"Laptop questions" thread in "Technology, Computing & Gadgetry"
Got time for a numpty question? Looking at a new laptop and I'm getting confused as to all the options I understand RAM and HDD ...

Got time for a numpty question?

Looking at a new laptop and I'm getting confused as to all the options

I understand RAM and HDD and what more of each does to performance, but its the processors that's a bit more difficult to get my head around

I only want a laptop for very basic stuff at this stage - internet, e-mail, occasional Office type stuff and photo editing/basic Photoshop stuff

So - what are the major advantages of Pentium dual core versus Celeron or versus Core 2 duo etc etc

Obviously Celeron are the more budget range (and I'm sure they're more than capable of running the apps listed above) but would I notice a big difference with a dual core, or should I put the extra £££s into upgrading the RAM and HDD?

Thanks in advance - budget is ideally sub £350 BTW, so I realise I'm not going to get much in the way of dual core for that price, but they are out there

Anybody?

What will I see more benefit from - a dual core processor with only maybe 1gb RAM or a Celeron with 2gb RAM - or rather what sort of apps would I need to be using before I see a real difference?

On a slightly side note - Dell outlet - anyone any good or bad experience from them or about Dell in general?

Thanks

For what you want it for just get the best spec for your budget. I expect the Pentiums have a higher clock speed than the cheaper options but unless you're into gaming or using high end graphic/video/music apps I wouldn't worry about it.
Not sure about Dell, but there are so many decent cheap laptops about now you can look and choose whats best for you.

You'll find things like Photoshop play more nicely with a)LOTS of RAM and b) multicore processors.
Try and find a middle ground in the spec, where you buy at least 2Gb of RAM, but come down one step on the CPU (try speccing the bestest non-celeron one you can, and seeing if you can come down in clock speed for money off).

But the most important thing of the two will always be RAM - avoid 1Gb if you can, and try and make sure that you have a spare SODIMM slot for sticking one in later if you can (this may be difficult, as they do so like to use both with cheaper, smaller sticks in)

Depends on how you use it. More RAM will make it more efficient to run multiple apps at the same time. If you run out of RAM then it won't make any difference how fast the processor is. Some apps like Photoshop like as much memory as you can throw at it.. If you only have 1Gb then Photoshop will be slow whatever, 2Gb will make a vast improvement, 4Gb would be significantly faster again.

RAM is upgradeable to a degree though whereas the processor probably won't be, and RAM is also cheap. If you're looking at only spending 350 quid then it's possible you'll be looking at something that can only take 2Gb RAM anyway and that's the minimum you'd want, so it kind of removes it from the equation a bit. Buy the best spec you can afford, factoring in some extra memory if it only comes with 1Gb.

Dual core chips will again mainly make a difference in doing multiple things but can also help with some bigger more modern apps. They're also generally newer so an indication that it's a later, and probably better, chip.

As you'll probably get Vista and be doing photoshop, I'd get 2GB RAM.

The only thing on the list that needs a fast processor to run quickly is photoshop and the only difference it'll make is the time it takes to apply filters etc.

Essentially, you can run just about anything on just about anything. Running out of RAM will really slow the machine down and it's just processor intensive tasks like encoding audio files which will be noticeably slower on a Celeron compared to a core 2 duo.

I think you'll be hard pressed to get a core 2 duo with 2GB RAM for £350 though.

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CBA TBH

Plenty on the Dell outlet, hence my earlier query about reliability of Dell

I'm assuming Pentium dual core is the same as core 2 duo, or is there a significant difference?

I think Dell add VAT, delivery, keyboards, screens, packaging etc on afterwards though Well, VAT and delivery anyway....

Dual core are the last gen Intel CPUs, Core 2 Duo are thinner, faster, use less power and all that stuff.

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CBA TBH

True

I expected delivery charges, but not for the prices to be ex-VAT

Back to ebuyer then

Dabs are usually a bit less expensive than E(randomdeliverydatesRus)buyer

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CBA TBH

PC world do some very good deals on budget laptops, ask what discount you get for taking their extended warranty and then cancel it when you get home.
If I had your choice then I'd get the dual core (checking there is a spare memory slot) and save up for the RAM.
Basic photo editing will be fine but don't expect photoshop to run well.

I just bought a new laptop - a Toshiba Equium L350-10L. Pentium Dual Core processor, 2Gb RAM, and a lovely big 17" widescreen. Just £400. Lovely.

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Token bauble:

Bah humbug.

I've rated this post "most unhelpful". (Well, I would've if I could've. )

If you would like to expand your contribution by telling us where you bought this bargain it would be good.

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If I have not seen as far as others, it is because giants were standing on my shoulders

Aldi are about to get a laptop in, it's on their website but no price yet. Worth watching.