I am looking for a laptop with budget of 55k. I am confused between Toshiba (M200-E413D) and Sony VAIO (VGN CR 36). Which is good laptop in long term use? by ravi_shekhar

The Sony VAIO VGN-CR36G/B is a better choice as it has a better processor, more RAM and Hard disk space, and a better graphics card as compared to the Toshiba Satellite M200-E413D. Also it comes pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium. -Sharon Lobo

I am planning to buy an Acer laptop soon for college studies. Budget not more than Rs 30,000. What model should I go for? What are the necessary features I need? I have never owned a laptop before and dont know much about them. by am1980

Checkout the Acer Aspire 4520NWXMi (TK53), it has an AMD Athlon 1.7 GHz dual core processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard drive, Nvidia GeForce 7000M video card, webcam, DVD Writer etc. Its MRP is Rs 44,500 while its CI Price is Rs 25,800. -Sharon Lobo

Can we buy this product in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India? (Haier - HSU-12H03/U) by cs_sivaraja

Please copy paste the following link in the url address find the nearest dealer: http://www.haierindia.com/DealerSearch1.asp

Sir, I want to buy a refrigerator. What is CFC as related to refrigerators? Do we have to buy a refrigerator that has no CFC in it? by bsubramanyam51

CFC (Chloroflourocarbon) is a chemical compound that contains atoms of carbon, flourine and chlorine. They damage the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere, while FCs contribute to the greenhouse effect. Ozone-friendly and climate-friendly refrigerators do not use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or even fluorocarbons (FCs). Brands like Godrej, Electrolux, etc. come with CFC free models.

Sir, we have installed a 1.5 ton Godrej split AC. Presently the outdoor condenser unit is by our window. As it is causing discomfort to our neighbours we are planning to take it to the terrace which is another two floors up which comes to covering a distance of 6 metres from the present position. How will the cooling be affected and can the condenser function from that height? by ijac

It is not advisable to install the outdoor unit on the terrace as it will be exposed to direct sunlight all through the day. It will also be too long a distance. If you have installed the outdoor unit in your window it should not cause a problem to the neighbours. But, if you don't have any choice and you need to change the position choose a shady place to install the outdoor unit.

In continuity of my earlier query regarding 1.5 Ton window AC, I have come across a relatively few cheaper though better options but pretty confused to select between ONIDA WO18, WG18N or SAMSUNG AWT18WKE with EER 9.7 and above. ONIDA and SAMSUNG are new into cooling systems so I am a little hesitant to go in for one of these options. Please direct me correctly! by khatrira

Out above choices ONIDA WO18 is good choice with slightly higher cooling capacity and EER of 10.1. But if you have apprehensions about above choices, then you can choose models from brands like Voltas and Carrier, though they are on expensive side.

Want to buy a laptop with a range of 40K. Please suggest some good models across brand. by abh_abhishek

Checkout the HP - Pavilion dv9601, it has an AMD Turion 64 X2 1.8 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard drive, Nvidia GeForce Go 7150M graphics card, 17-inch screen. Its MRP is Rs 48,869 while the CI Price is Rs 34,000. If you want a laptop with an Intel processor then checkout the LG-XNote RD405-A.CD22A2, it has a Core2 Duo 1.6 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard drive, ATI Radeon Xpress 1250 video card, 14.1-inch screen etc. Its MRP is Rs 39,990 while its CI Price is Rs 33,001. -Sharon Lobo

Yesterday I bought Carrier Estrella 1.5 ton AC. My room size is 11x12m and has concrete ceiling, concrete floor and concrete wall painted with distemper. Is it really needs to replace concrete floor by Tiles, covering concrete ceiling by thermo cool, and remove distemper in walls and paint with oil paint. Please explain me in detail whether all the three above said are important before installing AC. by mcsraja

It is not necessary to replace the concrete ceiling or the floor with tiles. It is also not required to change the paint on the wall. These things would not be required to install an air conditioner.

Wish to buy 1 ton Split. Which brand and model for Thane conditions? Star rating and cost wise what is your recommendation? Regds by symghar9

It would have been helpful to suggest better if you had mentioned your approximate budget. You can have a look at brands like Voltas, Carrier, Hitachi, LG, etc. which have models with higher EER.

You have advised Compaq 6608 AU for personal use (gaming, surfing etc.) Can you please advise whether Dell Inspiron 1525 is equally good or should i purchase Compaq 6608 AU only? by ckkhanna

The Compaq 6608AU has a better graphics card as compared to the one in the Dell Inspiron 1525. If you still insist on a Dell then you will need to go in for the Dell XPS M1530, but then you will need to increase your budget. -Sharon Lobo