Quick Look (Review) at Budget Notebook / Laptop - The Lenovo 3000 N200 0769-A29
Computer / Business (BBA / MBA) are the most prefer study stream at present in India, which makes it mandatory for students to think for their Personal Computer. Even in everyday life, we can see Internet is now playing a very vital role for managing our credit card bills, Internet banking, ticket booking even ordering movie tickets. Computers are now more important for communication than telephone, where you can have a video chat with your friends, family for free and that too even they are half a word away.
“What to buy ?” is one of the question which I get in large volume, and there with my judgement I found that even though Desktop computers are 30% cheaper than a same configuration Notebook / Laptop PC, but the productivity is better with a portable platform.
I have went through many budget yet performance (Rs. 30,000/- INR) USD 700 range notebook / Laptops to choose few good available options. I am asked many times about a their real world performance, so lets take a look how is Lenovo 3000 N200 0769-A29 performing, which has won the title for Best budget notebook from my personal verdict.
Product Name
Lenovo 3000 N200 0769-A29
Product url
Product Price
Rs. 29500/- all inclusive and Rs. 660/- for extra 512 MB RAM upgrade
Product Specifications
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Intel GMA x3100 upto 224MB video RAM
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512 MB DDR-II 667 MHz PC2-5300
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2 RAM Slot supporting upto 4 GB DDR-II 800 Mhz (2 GB on each slot)
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Realtake High Definition Audio
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120 GB SATA 5400 RPM HDD
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15.4″ WXGA VibrantView TFT (1280×800)
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1.3 MP Integrated Web Cam
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Stereo Speakers
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DVD RW Multi Drive
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56.6 KBPS Internal Modem / Intel wifi supproting 802.11a/b/g/n/ BlueTooth 2.0 / Gigabit LAN / 5 in 1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/XD/MS/MS Pro)
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External I/O Ports S-Video out, RJ-45, RJ-11, IEEE 1394, Headphone / Line out, External Microphone/Line-In, External Display (VGA), 5-in-1 Multi-card Reader (SD/MMC/XD/MS/MS Pro), 4 USB 2.0
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NO Bundled OS
The product at a glance
Other Competition
The closest competition comes from Acer 4720z and the Compaq C707TU !!
Test Setup
Windows XP SP3 RC Refresh
Windows Vista x64 SP1
Windows Vista x86 SP1
Nero 7.10
Orthos Beta
PC Wizard 2008
PhotoShop CS3
Adobe Premiere CS3
720p HD Video
1080p HD Video
VLC Player
k-Lite Codec Pack
ViewSonic VX1945wm
Krrish DVD9 / Hungama DVD9 (Both Movies)
Sony miniDV Handy Cam with Fireware support
USB Mouse / Keyboard (Microsoft)
BSNL Type-IV Wifi Modem / Public Wifi Hotspot
Nokia 6600 / Nokia n91 / Nikon S51C
Looks
When you compare this Model with contemporary Acer 4720z or Compaq C707TU, you can say its not as shiny as them. By looks, it is more on robust side rather a shiny and fancy hardware.
Its personal choice, and I have asked and found 60% people would go for Acer 4720z or Compaq C707TU due to their shiny glosy look where as rest of 40% is on for this matt finish and robust looking Lenovo.
Hardware Details
This is a part where Lenovo 3000 N200 0769-A29 would out perform its competitors, the Acer 4720z or Compaq C707TU.
Processor
It comes with Intel Pentium Dual Core T2310, but wait, dont let the name fool you. The new Pentium Dual Core series is nothing but a strip down version of Core 2 Duo with same Merom core and with lesser (1 MB) L2 cache and (533 MHz) FSB. One more major feature which is not present with the new Pentium Dual Core lineup is the absence of Virtualization technology, but then again, even the widelly used mobile Core2 Duomodels upto T5550 doesn’t come with Intel® Virtualization Technology.
It takes 35 Mins with this T2310 to convert a 700 MB (70 mins) xvid to a VCD via Nero 7.10 while as multi tasking you may continue surfing the Internet or work your of office docs. It doesn’t perform bad on Adobe Premiere either but yes, rendering times are higher when compare to a Core 2 Duo T5450.
On real world there wont be any huge noticeable performance difference between this T2310 and base line of Core 2 Duo, the T5450 (1.5 GHz / 2 MB L2 / 667 MHz).
