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Hi
Can anyone tell me on a budget laptop, is it better to spend money on:
A) intel dual core processor with 512MB RAM
or
B) AMD or Celeron but with 1Gig memory
The laptop will be used for general home/internet usage, rather than gaming so that is'nt an issue to worry about that type of thing.
Any views?
Cheers
If no gaming or other intensive programs and considering it is a laptop and also that is configured correctly,(open memory slot) upgrading the RAM at a later date should be possible I would go for the doal core.
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Thanks.
What worries me though is Win Vista which they will all come with now is fairly memory hungry at the best of times, so am concerned that even with fairly baic programs then will 512 be enough?
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Well, If it isn't you can add RAM easier than changing the processor. I don't use Vista so I am not a good person to answer. I would guess Vista is like any OS. The more junk you have running the more RAM you need. Keep it lean and I THINK you would be OK.
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While it is true that it is easier to add RAM afterwards, Vista(except for the basic version) requires at least 1 GB of RAM. Also, when you compare CPUs, the comparison is not just Intel vrs. AMD or Celeron. For example, you could spend more on an AMD processor which is dual core.
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polynomial
The OP was choosing between a dou core Intel or --. I would guess that a laptop would come with the most basic version of Vista.
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On the Hill: I agree that a budget laptop would probably come with the Vista Basic Edition. I've been running Vista Business Edition with 1 GB of RAM and it seems to be working well so far. I'm also not into using it for gaming. I agree with going with the dual core rather than the extra RAM.
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what is the minimum ram required for vista basic? if it is 512, I would be concerned. If it's 256 not so concerned.
larry
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It's definitely 512 MB for Vista Basic. Microsoft's website lists all of the requirements, of course.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pr...
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There must be a budget issue here. Those things have a way of working out. As i stated to the OP it is hard to change processors. I'm not up to date on current laptop technology but I THINK the dou core should have better battery life.
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Really I suggest you dont think of a lap-top at all,they are reknowned for socket failures especially when you plug and unplug things all the time.
Why not go for a stand -alone and perhaps you can have both??
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"Budget" laptops are not the best things to get into. Laptops are just too hard and expensive to upgrade. Getting a "budget" machine almost forces you to replace it ENTIRELY a short time later. Not withstanding, ANY laptop works great for a year or so, then you start running into loose plug problems... in particular, USB and power, battery problems, and so on. A cheap machine only accelerates this problem. I'm not speaking off the top of my head either... I've owned quite a few laptops now.
If you REALLY need a laptop, then I would put the money under your pillow and save until you can afford something worth the headaches that will occur. Otherwise I would re-think the whole issue and get a desktop. They're much cheaper, easier to upgrade, and do not suffer from the kinds of problems that laptops get you into.
Barring all of that.... I would get the Celeron with 1 gig mem. It doesn't sound to me like you're going to use a dual core to it's maximum ability anyway. I'm not even sure a "budget" machine has the ability to use a dual core to its fullest so it's a waste of money to start with.
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Read this before you buy.
http://www.gen-x-pc.com/laptopmanu.htm
There is nothing to learn from someone who already agrees with you.
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Go with the dual core, no question. O the Hill is on the money with his advice. Laps are easy to add memory sticks now, just at easy as desktops. Usually there is a little hatch cover that pops out and there is the memory slots. At work our techs pop memory sticks in and out of our laptops, takes them 45 seconds if they stop to scratch themselves. Plus the fact that the Celeron is a cheepie, cut-down processor not worth the plastic it is made out of. A dual-core will out-perform it hands down. And you can always find bargains on memory, just cruise Newegg regularly and suddenly they have a sale. I don it all the time.
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day;
Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime;
Then industry pollutes the water and kills all the fish.
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512MB RAM is the MINIMUM, not the recommended. 1GB is the M$ recommended amount but for best performance, most review sites recommend 2GB.
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Confused725:
If you are in the U.S. I suggest you look closely at the Sunday Staples and Office Depot flyers. Just over the past few weeks I have seen:
At Staples (current add) $499 after rebates
Acer® notebook includes Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor T2080
• 1GB RAM
• 80GB hard drive
• 14.1" display
• SuperMulti DVD drive with double-layer support
• 5-in-1 card reader
• Windows Vista™ Home Premium
• Free Canon® MP160 color printer included
At Office Depot (current add) $450 after rebatesCompaq® Presario Notebook Computer with AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual Core Processor TK-53
15.4" BRIGHTVIEW™ WIDESCREEN
Manage all your entertainment content with Windows Vista™ Home Premium
• 1024MB DDR2 memory
• 80GB hard drive
• Reads and writes DVDs & CDs via the Double Layer drive
• Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium Edition
Model F572USTwo weeks ago I saw a Toshiba A135 with T2080 processor, 1gb ram, Vista Premium, DVD burner, 80gb drive for $450 after rebates at Office Depot.
I am sure there are limited quantities, so if you decide to try for deals like this, I suggest you view your local circular, online before they open, and be waiting for them to open Sunday morning, at the door.
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