Compare new budget Core I3 laptops

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  1.    #1

    Compare new budget Core I3 laptops


    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?
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  2. Posts : 6,830
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32-Bit & Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit
       #2

    The Toshiba is $10 more which does include a DVD burner . Id go for the Toshiba
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  3. Posts : 50,642
    Thread Starter
       #3

    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.
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  4. Posts : 6,292
    Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
       #4

    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.
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  5. Posts : 6,292
    Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
       #5

    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.
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  6. Posts : 6,830
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32-Bit & Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit
       #6

    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
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  7. Posts : 3,724
    Windows 10x64 Build 1709
       #7

    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.
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  8. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #8

    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.ht...rce=cj_1260291
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  9. Posts : 50,642
    Thread Starter
       #9

    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?
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  10. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #10

    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+X55...0000&lp=1&cp=1


    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...T77PTJULZAV8WX
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