Ultra Portable with Attitude?

[DonMegel]

I apologize for the typo, it was a 6000 something but it had a blueray player. However, I also found the MSI x460 on Newegg for 699, its an i3 processor but has the nVidia 540m. Its thinner and lighter than the dmt4 and comes with a 7200rpm HD. I've never heard of MSI though.

The i3 is more powerful than the Core2Quad right? I do graphics work and the CPU/RAM is important but my old Core2Quad never let me down. I am wondering if I have to get the i5 or if I could live with the i3. I think the i3 is better on battery life as well...

I really appreciate you guys continued interest in my thread. Even if its just to bounce ideas around.

[hellfire88]

I apologize for the typo, it was a 6000 something but it had a blueray player. However, I also found the MSI x460 on Newegg for 699, its an i3 processor but has the nVidia 540m. Its thinner and lighter than the dmt4 and comes with a 7200rpm HD. I've never heard of MSI though.

The i3 is more powerful than the Core2Quad right? I do graphics work and the CPU/RAM is important but my old Core2Quad never let me down. I am wondering if I have to get the i5 or if I could live with the i3. I think the i3 is better on battery life as well...

I really appreciate you guys continued interest in my thread. Even if its just to bounce ideas around.

I'm not sure if a dual-core Core i3 is more powerful than some Core 2 Quads, here is a nice benchmark list of mobile CPUs you can use for reference:

Mobile Processors - Benchmarklist - Notebookcheck.net Tech

Where did you see the Sony SA with Bluray for $800? If you don't mind, please provide a link. Thanks.

[DonMegel]

No link, it was on clearance at my local Bestbuy so YMMV. They had two plus the display.

[saturnotaku]

MSI makes good notebooks. Had a 17-inch one for more than a year, and it never let me down. I only sold it because I wanted something smaller and more powerful.

[DonMegel]

This is painful. The i3 on the MSI machine is not as powerful as the Q6600 I am upgrading from. I also just left staples, they have a Dm4 2191 for $470 but intel graphics. Its an i5 and very pretty. I am sorely tempted.

[hellfire88]

This is painful. The i3 on the MSI machine is not as powerful as the Q6600 I am upgrading from. I also just left staples, they have a Dm4 2191 for $470 but intel graphics. Its an i5 and very pretty. I am sorely tempted.

If you're OK with the Intel HD 3000 graphics, there are a ton of good options out there with i5 CPUs. Its the discrete GPU that's limiting the options in an "ultraportable". The Sony SA in your local clearance is a pretty good choice, but note that the screen quality isn't great, and the touchpad (Alps) isn't great but can be tuned with Alps generic drivers. If the stock battery life doesn't work for you, and you occasionally need super battery life (8hrs+) you can get the optional slice battery for it that goes below the laptop, but it adds a bit of weight though.

[DonMegel]

Ok guys, I think I have narrowed it down to two. I am looking at either the MSI x460dx or the HP dm4 3050us

MSI x460dx
i3 2310
4 gig RAM
500 gig HD (7200 RPM)
GeForce GT 540m
14 in screen
.87 inches thick
4.3 pounds
8 hr battery
$659

HP DM4-3050us
i5 2450
6 gig RAM
750 gig HD (5400)
Intel HD 3000
14 in screen
1.25 in thick
4.3 pounds
7 hr battery
$499

I am leaning towards the MSI and will upgrade the CPU down the road if the weak i3 won't cut it. It has a faster hard drive, is thinner and a much more potent GPU. However, for that price, I could easily upgrade the hard drive on the HP and maybe get another battery.

What are your thoughts?

[ZaZ]

I've not seen the MSI, but you can click the link in my signature to see what I think of the HP. While the MSI may have the faster drive, the HP has a mSATA port. The HP's fan is a constant. If you can live with that the HP offers excellent value.

[Maelwys]

I prefer the look of the MSI myself and the specs (especially GPU) are worth it in my mind. Crazy how accustomed we get to thin and light laptops - the HP just looks so... bulky. Also, if the CPU speed is of a concern, you can get the x460DX-291 for $829 shipped. It bumps the CPU up to an i5 2450 and memory up to 6GB.

It is a tad over your budget, but I would personally go for the faster CPU, and the extra price for looks and GPU would be worth it to me.

[saturnotaku]

I prefer the look of the MSI myself and the specs (especially GPU) are worth it in my mind. Crazy how accustomed we get to thin and light laptops - the HP just looks so... bulky. Also, if the CPU speed is of a concern, you can get the x460DX-291 for $829 shipped. It bumps the CPU up to an i5 2450 and memory up to 6GB.

It is a tad over your budget, but I would personally go for the faster CPU, and the extra price for looks and GPU would be worth it to me.

Nice find. Terrific price on that machine. OP, if you can live without a daily/weekly/monthly Starbucks for a while, increase your budget and buy this.