pc spec

shione

have been looking at spec on new laptops. Thought about going for a Toshiba but wanted to know if following would make much difference to speed:

2.53Ghz as compared to 2.1
what difference in ethernet speed 10/100/1000 (toshiba only has 10/100).

difference in speedbetween 1st and 2nd generation intel i core

Thanks for any help

RussJK

The Ghz rating doesn't mean as much as it used to. You can instead use http://cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php to look up specific CPUs and compare their Passmark benchmark score. Generally the bigger the score, the faster the processor.

In fact, the 2nd Gen processors can have a lower clock speed (Ghz) but still be faster as they are much more efficient,
see the I3 380m (first gen) vs the i3 2310m (2nd gen):
http://ark.intel.com/compare/50178,52220

i3 380m 2.53 Ghz, with 2319 Passmark (slower CPU)
i3 2310m 2.1 GHz, but 2554 Passmark (faster CPU)

So basically the 2nd gen can be faster and more efficient. This could also translate into longer battery life and lower heat.

There are other differences, such as the performance of the integrated graphics card, also the 2nd gen i3 can take faster memory.

On a home network, you're generally not going to need more than a 10/100 ethernet adaptor, so I wouldn't worry.

timberflake

On the ethernet adapter you might want to future proof yourself. If you plan (now or in the future) to go for 100meg broadband, you'll be better of going for a 1000 (1gb) ethernet port. This coupled with a cat6 cable will give you the best chance of getting top speeds

John_Gray

See what you think of this Lenovo G570 review...

podcake

Just thought I'd pop up here on the tech pages again

I have to say I agree wholeheartedly with everything that has been said.. Ghz rating means nothing these days (and, in reality, hasn't for the best part of a decade)

I OWN a Lenovo G570 and I would not hesitate to recommend it to somebody (in fact I did!)...

Historically I always had Toshiba equipment, but my NB200 netbook failed at 13 months, and despite extensive attempts to repair it ( I'm an electronic engineer) its barely worth the effort anymore.. the Lenovo is a nice size, a solid build (compared to other new machines, perhaps not as solid as some older machines I've worked with.)

if you can afford it get the 6 gig of ram option and also, again if funds permit, get the dedicated graphics..

Also, if you transfer large quantities of big files DEFINITELY get 10/100/1000 LAN, however if you just browse the webs etc.. you don't need it, the chances are that your other equipment or your connection will be the bottleneck not the laptop..



also another note the model 'G570' refers to a NUMBER of different machines, with different specifications, get the i5 if you can.. the i3 is liable to be slightly asthmatic

shione

Thanks everyone for your help. It is very much appreciated. I now have a better understanding of spec I should look out for.

John_Gray

podcake wrote: »

also another note the model 'G570' refers to a NUMBER of different machines, with different specifications, get the i5 if you can.. the i3 is liable to be slightly asthmatic

And here they all are! The review I pointed to was of the M5134UK.