Lenovo Laptop for University

[veryoldhero]

Is this a good deal for university programming?

Lenovo U410 Intel Core i3 3217U 4GB 500GB 24GB SSD 14in GT610M USB3.0 Windows 8 Ultrabook

This could be an another option: Lenovo U310 Intel Core i7 3517U 4GB 500GB+24GB SSD 13.3IN USB3.0 BT Windows 8 Ultrabook Grey

[supaflyx3]

For programming it's better to have a quadcore for compiling your code, so if possible try to find a model with an i7 quad core in it, if you're planning on making use of cuda the i3 model listed would be the better choice.

[JD]

Neither is a quad-core, both are dual-cores with hyperthreading. The i7 just has the added benefit of Turbo up to 3GHz along with an extra 1MB of cache. AFAIK Intel doesn't have any quad-core mobile CPUs.

Both of these only have 1366x768 screens, which IMO wouldn't be enough real estate to do programming on. You'd barely even be able to see your code, unless you disabled all the toolbars and such. I would personally look for something with either a 1600x900 or 1920x1080 screen.

[chubaka]

imho, invest in a 13 inch macbook air.Take advantage of the $100 student discount. I agree with JD on this.
You need at least 1600x900 to be efficient if you are using some sort of IDE.

[grinder]

I would not use this model for a couple of reasons

1) Resolution per JD's post
2) Keyboard lacks a BREAK key. I code sometimes code too... I had to get rid of my think pad Edge for the same reason... no break key drove me nuckin' futs. I will never stray from a thinkpad T series ever again :)

[supaflyx3]

Originally Posted by JD

Neither is a quad-core, both are dual-cores with hyperthreading. The i7 just has the added benefit of Turbo up to 3GHz along with an extra 1MB of cache. AFAIK Intel doesn't have any quad-core mobile CPUs.

Both of these only have 1366x768 screens, which IMO wouldn't be enough real estate to do programming on. You'd barely even be able to see your code, unless you disabled all the toolbars and such. I would personally look for something with either a 1600x900 or 1920x1080 screen.

There are many quadcore mobile CPUs, but maybe not in the ultrabook spectrum.

[JD]

Originally Posted by supaflyx3

There are many quadcore mobile CPUs, but maybe not in the ultrabook spectrum.

Ah so there is, anything with "QM" suffix. 45W TDP though, so that's more of a desktop replacement than a laptop.

[YukonTrooper]

AFAIK, the U series laptops usually have fairly poor battery-life, at least the under 14" models. I had a U450p 3 years ago and it had good battery life for the time.

Perhaps the X230 is something more appropriate for your needs? Higher resolution, quad-core available, long battery-life, etc.

Also, take a look at Sony's S series laptops.

[JD]

Originally Posted by YukonTrooper

Also, take a look at Sony's S series laptops.

Is that Sony's new lineup? I know they came out saying they've officially abandoned 1366x768.

[YukonTrooper]

Originally Posted by JD

Is that Sony's new lineup? I know they came out saying they've officially abandoned 1366x768.

I believe they added the S lineup about 2 years ago, so fairly new. It's their business lineup, one under the Z lineup. A few of the cheaper 13.3" S models can still be purchased with 1366x768; however most of the 13.3" models are 1600x900 and the 15.5" models are all 1920x1080. They're all equipped with matte displays, like other business oriented laptops.