OK, college is back in session next week for my fiancee, and after last semester, she says she's in dire need of a laptop. Primary use is going to be pretty simple -- taking notes, Internet, writing reports, etc. -- but she's also a fairly passionate gamer, so I have no doubt it'll be used for that as well. Nothing super-intense like shooters, mostly Sims 3 and adventure games (I think Dragon Age is the most intense thing she plays).
With that in mind, I'm thinking a dual-core with 3-4GB of RAM is about right -- we've agreed we want to stay under $500 or so, because all you hear about at college is someone's laptop getting stolen every time you blink. Two that seem to fit the mold so far:
Compaq Presario Athlon dual-core 2.1GHz - $469.00
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834107044
Pros:
7200 rpm hard drive
HD4200 - not great but better than Intel GMA on other machine
Cons:
3GB DDR2
Battery life is apparently mediocre
Lenovo G550 Pentium dual-core T4500 2.3GHz - $399.00
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834146772
Pros:
4GB DDR3
Apparently slightly faster CPU (though not 100% sure in reality -- see below)
Cons:
El Cheapo integrated graphics (Intel 4500M GMA)
5400 rpm hard drive
I say I am not sure about the processor speed, because I know 2.3GHz on one CPU does not necessarily equal the same performance as 2.3GHz on another. I know Intel is generally a little ahead of AMD in this respect, but it's been years since I bought a laptop, and I have little experience with the Pentium dual-cores on laptops -- they could be either of the inferior bargain-basement variety, or respectable compared to the Athlon II.
So ... any input on these is appreciated, or any better suggestions that I may have missed.
With that in mind, I'm thinking a dual-core with 3-4GB of RAM is about right -- we've agreed we want to stay under $500 or so, because all you hear about at college is someone's laptop getting stolen every time you blink. Two that seem to fit the mold so far:
Compaq Presario Athlon dual-core 2.1GHz - $469.00
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834107044
Pros:
7200 rpm hard drive
HD4200 - not great but better than Intel GMA on other machine
Cons:
3GB DDR2
Battery life is apparently mediocre
Lenovo G550 Pentium dual-core T4500 2.3GHz - $399.00
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834146772
Pros:
4GB DDR3
Apparently slightly faster CPU (though not 100% sure in reality -- see below)
Cons:
El Cheapo integrated graphics (Intel 4500M GMA)
5400 rpm hard drive
I say I am not sure about the processor speed, because I know 2.3GHz on one CPU does not necessarily equal the same performance as 2.3GHz on another. I know Intel is generally a little ahead of AMD in this respect, but it's been years since I bought a laptop, and I have little experience with the Pentium dual-cores on laptops -- they could be either of the inferior bargain-basement variety, or respectable compared to the Athlon II.
So ... any input on these is appreciated, or any better suggestions that I may have missed.