Choosing a laptop: Toshiba vs. HP; Pentium vs. AMD?

Question

I am looking at laptops for college and I need help deciding which to buy. I'm stuck on deciding between brands, and the different types of processors. I want to go with either an HP or Toshiba. I've heard mixed opinions on the Intel vs. AMD processors, and even mixed opinions between Intel's Pentium and Intel's Core Duo processors. Any help in clarifying all of this is appreciated!

First, I've spotted the TOSHIBA A135-S4527. It's nice because it's right in my price range ($599 after rebate) and has all I need: 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD, perfect screen size, average/okayyy battery life for the price.

I've also been keeping an eye on the HP DV6324US for the past few weeks. Nice price, but when I compare it next to the Toshiba mentioned above, the specs are relatively the same, but more $$$. The biggest difference is the AMD Turion 64 X2 processor.

Can anyone help me decide between these 2 models, or any similar ones in the same price range? Also clarify Pentium Dual Core vs. Core Duo

Answer 1

I'd personally opt for the Toshiba because I've had better luck with their notebooks and desktops over the years than HP, and their support is a bit better.

Processor-wise, the term "dual-core" encompasses all processors from all manufacturers that have two cores- so Intel's Pentium-D, AMD's X2, Intel's Core 2 Duo etc are all classified as "dual-core" processors.

The newest processors from Intel are the Core 2 Duo line- it's the same name at both the desktop and laptop levels.

At the desktop level, the fastest dual-core processors are Intel's Core 2 Duo line, followed by AMD's X2, then finally the Pentium-D.

The "Core Duo" is Intel's older laptop/notebook dual-core processor that's pretty much a wash with the AMD Turion X2- no significant performance edge to either chip, althought the Intel chip may consume less power.


Hope that helps!

Answer 2

Forget AMDs. The intel core 2 duo is the best processor out right now, worth the extra price. There is Core 2 duo at the top, than core duo. HP has a new generation called HP 6500s replacing the 6000 series. I have included a review from LT mag. in my source link.

Answer 3

if you're thinking of buying a laptop you should check out this site first. they give you a sony vaio laptop for FREE! all you need to do is complete a few quick tasks for them.

Answer 4

HP and also download reginout.

Answer 5

dude just sacrifice $1100 and get a MacBook. aint nothing better than a mac


http://www.apple.com/macbook/macbook.html