Chipset
Unlike Acer 4720z or Compaq C707TU which comes with GL960, the Lenovo 3000 N200 0769-A29 comes with Intel GM965 express chipset which allows is for a 4 GB RAM support with 2 GB max on each slot.
On Board Graphics
The Intel GMA x3100 is more than enough for vista to run at its full glory and its known provide support for low end gaming !! Refer to the bellow Windows Vista Rating with 1 GB RAM.
x3100 is perfectly capable enough to drive a vx1945wm (HD @ 1440×900) panel via its VGA Out put,
I have played HD 720p and 1080p on both external and internal display and have found x3100 is driving quite well (Note you need to have 1 GB RAM for HD play back)..
Hard Disk
One let down though is the 120 GB hard drive, but not in terms of space, as for mobile computing and with presence of Portable solutions, 120 GB onboard is more than enough, where as what lets it down is the access speeds. Among Acer 4720z, Compaq C707TU and Lenovo 3000 N200 0769-A29 its the Lenovo which comes with a hard drive which is slowest of them all.
Bluetooth
The Bluetooth is though real fun as unlike Acer 4720z or Compaq C707TU it seems to be fully compatible with Nokia / SAMSUNG PC Suite.
Display
The 15.4″ WideScreen (1280×800) display of Lenovo stands in between of Acer 4720z or Compaq C707TU as the 14.1″ display of Acer is slightly better where as Compaq C707TU display is a complete mess. The only advantage of Lenovo over acer is the bigger size of 15.4″ !!
WLAN
Lenovo is the only which comes with 802.11n where as rest is upto 802.11a/b/g !! Unfortunately I don’t have any option to test the WLAN at 802.11n !! One more thing I have observed between these models that the wifi of Lenovo is definitely power-fuller than Acer 4720z as on same distance while testing its the Acer which seems to come with the weakest Wifi !!
The Standard touch pad is seems bit rough in surface compare to Acer of Compaq and feels little comfortable while using.
Web Cam
All these 3 models comes with same quality 1.3 MP web cam, there is nothing much to write about it !!!
The Card Reader
Once again another standard feature of all these models, much much to write about.
The Battery Life
One major plus point over any other same budget notebook would be the battery life.
I have tested while playing (full screen) movie Krrish which I have encoded to 1400 MB xvid RIP using AutoGK from a DVD and burnt as DATA DVD at 8x and with all Wireless devices are turned off and running Vista x64 SP1 with power settings are balanced (Default)
While running the same test on Acer 4720z provided a running time of 98 mins after which system forced the Hibernation (Battery at 5%).
How ever on the Lenovo, I started the test at 11.45 PM,
WoW, 135mins and I fould my, still left with 26% Battery life where as the movie was over.
I ran to find another DVD, this time, it was Sicko and I continued playing, till it was 165mins when I 1st got the Low Battery warning at 10% battery life and farther on 178 mins the system forced hibernation (Battery at 5%)
178 Mins of Battery on playback of full screen 15.4″ via DVD media is certainly some thing to boost about !!!
The Software issue
The Lenovo do have an edge on this front as Compaq comes with very poor support for Windows XP drivers where as some hardware of Acer 4720z such as Bluetooth may give an issue with Windows XP, where as I have found Lenovo has great support for both Windows Xp and Vista.
All of the hardwares of the notebook is fully functional with Windows XP x86 SP2 / Windows XP x64 SP2 / Windows Vista x86 SP1 / Windows Vista x64 SP1.
One major let down would be, the fact of no Driver or software CD provided. For Windows XP, it is 285 MB download for all of its drivers, where as for Vista X64 is 315 MB download, that too one has to do file by file, no single download source is provided.
The Cons
Definitely this one has its own problems, few which I would like to high lite.
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Looks, Lenovo really need to give this a thought
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Heavy, heavier than Acer 4720z or Compaq C707TU
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Really slow Hard Drive, which is a major down side I would say.
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No driver or software CD provided
The Pros
Though there are Cons but which can be left a side because of its Pros.
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Best Performance in its class
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Chipset is GM965 over GL960
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Super Battery Life, which is a real advantage
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15.4″ Screen
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Best Support in its class
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802.11n Wifi (WLAN)
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Full support for many OSes, WinXP / Vista / x86 / x64
Verdict
Solid battery life, good and large 15.4″ screen, best performance between Acer 4720z or Compaq c707TU, best after sales support makes it a recomended only if one can stay happy with the looks.
they do accept paypal 
Pathik said
am March 3 2008 @ 12:58 pm
Great review Choto.
