Chinese laptops, yay or nah?

[IAmAndre]

So I clicked on a Google Ad (it doesn't happen very often so it's worth mentioning) and here's what I found: https://www.gearbest.com/laptops/pp_902141.html?currency=USD&vip=760070&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4YSIn__L1wIVkAHTCh0nCgQIEAEYASAGEgJMTPD_BwE

 

I'm very impressed by the quality of the products Chinese manufacturers are able to put together, which makes me wonder why more famous keep making big compromises (to say the least) on laptops under $1000. This particular laptop would be actually perfect since I'm a big Linux fan, but the brand isn't well known and that's the only thing drawback I see. I'm actually really considering buying a Xiaomi laptop. The lack of models is the only concern I have with this brand.

 

So I'm curious to know why we don't more laptops of this kind from famous brands, and we have to stick with TN panels and stuff like that. Actually, the same goes with smartphones : as I was looking for a budget phone, preferably on Android One, the choice is so easy to make between the Xiaomi Mi A1 and the Moto X4 (4GB vs 3GB of RAM, headphone jack, bigger screen, but $100 less). People have been complaining about the lack of customer support, but websites like GearBest seem to make things a lot better, so does this mean that Chinese laptops/products is the way to go now?

[DrMacintosh]

Nay! 

[Tabs]

The thing you mainly pay for with big brand machines (apples, dells, lenovos of the world) isn't the hardware, it's the support. I'm sure it's a really nice machine, just don't expect manufacturer assistance if you have a problem - with the exception of initial sale warranty/returns, which will be handled by the supplier.

 

If you feel confident that you can fix - or at least get reputable help with - any problems that arise, then go for it. It's similar to folk buying import phones from China, they get a good deal in exchange for knowing they have to fix any problems that arise themselves.

[Techicolors]

i know of a pretty good source of Chinese tablet/notebook reviews https://techtablets.com/ 

 

the guy's found quite a lot of nice alternatives to Big name devices. 

[Jackson D]

The laptop looks kind of quality like a Mac, and overall looks like the exterior is somewhat quality. However I would expect better specs for something around that price, e.g. a four core processor and a dedicated gpu. Also sometimes with these chinese laptops they have a chinese only operating system which needs to be reinstalled if you want an English version. Also gearbest and other chinese websites dont have the best reputation for working products and often have some form of exterior from handling, testing, repackaging, etc.

 

If you have any other question feel free to ask.

 

Kind Regards,

Jackson

 

[kb5zue]

What the hey, I was under the impression that all laptops were made in China.

[IAmAndre]

37 minutes ago, Tabs said:

The thing you mainly pay for with big brand machines (apples, dells, lenovos of the world) isn't the hardware, it's the support. I'm sure it's a really nice machine, just don't expect manufacturer assistance if you have a problem - with the exception of initial sale warranty/returns, which will be handled by the supplier.

 

If you feel confident that you can fix - or at least get reputable help with - any problems that arise, then go for it. It's similar to folk buying import phones from China, they get a good deal in exchange for knowing they have to fix any problems that arise themselves.

Well I've personally never contacted a customer support for hardware issues so if that's the only concern I'd be fine.

[IAmAndre]

34 minutes ago, Technicolors said:

i know of a pretty good source of Chinese tablet/notebook reviews https://techtablets.com/ 

 

the guy's found quite a lot of nice alternatives to Big name devices. 

Yeah I've seen many of their videos, especially the ones on Xiaomi laptops.

[Tabs]

2 minutes ago, IAmAndre said:

Well I've personally never contacted a customer support for hardware issues so if that's the only concern I'd be fine.

 

Pretty much to be honest - but you gotta remember that quality assurance/quality control for these no-brand machines is likely to be poor to non existent. So the possibility for problems *at all* is also higher.

 

If it's something you can deal with though, it's a good way to save a little money.

[KhakiHat]

Yay. Besides windows being in Chinese and a long shipment, it's great for the price and aesthetic.

[IAmAndre]

30 minutes ago, Jackson D said:

However I would expect better specs for something around that price, e.g. a four core processor and a dedicated gpu. Also sometimes with these chinese laptops they have a chinese only operating system which needs to be reinstalled if you want an English version

 

That's the Hughes end U-series CPU of the 7th generation, and the only 4-core models were released like weeks ago. It would be hard to fit a dedicated GPU on such a slim chassis and actually if there were one I'd personally not buy the laptop as I don't think such a manufacturer would be able to handle the thermals right.

As for the OS, this particular model comes with Linux so that shouldn't be a problem. On the other hand, installing Windows 10 isn't a problem for me

[IAmAndre]

Also the name of the brand particularly sucks...