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Overwhelmed Teacher Laptop Purchase

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  • Laptops
  • CPUs
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July 29, 2013 12:46:16 PM

My 7 year old Gateway finally called it quits. I need a laptop with a slightly larger screen ( no 13 in models), a batery that can play my son's dvds in the car during hour long car rides, can handle multi-tasking (web surfing, downloads, word processing, smart notebook software, etc.) Needs to be able to quickly download large document files with some graphics. I would like to run Adobe Acrobat XI and have all 27 report card files opened without a big lag in speed. I will do some personal photo and video editing as well as class webpage upkeep. Husband needs to run his external drive automotive diagnostic drive as well. This needs to last me a few years and not be a toss out computer. I think an i5 would be dependable, but should I look for a quad core or dual core? Should I get a lower grade laptop and invest in an all in one for tougher work? Is the SSD necessary to keep up with times now or will an HDD do? A specific model or list of would be wonderful. No Apple, prefer to go to store and purchase.

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a b D Laptop
a c 98 à CPUs
July 29, 2013 1:30:12 PM

Might want to list budget.

As for your requirements, an i5 without a discrete graphics card is an all around good choice. Should cost somewhere $600-700.

Things to look for when shopping at your local store.
3rd Gen i5-3xxx Intel HD Graphics
4th Gen i5-4xxx Intel HD Graphics

Examples:
3rd Gen Intel $620
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+17.3%26%2334%3B+Lapt...

4th Gen Intel $650
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Acer+-+Aspire+15.6%26%2334%...

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a b D Laptop
a c 98 à CPUs
July 29, 2013 1:34:34 PM

Depending on how much video editing you intend to do you and if you want the computer to last 7 years like your previous one. Here is another option in a higher budget bracket.


$1000 4th gen i7 with 2GB dedicated graphics
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+15.6%26%2334%3B+Touc...
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July 29, 2013 3:20:39 PM

Great suggestions. What is the difference between the 1.5 ghz 4th gen i5 and the 2.6 ghz 3rd gen i5?
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a b à CPUs
July 29, 2013 3:35:29 PM

I would spend the extra for an i7 (3rd or 4th Gen) (4C/8T) because the mobile i5's (2C/4T) are more like desktop i3s (2C/4T).
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July 29, 2013 4:13:26 PM

Cazalan said:
I would spend the extra for an i7 (3rd or 4th Gen) (4C/8T) because the mobile i5's (2C/4T) are more like desktop i3s (2C/4T).


I assume the 4C means 4 cores? What is 8T?
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a c 104 à CPUs
July 29, 2013 4:21:37 PM

8T is 8 threads as the CPU has hyperthreading note all recent i7 mobile CPUs have 2C 4T & 4C 8T versions the 4C models have a name that ends QM.
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