Buying a laptop (and processors)

[caro82]

Hi, I am very confused about processors!! I am looking to buy a laptop for around �500-600 essentially to act as a replacement for my current (very old) desk top. I am looking at the ACER Aspire 3634WLMi LX.ABUDS.318 which has a Celeron-M processor for about �469.

See http://www.acernotebooks.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_363 4_WLMi_LX.ABU05.318/version-1.asp


This seems to have good capabilities etc but is about �250 cheaper than a similar machine with Intel Centrino Core Duo technology... Is it worth paying extra to get a better processor but put up with lower MB/GB//fewer features? Essentially I am looking for something that will download and store MP3 files/photos but that also has some capacity for multi-tasking.. I know I'm asking a lot for my budget but any non-technical tips greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks
Caro

[vehelpfulguy]

New processors tend to be a premium price and you pay over the odds because they are new, and usually scarce.

Gradually they come down in price and within a year or less have been replaced by a faster CPU which is the expensive one.

Any CPU you buy today is probably plenty powerful enough for most home users and it is a waste of money to pay all the extra for the CPU.

I think any Centrino is better than a Celeron-M because of wireless capabilities but I would not pay all that extra for a brand new CPU.

[caro82]

Thanks for the answer! Would the Celeron do an ok job with a wireless connection though? As I'm not particularly technical (and as you say, will be a home user anyway) I don't need it to be top of the range, but I would like a machine that generally copes quite well with wireless broadband etc...

Cheers

[TEAK36]

Hi Caro82,

I own the following Acer Laptop and I would highly recommend it.I paid �550 for it about 6 months ago, and it is only �419 now,but I got 1GB RAM with mine.I do loads of downloading and also have loads of MP3's stored on it, and I have had no problems.It also has built in wireless,and I have mine set up wirelessly.
http://www.acernotebooks.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_361 4WLMi_LX.A7405.112_/version-1.asp

[vehelpfulguy]

I do not know a lot about wireless but found this on the Intel Q&A page.

Seems to answer why Centrino is better than Celeron.

http://www.intel.com/products/processor/index. htm

Q)
If Intel Celeron M processors and Intel Centrino mobile technology are both part of Intel's mobility family, what are the differences?

A)
Intel Centrino mobile technology represents a combination of Intel's best mobile technologies (Intel Pentium M processor, Intel 855 chipset family or Intel 915 chipset family, and Intel PRO/Wireless 2100, 2200BG, or 2915ABG network connection) delivering all four vectors of mobility: performance, integrated wireless, enables great battery life, enables thinner/lighter form factors.

The Intel Celeron M brand represents only the Intel Celeron M processor. Designed for mobility, the Intel Celeron M processor delivers exceptional value with a
balance of mobile processor technology enabling thinner and lighter systems.

[caro82]

Thanks - I had looked at this one also. Good to know of someone who likes ACER, my previous computers have always been DELL, but now I'm shopping around!