Core i3 vs B960

NewsMeQuick

Hi all, I'm laptop hunting and need to figure out is it really better to push for a Core i3 or is a B960 ok? I don't use newer games on my laptop at all actually, retro games with light specs, but nonetheless I want a good investment and one which won't be horribly out of date next year - who doesn't want the best bang for their buck. Imagine both are accessing the same ram, say 6GB.

The laptops I'm looking at with Core i3 are 3xxx (Ivy Bridge, correct?)
B960 is slightly outdated, but it's on half of the laptops I've seen using non the Bxxx variety.

I found a fantastic deal with the Core i3 (Ivy) but has just 2 USB ports, but the other deal has the B960, (Sandy) but outdated and perhaps likely to fall out of date quickly. Am I fretting unnecessarily or should I push for the i3?

conor360

Push for the i3, you got nothing to lose tbh.

Jarren

Agreed, i3 ivy cpu would better choice.

Out of curiosity, what model and price range are we talking about here?

NewsMeQuick

Jarren wrote: »

Agreed, i3 ivy cpu would better choice.

Out of curiosity, what model and price range are we talking about here?

Toshiba C660-28D
Core i3 370
750GB HD, 6GB Ram, 2 USB ports, 5 hours battery time, €480, normally €580 (free shipping)
http://www.powercity.ie/?par=10-30-939806&pages=1&prod=939806&brands=TOSHIBA&image=

Toshiba C850-11C
B960
640GB HD, 6GB Ram, 3 USB ports, 5.5 hours battery time, €450 (with shipping)
http://www.laptopsdirect.ie/Toshiba_Satellite_C850-11C__-_Pentium_Dual_Core_B960_2.2_Ghz_6GB_Ram_8Gb_Ma_PSKC8E-013005EN/version.asp

Only 2 usb ports with the first one and I don't like the look of that...I've 3 now and they see more plugs than you'd find in a brothel...the second one has everything, except the CPU is the B960 which is Sandy Bridge, Q4 2011 but a tad less capable than the i3.

These are mostly the specs that I want: at least 640GB HD, at least 4GB ram (prefer 6 if possible, 4 is fine) a good CPU that will still stand strong next year, 3 USB ports (preferably with a USB 3.0 port if possible) and at least 5 hours battery time. I keep having to compromise on one of these things though. I use my PS3 for games, my laptop I play older games only, not much, so better graphics doesn't really matter, but from an investment point of view I like to get the best bargain for the money spent. I'd like to spend €400-500.

OK the first one says Core i3 370. After that it says 1st gen processor...so it's not Sandy...never mind Ivy. A shame, good specs overall.


Table : Intel Pentium B960 Vs Core i3-2350M Feature Differences
http://compare-processors.com/intel-pentium-b960-vs-core-i3-2350m/2005/

Jarren

The i3 cpu on that Toshi from power city is not Ivy,it is first generation i3 cpu so you are correct about that.

This would be much better choice specs wise

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_TimelineX_5830T_1091463.html

NewsMeQuick

Jarren wrote: »

The i3 cpu on that Toshi from power city is not Ivy,it is first generation i3 cpu so you are correct about that.

This would be much better choice specs wise

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_TimelineX_5830T_1091463.html

That's brilliant...I can't believe you've found that. It has 4 USB ports...I may not leave the house again, bluetooth and a superb battery...holy... I've looked at over 200 laptops in the last few days and didn't see that. Thank you. The last thing I'm doing now is checking out the return process if there is a natural fault covered by the warranty. Shipping to the UK could be pricey. I never had a problem with my current laptop but my dad had problems from day 1, but the shop was 25 minutes away by car. I'm investigating the Acer/saveonlaptops return process.

Jarren

I can vouch for the Amazon return/replacement policy though,have used in the past and can't recommend them highly enough.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Asus-laptop-DVDSMDL-Windows-Premium/dp/B007C16VJE/ref=sr_1_5?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1342277911&sr=1-5

1

I was trying to link a pc world laptop,but didnt work.....Its a samsung 300E5A series 3 i3 2350,6gb ram 500 Hd...Its on sale at 499 euro.It seems a good deal?

