Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by nicklause

Ultrabook w Ext. Graphic Card or Full Gaming Lappy

nicklause — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 10:41:39 +0800

I planning to upgrade my current ultrabook, HP Spectre X360 with the core i5 processor. I've narrowed down to two of my favorites but I'm open to other suggestion as well. At this juncture I'm looking at getting either a Razer Blade Stealth 13 with the UHD Graphics 620 and a Razer Core X combo (I'm aware the price does not include a graphic card) or a Razer Blade 15 v1 with the GTX1060 Full HD 144hz screen.

Since I'm unable to find the exact spec I'm looking for in Malaysia I'm planning to go down to Singapore to get the laptops, currently the prices of the two choices I have in mind are:

1. Razer Blade Stealth 13 with Core X: SGD2159 + SGD449 after forex based on today's rate is RM6485 + RM1348= RM7833
2. Razer Blade 15 v1: SGD3084 after forex based on today's rate is RM9084

Now I understand that's a lot of money to shell out that is why I took to LYN to consult some sifus and everybody's opinion. I've also considered going for the base Razer Blade 15 with GTX 1060 and HD 60hz screen which is priced at a more modest SGD2499(RM7506),however at that price point I will be only getting a 128gb SSD + 1TB HDD and a thicker body and a lower capacity battery. I'm not considering the Razer Blade Stealth 13 with the Nvidia MX150 as the price premium (SGD320/RM961) does not get me much more performance with a Nvidia MX150 and it also has a shorter battery life.

Now more on my intended usage of the laptop, I'm a working professional which deals mostly with various Microsoft office applications and some emailing plus research on the internet. I prefer to have a laptop which I can carry around with me easily and does not require me to be tied down by a power brick. I can live with at most a mid day charge on a normal day of work as I travel quite often. I would also like to note that I do have an external Anker 26800mAh powerbank which allow me to charge my laptop on the go. If I based my choices solely on my work I would've picked the Razer Blade Stealth 13 however I'm also a casual gamer. I like to have the privilege to slip in 30-60mins of game play sometimes when I'm either transiting during a flight or if I'm early to a meeting or if I'm done with my work at my office. The games I mostly play are the total war series and world of warships. I occasionally play FPS as well. I'm by no means a heavy gamer which require my daily dose of gaming.

I hope to be able to get some opinions and inputs from LYN, I am open to other suggestions as well. I've looked at the Gigabyte Aero 15 and the MSI GS65 Stealth thin as they are in the same price range however I do not fancy their design as I mentioned before I'm a working professional and I don't wanna be whipping out my laptop during meetings or presentation and have a pulsating logo of a dragon or overly flashy laptop design in front of my business partners and clients. Thank you very much in advance!

WTS HP Spectre X360 Model 13-w006TU

nicklause — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 08:55:29 +0800

Item(s):HP Spectre X360, Core i5-7200, 8Gb Ram, Intel Graphics 620, 256gb SSD

Package includes:Original leather Pouch, Original Bluetooth Mouse, Original Charger, Original USB-C to HDMI convertor, Original Box(if you want it), Manuals

Price: RM3000

Warranty: Warranty Period Over

Dealing method: COD

Location:Kuala Lumpur, Bangsar

Contact method/details: PM
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Item(s) conditions:Used lightly for personal use, no defect besides light scratches

Picture:

Reason for sale: Upgrading

MB GLC43 AMG vs Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription Plus

nicklause — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 17:46:35 +0800

So, I tried looking for car forums in Malaysia and it seems LYN has the most active. I'm looking at upgrading to a new car and I'm stuck between two choices, namely the Mercedes AMG GLC43 AMG and Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription plus. I also have an weekend car, a 2012 Porsche 911 CarreraS.

Between the Merc and the Volvo, the price difference is roughly 130k which is quite a big difference. The Merc is a watered down everyday AMG SUV while the volvo is a plug-in hybrid, they both have very polarizing driving experience and equipment. The Merc is down on horse power compared to the volvo (367hp vs 400hp) but it is also lighter thus making the 0-100KMh time faster.

The Volvo has an huge arsenal of high tech driving assistance and standard safety features, while the Merc has an AMG tuned bi-turbo V6 that produces a glorious sound track. The Merc also has an AMG tuned suspension setup which allows the Merc to be driven hard unlike any other SUV besides an equivalent Porsche or BMW. However the Volvo has pilot assist which literally translate to not even needing to drive at all on the highway.

It is also good to take note that I live in a condo, which makes charging the plug-in hybrid a little difficult, so that culls the fuel efficiency advantage of the Volvo. I believe maintenance cost will not be far off between the Merc and Volvo as both are fairly high end cars. Volvo only needs servicing once every 20,000km or so while the Merc is around 12,000km. However volvo only has 3 service center in the Klang Valley.

Road tax is not a deciding factor for me as I've made peace with having more fun equals higher road tax or at least thats how the general consensus is. I believe insurance cost is roughly the same as they both fall under the same segment of cars.

I do spend a lot of time driving per day, around 150km-250km a day and I do plan on keeping the car for at least 4 years. I hope to get some insight or advice on this matter. Thank you so much in advance.