future laptop releases

[bhome83]

So I'm looking at this laptop: Acer Aspire Timeline AS4810TZ-4508. My only concern is that the CPU doesn't seem that fast (1.3GHz Intel Pentium Dual-Core SU4100 Processor).

I've been looking at the core i5 laptops out there (not many) and they obviously would provide a boost in performance, but would I notice a performance boost in having multiple internet tabs open? How about playing 1080p video?

Is core i5 processors only really needed for intensive cpu workload? I just don't want my laptop to become obsolete in a few years because new applications require core i5 type power. I will mainly be on the internet, word processing, and heaving HD 1080p video watching. I don't play games. It doesn't look like it has a discrete video card so anyone know if it could smoothly handle 1080p?

CPU speeds really confuse me with all this single, dual and quad core talk. If anyone knows of a good place where I can get straight talk regarding decoding CPU's and what is better than what that would be appreciated.

thanks for the help guys.

[EzyStvy]

I just don't want my laptop to become obsolete in a few years

About the only way to come close to avoiding some of that os to purchase WAY MORE "Today" then what you need.

A 1.3 "dual core" cpu is a couple of generation old already.....

Did you see a bit of a price difference between the dual core and an I5 machine?

[Iamjosh]

Laptops have an inherent problem relating to general upgrades since there is rather limited possibilities in adding faster and more current hardware. My suggestion is to go for the most powerful laptop unit that your pocketbook can afford (fast cpu/video card/memory/hdd). I certainly would consider i5 laptop over another laptop with SU4100 cpu. While the actual growth in cpu speeds has reached some point of convergence (both amd and intel are flexing their muscle in n-core technology), I would be comparing relative benchmark values between each laptop (those that you feel are affordable enough) with respect to their various applications processing speeds. Also, do add a couple of points to a unit which comes with additional battery power (9 cell vs. 6 cell) as this will also add in power of portability.

The choice of brands is also a factor when choosing a laptop as not all brands are generally as reliable as others. Do your homework.

[Khalil]

I highly recommend you avoid acer period, we sold them for about 8 months and what a nightmare that turned out to be. They are pretty much junk, they are so over burdened with support calls you can't get through to get any support and on top of it, they don't have parts so their warranty is worthless.
The 2 brands I have been selling for the last 3 years with a lot of success are Lenovo and Asus.
Asus are hands down best of the best. Lenovo are a great lower price alternative. What I like about both companies is how fast they respond when an issue arises, which means my customers don't have to wait for weeks for us to get parts to repair the laptop.
Both brands are extremely reliable and the quality on them is about the best you can get. If you look on Newegg you will find very reasonably priced Lenovo and Asus laptops.
Another thing to avoid is SIS and VIA chipsets when considering a laptop. If you going with an Intel CPU make sure it has an Intel chipset.
I realize I have gone off topic a bit here but as soon as I see the word Acer I cringe and have to let folks know what is up.

[bhome83]

so is it possible to upgrade a 1.3ghz dual core to an i5 or would i have to get a new mobo (thus making it pointless to upgrade unless i want to spend a fortune)

It's really hard to tell when core i5's are gonna become the norm in laptops. With my luck i will buy the laptop i mentioned and BAM, a whole slew of core i5 laptops come out

thanks guys

ps - that acer gets great reviews khalii, but your opinion is appreciated.

[EzyStvy]

You DON'T want to spend a ton of money on a new lappy and then spend a ton on upgrading it with a new mobo etec..You'd end up with a box of parts you'll never use. As mentioned - spend more then you can afford Now

[bhome83]

considering what i use my laptop mainly for, i think im going to go ahead and buy this:

Acer Aspire Timeline AS4810TZ-4508


the reviews are really good. my only question though is, will it handle 1080p video smoothly? I wouldn't be playing a ton of it, but definitly want it to be able to handle playing it. Beyond this, i figure heavy web surfing, listening to music, word processing, will work fine with this laptop for the forseeable future.

and the fact that core i5's aren't going to be coming in ultraportables for a while from what i can tell, has me leaning towards this acer.

