Core i3 Models Covered & Prices in Kenya vs USA

1. Dell:

   • Inspiron 15 3000
   • Inspiron 14 3000
   • Vostro 14 3000

2. HP:

   • Pavilion 14
   • Pavilion x360 14
   • HP 15
   • HP 14

3. Lenovo:

   • IdeaPad 3 15
   • ThinkPad E15

4. Acer:

   • Aspire 5
   • Aspire 3
   • Swift 1
   • TravelMate P2

5. ASUS:

   • VivoBook 15
   • VivoBook 14
   • VivoBook S14
   • VivoBook S15

6. Microsoft:

   • Surface Laptop Go

7. Apple:

   • MacBook Air (older models with Intel processors)

Core i3 Laptop Guide & Prices in Kenya

Searching for the perfect Core i3 laptop in Kenya can be a daunting task, especially when navigating the challenges of finding genuine products at competitive prices.

With a booming market for laptops globally, Kenyan consumers are often faced with the dilemma of identifying authentic laptops, overpriced devices, and potentially fake or refurbished models that appear new.

Note that most of the laptops on the streets, even when they say and packed as brand new are from China and we all know - brands like HP are from the USA and if you are not buying from USA or USA imports, you could be buying a fake laptop for a price of a new authentic one.

Our comprehensive guide will provide insights into the world of Core i3 laptops, so you can make a well-informed decision about whether to buy from the USA or locally and risk buying a fake.

in This Core i3 Guide, You'll Learn:

1. Pitfalls to avoid pitfalls and scams associated with counterfeit or refurbished laptops.
2. Learn about the most popular Core i3 models, their specifications, and the price differences between Kenya and the US.
3. Special factors that influence pricing, such as import taxes, shipping fees, and warranty considerations.
4. Discover how to identify genuine products, assess the risks and benefits of refurbished laptops, and explore the most reliable channels for purchasing your ideal Core i3 laptop.
5. Equip yourself with the information needed to make the right choice and experience the optimal performance and reliability offered by authentic Core i3 laptops in Kenya.

Dell Inspiron 15 3000 i3 specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i3 (10th or 11th Generation)
• Display: 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) or FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare LED-Backlit
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 256GB or 512GB SSD
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics or Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Ports: HDMI, USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0, SD Card Reader, Audio jack
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Home
• Battery: 3-Cell, 42 WHr or 4-Cell, 53 WHr
• Weight: Approximately 1.83 kg

Price comparison:

• Kenya: A new Dell Inspiron 15 3000 i3 may cost around 58,000 KES, but prices can vary depending on the specific configuration.
• USA: In the United States, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 i3's price starts at around $399 

Dell Inspiron 14 3000 i3 specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i3 (10th or 11th Generation)
• Display: 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) Anti-Glare LED-Backlit
• RAM: 4GB or 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 128GB or 256GB SSD
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics or Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Ports: HDMI, USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0, SD Card Reader, Audio jack
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Home
• Battery: 3-Cell, 42 WHr
• Weight: Approximately 1.66 kg

Price comparison:

• Kenya: The Dell Inspiron 14 3000 i3 may cost around 55,000 KES, but prices can vary depending on the specific configuration and retailer.
• USA: In the United States, a new Dell Inspiron 14 3000 i3's price starts at around $350. Refurbished ones on Amazon prices vary but you can get one for around $220

Differences between Dell Inspiron 15 3000 and Inspiron 14 3000:

1. Display Size: The Inspiron 14 3000 has a 14-inch display, while the Inspiron 15 3000 features a 15.6-inch display.
2. RAM: The Inspiron 14 3000 may come with either 4GB or 8GB RAM, whereas the Inspiron 15 3000 typically has 8GB RAM.
3. Storage: The Inspiron 14 3000 offers 128GB or 256GB SSD options, while the Inspiron 15 3000 has 256GB or 512GB SSD options.
4. Weight: The Inspiron 14 3000 is lighter at approximately 1.66 kg, compared to the Inspiron 15 3000, which weighs around 1.83 kg.
5. Price: The Inspiron 14 3000 is generally cheaper, with prices starting at around 55,000 KES in Kenya and $350 in the USA.

Dell Vostro 14 3000 i3 specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i3 (10th or 11th Generation). You might get older processors in Kenya
• Display: 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) Anti-Glare LED-Backlit
• RAM: 4GB or 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 128GB or 256GB SSD, or 1TB HDD
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics or Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Ports: HDMI, USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0, SD Card Reader, Audio jack, Ethernet (RJ-45)
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, or Windows 11 Pro
• Battery: 3-Cell, 42 WHr
• Weight: Approximately 1.68 kg

Price comparison:

• Kenya: The Dell Vostro 14 3000 i3 may cost around 55,000 KES, but prices can vary depending on the specific configuration. See below how these configurations differ.
• USA: In the United States, the Dell Vostro 14 3000 i3's price starts at around $380 

