kalyan82

Estimable
Mar 4, 2014
11
0
4,560
Update: while i5 4200M and 3230M processors scores almost the same,
http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Core-i5-4200M-vs-Intel-Core-i5-3230M

Geekbench result for HP Pavillion G6 is very impressive,
http://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench2/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=HP+g6+3230m

So, as a overall package I think HP Pavillion G6 would be a good choice if I'm not underestimating 4th gen Haswell CPUs. But I'm really thinking about the battery life, for which I can stretch my budget a bit more!

Hello Gurus,

I need your advice on my laptop buying decision.

Requirement:
1) My everyday usage (running in parallel) - Eclipse, JBoss server, MySql server, VirtualBox with Linux OS, MS word, winamp, chrome for net surfing
2) Occasional movie or mid level gaming.
3) Good battery backup (portable) as I require to travel a lot.
4) Budget: Max £550 :)

I've shortlisted the followings, need your advise as I'm feeling completely lost

1) Lenovo G510, i5 4200M, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, Windows 8.1
http://www.debenhamsplus.com/DE_Lenovo_Notebook_10089063/version.asp

2) Toshiba Satellite C55-A-1N1, i5 4200M, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, Windows 8.1
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/toshiba-satellite-c55-a-1n1-15-6-laptop-21731464-pdt.html

3) HP Pavilion G6-2380EA, i5 3230M, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, Windows 8.1
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&docname=c03643978

Looking for your advises. You can refer any other models that is not in my list as well

Thanks,
Kalyan
 
Solution


i like amd, but AMD is far behind intel. AMD 's A-series chips are designed for some computing and some low end gaming.

There is no amd mobile cpu to match with i5 4200M, as they consume 2X more power , and still lag behind little .
Also they generate more heat.
Look at the comparison of dual core intel vs quad core AMD...

kalyan82

Estimable
Mar 4, 2014
11
0
4,560

BF4, crysis 3, CoD ghosts for example
 

themaskofwraith

Distinguished
Apr 19, 2011
75
0
18,610


UPDATE
This one is good as it comes with avg graphic card 8670 with DDR3 memory
http://www.dell.com/uk/p/inspiron-15r-5537/pd?oc=cnr1515&model_id=inspiron-15r-5537

But if you dont mind 17 inch laptop, this one is better choice , it has a very good graphic card 8870M with DDR5 memory and 1600X900 resolution screen.
http://www.dell.com/uk/p/inspiron-17r-5737/pd?oc=cn57324&model_id=inspiron-17r-5737

So far i came up with this one, as i dont know the sites to buy laptops for UK
http://www.debenhamsplus.com/DE_Acer_Notebook_10084895/version.asp
 

kalyan82

Estimable
Mar 4, 2014
11
0
4,560


Appreciate your help on this, we generally look at Amazon, PC world, very, ebuyer, Argos etc.
So far I understand I need trade off performance if I need to go for mid level gaming (say U series instead of M series and 4GB instead of 8 GB), In this scenario I can change the requirement to low level of gaming if I really don't find any under £550
 

kalyan82

Estimable
Mar 4, 2014
11
0
4,560


Just wondering if I should explore the AMD laptops as well looking at the price range. Not sure how much performance difference are there between an U series 4th gen intel and say AMD A10
 

themaskofwraith

Distinguished
Apr 19, 2011
75
0
18,610


i like amd, but AMD is far behind intel. AMD 's A-series chips are designed for some computing and some low end gaming.

There is no amd mobile cpu to match with i5 4200M, as they consume 2X more power , and still lag behind little .
Also they generate more heat.
Look at the comparison of dual core intel vs quad core AMD
http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Core-i5-4200U-vs-AMD-A10-5745M

The 8870M in 17 inch dell laptop is high end model, this is the best you can get in your price range. with this card you can play your games in above high level .
http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Radeon-HD-8870M.86798.0.html

If you find any other laptop, check the graphic card performance in notebookcheck.com. See if it can out perform 8870M.

 
Solution

kalyan82

Estimable
Mar 4, 2014
11
0
4,560
Hello guys, after some brainstorming sessions I've decided to focus on my basic requirements, i.e. high performance with maximum memory. So, I've purchased Acer Aspire E1-571 with i7 3632qm processor & 8GB RAM and this is withing my budget.

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/ACER-E1-NX.M09EK.037_1478283.html

The GeekBench result for the laptop is very impressive,
http://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench2/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=acer+aspire+e1-571+i7+3632qm

And CPU benchmark is 7027,
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i7-3632QM+%40+2.20GHz

Yes, its not a gaming laptop or cannot handle medium setting games either, just a value for money. So I've decided to go for a desktop/PS4 for better gaming experience later.

Thanks themaskofwraith for you advises, appreciate it..
 

themaskofwraith

Distinguished
Apr 19, 2011
75
0
18,610

I really wonder what you gonna do with cpu power only
 

kalyan82

Estimable
Mar 4, 2014
11
0
4,560


As part of my programming work I need to install couple of virtual machines using Virtualbox, which will run in parallel with the other servers in my local system. So CPU cores will be distributed among the services. And also this is the only CPU under my budget which supports Intel VT-D technology which I came to know is better for virtualization.