laptop computer processor question

rfuerst911sc · 02-01-2009, 04:35 AM

I am thinking about buying a newer laptop to replace my aging Dell. When I look at them in ads I see Intel Centrino, Centrino 2, Pentium Dual-Core, Pentium Duo Core, Pentium Duo Core 2, AMD Turion etc. So for web surfing,sharing pics,emailing etc. what is a good processor? I think I'm going to stay with Dell but might entertain Lenovo or Toshiba.

stomachmonkey · 02-01-2009, 05:31 AM

I prefer Lenovo.

General rule of thumb with laptops if you intend to keep for a long time, buy as much machine as you can afford. Limited upgrade path with them, hard drive and RAM are about it.

While you may end up with more than you need now you won't be replacing as fast.

As far as Processor the Duo Core 2 is the highest performer.

Or go the other way and pick up a $500 machine, it's about all you really need for your stated need.

Even one of the sub $500 netbooks with the Atom 1.6 processor should do and they are highly portable. With one of those you want the 6 cell battery and biggest HD you can find. Dell has them in the refurb section all the time.

id10t · 02-01-2009, 05:33 AM

For basic use, it doesn't really matter. Load up on RAM since that will be the best improvement for the $. If you expect to do anything really CPU intensive like video editing then get a dual core CPU.

svandamme · svandamme's Garage

If you don't do games, then you don't need the Nvidia or ATI video cards and can stick to the Intel Graphics.

Centrino cpu's don't have much cache, avoid those like the plague unless you are really on a tight budget

The Duo Cores also have wide ranges of cache, do make sure what you are comparing when checking out 2 different laptops... as you are better off with a 2.0 ghz duo core cpu, with 3MB cache, then a 2.1ghz with just 1 mb of cache... But for just surfing and what you describe, a 2.0 with 1mb will do just fine as well. You will hardly notice the difference for that kind of application.

Avoid the consumer laptops, go for the business ones... they are usually built better have better warranty deals, and don't come loaded with consumer crap software

my nephew just bought one of those Dell Vostro 1520 laptops, pretty sturdy laptop, good bang for the buck...

afterburn 549 · 02-01-2009, 09:39 AM

All I know..is H.P has sent me 3 new ones in 2 years (Very begrudgingly ) ( and not w.o. me sending them back umpteen times)
It is not so bad they failed ..crap happens..was their TUDE ! What a Ivory tower bunch. Never again !
Apple it will be

TWork · 02-02-2009, 09:28 AM

In terms of processors, it goes Celeron, Pentium, and then Core 2 (good, better, best). There will be dual core varieties within each particular brand. Generally, you want to buy the best combination of processor and cache you can afford. In other words, don't buy Celeron and load up with 3 gig of cache or buy a Core 2 and only get 1 gig of cache. Centrino is not a processor, rather its the combination of Intel processor, chipset and wireless. So, you could get a Centrino laptop which has a Core 2 processor. You want wireless that supports 802.11n, as that's the latest iteration of WiFi that's currently available. A mid-grade Core 2 with 2 gigs of cache would be plenty for what you want to do and it would have a fairly long shelf-life before you have to go shopping for another system.

svandamme · svandamme's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by TWork

In terms of processors, it goes Celeron, Pentium, and then Core 2 (good, better, best). There will be dual core varieties within each particular brand. Generally, you want to buy the best combination of processor and cache you can afford. In other words, don't buy Celeron and load up with 3 gig of ram or buy a Core 2 and only get 1 gig of ram. Centrino is a processor, usually combined with a laptop chipset and wireless. So, you could get a Centrino laptop which has a Core 2 processor. You want wireless that supports 802.11n, as that's the latest iteration of WiFi that's currently available. A mid-grade Core 2 with 2 gigs of ram would be plenty for what you want to do and it would have a fairly long shelf-life before you have to go shopping for another system.

fixed it for you

besides, pentiums are no longer sold on the consumer market, a current day dual core celeron will outpace a pentium.

a Centrion IS a cpu type . It has different specs and added power saving and mobility features...

VincentVega · 02-02-2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

For basic use, it doesn't really matter. Load up on RAM since that will be the best improvement for the $.

x2

Get the size display you like and the most ram can.

TWork · 02-03-2009, 04:47 PM

Thanks Stijn. I meant ram, not cache.

No disrespect intended, but you're misinformed. Pentium is still alive and well (called Pentium D, with dual core). And Centrino is not a processor. Trust me, I do this for a living.

Quote:

Originally Posted by svandamme

fixed it for you

besides, pentiums are no longer sold on the consumer market, a current day dual core celeron will outpace a pentium.

a Centrion IS a cpu type . It has different specs and added power saving and mobility features...

gr8fl4porsche · gr8fl4porsche's Garage

I agree with the remark about screen size. Big screens are heavy with poor battery life. For a notebook that hangs around the house, 17" is great. If you will carry it around, get the smallest screen you can live with.