Advertisement
Help Keep Boards Alive. Support us by going ad free today. See here: https://subscriptions.boards.ie/.
https://www.boards.ie/group/1878-subscribers-forum

Private Group for paid up members of Boards.ie. Join the club.
Hi all, please see this major site announcement: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058427594/boards-ie-2026

Buying a Laptop: The current Generation

1…1516182021…86

Comments

  • #512
    Skill Magill
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,344 ✭✭✭Skill Magill


    another question wrote: »
    View Post
    Does anyone hear have any opinion on the Asus Zenbook, cannot afford the full HD and touchscreen model but considering the UX31A model HD but not full HD, 1.4kg, i5 core model. It's beautiful and has Windows 8
    How much is it? Any links?
    Take a look at pc specialist, I've ordered an ultranote 15.6", ips hd screen,with a mssd and a hybrid tb drive and 8gbs of ram and an i7 processor for about €900. The deal with them is you choose what goes into it and they build it for you, takes a couple of weeks though.


  • #513
    another question
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,386 ✭✭✭another question


    Skill Magill wrote: »
    How much is it? Any links?
    Take a look at pc specialist, I've ordered an ultranote 15.6", ips hd screen,with a mssd and a hybrid tb drive and 8gbs of ram and an i7 processor for about €900. The deal with them is you choose what goes into it and they build it for you, takes a couple of weeks though.

    I have a link I'll post it in a second. I actually like the UltraNote but I don't want a 15.6". Ideally I'd like a 13.3 or a 14 max. I would consider a Zenbook in the 11.6 if I could get a full hd model with touchscreen and windows 8 but I don't think that exists?

    Heres the amazon link:

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Asus-Zenbook-UX32A-13-3-inch-Ultrabook/dp/B009RER0N0/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1376124214&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=asus+zenbook#productDetails

    Here's the Asus link:

    http://zenbook.asus.com/zenbook/?c=ux31a


  • #514
    Torqay
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,835 ✭✭✭Torqay


    another question wrote: »
    View Post
    Does anyone hear have any opinion on the Asus Zenbook, cannot afford the full HD and touchscreen model but considering the UX31A model HD but not full HD, 1.4kg, i5 core model. It's beautiful and has Windows 8

    Are you sure you mean the UX31A and not the UX32A you were talking about in this thread?


  • #515
    another question
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,386 ✭✭✭another question


    Torqay wrote: »
    Are you sure you mean the UX31A and not the UX32A you were talking about in this thread?

    You see this is what I mean. I get so confused between the models. Hang on, I'll check...


  • #516
    another question
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,386 ✭✭✭another question


    No sorry, you're right Torqay, I'm not talking about the UX31A (that's the very expensive model €1700 on expanseys), I actually mean the UX32A but I'm pretty sure the links I posted are indeed for the UX32A.


  • Advertisement
  • #517
    looking_around
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,491 ✭✭✭looking_around


    Pcspecialists do 14" ..If you're gonna be using it a lot. You really won't want smaller.

    As for the U32A Reviews :)
    http://www.cnet.com/laptops/asus-zenbook-ux32a-db31/4505-3121_7-35372459.html

    http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Asus-UX32A-R3001V-Ultrabook.82014.0.html

    http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/laptop/3405770/asus-zenbook-ux32a-review/

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8pgaBEfV2A


    __
    Perhaps you could post:
    Max budget:
    What you need it for: In general the programs you'll be using:
    Portability is obviously important, anything else?
    battery? storage space?

    This could help someone find something that would be perfect to your needs.


  • #518
    Skill Magill
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,344 ✭✭✭Skill Magill


    You have to go for the larger 15.6 screen in pcs to get full hd and ips though


  • #519
    Torqay
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,835 ✭✭✭Torqay


    Well, it's a cute little gadget alright, but you'll pay a lot of the 770 yoyos just for the looks.

    If it was my money, I'd rather get the UltraNote. The following configuration costs €761 (delivered)

    VA8xtQN.jpg

    Advantages over the UX32A: beautiful full HD IPS display, a solid state drive, faster processor and DVD writer.

    Downside: Although very slim, the UltraNote is bigger and a bit heavier than the UX32A.

    So, if you want ultra-portability and cuteness, get the ASUS, if you want performance, full HD and funtionality, the UltraNore is the better deal by far.


  • #520
    another question
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,386 ✭✭✭another question


    [QUOTE=
    __
    Perhaps you could post:
    Max budget:
    What you need it for: In general the programs you'll be using:
    Portability is obviously important, anything else?
    battery? storage space?

