Y410p vs Y500 (College, Gaming, Editing purposes)

[lexdiamondz]

I am transferring to a university this fall and I'm looking to replace my Dell Inspiron 1525. It's ancient! I can't do anything on here without lag. I've narrowed it down to these 2 base models (but I'm also open to other recommendations around the same price of $799). They're both priced the same and the deal is ending tomorrow.

I am an Electronic Media and Communications major but I know our classrooms will have iMacs available. I plan on editing video and photos from my Sony a57 DSLR. Nothing too fancy! Just a hobby of mine that I want to spend more time with now that I'll have a computer with more than 2GB of ram. As for gaming, I will be taking my 360 with me as well. Types of PC games I'm interested in playing are MMOs, simulators and RPGS. You know..games that aren't available on console.

Y410p
• 4th Generation Intel Core i7-4700MQ Processor (2.40GHz 1600MHz 6MB)
• Windows 8 64
• NVIDIA GeForce GT750M GDDR5 2GB
• 14.0" HD Glossy with integrated camera 1366x768
• 1TB 5400 RPM
• DVD Recordable (Dual Layer)
• 6 Cell Lithium-Ion
• Intel Centrino Wireless N-2230
• Bluetooth Version 4.0
• One year
• Notebook
• Integrated HD Camera
• HDMI (Out)

Y500
• 3rd Generation Intel Core i7-3630QM Processor( 2.40GHz 1600MHz 6MB)
• Windows 8 64
• NVIDIA GeForce GT750M GDDR5 2GB
• 8.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
• 15.6" HD LED Glossy Wedge 1366x768
• 1TB 5400 RPM
• DVD Recordable (Dual Layer)
• 6 Cell Lithium-Ion
• Intel Centrino Wireless N-2230
• Bluetooth Version 4.0
• One year
• Notebook
• Integrated HD Camera
• HDMI (Out)

I'm fine with eventually purchasing an external monitor if I do get serious about my hobby. Any input is welcome!

 

[jaguarskx]

I find that 1366x768 resolution is too low for multitasking / reading. A higher resolution screen will allow for a larger viewing area you have view more information on the screen at any one time. Naturally, you will take a performance when playing games, but you can always drop the resolution down to 1366x768.

I have a the 14" Lenovo IdeaPad Y470 which has a 1366x768 resolution. I'm looking for a replacement laptop myself with a 1920x1080 resolution screen. Probably a Haswell generation 15.6" ThinkPad T series when they are released.

I recommend you consider the Lenovo IdeaPad Y510p. The $839 model comes standard with a 1920x1080 which is basically a $40 upgrade from 1366x768.

 

[jaguarskx]

To get a feel for 1366x768, just set the resolution of your desktop to that resolution to determine if that low resolution is good enough for you.

 

[lexdiamondz]

I don't see the Y510p model that's available for $839. Where are you seeing this?

 

[jaguarskx]

I'm sorry I meant to type the Y510 model for $839.

http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/ideapad/y-series/y500/


The Y510p models have Haswell CPUs so they more or less have as $150 price premium over the "vanilla" Y510 models.