Pick a laptop for me! :)

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maxwell_smart007

maxwell_smart007

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I need a laptop for work - I've got a gift card to use at future shop, so I'm looking at two of them there.

Both are Samsungs, as I think that's a decent brand.

One has an i3 processor with 8gb of Ram and 750gb harddrive
One has an i5 processor with 6gb of Ram and 750gb hdd

The i5 costs 50 more than the i3 ($550 vs $450), and i have a 100 dollar gc, so either one would be fine...

Is the one with less Ram but better (I think) processor a better purchase than the one with more ram and the i3?

Both have more Ram than my desktop, so I think either would be fine..

I'll see if I can dig up the specs to see if there are any other differences...
 
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Andrew,

I'm no expert but I have always been told that when buying a computer get as much RAM as possible. For that reason, and because you said that either would be fine, I'd save some money and go for the i3.
 
I would get the faster processor (i5), but less ram.

The extra ram would be helpful if you are dealing with massive amounts of data, including databases and spreadsheets, as well as photos and video, but the faster processor will not be outdated as quickly (although there is i7 out as well).

I just bought my wife a new laptop and Samsung was top of my list, except that she want a non gloss screen. I found an ASUS that met my other requirements, and had similar reviews as the Samsung. I went with the faster processor, although my wife probably doesn't notice the speed with her applications If I had to replace mine, I'd still put Samsung at the top of my list.

What do you need to do with it at work? Email, Internet, word processing, spreadsheets, powerpoint presentations? Considering your major use might help with your decision.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner
 
In regards to your laptop what are you looking to do, more RAM is always nice but it in no way should ever take precedent over processing power. Do you happen to have the model numbers of the two computers it would make helping you out in your decision far easier. In reality more RAM does not by any stretch or the imagination imply that a computer will perform better, manufacturers know that it is one of the specs people have been told to look out for, and it is an easy and cheap upgrade for them to make in order to make a computer seem more appealing. But most normal users never even come close to scraping 6GB or memory usage, even pushing 4GB in everyday tasks is unlikely. However that being said there are plenty of reasons for larger amounts of RAM, if you could let us know the general uses and models of the laptops we could help you make a more well suited choice.
 
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Andrew, unless you are a serious gamer, or use CAD, or 3D rendering software (and other such tasks), I'd go with the i3 if you like the features. It should have plenty of processing power for several years.
 
Most people underestimate the amount of ram that just the base OS uses in modern PCs much less with multiple browser windows or other apps. However, CPU utilization is generally tiny unless you're messing with flash or a couple other cpu hogs(like games), you'll NEVER notice the CPU being pushed.

The average user will DEFINATELY benefit more from extra ram than extra CPU. I looked at the machines you are looking at on Future Shops site. I would recommend the cheaper one with more ram. In both of them, to upgrade the ram you'd have to toss out ALL that came with it because it fills the slots. You won't see any benefit from the more expensive machine.

One more suggestion - take the Future shop offer of the windows 8 upgrade for $15 - you won't get it for anywhere near that later.
 
Just to make sure we're talking about the same ones:

The i5 is model NP300E5C-A06CA
The i3 is model NP300E5C-A08CA

I just found out the sale ends today, so I have until tonight to decide...pressure!

I was thinking that it would be easier to upgrade RAM down the line than it would be to upgrade a processor...but if the consensus is that the i3 is enough, then that's fine too...

I need it for the usual things - word processing, videos, internet, and the like...I'm not a gamer, so that's not really a huge concern...
 
The largest difference between the processors is the i5 is ivybridge (3rd generation, 22nm) and the i3 is sandybridge (2nd generation, 32nm) which bassically equates to the i5 being more energy efficient and should run cooler. However both appear to have approximately the same battery life but I haven't done any research for real reviews on either model. I would see if you can turn up some online reviews of either laptop, usually that can help when coming to a decision.
 
My brother is in IT and I know that the i5 would be better for me (3D modeling and flight simulators). In some cases the more ram might better though. It totaly depends on what you are doing, ie Gaming or doing large spreadsheets.

Levi Woodard
Woodardwoodworks.com

Sent from my YP-GI1 (Samsung Galaxy player)using Forum Runner
 
maxwell_smart007 said:
Just to make sure we're talking about the same ones:

The i5 is model NP300E5C-A06CA
The i3 is model NP300E5C-A08CA

I just found out the sale ends today, so I have until tonight to decide...pressure!

