Compare new budget Core I3 laptops

gregrocker · Mar 19, 2013

This looks like a really good deal for 3rd generation I3 with a sleek Asus design, but wonder if 2 USB ports and no DVD burner makes the comparable I3 Toshiba that's mentioned preferable?

Asus X501A-SI30302Q

I have a friend who wants it for schoolwork, web, IM, not much more.

What do you think?

VistaKing · Mar 19, 2013

The Toshiba is $10 more which does include a DVD burner . Id go for the Toshiba

gregrocker · Mar 19, 2013

My first impression too, but he points out how much sleeker the Asus is and also says that Asus is better hardware. Look how thin that Asus is.

TVeblen · Mar 19, 2013

Yeah, on the Toshiba you gain an optical drive but lose gigabit LAN. You gain 2 extra USB ports. If you need wired LAN it's out (too old), but it does have more stuff. Is the stuff worth $10? As always, depends on what you do.

TVeblen · Mar 19, 2013

The Asus sleek size makes it beneficial for traveling. If you don't need or use an optical drive then it is the newer model.

VistaKing · Mar 19, 2013

You could get the Asus and always get the portable DVD burner . The Asus is a lot thinner and has a Gigabit Ethernet LAN which is good .

For others to take a look at without clicking on the links

Information

Asus Asus X501A-SI30302Q Specifications

Display: 15.6-inch 1,366 x 768 pixels
Processor: Intel Core i3-3120M, 3MB L3 cache, 2.5GHz clock speed
Graphics: Intel HD integrated
Memory: 4GB DDR3 1,600MHz RAM
Storage: 500GB hard drive at 5,400rpm
Optical drive: none
Webcam: 1MP
Audio: stereo speakers, SonicMaster Lite audio technology
Network: Wireless-N, Gigabit Ethernet LAN, no Bluetooth
Input: Chiclet-style keyboard, number pad, wide touchpad without physical buttons
Ports and Slots: 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA, multi-formatcard reader
Battery: 6-cell lithium-ion
Dimensions: 1.3″ x 15″ x 10″
Weight: 4.6 pounds
OS: Windows 8
Warranty: 1-year

Information

Toshiba Satellite C855-S5108 Specifications

Display: 15.6″ LED-backlit TFT HD widescreen display, 1366 x 768 px
Processor: 3rd Gen Intel Core i3-3120M, 3MB cache, 2.5GHz processor speed
Graphics: Intel HD graphics
Memory: 4GB DDR3 memory, expandable to 16GB
Storage: 500GB Serial ATA HDD (5400 rpm)
Optical drive: DVD burner
Webcam: HD webcam
Audio: stereo speakers, Toshiba audio enhancement
Network: 802.11n wireless, 10/100 Ethernet LAN, no Bluetooth
Input: full-size keyboard with numeric-pad and touchpad
Ports and Slots: 1 x USB 3.0 port, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA, multi-format memory card reader
Battery: 6-cell lithium-ion battery
Dimensions: 1.3 x 15 x 9.5 in
Weight: 5.4 lbs
OS: Windows 8
Warranty: 1-year

indianacarnie · Mar 19, 2013

Well, my $0.02 worth. They are both pretty good for the money. I'm sold on Asus but mine is a little higher end. The hardware is top notch with both brands (Toshiba before my Asus) as far as wear and tear goes. I like the extra ports on the one but that can be worked around.The Toshiba will have more bloatware if past experience is any guide. The main difference TO ME would be the customer support and Toshiba wins that hands down. Of all the manufacturers I've dealt win Asus ranks dead last, in MY experience. (Go to RoG forums and see all the posts literally begging for some support/help, and that forum is for the higher end ones. I shudder to think what the mid-lower end ones have to put up with) Toshiba I've been on the phone with for literally hours while we tracked down the problem. Walked me through each and every step until the issue was resolved.

Having said all THAT, I'll never own anything but Asus machines again.

whs · Mar 19, 2013

It comes with Windows 8 - Yuk.

Here is a website that always shows the deals of the day:

Cheap Laptop Deals: Find the Best Online Laptop Deals and Sales at Deals2buy.com

This one at least makes sense with Windows 8 - it has a touchscreen and an i5. And another $50 off with Coupon S5555555

http://www.adorama.com/ASS500S51T.h...iate&utm_campaign=Other&utm_source=cj_1260291

gregrocker · Mar 19, 2013

Yes, I see your point(ed finger) about Touchscreen making more sense. I forgot to mention my friend will be migrating his retail Win7.