[Iamjosh]

Originally Posted by bhome83 so is it possible to upgrade a 1.3ghz dual core to an i5 or would i have to get a new mobo (thus making it pointless to upgrade unless i want to spend a fortune) It's really hard to tell when core i5's are gonna become the norm in laptops. With my luck i will buy the laptop i mentioned and BAM, a whole slew of core i5 laptops come out thanks guys ps - that acer gets great reviews khalii, but your opinion is appreciated.

No it's not possible to upgrade to i5. Laptops are very much built around a certain parameter and any major change will affect its power requirement and thermal load.Please understand that laptop motherboards are not anything like aftermarket desktop and when you purchase a laptop, you are almost locked in with that motherboard and cpu. You can make upgrades to size of memory, hard drives and os. That's it.
There are already several brands with i5 cpu's but that does not necessarily mean that the rest of the unit is great. Based on my experience and many other people here (Khalil) certain brands have a higher rate of failure than others. I would recommend that you stay clear of HP/Compaq, Gateways, Acer and even some Dells.
Asus certainly has a stamp of approval from most of us here ( and I am not connected to Asus International in any form or shape for that matter).

[bhome83]

what would you recommend in the 13-14" screen size, less than 5lb ultraportable range then for a laptop?

[glc]

I did some review reading, and I think 1080p videos are going to be marginal. The SU-series processors are low power and the integrated video isn't that great. I'd recommend you get a laptop with a standard processor - it doesn't have to be an i5 - and a dedicated video processor.

ASUS X83VP-A1 Intel Core 2 Duo P8700(2.53GHz) 14.1" 4GB Memory 500GB HDD ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650 NoteBook - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834220667

[bhome83]

thanks glc. I was also looking at this one. ASUS UL80Vt (Vt-A1). Didn't care for the bigger design and 5.5lb's of weight for the one you recommended. Specs looks great though, if only it wasn't for the weight and size. I dont game at all, so I'm thinking the video card is an overkill. I just need a videocard that can do 1080p...but at the very least 720p.

EDIT: im liking this one ASUS UL80Vt (Vt-A1) right now. 1lb lighter than the one you recommended.

[glc]

The UL series also uses the SU processors. I don't know how much the dedicated graphics can compensate for this, but it SHOULD be better than the Intel GMA. Do not expect to be able to multitask while watching movies.

[bhome83]

I'm really digging these new core i5 processors and integrated graphics from intel. Probably a dumb question, but does anyone know the not to distant future of laptop releases with core i5's built into them? My budget is around $800-900, with a core i5. I just want to get a feel for what's out and what may be coming in the next few months. I want the screen to be around 13-14" and weigh around 5lb. I was really looking for an ultraportable, but haven't seen any with core i5's built in. I'm probably pushing it with these specs because I haven't seen a really decent laptop with this level of portability and a core i5.

thanks for any info!

[glc]

There are i5 laptops out there, but no ultraportables. The ultraportables are now using the low power SU-series Core 2's.

Threads merged for continuity.

[bhome83]

alright so what do you guys think about this bad boy:

ASUS K42JR-A1 $900.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ASUS-K42JR-A1-14...item2558843c4a


I really wish some thorough reviews existed though for this new laptop. Said it was gonna be released the 2nd week of Feb, but so far amazon doesn't have it in stock as do most other places (except ebay...which makes me wonder where they are getting their stock).


If anyone has this laptop would love to hear some reviews. Really seems to be relatively portable w/o sacrificing on power (so I can watch clean, clear 1080p).

thanks guys

[glc]

That's not in stock, it's a preorder. Hold off a bit. However, as I remember Excaliberpc is a reputable vendor and resellerratings.com gives them an 8.75/10.