I was thinking that it would be easier to upgrade RAM down the line than it would be to upgrade a processor...but if the consensus is that the i3 is enough, then that's fine too...

I need it for the usual things - word processing, videos, internet, and the like...I'm not a gamer, so that's not really a huge concern...
Click to expand...

Thats the ones I looked at.. FYI - upgrading the cpu isn't ever going to happen, but then again - I wouldn't do ram either. The max ram in those machines is 8 gig. And to upgrade from 6 to 8 would be silly... you'd have to remove at least one of the sims to upgrade it, so you'd be spending more than its worth.

I still say go for the i3 - there will be plenty of life in it to last you MANY years.

As for reviews - the laptop is the same "series 3" samsung laptops as many others. I think you'll be happier having spent less on it. (and like I said - Spend the $15 on the windows upgrade).
 
Thanks for the help, Dean - went to buy it late last night after we got home from supper, but the sale had ended (time change, I guess...thought I still had an hour when I tried to put the order in)

I have a few days to buy the i5 one on sale, or I'll look around at other models.

Thank you all very much for the advice.
 
Go for the i5, you can always add more RAM if you ever need it. I'm betting you never will! Heck 4 GB is plenty for most people. It is much easier and cheaper to upgrade RAM then it is to upgrade the Processor.
Add more Ram = Approx $100
Upgrade Processor= Approx $500 ( or just buy a new computer).


Both the i5 and the i3 processor are outdated Products the i7 is the latest CPU in that series.
 
I'd go with the faster processor (i5).....memory is cheap!

Also, you'll probably only getting the 32bit OS on it so the memory difference would be mute. To access memory over 4gb you'd have to be running 64bit OS. Either way........go with the i5. You won't be sorry.


Barney
 
You never did say what you planned to actually do with it. The i5 with 6 gigs will be great for most applications. People that tell me they just want to browse the internet, do Facebook, and check email...I tell them to get an iPad. It all depends on what you need to do.

Tom
Fix-Ur-PCs
 
I'd buy the i5, EVERY TIME. You can alway add additional ram, if necessary. Changing the processor....not so simple. Additionally, as new models come out, ram prices for older models gets less expensive.
 
Thing of what tasks your planning on using the notebook for. Also think about how long you are planning on using it. If you are planning on using it for 3 to 5 or more years get the most powerful processor you can afford. As you add software your processing power needs will increase over time.

So many people fall into the trap of buying computers for as cheap as they can possibly get. For the very low cost systems the manufacturers put in the slowest and lowest cost possible components so they can get the price points down.

For notebooks I would not recommend the I3. You will be reaching its limits within a couple of years or less as you add software. For memory minimum of 4Gb - 8Gb. Lower cost systems will have significantly lower speed memory. For hard drives try to get one with a speed of 7200rpm if you can. Low cost notebooks have them around 4000rpm or less.

Also check on the warranties. When purchasing one you will be asked to upgrade the warranty. For a notebook this is not a bad idea. You can even get an accidental breakage coverage too.

Joe
 
Hey, here's my 2 cents. I bought a Samsung 1 year and 9 months ago. My computer crashed and found out the motherboard went bad. Found out you cannot buy a motherboard for a Samsung laptop. Called Samsung to complain about the motherboard going bad in less than 2 years. Customer service said too bad send it in for a replacement motherboard. Oh, and it will cost at least $150 but no more than $400. Told them I will never buy anither Samsung product and I will make sure to tell everybody I know!
 
Andrew . . . I always think of you as a "today" kind of guy. Laptops are so "yesterday". :biggrin:

Go with an ipad3 (with an external keyboard) or a Droid tablet.
 
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DocStram said:
Andrew . . . I always think of you as a "today" kind of guy. Laptops are so "yesterday". :biggrin:

Go with an ipad3 (with an external keyboard) or a Droid tablet.
Click to expand...

Good to see you, Doc! :smile:

I'm actually a bit of a luddite in terms of new technology!

I don't like the experience of writing on a tablet, thus far...I hear that the external keyboards make things better, however...perhaps one day! :smile:

Stick around, will ya? :smile:
 
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