Differences between Dell Vostro 14 3000, Inspiron 14 3000, and Inspiron 15 3000:

1. Target Audience: The Vostro 14 3000 is designed for small businesses, while the Inspiron 14 3000 and Inspiron 15 3000 cater to home users or students.
2. Storage: The Vostro 14 3000 offers a 1TB HDD option in addition to SSD options, while the Inspiron 14 3000 and 15 3000 only have SSD options. Older generations in Kenya have slower HDD hard drives.
3. Ports: The Vostro 14 3000 includes an Ethernet (RJ-45) port, which is not present on the Inspiron 14 3000 and 15 3000.
4. Operating System: The Vostro 14 3000 is available with Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro, while the Inspiron 14 3000 and 15 3000 come with Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Home.
5. Weight: The Vostro 14 3000 weighs around 1.68 kg, slightly heavier than the Inspiron 14 3000 (1.66 kg) but lighter than the Inspiron 15 3000 (1.83 kg).
6. Price: The Vostro 14 3000 is priced between the Inspiron 14 3000 and Inspiron 15 3000, starting at around $380 in the USA.

HP Pavilion 14 i3 specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i3 (10th or 11th Generation)
• Display: 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) or FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Anti-Glare micro-edge
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 256GB or 512GB SSD
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics or Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Ports: HDMI, USB Type-C, USB Type-A, SD Card Reader, Audio jack
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Home
• Battery: 3-Cell, 41 WHr
• Weight: Approximately 1.41 kg

Price comparison:

• Kenya: The HP Pavilion 14 i3 may cost around 59,000 KES, depending on specific configurations.
• USA: In the United States, the HP Pavilion 14 i3's price starts at around $450 

Differences between HP Pavilion 14 i3 and the previous Dell models:

1. Display: The HP Pavilion 14 i3 offers an IPS display, which generally provides better color reproduction and viewing angles compared to the LED-backlit displays of the Dell models.
2. Ports: The HP Pavilion 14 i3 has both USB Type-C and Type-A ports, whereas the Dell models have only USB Type-A ports.
3. Operating System: Similar to the Dell Inspiron models, the HP Pavilion 14 i3 comes with Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Home.
4. Weight: The HP Pavilion 14 i3 is lighter than the Dell models, weighing approximately 1.41 kg.
5. Price: The HP Pavilion 14 i3 has a slightly higher starting price compared to the Dell Inspiron 14 3000 and Vostro 14 3000, at around 47,000 KES in Kenya and $450 in the USA.

HP Pavilion x360 14 i3 specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i3 (10th or 11th Generation)
• Display: 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) or FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Touchscreen
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 256GB or 512GB SSD
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics or Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Ports: HDMI, USB Type-C, USB Type-A, SD Card Reader, Audio jack
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Home
• Battery: 3-Cell, 43 WHr
• Weight: Approximately 1.61 kg

Price comparison:

• Kenya: The HP Pavilion x360 14 i3 may cost around 69,000 KES for a new piece before 16% VAT.
• USA: In the United States, the HP Pavilion x360 14 i3's price starts at around $499 

Differences between HP Pavilion x360 14 i3 and HP Pavilion 14 i3:

1. Design: The HP Pavilion x360 14 i3 is a convertible laptop with a 360-degree hinge, allowing for multiple usage modes, while the HP Pavilion 14 i3 is a traditional clamshell design.
2. Display: The HP Pavilion x360 14 i3 has a touchscreen, whereas the HP Pavilion 14 i3 does not.
3. Battery: The HP Pavilion x360 14 i3 has a slightly larger battery capacity (43 WHr) compared to the HP Pavilion 14 i3 (41 WHr).
4. Weight: The HP Pavilion x360 14 i3 is heavier than the HP Pavilion 14 i3, weighing approximately 1.61 kg.
5. Price: The HP Pavilion x360 14 i3 has a higher starting price than the HP Pavilion 14 i3, at around 69,000 KES in Kenya and $499 in the USA.

HP 15 specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i3 (10th or 11th Generation)
• Display: 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) or FHD (1920 x 1080) SVA Anti-Glare micro-edge
• RAM: 4GB or 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB SSD, or 1TB HDD
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics or Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Ports: HDMI, USB Type-C, USB Type-A, SD Card Reader, Audio jack, Ethernet (RJ-45)
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, or Windows 11 Home
• Battery: 3-Cell, 41 WHr
• Weight: Approximately 1.69 kg

Price comparison:

• Kenya: The HP 15 may cost around 43,000 KES, but prices can vary depending on the specific configuration, retailer, and potential import taxes.
• USA: In the United States, the HP 15 price starts at around $390 (approximately 42,900 KES), but this can also vary depending on the configuration and retailer.