Rohit said
am March 4 2008 @ 7:27 pm
hey cheeta… if i get an HP lappy from US, do u have an idea if i can apply for a 1 year warranty (maybe at a cost)in India, so I can have peace of mind.. that lap is not available in India, but I believe the most common problems like faulty battery, keyboard etc can be replaced.. Here’s the config : HP dv6700z, AMD Turion64 X2 2.0Ghz, 15.4WXGA, 2GBDDR2, 256MB Nvidia 8400M GS, 160GB…. for $980 incl shipping and tax. what do u say about it? need is casual photo and audio editing, movies, occasional gaming..
Choto Cheeta said
am March 5 2008 @ 4:21 am
Sorry you cant apply for their base warrenty in India if it didnt come with International warranty !!!
Though order one HP International Care Pack, which is around Rs. 6500/- in India which would increase the warranty from 1 year to 3 year on the product and will allow you International support !!!
Heb said
am March 5 2008 @ 6:29 am
Hi Choto,
Great review! I had been waiting for this one.
The problem for me is that I cant find it in 14.1, whereas on the Lenovo site it said that the N series comes in both, 14 and 15. And im very particular about it being lightweight.
So Im looking at the G series of Lenovo now. Would you suggest that for business use? Since its marketed as a home lappy.
Thanks!
Rohit said
am March 5 2008 @ 4:58 pm
thanks… could u elaborate a bit on the Intl Care Pack..? How do I apply for that? There is no such option in the Customize notebook site ( HP USA ).. Will HP India provide me with this cover..? Also, plz tell about the notebook config i mentioned.. is it good enough for the things mentioned?? thanks a ton..
adwin said
am March 11 2008 @ 9:42 am
Chetaa,
I am fan of IBM Thinkpad. Is lenovo N and Y series as good as Thinkpad series ? I love their keyboard and reliability (hate their design) …
Sumesh said
am March 12 2008 @ 7:28 pm
Hi cheeto,
Really nice review, even i was planning to go for a budget laptop under 30k and i have made my mind to stick with Lenovo N200..Hey buddy i still have a few queries for u
1) Can i extend the warranty of this product for 2 or more years.
2)U said that Drivers doesnt come with this models, can i easily find them over internet???
3)And yeah, i have visited a Lenovo showroom where they were quoting about 2200 RS for 1GB Ram while am getting 2GB Ram from Nehru place in delhi for 1950Rs with 5 yrs warranty..why is this much differnce between the prices from showroom and market??or is there any quality difference..i will surely add another 2 GB stick.
Thankx a lot,
Choto Cheeta said
am March 12 2008 @ 7:54 pm
Lenovo sticker on that ram makes it that high priced !!!
Anyway, do note, Notebook and dekstop rams are different, however yes price is really different in the RAM which is from Lenovo and from a RAM which is from other vendor…
There wont be any driver disk, you have to download the drivers from Lenovo Web Site… How ever its well organized and one may find all drivers from this bellow link, Drivers and software - 3000 N200 (type 0769) and its 300 MB download for both XP and Vista each !!!
You will have to buy Lenovo care pack for your model, which is Rs. 5400/- and within 3 months of purchase which will extend it for another 2 years over the base warranty, thus making it 3 in total !!
sumesh said
am March 13 2008 @ 6:20 am
Hi,
Thanks for the quick reply buddy, i called Lenovo and asked for the price of this laptop and they were saying it comes for about 31500 Rs, from where can i buy this for 29,500Rs????
And yeah! is it a wise idea to buy laptop using finance??
and yeah buddy!! anything else to look for when we r buying a laptop since am buying a laptop for the first time.
niielo said
am March 30 2008 @ 5:49 am
hey cheeta , nice review.i m plannin to buy this laptop
but i need to know some of the things from u.
how to get 7.1(Audio Chipset ALC861VD) channel audio from this m/c.as realtek 7.1 hda chip is there.
is it possible to add an nvidia graphics card (8400)to it through pci express
MAHENDRA JONWAL said
am March 31 2008 @ 1:04 pm
plz give me deatils about this series price
thanking you
mahendra jonwal
Choto Cheeta said
am March 31 2008 @ 4:24 pm
Hello,
Price is already mentioned !!
