Member Avatar for ahp@aol.in

Hi folks,

I'm planning to purchase a laptop which fulfill my requirements.

My laptop use will be for programming(C/C++/embedded/graphics/system) and multimedia(songs, movies etc) and Also I need a machine at my hometown(I goes to my hometown frequently, on alternate weekends)

Currently, I've a desktop with following specifications..
Procesor: Intel Core 2 Duo
Motherboard: Intel D945GCCR
RAM: 2GB
HDD: 500GB
Monitor: 20" LCD monitor

I'm DAMM confused while selecting laptop.

Whether I should go with
* high end laptops(like core i3/i5/i7, 4-6GB, 500-640GB, 1GB graphics) which costs between 35K to 60K INR
or should go with
* basic laptops(like core2duo, 2GB, 320GB, 512 graphics) which costs less than 30K INR

Few friends suggest to go with latest trends, other suggest to go with the requirements(for that no need of high end laptops).

Budget is not a matter, I can pull it till 50-55K INR. But don't wanna waste money unnecessarily

Please suggest your opinions.

Thanks,
Amar

Edited by ahp@aol.in because: n/a
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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Drycola

Dani AI

Generated

A concise buying framework for (programming + multimedia, frequent weekend travel) that builds on points made by , , , and without repeating the exact suggestions already posted.

For responsiveness and long-term value, prioritize components that affect day-to-day speed and upgradeability first, then extras. Fast storage (responsiveness), enough memory (keeps builds and editors snappy) and a well‑cooled, reasonably modern CPU matter most for heavy compiling or running virtual machines. For media, a good display and decent speakers/headphone output improve the experience; a high‑end discrete GPU is unnecessary unless gaming or GPU compute is planned. For frequent travel, weight, battery life, and a reliable service network where the laptop will be used are important tradeoffs to consider.

Quick checklist to use while shopping or comparing models:

  • Confirm whether memory and the drive are user‑serviceable (extra RAM slot, easy drive access).
  • Prefer a responsive primary drive; if the vendor includes a faster drive option, choose it.
  • Try the keyboard and trackpad in person — long coding sessions demand comfort.
  • Play a short high‑bitrate video to check screen quality, playback and fan behaviour.
  • Check battery runtime claims against real use (light browsing vs compiling) and consider weight vs battery tradeoffs.
  • Verify local warranty and service options for the hometown used frequently.

If the machine feels slow later, upgrade the storage and memory first — these give the biggest everyday improvements. Aim for a balanced purchase: a reasonably recent platform that is easy to upgrade will generally outlive a top‑end model that cannot be serviced. This blends and ’s push for newer tech with ’s advice to buy for actual needs.

Recommended Answers

All 7 Replies

Member Avatar for flagstar

I would say go for the latest one too... I believe you're not going to stick with just doing programming stuff only...

i3 or i5 would be good enough to require your needs but i7 is pretty far the most recommended one if you want to do serious gaming or watch HD movies...

Member Avatar for ahp@aol.in

thanks flagstar.

any other views guys??


thanks,
amar

Edited by ahp@aol.in because: n/a
Member Avatar for mjdodd

The power of a computer depends on a number of things.
1 the processor (higher spec better for complex use)
2 the amount of memory (more the merrier)
3 the OS (some like linux / mac will go faster isn certain ways!)
4 the Hard drive.(cehck the speed and timings)
I do not believe you can future proiof so you pay what you do for what you want to do now.
If using multimedi films etc a lot then a good screen is as important as the items above (check the refresh rate. if you wish to edit films in real time then you will need a very powerful machine)
as far as (most) other programs go a low spec will cope with business use, programming (unless testing games!) and most ordinary usage.
Or to put all that another way you get what you pay for.

Define your usage first then decide how much you want to pay to do that.
M

Member Avatar for jingda

It also depends on the brand of the laptop. I suggest that an i5 processor will be good enough. Unless you are doing what flagstar said above. 4GB ram and 500 GB hard drive will do and 1 GB graphics. Good luck

commented: agree... +7
Member Avatar for ecoelectric

Thanks for all the replies here, I am also at the verge of buying a laptop and cannot decide which brand to buy.

Member Avatar for AndrewH

I suppose i5 processor will be the option

Member Avatar for Drycola

I feel it was very near when Core2Duo was considered the High-End processor, and now it is BASIC!
So, take the High-End Core i# in order to catch up with technology and survive a little longer than the Core2Duo (which might become obsolete soon!)

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