EggXpert

Hello egg-fellows,

Well, about 5 months ago I was hyped about getting a netbook mostly take it to University, writing notes, watching videos, playing games. I know the netbooks aren't designed to play full fledged 3D videogames, I decided to wait because I wanted to get a netbook with the new Windows 7. I see again the list of new netbooks but I didn't notice that there is a good number of new thin-and-light laptops that really called my attention; yeah they are about $100 more costly but, is it really worth it? In my opinion, yes.

I need help deciding which one would be more beneficial for my daily needs, I'll use it for taking notes on word, spreadsheets, power point; as well as using it for browsing, watching videos (HD?), play online flash based games (like on newgrounds.com).

I also noticed that the thin-and-light laptops vary a lot when it comes to the processor, I found out that the newest models offer:

• Intel Celeron SU2700 1.2G - (Acer Aspire 1410-2039, on the popular known online marketplace, no advertisement intended) - $399
  
• Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 1.4G - (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115606) - $449
  
• Intel Pentium SU2700 1.3G - (http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/laptop-model.jsp?family=Satellite&model=T115) - $479
  
• Intel Pentium SU4100 1.3G - (Acer Aspire Timeline AS1810TZ-4174, again on the known marketplace) - $549
  
• Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 1.3G - (Acer Aspire Timeline AS1810T-8679, once again that place) - $599
  

As you can see the prices go up significantly so I want to make a smart choice, I went to the Intel website to compare these processors and see which one would give me the most benefit over the cost of the product without compromising too much the performance of the laptop, here is the perma-link:

http://ark.intel.com/Compare.aspx?ids=42791,43568,42779,42004,37133

The differences that I see are mostly based on the cache size and the number of cores, I also notice the Core 2 Solo has a high cache (3Mb) but only 1 core, but the celeron has only 1Mb of cache but two cores, in this case which one would give me less performance?

In you opinion, which of the five laptops would be better?

I would greatly appreciate if you help me out with my decision. :)

Acer Aspire 1410-2039 <-- does not exist in the market place. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=Acer+Aspire+1410-2039&aq=f&oq=&aqi=

Acer Aspire AS1410-8913  This is very small and compact but you will have to buy additional hardware for it.

• Intel Pentium SU2700 1.3G - (http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/laptop-model.jsp?family=Satellite&model=T115) - $479
  This is more along the lines of a netbook, which means you have to buy extra hardware as well.

Acer Aspire Timeline AS1810TZ-4174 Not bad either but additional hardware needed again.

As for any gaming well forget it not going to happen.

As for additional hardware add this to the cost as well. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010100420%201036508673&name=Slim%20DVD%20Burner

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I don't think any of these laptops are really superior to netbooks. You'll get roughly the same battery life and also roughly the same performance in my opinion. Yes, you will see a slight improvement in performance, but it's not significant. At $300-370 for a nice netbook you will find a better bang for your buck.

I recenly bought a 14" laptop that weighs significantly less than my old laptop (4.5 vs 7) but I really wish I had just bought a netbook. I'm actually considering one for Christmas to save room and back pain for when I'm on campus all day (and having to carry a couple textbooks with my notes).

Also consider this: if you carry around your netbook everyday and it breaks due to wear and tear or you drop your backpack, you're out about $350 for a new one. But if you break one of these then you're out $500+. I much rather carry around a $350 computer that will give me more battery life and let me stay connected online than my current $700 computer that is much more powerful than I need in class that I would be very upset if something happened to it. This is a bit of planning for the worst-case scenario, but in all honesty I think you would be better off with a sturdy netbook as a student.