    This could help someone find something that would be perfect to your needs.[/QUOTE]


    Ok cheers, Max budget would be €1000. Ideally €800. I'm a big writer, typer, letters, essays etc. Apart from that Itunes and the internet.

    Portability very important. Design and lightweight very important. Battery - at the moment mine only has 30 minutes (so anything plus that is a bonuse but 5hrs + would be lovely).

    I don't need much storage, I'm not a big photos, vids or games kind of person. I'm big into style unfortunately and I like vivid displays. Streamlined, minimalistic, Windows 8, a touchscreen would be a bonus. A touch-pad near enough to the middle and the home, end keys are a bonus although I was willing to sacrifice them because it was just a matter of using fn and up arrow in the zen-book to get the 'home' key.


  • #521
    Torqay
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,835 ✭✭✭Torqay


    another question wrote: »
    I'm a big writer, typer, letters, essays etc.

    Then maybe you should go into a computer store where they have a 13" laptop on display and try for yourself. For me it's definitely too small for extensive work... but everyone to their own.


  • Advertisement
  • #522
    looking_around
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,491 ✭✭✭looking_around


    Torqay wrote: »
    Then maybe you should go into a computer store where they have a 13" laptop on display and try for yourself. For me it's definitely too small for extensive work... but everyone to their own.

    I agree, are you absolutely certain a 13" or lower is suitable for constant writing?
    15 inch is still very portable.


  • #523
    another question
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,386 ✭✭✭another question


    looking_around wrote: »
    I agree, are you absolutely certain a 13" or lower is suitable for constant writing?
    15 inch is still very portable.


    Thanks for your links above, just went through them all. I was in PC World and have looked at all the different and I'm absolutely sure a 13.3" is what I am looking for.

    Also, the MBA that I had ordered and didn't like was the 13.3" version and it was perfect for me size-wise. I find the 15.6" a bit cumbersome and I write a lot with the laptop in my lap and maybe it's just because I'm narrow but it's always rocking and falling into the middle. The 13.3" MBA felt just right and the smaller keyboards was nicer to type with too.


  • #524
    Torqay
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,835 ✭✭✭Torqay


    another question wrote: »
    Thanks for your links above, just went through them all. I was in PC World and have looked at all the different and I'm absolutely sure a 13.3" is what I am looking for.

    I bet they didn't have full HD displays. because 1920x1080 on a 13" display is barely readable, you'd be running it at 150% anyways. ;)


  • #525
    another question
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,386 ✭✭✭another question


    Torqay wrote: »
    I bet they didn't have full HD displays. because 1920x1080 on a 13" display is barely readable, you'd be running it at 150% anyways. ;)

    No I think some of them that said HD were 1366 x768 if that sounds right. They would be readable right?


  • #526
    another question
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,386 ✭✭✭another question


    I've just noticed now that the UX31A also comes in these versions: UX31A TOUCH and UX31A PRIME. Here's the link... can someone decipher all these versions of the UX31A and tell me the difference, I'm actually getting so confused, I thought I had this straight in my head from earlier but seems not.

    http://www.asus.com/Notebooks_Ultrabooks/ASUS_ZENBOOK_UX31A/


  • #527
    Skill Magill
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,344 ✭✭✭Skill Magill


    Theres a table half way down.


  • #528
    Torqay
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,835 ✭✭✭Torqay


    another question wrote: »
    I've just noticed now that the UX31A also comes in these versions: UX31A TOUCH and UX31A PRIME. Here's the link... can someone decipher all these versions of the UX31A and tell me the difference, I'm actually getting so confused, I thought I had this straight in my head from earlier but seems not.

    http://www.asus.com/Notebooks_Ultrabooks/ASUS_ZENBOOK_UX31A/

    The Touch and the Prime are identical but for the obvious, the multi-touch display (which is not available in full HD, 1600x900 only).


  • #529
    Raoul
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,956 ✭✭✭Raoul


    Need some help. I am buying the Dell Latitude E5430 with 4Gb 1600MHz DDR3 Memory with a 500 GB hard drive. However I was wondering about the following options:
    I5 or I7? I7 will cost an additional 250 euro. So I5 should probably do.
    Should I upgrade the memory to 8GB for 40 euro and should I add a 128GB SSD for 72 euro.

    This laptop will be used for general interneting, watching movies but also for doing some simulations in Matlab and a couple of other programs, creating big powerpoint and publisher files and compiling large latex files.

