[Theodoro]

At the moment, I'm using an AMD Athlon dual core laptop, but I'd like something that would get me comfortably through university. I'm not a computer gamer or anything like that, would the i3 suit my needs? Or would I be able to get hold of an i5 for £400 or less (if it's needed at all?)

[Gareth Croke]

It depends what you're doing at University and what programs you might need for your course.

If you're just needing a basic laptop with the basic office type of programs, then an i3 laptop would do you (although calling it just an i3 laptop is a bit generic), your current laptop would probably already do you. However if your course requires more advanced software for whatever reason, then look into what software you'll need and look at the specs that program needs and use this as your template.

Or if there is anything else you want to run on the laptop then use that as your basis, if you are unsure, then fire a list back at us see we can give you a better idea.

[PrometheusX]

Here's one:

Asus P43E-XH51



Specifications

• Processor: Intel Core i5-2430M (2.4 GHz)
• Memory: 4GB DDR3-1333, Max Capacity up to 8 GB
• Display: 14" HD(1366x768) Display, w/ LED Backlight & anti-glare
• Graphics Module: Integrated Intel HD 3000
• Hard Drive: 500GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
• Audio: Integrated Sound card; Built-in Altec Lansing Speakers and Microphone
• Weight: 2.30 kg (w/ 6 cell battery)
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit

Price | £386

Good specs, light and small [for a notebook].

[finn4life]

Only one thing with that laptop, it is small, which is great for carrying around but a 15" or 17" is much better for everything, nicer screen, easier to see and the keys will be less cramped.

[PrometheusX]

QUOTE (finn4life @ Wednesday, May 9 2012, 06:59)

Only one thing with that laptop, it is small, which is great for carrying around but a 15" or 17" is much better for everything, nicer screen, easier to see and the keys will be less cramped.

Yeah, but he wants something that would get me comfortably through university. There are other almost-identical laptops (in specs) which are 15" to 17", so I guess it's up to him.