Jarren

Based on the specs and the fact that this is B&M store,it is very decent deal.

http://www.pcworld.ie/Product/SAMSUNG-300E5A-Series-3-156andquot-Laptop-Silver/309554/301?utm_source=homepagenoms&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=TopOffer3

Jarren

Jarren wrote: »

Based on the specs and the fact that this is B&M store,it is very decent deal.

http://www.pcworld.ie/Product/SAMSUNG-300E5A-Series-3-156andquot-Laptop-Silver/309554/301?utm_source=homepagenoms&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=TopOffer3

Thats the one Jarren...the link wouldnt work for me....Thanks for the reply.I am going to go for that one.

.

Jarren

I like that Acer ^ even more

CPU and Memory:
Intel Core i3 dual core 2330 processor.
2.2GHz processor speed.
4GB DDR3 RAM memory.
750GB SATA hard drive.
Display features:
15.6 inch widescreen display.
High definition display.
Resolution 1366 x 768 pixels.
DVD optical drives:
DVD+RW/DVD-RW(read/write).
Dual layer.
Graphics:
Shared graphics.
Intel HD Graphics 3000.
Interfaces and connectivity:
2-in-1 media card reader.
Secure Digital (SD), Memory Stick Pro (MS-Pro), xD, Multi-Media Card (MMC) compatible.
3 USB ports.
1 Ethernet port.
1 HDMI port.
Multi-media features:
0.3MP Acer Crystal built-in webcam.
Built-in mic.
Dolby sound system.
Operating system and software:
Microsoft Windows 7 Premium.
Software included:
Microsoft Home Office and Student (trial Version).
Anti-virus and security (trial version).
Adobe Reader.
Preloaded manufacturers suite of applications include:
General features:
Up to 4.5 hours battery life.
Size H3.32, W38.16, D25.3cm.
Weight 2.6kg.


€419.99


http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5086483/Trail/searchtext%3EACER+LAPTOP.htm


This is actually the cheapest i3 Sandy cpu in B&M store I've ever seen.

If you'd like to add RAM chips in future - http://www.crucial.com/uk/

joeperry

i'm looking at similar spec laptops, have you seen this?

http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10152&catalogId=14051&langId=111&productId=282938

Jarren

Fantastic price for extra portabilty/better battery life.

Very good find:)

joeperry

Jarren wrote: »

Fantastic price for extra portabilty/better battery life.

Very good find:)

Apparently two of the ports are USB3 :eek:

Jarren

According to this review very much so.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-Inspiron-14z-N411z-Notebook.65372.0.html

NewsMeQuick

Yeah I spotted that Acer in Argos and was considering it last night. I was wondering whether to go for that now or spend the extra 80 Euro and get all the frills and extras.

Jarren

Spend extra money and be fully happy with your machine.

NewsMeQuick

Hey do you remember this beauty:

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_TimelineX_5830T_1091463.html

compare with this:

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Lenovo_G570_1097214.html

or this:

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Packard_Bell_EasyNote_TS11_1170752.html

for the same price!

So the first two have Sandy B, 640GB, 6GB. The first has 9 hour battery life, bluetooth and USB 3.0. The second one instead of those has Blu-ray and 1GB dedicated graphics. The third has a Core i5 and 1terabyte. A superb choice for anyone in the market, you can pick and choose whatever you need most. I'm stuck between the first and second. Almost have all the money saved...:)

Jarren

l prefer Ivy cpu myself

http://www.computeruniverse.net/products/90471895/fujitsu-lifebook-ah532.asp

On serious note, go with that Acer:)

Jarren

Jarren wrote: »

I like that Acer ^ even more

CPU and Memory:
Intel Core i3 dual core 2330 processor.
2.2GHz processor speed.
4GB DDR3 RAM memory.
750GB SATA hard drive.
Display features:
15.6 inch widescreen display.
High definition display.
Resolution 1366 x 768 pixels.
DVD optical drives:
DVD+RW/DVD-RW(read/write).
Dual layer.
Graphics:
Shared graphics.
Intel HD Graphics 3000.
Interfaces and connectivity:
2-in-1 media card reader.
Secure Digital (SD), Memory Stick Pro (MS-Pro), xD, Multi-Media Card (MMC) compatible.
3 USB ports.
1 Ethernet port.
1 HDMI port.
Multi-media features:
0.3MP Acer Crystal built-in webcam.
Built-in mic.
Dolby sound system.
Operating system and software:
Microsoft Windows 7 Premium.
Software included:
Microsoft Home Office and Student (trial Version).
Anti-virus and security (trial version).
Adobe Reader.
Preloaded manufacturers suite of applications include:
General features:
Up to 4.5 hours battery life.
Size H3.32, W38.16, D25.3cm.
Weight 2.6kg.