    I was thinking the combo of the I5 and the two other upgrades would be more than capable. Anyone care to add anything?

    I have no choice as to what I can choose for the laptop.


  • #530
    Monotype
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,710 ✭✭✭Monotype


    If the i7 has a Q at the end, it's a quad core. Otherwise it's just probably slightly faster. If it's the latest generation, some of the i7s have better integrated graphics too. Have you got the model numbers of the CPUs?
    By the sound of it, an i5 will be fine.

    RAM is about €60 for 8GB at the moment. It's been a while since I've used Matlab, but I don't think it required much RAM - kind of depends on what you mean by simulations. I don't think that powerpoint/publisher/latex is going to be an issue unless the powerpoints have 3000 pages or something.
    I think that you could get away with 4GB alright. Even gaming machines hardly go above that. It's something that you can upgrade easily enough later. Hopefully RAM prices will go back down and you can pick up 8GB for a low price later on.

    128GB SSD - is this an additional SSD as in mSATA or is it replacing your hard drive? I think 128GB isn't really great if that's the only drive in your computer. I replaced the hard drive in a laptop I got a while ago with a 256GB SSD. It's an easy enough process, but it does take a bit of your time as you really need to reinstall windows and all the drivers to get the best out of the new drive. A 256GB drive is around €170. You can actually get a 500GB one for €280 from amazon at the moment as well.


  • #531
    looking_around
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,491 ✭✭✭looking_around


    is the I7 choice one of the new Haswells?(quad core) probably not, if it is though, it's quite worth while.. if it isn't I5 will do well. Switching the HDD for an SSD + external HDD for storage. (or you could remove the DVD drive so the HDD sits in the laptop.) SSD's are very fast and worth considering.

    ___
    Monotype got there quicker, with more patience to explain :)


  • Advertisement
  • #532
    Torqay
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,835 ✭✭✭Torqay


    The Dell Latitude E5430 can only be ordered with a i7-3540M. Ivy Bridge, dual-core... absolutely NOT worth paying 250 yoyos extra, stick to the Core i5. Or wait a few weeks for the new Haswell Core i5 processors to arrive.


  • #533
    Raoul
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,956 ✭✭✭Raoul


    Cheers for the advice lads. It is a work laptop so I don't have any other choices really and I can't wait. I think 128GB is definitely enough for myself so will probably go with the SSD and I can always use an external HD as was mentioned the SSD is meant to be faster. I think I will stick with i5 too.


  • #534
    dorito92
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 200 ✭✭dorito92


    can anyone help me out, im looking to buy a new laptop will need it for heavy internet browsing, storing photos, files etc. but nothing over board and need a good cooling system as the laptop is in use almost 18 hours a day, good battery life. max budget €500


  • #535
    Torqay
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,835 ✭✭✭Torqay


    For 500 yoyos, you'll find plenty budget Core i5 laptops with money to spare for a memory upgrade. But don't expect some exceptional battery life in ths price range, around the 4 hrs mark is the best you can hope for.


  • #536
    dorito92
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 200 ✭✭dorito92


    would this be good http://www.currys.ie/Product/ACER-Aspire-E1571-156andquot-Laptop/318398/7.36


  • #537
    Torqay
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,835 ✭✭✭Torqay


    The price is OK for a computer store. Add a few quid for a memory upgrade.


  • #538
    dorito92
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 200 ✭✭dorito92


    what benefits would a memory upgrade give? could they do that in store?


  • #539
    koppy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 434 ✭✭koppy


    Torqay wrote: »
    For 500 yoyos, you'll find plenty budget Core i5 laptops with money to spare for a memory upgrade. But don't expect some exceptional battery life in ths price range, around the 4 hrs mark is the best you can hope for.

    Any links..not finding any at that price. Memory upgrade be roughly 50. An i5 for 450 would suit me price wise.


  • #540
    Torqay
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,835 ✭✭✭Torqay


    Take your pick... some already have 6 or 8 GB RAM.


  • Advertisement
  • #541
    Torqay
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,835 ✭✭✭Torqay


    dorito92 wrote: »
    what benefits would a memory upgrade give?

    4 GB RAM isn't much good for anything with a modern 64-bit Operating system. It's the bare minimum.
    dorito92 wrote: »
    could they do that in store?

    If you ask 'em nicely...

    Seriously, upgrading memory is super easy (unless you buy a laptop without a service hatch, people who make such abominations should be shot on sight). ;)


Advertisement