Limited funds: better resolution OR more ram?

king of rock

Distinguished
Aug 8, 2011
9
0
18,510
Hello,

as mentioned in another post, helping my daughter buy a laptop. Not for gaming (but, who knows?) mostly streaming, editing music, maybe multimedia video editing, typical student stuff, etc.

Looking at HP 15Z w/beats http://www.shopping.hp.com/en_US/home-office/-/products/Laptops/HP-Pavilion/G1C89AV?HP-Pavilion-15z-Laptop

Have to keep package under $500 including tax, so:

either - 8GB DDR3L System Memory (1 Dimm)
- 15.6-inch diagonal HD BrightView WLED-backlit Display (1366x768)

OR - 6GB DDR3L System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 15.6-inch diagonal Full HD WLED-backlit Display (1920x1080)

memory can be expanded someday to 16gb easily in first instance which is a good thing; she watches alot of video on devices, so I imagine HD image would be significantly better with 1080. I might just kick in $50 so she can have both! And, I haven't run this by her yet either...

BUT, as a matter of debate, which way would you lean if forced to (and not gaming) under above scenario? Your expertise is much appreciated
 

qazzi

Honorable
Apr 1, 2013
191
0
10,660
better ram...on such a small screen 1080p will suck. many and i do mean many people have problem reading text on 15.6" monitor at 1080p.
 

king of rock

Distinguished
Aug 8, 2011
9
0
18,510
qazzi, thanks. Although, you probably can change settings to make text larger I would think. Movies would be better in higher resolution?
 

qazzi

Honorable
Apr 1, 2013
191
0
10,660
still 1080p on such a small screen is not that good. more ram = more open programs.....either ways it comes down on what you will be doing on the laptop.