How do you think the hardware stacks up comparatively on the two in OP given that?

whs · Mar 19, 2013

Greg, the Asus link you posted is not that hot. No optical drive and only 2 USB ports is rather meager. Yes it is under $400, but still. These under $400 deals make more sense to me - especially the one from Newegg which is only good until 3/20.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ASUS+X55C-SI30301N+Laptop%2C+Internet+Security+Software%2C+Sleeve%2C+Mouse+%26+Flash+Drive+Package/9999199600050000.p;jsessionid=050BE9C7953F757146637938DA4ACDDC.bbolsp-app02-166?id=pcmprd198600050000&skuId=9999199600050000&st=9999199600050000&lp=1&cp=1

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ID=1260291&SID=d2b.BSJGX37QC2JKT77PTJULZAV8WX

gregrocker · Mar 20, 2013

Yeah that Best Buy Asus is the 2nd generation I3 referred to in the review that has DVD drive but also only 2 USB ports, which makes the 3rd generation I3 without the DVD drive for $20 less a better deal for someone who doesn't care about the OD or accessories.

He wants at least a 15.6" screen.

gregrocker · Mar 21, 2013

Would you hold out for a 7200rpm HD, even in a laptop? I think I would, or swap in an SSD.

whs · Mar 21, 2013

The problem with the 7200RPM HDD is heat. I would go for a SSD that produces no heat at all.

And why not this Asus Ultrabook - there you have both and a touchscreen. And with the promo code it is only $599.

gregrocker · Mar 21, 2013

It's beyond his budget and he doesn't want touchscreen beyond his Ipad.

That's very temping for replacing my own lappy which I've been waiting for 10 years to die so I can get a new one (too cheap otherwise). So I wonder if my fast trusty laptop will finally die right about the time I5's come down in price to where I3's are now.

And touchscreen PC's - shouldn't they be flooding in now with Win8? I don't see any more than 1-2 in the stores. Wish they would so price would start grinding down on that too.

whs · Mar 21, 2013

There are quite a few touchscreen/Ultrabooks. But most are over $1000 and who wants that.

gregrocker · Mar 21, 2013

That's prob why I still dont' see but one or two PC touchscreens in Best Buy or Office Depot.

I had expected if Win8 took off it would flood the market with touchscreen OS's bringing the price down quickly. But instead I see rows of Win8 PC's which no one can figure out how to use. They aren't selling at all except on the net where they can't be tried first. Then read the reviews. :shock:

whs · Mar 21, 2013

There is one flaw in your assumption: " I had expected if Win8 took off ". Well, it is not taking off and the manufacturers are very hesitant. Samsung just pulled out of a deal to produce a Windows 8 ARM tablet. Not enough demand according to them.

gregrocker · Mar 21, 2013

I've realized that for quite a while now. I feel like the coroner when I go in to Best Buy or Office Depot just to watch how consumers react to it. The tech guys also go into Funeral Home mode shaking their heads about how no one wants it, wants Win7 on it. It's not intuitive enough for a user to step up and even use, not without a Start button.

The way out is to put Win7 back on all but touchscreens and SP2 it with the real Win8 improvements, since it doesn't yet show any age at all.. You'd think the market would have pressured this by now, but to see how stubborn they are. They threaten gamers that they can't get DX 11 without Win8. They threaten business that they are prone to BIOS infection without Secure Boot. Yet business won't budge, and business wants Win7 now that XPired.

whs · Mar 21, 2013

Absolutely right. Windows 8 is a good system if they only would take that tablet UI off and go back to the classic ui with Start etc. It is still a little buggy though, but I would think that they will fix that.

I think the revenue numbers for Windows 8 will teach MS. If not, they will lose a lot of customers or at least leave them behind on Windows 7.

I am exploring alternatives now. Mint is an excellent system. Have a look at my videos.

http://www.sevenforums.com/chillout-room/282018-i-bored-so-i-made-enjoy.html

And here is an example from that series: Linux Mint -Start Menu and Taskbar - YouTube

gregrocker · Mar 21, 2013

Latest entry with same I3: Rakuten.com - Lenovo Essential G580 15.6" Notebook, Intel Core i3-3120M, 4GB RAM, 500 GB HDD, DVDRW, Windows 8

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