31-40k Opinions on which of these laptops

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ajmeyn

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Hi Folks,

I am looking for a 14" core i5 laptop and after some searching came across an MSI (X460DX) and a Lenovo (E420).
Just wanted to know from the folks (preferably anyone who has used either of these) here on any suggestions as to which would be a better choice or even if there are any other laptops I could consider.

Thanks!
 
Those are 2nd generation laptops. Dell, Sony and Asus have launched 3rd generation models recently. You should go for them instead. BTW, what's your budget ??
 
If I can get the 3rd Gen i5's at around the same price as the 2nd Gen then that would be really cool.
Or is there any particular advantage with the 3rd Gen over the 2nd Gen i5's, if not I don't really think a 3rd Gen is necessary (unless there is some major problem with the 2nd Gen i5's?)

My budget is around 40k (lower the better :)). Should be a 14" (don't really want a bulky 15.6" or bigger)

Thanks!
 
First decide what you'll use it for. Cause MSI (X460DX) is a a gaming laptop whereas Lenovo (E420) is one for business.

ajmeyn said:
Or is there any particular advantage with the 3rd Gen over the 2nd Gen i5's, if not I don't really think a 3rd Gen is necessary (unless there is some major problem with the 2nd Gen i5's?)
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3rd gen i5 are slightly faster than 2nd gen i5 variant. But more importantly, HD4000 in 3rd gen Core i gives HD3000 in 2nd gen Core i a really good beating and is usually 50% faster (read thats a lot).

Lenovo ThinkPad E420 & HP Probook 4430s.
 
ajmeyn said:
So if I understand correctly, with the 3rd Gen i5 we won't really need a GPU for games at not too bad resolutions when compared to the 2nd Gen?
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yes you can cancel out all the lowend GPUs like GT610/520/520MX/525 from Green team and HD7470/7490 from Read team as you'll get same performance but also more battery. But thats it. it can't beat GPUs like GT630 or HD7670. And most old games will run without lowering the eye candy but new games like Max Payne 3, Rage or Battlefield 3 will not run or even if they do, will shutter even at low settings. But old games like Modern Warfare can be run even with graphics cranked to mid.
 
Actually thinking about it, I not really much of a gamer, just the occasional game now and then (once in a few months) and usually prefer that on a desktop. I need the laptop mainly for lots of reading / surfing, programming (may need virtual box sometimes that's why the i5 mainly) and some light entertainment (movies online sort of thing) when not at home.

So given the above, if a 3rd Gen i5 is in my price range I would definitely opt for that. But laptop reliability, size (14" seems ideal), weight (lower the better) and budget are more important here.
 
if you don't game, 2nd gen i5 will do. grab the probook then. And for virtual box more ram is required. for processing i3 is sufficient.

or if you can wait cause all these laptops should get refreshed with 3rd gen i5 soon.
 
Hmm.. I could wait till this month end I guess. I hope they get updated before that.
BTW, one thing that puts me off the HP is heating issues. I had a HP before and the heat was too much to call it a 'laptop'. Any idea how it is in this model?
 
wait for Thinkpad. It already got IVB processor so maybe the one available here will be replaced soon with new variants :)

Yes, most HP have some strange heating issue. Though from what i heard and read most of the heating issue was fixed in laptops carrying 2nd gen Core i processor as well as AMD APUs. But 3rd gen Core i processor develop more heat so if they haven't done anything to expel the extra heat out, better stay away from HP ATM.

PS: most reviews don't show the heat to be much as those are done in AC controlled rooms. here the heating will really show up.
 
Better to buy a hp or dell laptop, both of them are with awesome service and complete cover warranty.

---------- Post added at 12:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:53 AM ----------

There is no heating issue in new hp laptops, it is a myth.
 
Well, they are definitely not heavier than the XPS 15 that I Carry(2.7Kgs) so you should be fine with it.
I would vote for a Thinkpad over Inspiron Anyday!
 
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