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I'm researching for a new laptop in the $500-$700 bracket. Intel vs AMD

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by MrSandMan, Nov 29, 2008.

  1. #1
    Howdy folks,

    I'm doing a little research on what laptop to get. It'll be either HP or Compaq as they are cheap with bang for the buck.

    Tomorrow will be the day I get a new one. I pretty much have it narrowed down to two

    The Compaq A949NR (limited Sunday sale $499 [first 10 customers only])
    or HP DV7-1132NR - ($699 regular price is $829 - $849) re: advantage over the $499 A949NR is 64-bit.

    They are both 17" screen and of course DVD and internal wireless.

    My question now, which I can't seem to find enough info online, is Intel T2390 (1.86) vs. AMD 64 X2 RM-70.

    On paper the AMD looks better, but I have read stuff that Intel, for notebooks, blows AMD away.

    I'm leaning towards the A949A because it's Intel and $200 cheaper. But it's not 64-bit. There is very limited info online about the Compaq A949A while the DV7-1100 series has good reviews.

    What are your thoughts? Thanks!

    P.S. Also, if you know another great notebook within the price range, please advise.

    EDIT:

    More info.

    I'm not a gamer. I will use the notebook for webmaster work, adding mods to scripts, I watch youtube videos/music videos and watch movies from safe warez websites.

    The specs are:

    Compaq A949A - $499.99 - (1yr factory warranty)

    Pentium Intel dual-core T2390
    3GB RAM * 160GB hard drive
    17" screen
    Integrated webcam
    SuperMulti DVD drive w/ LightScribe
    802.11 b/g wireless LAN
    Windows Vista Home Premium
    Reg price $749

    HP DV7-1132NR - $699 - (1yr factory warranty)

    AMD Turion 64 X2 RM-70
    4GB RAM * 250GB hard drive
    17" screen
    Integrated webcam
    SuperMulti DVD drive w/ LightScribe
    802.11 b/g wireless LAN
    Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
    Enhanced security w/ hard drive protection (whatever that means)
    Reg price $829
     
    MrSandMan, Nov 29, 2008 IP
  2. vntutor

    vntutor Peon

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    #2
    I suggest you get the first option with Pentium Intel
     
    vntutor, Nov 29, 2008 IP
  3. alex894

    alex894 Guest

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    #3
    At first glance, the second option seems like the right solution; to me anyways....
     
    alex894, Nov 29, 2008 IP
  4. MrSandMan

    MrSandMan Well-Known Member

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    #4
    Yeah, I'm pretty sure that I'm getting the Compaq with the Intel. From research, it appears that most notebooks with Intel are bit pricier than the notebooks with AMD. There must be a reason for this.

    I also read that battery life is longer with Intel, for whatever reason
     
    MrSandMan, Nov 29, 2008 IP
  5. K4Lic0

    K4Lic0 Peon

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    #5
    I've always liked AMD, never had a problem with them.
     
    K4Lic0, Nov 29, 2008 IP
  6. dynashox

    dynashox Premium Member Staff

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    #6
    I always prefer notebook with Intel though but the CPU for the Compaq laptop notebook is already out dated and that is why it sell less expensive than the HP laptop.

    By looking at the specification, I definitely go with the 2nd one.

    Intel blows away AMD in laptop world is just a theory benchmark. You will not see much different in a real world experience though.
     
    dynashox, Nov 29, 2008 IP
  7. dairyman

    dairyman Notable Member

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    #7
    I would advice you to go for the second option because the brand HP is more popular and the specification is powerful than the first one.
     
    dairyman, Nov 29, 2008 IP
  8. MrSandMan

    MrSandMan Well-Known Member

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    #8
    MrSandMan, Nov 29, 2008 IP
  9. joebert

    joebert Well-Known Member

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    #9
    The first thing that comes to mind after reading "Intel VS AMD" for a laptop is the reputation AMD has for producing heat. I imagine you know in a laptop, heat is even worse than in a desktop.

    I had an Intel laptop and it lasted me a few years, even though I never once cleaned out the exaust duct for the processor fan. I'd bet a day of yard work that an AMD laptop wouldn't have survived that.
     
    joebert, Nov 29, 2008 IP
  10. MrSandMan

    MrSandMan Well-Known Member

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    #10
    Yes, my current Compaq laptop has a AMD 64 Athlon X2. It runs extremely hot. The Windows Vista key tag on the bottom is half melted off... and looking at the same used models on ebay (since I'm going to sell this one after the upgrade) I see it's common.

    I'm not that impressed with with AMD in the laptop. From reading lots of online reviews, it appears to be the consensus that Intel run smoother with longer battery life. Which is another complaint that I have with my current Compaq, the battery life is 45 minutes when I got it and 20 minutes now. And it's only a year and a half old.

    I really like the $799 HP. I think it might worth paying the extra $$ to get it... but I'll have to eat P&J sandwiches this winter to budget :)
     
    MrSandMan, Nov 29, 2008 IP
  11. cowsgonemadd3

    cowsgonemadd3 Well-Known Member

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    #11
    In the past I would say go with AMD but Intel is beating them in bandwidth tests on all the processors out now I think. The one with the AMD into it has more storage space. Honestly I would skip both of them and get a
    HP HTX 16t and use a online code to get it down to around 800-900 new. They come with fast dual cores, full HD screen resolution and its glass not plastic. Check them out.
     
    cowsgonemadd3, Nov 29, 2008 IP
  12. fancymouj

    fancymouj Peon

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    #12
    I would like to say Pentium Intel is good for you.
     
    fancymouj, Nov 29, 2008 IP
  13. MrSandMan

    MrSandMan Well-Known Member

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    #13
    I can't find the HP HDX 16t for $800 and anything over $800 is definitely out of my budget.

    Researching PCs is exhausting. lol
     
    MrSandMan, Nov 29, 2008 IP
  14. Bali_Sunset

    Bali_Sunset Well-Known Member

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    #14
    Notebook Zyrex Cruiser GEF-575s
    Intel Core 2 Duo T5750 2.0Ghz, 2GB, 120GB, DVDRW, Wifi, Card Reader, Camera, 14.1” WXGA, DOS

    $600

    It's an Indonesian brand with acceptable quality
    I'll buy this shortly
     
    Bali_Sunset, Nov 29, 2008 IP