€419.99


http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5086483/Trail/searchtext%3EACER+LAPTOP.htm


This is actually the cheapest i3 Sandy cpu in B&M store I've ever seen.

If you'd like to add RAM chips in future - http://www.crucial.com/uk/

Is there wifi on that? it is not mentioned in specs?

Jarren

Chakra Blue wrote: »

Jarren wrote: »

I like that Acer ^ even more

CPU and Memory:
Intel Core i3 dual core 2330 processor.
2.2GHz processor speed.
4GB DDR3 RAM memory.
750GB SATA hard drive.
Display features:
15.6 inch widescreen display.
High definition display.
Resolution 1366 x 768 pixels.
DVD optical drives:
DVD+RW/DVD-RW(read/write).
Dual layer.
Graphics:
Shared graphics.
Intel HD Graphics 3000.
Interfaces and connectivity:
2-in-1 media card reader.
Secure Digital (SD), Memory Stick Pro (MS-Pro), xD, Multi-Media Card (MMC) compatible.
3 USB ports.
1 Ethernet port.
1 HDMI port.
Multi-media features:
0.3MP Acer Crystal built-in webcam.
Built-in mic.
Dolby sound system.
Operating system and software:
Microsoft Windows 7 Premium.
Software included:
Microsoft Home Office and Student (trial Version).
Anti-virus and security (trial version).
Adobe Reader.
Preloaded manufacturers suite of applications include:
General features:
Up to 4.5 hours battery life.
Size H3.32, W38.16, D25.3cm.
Weight 2.6kg.


€419.99


http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5086483/Trail/searchtext%3EACER+LAPTOP.htm


This is actually the cheapest i3 Sandy cpu in B&M store I've ever seen.

If you'd like to add RAM chips in future - http://www.crucial.com/uk/

Is there wifi on that? it is not mentioned in specs?

Yes, there is wifi on that machine.

Thanks again! Is the shared graphics on that laptop a minus.?....Lots of questions lol!

NewsMeQuick

Jarren wrote: »

l prefer Ivy cpu myself

http://www.computeruniverse.net/products/90471895/fujitsu-lifebook-ah532.asp

On serious note, go with that Acer:)

Hey Jarren, you clearly know your way around this place. Have you heard of:

http://www.pinkhotstore.com/ a.k.a. Electronic Store before? Does this look too good to be true?

http://www.pinkhotstore.com/sony-vaio-cb3-15.5-inch-laptop-intel-i5-2.4ghz-processor-ram-6gb-windows-7-home-premium-64-bit-hard-drive-capacity-640gb-black.html

http://www.pinkhotstore.com/acer-aspire-timeline-x-5830t-15.6-inch-notebook-intel-core-i3-2330m-processor-ram-6gb-hdd-750gb-windows-7-home-premium-blue.html

On the front page it says: "We pay for customs in your country ! You only pay the price that you see on our website.". I wondered that because of import duty if it's coming from outside the EU...how can this be? If it seems too good to be true and all that...

Jarren

Yeap

The website is registered to an address in Germany

http://whois.domaintools.com/pinkhotstore.com

No physical address,phone number , I sense the scam I'm afraid

NewsMeQuick

OK I stuck with SOL and went with the middle one here:

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/products/keywords/aspire+5830/ex/clearance%2cdummy

it's slightly higher spec. than the previous Acer, newer CPU with higher benchmarking, 750GB HD etc. £421 incl. delivery, €550. I bought it today, might get it before this Friday. I searched tens of websites daily, surely a few hundred laptops, very happy with this one. I read many, many reviews, users and reviewers.

Cannot wait! Thanks for the advice btw Jarren.