Thank you,
@niielo
Hello,
You can not add external PCI-E Cards which are meant for desktop to a laptop, you are in need to buy laptop which already have a 8400 GS.
However it is possible to buy add on PCMCIA card to add 7.1 channel support to a laptop !!
Thank you
Firmware upgrade for Nokia Mobiles | Choto Cheeta Online said
am April 21 2008 @ 8:41 pm
[...] an interface to get connected to your mobile, in my case I have Nokia 6233 with bluetooth and Lenovo 300 N200 notebook which comes with bluetooth as [...]
Amey said
am May 13 2008 @ 11:18 am
Hi Choto!
Am planning to buy an ACER 4270Z. After reading your review, I am confused as to whether the hardware like Bluetooth will be an issue with Win XP.
I am planning to get the laptop with Linux from a local vendor (Mumbai,India), uninstall Linux and install Win XP(the vendor will do this). What are the chances that there will be hardware issues?
Awaiting your reply eagerly!
Regards,
Amey
Choto Cheeta said
am May 13 2008 @ 7:29 pm
Hello Amey
If you like the notebook then go with it, as bluetooth wont be any issue
they do have drive for the WinXP also 
Even if you face any problem please note the dongle would cost you just Rs. 150/- :D, so yes I would suggest go for it
Thank you,
Amey said
am May 14 2008 @ 7:51 am
Thanks for your quick response and clarification Choto!
Confidence restored in ACER 4270Z!
Manish Kumar said
am May 28 2008 @ 2:13 pm
Hi,
I manish kumar Be civil from lucknow.I want to buy Lenevo notebook.so let me know more about ur products on 09454110339 with ur authorised centre in Lucknow. thanking you
sharmendra said
am June 9 2008 @ 3:57 pm
Hi,
I have installed Windows Server 2003 in Lenovo 3000 N200 for SAP, but i didn’t able to find the audio and video driver for the same. Can anyone know the possible solution for the problem?
regards,
Sharmendra
mona said
am June 10 2008 @ 12:12 pm
hi Choto,
recently , i have bought a laptop ( lenovo N200 , 0769-A63 ) without the drivers . so . i searched on the internet but i couldnot find the camera drivers even in the link you had provided .
so please help me !! keeping in mind that i am using windows vista ultimate .
i am looking forwards seeing ur reply
Thank u in advance!!
mona
Pavan said
am June 12 2008 @ 7:28 pm
Hi,
I am confused between the 2 choices below
1. Lenovo 204955Q (rs 32000)
Dualcore 1.6Ghz, 2 GB ram , 160 gb HDD , 14.1″ screen , DOS , 1 year warranty extendable to 3 years for extra Rs 4500
2. Dell inspiron 1525 (rs 38000)
Core 2 duo 2.0 Ghz, 2gb RAM, 160 Gb HDD , 15.4″ tru life screen , vista home premium
Really confused between the above two systems. Which one do u think is better
–pavan
shankar said
am June 24 2008 @ 5:36 am
Thanks for your quick response and clarification of lenovo prduct
mona said
am June 25 2008 @ 4:07 pm
hi
i wonder why you didn’t answer me , and i wonder where is that quick response ???????
Choto Cheeta said
am June 25 2008 @ 5:31 pm
@mona
I am really sorry for the late reply, how ever do try to use the forum for asking any question,
http://techbengal.com
it is easy to maintain QnA with a discussion board setup rather than in a blog setup.
Anyway back to your problem,
Can you please check in your device manager whether it is showing web cam as a device without driver ? As per my knowledge, Windows Vista comes bundle with the drive for this model of Web Cam.
For testing whether CAM is working or not, please open Yahoo IM client and click My Webcam
See whether you can view picture of your own web cam or not !!
mona said
am June 29 2008 @ 7:04 pm
hi choto cheeta,
i am sorry if i was impolite , but really i was so nervous coz i was waiting ur reply and checking everyday but in vein .
ok ! that’s true that windows vista comes with a camera driver which is bluetooth WIA camera device . however this device works only with chat messenger.and i installed another device from the internet , USB 2.0 camera (its name : Bison cam ), but i found that it only take video not photo,and i need one that can take photo , i mean to use the camera without using the internet .
i hope that i was successful in clarifying my point!
thank you very much , and sorry again!!
mona
BHanumanthaRao said
am July 11 2008 @ 12:38 pm
required Lenovo 0769 -A29 Model Mother Board Drivers immediately.