Laptop ?'s (processors, graphics...)

[Seether4113]

I'm looking to pickup a 15.6" laptop probably from either Dell, Asus, or Sony, unless there are any other more reliable brands (I've seen Toshiba mentioned too, but don't really care for them). I will use it mainly just to surf the web, play music, MS Office, Blu-Rays, and to watch videos.

Is an i3 processor good enough or should I look to the i5 to make it maintain relevance longer?

Also, for playing Blu-Rays and other HD videos, is an integrated graphics card sufficient or do I need to look for something with a dedicated card? Does that change if I hook it up via HDMI to a 1080p tv? I don't really plan on using it to play games, as I would rather upgrade my desktop and use it for gaming if I find something I want to play.

I haven't paid enough attention to the newest cpus (since the P4's) and don't know exactly what the integrated graphics cards are capable of, so I'm just looking for some help.
Thanks.

[Burns11]

Re: Laptop ?'s (processors, graphics...)

Personally I wouldn't step up to an i5, get either i3 or i7. The only real advantage an i5 has is turboboost which is suspect anyway on a desktop, is even less impressive in a laptop.

As for video card, unless you plan on gaming the embedded graphics should be fine.

[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: Laptop ?'s (processors, graphics...)

Intergrated graphic cards are terrible, so make sure you get one that has a dedicated graphics card. i3 is fine for just watching movies or just a simple regular duo core. Check out the cpu speed though, preferrable get one clocking in at 3ghz or no lower then 2.6ghz

Most modern programs require high speed cpu.

[WDOgF0reL1fe]

Re: Laptop ?'s (processors, graphics...)

I love my Asus N61J laptop.
15.6 i7
4 gb ram
ATI HD 5730 card.

250 gb hard drive.
Did cost a grand though on newegg but I will never stray away from Asus now.
The only negative is the track pad is kinda wonky.

[DaImmaculateONe]

Re: Laptop ?'s (processors, graphics...)

i was thinking bout getting this one once it goes on sale again for $900
nice space keyboard layout without the smushed arrow keys. i have doubts about it lasting 4.2hrs. But i really dont want to go with another Hp 17 inch since they have long battery life knowing something going to need to be fixed within 3 years.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...k=samsung%2017

[superjames1992]

Re: Laptop ?'s (processors, graphics...)

I'd get an i7 with dedicated video memory.

I have an ACER Aspire with 8 GB of RAM and 1 GB of dedicated memory and it's been great for gaming, internet, and watching video. However, ACER's customer service is awful and charged me $200 for repair without notifying me even though my product was under warranty, which is fraud. I've filed it with BB&T's fraud service and they're working on getting my money back, but I'm pissed off since it made me overdraft since I didn't have $200 in my checking account at the time of the transaction.

[BrianFifaFan]

Re: Laptop ?'s (processors, graphics...)

Here's a pretty good i5. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834115866

This is the one I bought, but it's out of production now. What sucks is it was only 749.99 and had a kick butt video card and a 17" screen. If you can find one, I'd highly recommend it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834101230

I would love an i7, but have had no problems going the i5 route. I use it with Vegas 9 and it flies. Only thing it lacks is a Blu-Ray, but I don't really watch them, save on my i7 desktop.