Differences between HP 15, HP Pavilion 14, and HP Pavilion x360 14:

1. Display Size: The HP 15 has a 15.6-inch display, while the Pavilion 14 and Pavilion x360 14 both have 14-inch displays.
2. Display Type: The HP 15 features an SVA display, whereas the Pavilion 14 has an IPS display, and the Pavilion x360 14 has an IPS touchscreen display.
3. RAM: The HP 15 may come with either 4GB or 8GB RAM, while the Pavilion 14 and Pavilion x360 14 typically have 8GB RAM.
4. Storage: The HP 15 offers both SSD and HDD storage options, while the Pavilion 14 and Pavilion x360 14 have only SSD options.
5. Design: The HP Pavilion x360 14 is a convertible laptop, while the HP 15 and Pavilion 14 are traditional clamshell designs.
6. Weight: The HP 15 weighs around 1.69 kg, heavier than the Pavilion 14  (1.41 kg) but lighter than the Pavilion x360 14 i3 (1.61 kg).
7. Price: The HP 15 has a lower starting price compared to the Pavilion 14 and Pavilion x360 14, starting at around 43,000 KES in Kenya and $390 in the USA.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15 i3 specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i3 (10th or 11th Generation)
• Display: 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) or FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare
• RAM: 4GB or 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB SSD, or 1TB HDD
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics or Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Ports: HDMI, USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 2.0, SD Card Reader, Audio jack, Ethernet (RJ-45)
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Home
• Battery: 2-Cell, 35 WHr or 3-Cell, 45 WHr
• Weight: Approximately 1.70 kg

Price comparison:

• Kenya: The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15 may cost around 38,000 KES.
• USA: In the United States, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15 price starts at around $360 .

Lenovo ThinkPad E15 specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i3 (10th or 11th Generation)
• Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Anti-Glare
• RAM: 4GB or 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics or Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Ports: HDMI, USB Type-C, USB Type-A, SD Card Reader, Audio jack, Ethernet (RJ-45)
• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro
• Battery: 3-Cell, 45 WHr
• Weight: Approximately 1.75 kg

Price comparison:

• Kenya: The Lenovo ThinkPad E15 may cost around 80,000 KES
• USA: In the United States, the Lenovo ThinkPad E15  price starts at around $600 

Differences between Lenovo ThinkPad E15 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15:

1. Display Type: The ThinkPad E15 has an IPS FHD display, while the IdeaPad 3 15 i3 has an HD or FHD anti-glare display.
2. Storage: The ThinkPad E15 offers only SSD storage options, while the IdeaPad 3 15 provides both SSD and HDD storage options.
3. Operating System: The ThinkPad E15 comes with Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro, while the IdeaPad 3 15 comes with Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Home.
4. Battery: The ThinkPad E15 has a 45 WHr battery, while the IdeaPad 3 15 has two battery options with 35 WHr and 45 WHr capacities.
5. Weight: The ThinkPad E15 is slightly heavier than the IdeaPad 3 15 i3, weighing approximately 1.75 kg compared to 1.70 kg.

Acer Aspire 5 i3 specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i3 (10th or 11th Generation)
• Display: 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) or FHD (1920 x 1080) ComfyView
• RAM: 4GB or 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB SSD, or 1TB HDD
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics or Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Ports: HDMI, USB Type-C, USB Type-A, SD Card Reader, Audio jack, Ethernet (RJ-45)
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Home
• Battery: 3-Cell, 48 WHr
• Weight: Approximately 1.90 kg

Price comparison:

• Kenya: The new Acer Aspire 5 i3 may cost around 51,000 KES, but prices can vary.
• USA: In the United States, the Acer Aspire 5 i3's price starts at around $350 

Acer Aspire 3  specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core  (10th or 11th Generation)
• Display: 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) ComfyView
• RAM: 4GB or 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB SSD, or 1TB HDD
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics or Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Ports: HDMI, USB Type-A, SD Card Reader, Audio jack, Ethernet (RJ-45)
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Home
• Battery: 2-Cell, 37 WHr or 3-Cell, 36 WHr
• Weight: Approximately 1.90 kg

Price comparison:

• Kenya: The Acer Aspire 3  may cost around 56,000 KES, but prices can vary depending on the specific configuration.
• USA: In the United States, the Acer Aspire 3 's price starts at around $350

Differences between Acer Aspire 3  and Acer Aspire 5:

1. Display Resolution: Both the Aspire 3  and Aspire 5  feature 15.6-inch ComfyView displays, but the Aspire 3  has only an HD resolution, while the Aspire 5  offers HD and FHD options.
2. RAM: Both the Aspire 3  and Aspire 5  may come with either 4GB or 8GB RAM.
3. Storage: Both the Aspire 3  and Aspire 5  offer SSD and HDD storage options.
4. Ports: The Aspire 3  lacks a USB Type-C port, which is present in the Aspire 5 .
5. Battery: The Aspire 3  has either a 2-Cell, 37 WHr or 3-Cell, 36 WHr battery, while the Aspire 5  has a larger 3-Cell, 48 WHr battery.
6. Weight: Both Aspire 3  and Aspire 5  have a similar weight of approximately 1.90 kg.