Buying a Laptop in Delhi

Hi,

I am due to start an internship in Delhiin a few days time, and have just discovered that I need to buy a laptop before I start.

I've heard that most of the computer stores are located around Nehru Place, but as regards how to go about it: best place to buy, warranty (and the international validity of such - I will be leaving India for Ireland in 6 months time), bargaining, prices, models, any special considerations due to the fact it will be used in india/europe also, etc I'm in the dark!

If anyone has any advice, it would be much appreciated.

Also, just generally re laptop priorities: my main concern is price, as this was an unforeseen expense for me, but after that I would like it to be as light/compact as possible, and suitable for all forms of Internet access. Other than Internet I will really only be using it for word, and listening to/downloading music/films, so fancy extras I could avoid would be good to know too!

If anyone can recommend a model/brand/or even how to put the above requirements into technologically savvy language when I'm actually in the store describing what I need, I'd really appreciate it!

Cheers!

Nehru place is certainly a great place to start (I'm sure a couple of the other Delhi regulars will have some other recommendations as well). The number of shops there is quite spectactular - so anything you need for an IT point of view should be easily obtained.

If price is the main consideration then that will determine you choice of course - there are any number of great gadgets you can have with your laptop - but it all adds to the price. Minimum it should have:

1) 40gig hard drive at the least (even this is too small really considering you can buy 200gig hard drives yourself).
2) At least 512mg of memory (anything less - forget it)
3) DVD player (if not a writer as well).
4) Standard operating system (Windows XP minimum)
5) Office Apps (say Microsoft Office, or Open Office)
6) Virus pacakge (or download something like AVG free virus )
7) Firewall (if not already incorporated with virus software)
8) Integrated ethernet port, multiple USB ports, build in wifi.

The above will give you enough to do your work, browse the internet, and be resonably protected. Light weight, big screen, et - will all be an added bonus if it fits within the budget.

All the major brands are available here - so shouldn't be any problem with compatibility if you buy one of these. Some of the machines you buy here come with non-standard operating systems and cut down software (i.e - freedos, etc). Nothing wrong with the machines but more software and a bit of extra work is needed to get them up and running.

In terms of price? Between 20-30,000 rupees. A new Dell laptop with vista, 80 gig harddrive, 1meg of memory, etc - is about 32-34,000 rupees. Other name brands with XP and reduced specs start to drop below the 30,000 rupee mark. I've seen a couple of domestic laptops with reduced specs, cut down software for around the 20-25,000 rupee mark.

There's probably a couple of other things I've forgotten but I'm sure the IM IT brigade will pick up on that.

Happy shopping.

Hi BrownBoy,

Thank you so much for that advice!

You have no idea how helpfull it is, I really appreciate you taking the time to write all that.

I notice from your profile that your "occupation" is 'Dad'-

We'll, in the absence of my my tech saavy engineer father (who, normally is only to delighted to advise on such things, but is home in Ireland), you've filled the role of advisor for me! ;-)

Thanks so much.

no problem. Have a look in the classified section of the newspapers (times of india, Hindustan times ,etc) - and you'll see various shops there advertising laptops, etc - most of them are in Nehru place. It will give you a feel as to how much they cost, features/ brands available, etc. Be vigilant re the availability of software (if it looks really cheap then something is missing - like the operating system). As mentioned previously though - adding what you need isn't necessarily a problem. If you have any more questions after that feel free to PM me.

cheers

BB66

I would say check out internet for brands like Lenovo, HP/Compaq, toshiba..etc..

See what models are available in India, and select the one you want..after that simply find the companies outlet in Delhi and simply go there and get one..as simple as it gets...

Nehru Place is not a territory where unfamiliar shoppers should venture, unless you are heading for a branded showroom OR a shop that you fairly well know about..OR youy are technically sound and market savvy..

this is good advice! Shashank is a much more experienced Delhi shopper than I.