Laptop with i3 processor

Pint Glass

Hi Folks,

Im looking to buy a laptop with a 2nd gen i3 processor for aroung €450.

Will be using it mainly for internet browsing, games, and itunes. Could anybody suggest a laptop that fits the bill.

All help much appreciated.

Cheers,

PG

Overheal

lots of laptops have the i3, and they arent hard to find at many price points either. you'd want to narrow your search parameters down.

The_Conductor

You shouldn't have much trouble finding an i5 at this pricepoint either- but as per above- you really need to give more information or folk won't know what you're looking for (other than the processor of course!)

Pint Glass

Thanks folks for the replies,

As mentionned above this laptop is really just for home use (internet browsing, watching dvds, itunes, photos....)

I suppose something with 3-4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, DVD+/-RW, WiFi, Webcam, Media Card Reader.

I was looking at the attached laptop: http://www.elara.ie/productdetail.aspx?productcode=ECE2118054

Is HP a good make for laptops? Any other suggestions gratefully accepted.

Cheers,

PG

Pint Glass

Hi FOlks,

I just saw the sticky with the required information for those looking for info on buying a laptop, so here goes:

Budget: 350-450

Intended use: internet, e-mail, games, itunes, skype etc

Mobility: mobility is not important

Warranty: Standard Warranty is fine

What Operating System do you use: Windows 7

Cheers,

PG

cherryghost

Your best bet is the Lenovo G570 on saveonlaptops

It comes in at 450 excluding shipping. There's two other 570 models, one comes in at about 25 euro cheaper with 1GB less RAM but with a HDMI out + fingerprint reader, and one about 60 euro cheaper with just 2GB RAM + 320GB Hard drive instead of 500GB(probably wouldn't recommmend that)

Either of the first two models are decent value, they're pretty much what you want (as long as you're happy with low/med performance on games). Don't bother with the cheapest model.

marco_polo

<Snip, sorry link was older i3, not second gen sandybridge>

cherryghost

Not bad but may I point out its a previous gen core i3, the graphics on it is pretty bad to what's on the new ones (HD Graphics 3000 :P)

marco_polo

cherryghost wrote: »

Not bad but may I point out its a previous gen core i3, the graphics on it is pretty bad to what's on the new ones (HD Graphics 3000 :P)

Damn too slow. Can't a man (leisurely)ninja edit his posts in peace around here

Pint Glass

Thanks for the posts guys!

I have tried saveonlaptops and they cant guarantee delivery before saturday. I need the laptop as a fathers day gift.

Any ideas from retailers/websites based in Ireland?

Thanks in advance,

PG

omg a kitty

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5083840/Trail/searchtext%3ETOSHIBA.htm
I got it 2 months ago and I have absolutely no complaints about it...except maybe the design.
But the actual laptop is just brilliant
Intel Core i3 350M
4GB RAM
320GB HD
Windows 7 Home Premium, It doesnt say 64-bit now but the one I got 2 months ago was 64 bit
€449

And the battery lasts for about 3 hours with WiFi on.
Hope I helped

cherryghost

Ooof, big ask for that budget, you'd have to go for a previous gen laptop for the same price range if you need it delivered asap. Would have to be an Irish website to guarantee it to be there by Friday. Any English sites state 4 days, so that's pushing it. Errr... can your dad wait :P

Nevertheless, there's a few choices, but compared to the laptop I linked earlier, these are at least 20% slower and not-so-good battery consumption.

At €425, there's the HP G62, its got a CPU about 40% slower than than the new i3's, but you've got 4GB RAM, 500GB HD and a dedicated graphics card, which performs on par with the Lenovo HD 3000. Overall its decent but nothing special.

Next we have the Asus K52-F at €429. CPU is about 30% slower and consumes a bit more power than the saveonlaptops one. You got 500GB HD, 4GB RAM and the graphics which is pretty slow, it'll struggle on games but fine on HD videos.


Lastly is the Packard Bell TK-85 also at €429. This little baby packs a very good processor, almost identical to the saveonlaptops one, except it consumes a lot more power. It also has turbo on it, allowing it run faster when needed. The graphics is sufficient for low settings gaming. Only downside is the lowish 320GB HD and 3GB RAM.


Elara.ie's pricing is hilarious. Don't touch them, way to expensive. If your Dad isn't overly concerned with hard drive space, I'd probably recommend the Packard Bell laptop. It's fast and performs relatively well. The HP one is good too, little bit slower but you save on battery, as well as a larger hard drive.

Either one is a good choice at the price and limited options you have. Good luck!

Pint Glass

Hi Folks,

thanks agaon for the replies. I really appreciate it!

Cherryghost, you should charge for that type of info and service! Great stuff. Can you tell me is the processor in the HP a 1st gen i5 processor?

Also tbh the laptop will be used for internet browsing so would this be the fastest laptop of the three for this?

Do you also know what the battery life is from when fully charged?

Thanks again!

PG

cherryghost

It's a first gen i5 yeah. 2nd gen i5 laptops start at around 550 onwards for the basic package. Battery life is about 2-3 hours on the 2 Intel laptops, about 3-4 hours on the 425 euro laptop.

Pint Glass

Hi Cherryghost,

Laptop arrived on Friday. Great machine and the fathers day gify was well recieved.

Thanks again for your help!