Is there any better option for me?

[Shawn Dunmire]

First, I'd like to ask your opinions on these 2. For $100 more, I can get a 1080p screen, a lighter, thinner, larger HDD (negligible). I'm not sure which CPU is better of the 2, or which of the 2 CPU produces better graphics processing. Beyond these 2, for the price, can anyone think of a more capable laptop, that's as thin, and sleek, as these 2 for the same price point? If not, which should I buy?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-15-6-laptop-amd-a8-series-6gb-memory-500gb-hard-drive-black/2996026.p?id=1219567191659&skuId=2996026

vs

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/toshiba-geek-squad-certified-refurbished-satellite-14-laptop-intel-core-i5-6gb-memory-satin-gold/9934183.p?id=1219457234231&skuId=9934183

 

[Pilotso]

It's up to you and what you are using the computer for. I would go with the Lenovo for gaming because the processor is better for gaming as where the intel is for a workstation.

 

[Eximo]

The intel i5 is the better processor. The AMD APU has the better graphics capability, and a lower resolution, but larger screen.

It depends what you want the computer to be capable of to get a recommendation. But in this price range, that i5 ultrabook is a good choice for office productivity and media consumption and older or simple games.

 

[Shawn Dunmire]

so the a8 is better than the i5 for graphical use?
The larger hard drive isn't important.
the 1080p screen though, seems nice to have.
Plus it's lighter, and i'll be using it to carry to school (buying e-textbooks on it)
RAM is the same. Wonder what the build quality is like on both... Trackpad quality on both... etc.

 

[Eximo]

Lenovo tends to have average quality from what I have seen. They make a lot of computers but are relative new comers compared to old giants like Dell and HP/Compaq/E-Machine, and Acer. Toshiba has a long history with their business class Satellite series, not had any experience with their consumer products. Like all vendors, you tend to get better quality as you spend more money.

In this price bracket, don't expect the quality to be the best. $300-400 dollar range tend to be mass produced products with less attention to detail. (Likely ship straight from the factory to distribution centers, and the OEMs don't own the factories)

For any type of reading that smaller higher resolution screen on the Intel will be much better on the eyes. 15.6 inch 1366x786 will have easily visible pixels.

Intel systems tend to have better battery life as well.

 

[Eximo]

Not really seeing any new products under $400 that are any better then what you have already located.

On the average seem to be limited to an i5-4200u, 4GB of memory, Intel HD graphics, 1366x768 15.6 screen. Hard drive size varies from 500GB to 1TB

AMD A4, A6, and A8 are prevalent in this price range as well.

 

[Eximo]

Brand new 5th generation Intel laptop for a reasonable price. Same low-res screen though.

http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/dell-inspiron-15-3000-series-laptop/49156.aspx