-460/5470 (still a great card if you don't do much 3D graphic intensive things). Or, there is the option of the i3-370M/5650 model (great model as well if you don't mind the i3) at CanadaComputers (great store) for only 699.
If you're hesitant to purchase from LU: the same model available at LUComputers is also at CC for $749, but I'm sure they'd price match.


Good luck.

 

Thanks for the reply mdott, but Staples is not offering any TG models and Canada Computers is not accepting online orders, only in-store purchases. Also, I don't think I would like the bilingual keyboard of the 3820TG. It looks like my best option is the 4820TG, however I'll wait for the release of the 4830TG or a price drop on the 20TG before making my decision.

 

Staples sells the 3820tg-7945. It's a matter of finding a store that has the item in stock. Judging from your post you aren't able to go to a store and pick it up? the LU model is a good buy then.
As for the keyboard, many users (mine is on the way), purchase the US keyboard from ebay - pretty easy swap.

38x0 > 48x0. IMHO.

 

I found no such model at Staples.com. Mind providing me with a link? If their online selection matches what's in store, then an in-store pickup wouldn't be an option (because as far as I know, they don't sell a 3820TG model; if they did, I would probably make the 35-mile trip to my nearest Staples.)

Also, I'm interested in why you think the 3820TG is better than the 4820TG, besides the dual cooling fans. Two reviews on Amazon state the laptop (4820TG) stayed cool under load, even after one hour of gaming.

 

Oh, I'm referring to staples.ca - I assumed you were Canadian, sorry lol.

3820 because it's lighter, cooler, and quieter. Really depends on usage and preference then.

 

If you live in the US and don't want to mess with swapping keyboards, the 4820TG is a decent option. The bi-lingual keyboard is really a PITA.

Bronsky

 

How easy is it to switch out the keyboard, and are the $30 variety found on Ebay of sufficient quality?

The 3820TG being sold at LU is pretty much the same price as a 4820TG, so I'm kinda torn between the two.

Also, anyone else think the 48 30TG has a worse design than its predecessors due to the non-removable battery?

 

I can tell you first hand, my experience with LU Computer was not good. I got a bad 3820TG. The CPU fan was all sorts of F'ed up and kept hitting the inside of the case. I called up Eric @LU Comps and he told me too bad go through the manufacturer. I got upset and asked him if this is how he treats all his customers and told him I would never buy from there again. A few hours later, he called me up and said he would let me do an exchange. I had to pay for the shipping, unfortunately. My exchange just came in and so far it seems to be working very well. Even got a much better screen.

As for swapping out the keyboard, it's a breeze. I have a spare US keyboard. The spacebar is a tad funky, though so I got another. If anyone wants my extra for free, just pay shipping and I'll mail it out. Let me know in this thread.

 

Hmm, I'd take you up on that offer, but I've decided to go with the 4820TG. I just don't wanna deal with the hassle of a potentially bad experience with LU Computers.

 

As someone who's VERY hard on keyboards (wore out 2 on a thinkpad T42, one on an eMachine D620 over a period of 4 years total, for one a year on average) I ordered my replacement keyboard already just to be prepared. You can get it on amazon for $29.99: 3820/4820 replacement keyboard

 

How much would it cost to ship to Fresno, CA 93710-5614? Sxooter's comments are making me want to have a backup. I've never owned a laptop, so I can't say how hard I'll be on the keys.

 

I'm in Sac, CA so it can't be too much. prob 5 bucks.

 

I think it's directly proportional to the amount you type a lot or love the command line etc. I know I wear out keyboards, most people don't. I probably type about four or five times as much as anybody I know.

The keys get glossy in a month. Letters wear off in three to six. Keys start spontaneously popping off at a year. All laptop keyboards last about that long for me, but I'm a very heavy user. That's probably 4 or 10 years usage for my mom or most friends.

On topic (more or less) mods et. al., can we have a set of links for where to buy replacement keyboards, since it's kind of a common activity with buying a bi lingual and wanting a US keyboard?

Edit email sent...

 

uh oh, i just bought a 3820 from lu computers.

i hope mine isn't a bad one, as its being shipped to scotland via america.

i don't fancy having to send it back.

i take it acers global warranty will still be valid?

has anyone had a good experience with lu computers ?

 

I just bought the 3820TG from NCIX, order placed last Friday and it was delivered this morning! I am in the U.S. and paid for expedited shipping, but I didn't think it'd be that quick! The 4820TG was just too big, should have bought the 3820 to begin with. Thanks for this thread! If it ends up being defective and I need to deal with NCIX for an exchange, I'll post about any experiences.

 

Just wanted to let you know that you will be okay ordering from LU Computers. My last post was pretty negative, but Eric did allow me to exchange my 3820tg and sent it back pretty quickly. He also gave me the tracking number without me having to ask for it and just sent me another email today asking if the computer was working well and to let him know if I have anymore issues. That makes me feel a lot more comfortable with my purchase now.

