The best laptop choice with a SSD

Diplomacy

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Apr 29, 2014
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4,510
Hello distinguished members of tom'sHardware,

I would like to buy a new laptop from amazon. My priority is the presence of an SSD at least 128GB and the price range is up to 750$. A week ago I started look for most suitable laptop to buy and found couple of them:

1. http://www.amazon.com/20DH002TUS-ThinkPad-A10-7300-Windows-Warranty/dp/B00V3U87VK/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1429976963&sr=1-1&keywords=laptop (here the problem is the screen size. There is no new 14 inch display.

2. http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-14-Inch-Touchscreen-Laptop-59418273/dp/B00K6ZIKWO/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1429977306&sr=1-2&keywords=laptop (in the description they are saying that it is a "128 GB flash_memory_solid_state with 5400 rpm" - quite odd)

3. http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX305FA-ASM1-13-3-Inch-Ultra-Slim-Aluminum/dp/B00SGS7ZH4/ref=pd_cp_pc_3 (not sure about Intel Core M Processor)

4. http://www.amazon.com/Newest-Model-Dell-Ultrabook-Computer/dp/B00W5Y2XUE/ref=sr_1_7?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1429983463&sr=1-7&keywords=dell+xps+13 (it is Manufacture Refurbished)

Thus, what do you think about this?

 
Solution


The Core M is a very low power CPU and it is overall less powerful than a Core i3 because most of the time the CPU is operating at around 600MHz to maintain low power consumption, but it can ramp up it's clockspeed when necessary. However, if performance is important then the Core M is not an optimal choice.

If you want the 14" version of the ThinkPad E555, then I recommend you order the ThinkPad E455 from Lenovo's website which starts at $427. Upgrade the CPU...

canadianvice

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Jul 25, 2012
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Consider cheaper options, since SSD's are sooo darn inexpensive now. You could certainly get one with an SSD already, and I'm not saying that's a bad idea, but if you find better value in a non-SSD unit, chances are pretty good you can patch it up with an SSD and come out on top.
 

Diplomacy

Estimable
Apr 29, 2014
6
0
4,510


Thanks for stopping by.

I considered your idea on the non-SSD option. Searched amazon for them and realised that I want for sure a SSD one.
At the same time, let me disagree with the existence of cheap SSDs as I have a hard time finding them. Would you be so kind by giving a link for a new and cheap SSD for at least 128 GB?
 

canadianvice

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Jul 25, 2012
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Keep in mind, prices CAD$, and cheap is technically subjective. That said, they've come down in price like crazy.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=ECO2+Mushkin&N=-1&isNodeId=1
 


The Core M is a very low power CPU and it is overall less powerful than a Core i3 because most of the time the CPU is operating at around 600MHz to maintain low power consumption, but it can ramp up it's clockspeed when necessary. However, if performance is important then the Core M is not an optimal choice.

If you want the 14" version of the ThinkPad E555, then I recommend you order the ThinkPad E455 from Lenovo's website which starts at $427. Upgrade the CPU to the A10-7300 which will bring the price up to $607; doing so will automatically add the dedicated Radeon R7 M260DX graphics card. That excludes taxes which will be charged. The downsize is that you will need to upgrade the laptop yourself to end up with a laptop that you want.

http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thinkpad/e-series/e455/


Next up purchase the Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD from Newegg for $100, and a stick of 4GB RAM made by Crucial for $29. And lastly you will need to buy a USB to SATA adapter for $14 which is needed to clone the hard drive with the software that comes with the Samsung 850 EVO. That is a total of $143 and excludes tax. Depending on where you live in the US, Newegg.com may not charge taxes on your order.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=20-147-372
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148813
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812400542&cm_re=usb_to_sata_iii_cable-_-12-400-542-_-Product

The basic steps are:

1. Install the hard drive cloning software.
2. Attach the SSD to the laptop with the adapter cable.
3. Use the software to clone the HDD to the SSD.
4. Install both the RAM and the SSD into the laptop. You will need to remove the HDD.

Overall cost excluding taxes is $750 and you end up with a 500GB HDD that comes with the ThinkPad E455.

 
Solution

Diplomacy

Estimable
Apr 29, 2014
6
0
4,510


Mainly for work with basic programs like office package, surfing the internet and stuff like this. Maybe once in a while I would play League of Legends on low parameters. For gaming I have an desktop PC back home, which brings me to chose something for intensive work (good keyboard and maybe a good touchpad [but I am working mainly with a mouse]).
 

Diplomacy

Estimable
Apr 29, 2014
6
0
4,510


You did some good work here. Yea indeed, in order to have suitable laptop I need to install myself some additional hardware devices. In addition to what you said, I could replace the DVD, which I never use, where I will put the 250 GB SSD. Thus, I will have a very nice laptop with 750 GB, of which 250 is SSD. Pretty nice.

Actually you gave me a great idea: I will upgrade my Asus U43f with 250GB SSD MX200 form Crucia for 109$ (I already have 640GB of HDD, which will give a total of 890GB); 8 GB of RAM from corssair vengeance for 70$ and I will be good to go with my i5 processor :). After, for my intense work, I will buy an usb suitable keyboard for around 60-70$. All in one, I will pay around 260$ (also additional 30 $ for the battery). In the end I'll have to sell the 4GB ram that I have now.

 
You could try and go for this laptop: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G15Y0669
It should be enough for what you need it for. It is out of stock but you can look for similar products or go to a different store and get the same model.


 


One problem...

The ThinkPad E455 does not have a DVD drive to keep the weight down to 4lbs.
 

Diplomacy

Estimable
Apr 29, 2014
6
0
4,510


Then I will definitely stick to my plan of upgrading my laptop (U43f) by replacing the DVD with an SSD, which in the end will be much more cheaper then buying a new laptop, and I will have additional 640GB. This option allows me to buy myself the hardware I consider the best. For instance the SSD from SanDisk Extreme Pro is the best choice out there.
 
Waiting for one that fits in a laptop (standard 2.5" and M.2 format). Also, need to save up money for it since it will likely cost about $1 per GB.

Also waiting for laptops that will be using the upcoming Intel Skylake mobile CPUs. I am thinking about a nice Christmas present for myself at the end of the year.