 

I'm debating both models and would really appreciate it if you could take some pictures of both the 3820 and 4820 side-by-side or on top of each other, to show their relative sizes (assuming you still have your 4820TG). Your statement about the 4820TG being too big interests me.

Thanks!

 

Just ordered one, hope it works...

 

Lol, can't take a photo comparing the two unfortunately. I sold the 4820TG and got a Toshiba R700 (13 incher), about to sell that, so that was my path to the 3820TG.

You'll love it, saw you just ordered. A 1/2 pound or so lighter (compared to the 4820TG) doesn't seem like much, but it depends what you are using the laptop for. I myself carry files around daily and the smaller size does make a big difference to me, and I don't use an optical drive as much as I had to before.

 

for me a company cannot stop accidents etc in transport, so if it does arrive with a problem, as long as the company replaces it promptly and has good communication throughout, you can't really ask for more. well i can, i can ask for a 100% working unit, and hope it arrives safe

 

NCIX has a sale for $719 now

NCIX.com - Buy Acer Aspire AS3820TG-6829 Intel Core i5 480 4GB 500GB 13.3IN Radeon 6550 802.11N BT WIN7 HP Notebook - Acer - LX.RAC02.041 - in Canada

 

My previous post was just about ericc191's experience. He told us in this thread about his problem but I was not aware of what happened next.
My experience with LU Computers was not bad: I received before expected. I just think I paid too much and I didn't like the package they sent me. Take a look.

Before buying my 3820TG I was debating about 4820TG too, and I found exactly the same pictures you want, comparing the size of both. Unfortunately the host deleted the pictures of that post. Those pictures were one of the reasons I chose 3820TG.

 

I placed my order at LU on Monday night, and today the status is still "in process". Can anyone tell me if this is normal if they're shipping to west coast USA?

 

It never changes. It will stay that way until the end of the universe (as we know it).

Bronsky

 

He is correct. I had to call and ask cause I didn't know and then they updated. Mine still says in transit from the first 3820TG, lol.

 

Thanks for the info guys, I'll give them a call. Also, does the 3820TG come with a case/sleeve?

 

darn i just bought it from them like last week for 729.99
do you think they're refund me the difference? haha

 

Opened my 3820TG 2 hours ago and everything seems to be working fine. I was wondering if any of these pre-installed Acer programs are worth keeping, or whether I should just uninstall all of them. Anyone?

 

Before you start any of that, use the Acer software to register your warranty. Then make a backup and restore disk. You might also want to make a driver backup DVD with Acer eRestore. Then you can start playing.

I like to do a clean install but to each his own.

Bronsky

 

So yeah, I didn't register my laptop and already reformatted. Anyway to do that without recovering?

 

Go to Acer's website and use the forms there to do it. All you need is the SNID or serial numbrer from the bottom of the unit.

 

The 3830TG has been released in Taiwan ( Engadget).

 

I haven't seen it on PCHome's site yet. Once they get it, there should be no problem importing it to the states. I would expect most of Asia to get these before units start to appear in Canada. Wonder if we will see it in the US?

Bronsky

 

You're kidding, right? I really think that there's a no compete agreement between Dell and Acer for the sub 14" gaming market.

Also, in another thread someone's reporting that he got his 4830TG.

 

The 3810TG was never sold in the US. The 3820TG was never sold in the US. The 3830TG? Who knows?

Bronsky

 

That's what I was referencing when I said, "You're kidding," and mentioned the possibility of no-competition agreement w/ other vendors for certain segments . I just don't think we'll get the 3830TG here.

 

Doubt we will see it stateside, but I don't care. Not really digging the looks for the single cooling design. I am curious to see how it does with games compared to our current 3820TG.

 

Maybe there is just one fan because it doesn't need two. I'm looking forward for the reviews.

I didn't like the mix of black, silver and blue. I prefer 3820's color or just silver.
I like chiclet keyboards and probably the speakers are better.

I'll save money anyway... Before coming back to Brazil in July, either I buy a 3830TG or swap an SSD and 8GB in my 3820.

Do you guys know if there will be available a quad core version?

 

any idea if the announcement and release of the new series will drop prices for the 3820?? currently AS3820TG-6829 is 719.99 at canadacomputers. Costco has the AS3820T-6608 for 699.99 but the lack a dedicated video card has me wanting the 6829 even if the costco one comes with the 9 cell battery.

I have a bit more flexibility since Im in Canada but Im still doubting that the price will drop any lower in the next month or 2. What do you guys think?

 

Acer ships to the distributers almost in real time. Inventories don't really build up that much. When new models start to actually ship, the old one's disappear quickly. It happened with each refresh of the 3820TG. I would not expect to see them fall much further. Plus, I would expect demand for the 3820TG to remain strong and would not be surprised to see them disappear even before the new units ship.

Bronsky

 

Thanks Bronsky

exactly what I thought, I will monitor the prices and stock until the end of the month and get it if I see some retailer drop it a little lower, have until next month to give back my leased university laptop and the 3820 is the perfect replacement. Not liking the new 3830 too much from what Ive seen