$170 upgrade question: processor vs RAM/SSD

I'm looking at two Toshibas, the L645 and the M645. The latter costs $170 more and has an Intel Core i3 2.4 Ghz instead of an AMD Athlon II P340 2.2 Ghz.

Now, considering use of heavy multitasking of the following tasks:

- multiple tab browsing, multiple text editor windows open, Thunderbird, Skype, remote desktop apps, etc.

- and considering that I'd probably get new computer two to three years down the road and sell this one, is the $170 extra for the M645 worth it or would an SSD or RAM upgrade for the L645 be better performance wise?

Otherwise, the laptops are basically the same.

Thanks!

 

spend the $170 and slowly upgrade it.

do you prefer Intel or AMD ?

 

what you mentioned are not 'multitasking', you only have many programs opened but none is likely to be run simultaneously. you may need more RAM but not CPU efficiency.

That said, I would always go with Intel CPU.

 

dboogiec: You mean go for the cheaper one and upgrade over time using the $170 saved, right?

I don't really have a preference of AMD vs Intel.

 

That's interesting, thanks. So I guess save the $170 and get more RAM - except that you have a preference for Intel.

 

I will go for the Intel i3 version. You can always switch to the SSD later but you cannot easily replace a CPU. The Core i processors are not only faster, but they are also much cooler.

 

yes. Youll be able to get better hardware after market. If you feel comfortable opeing a new notebook that is.

I second chimpanzee, get more RAM. and Intel>AMD when it comes to CPU IMHO

 

I would say spend the extra and get the i3. The 4250 isn't that great of an extra boost for graphics and the Intel clock for clock will be a much better CPU. Besides having possible CPU upgrade options at later point the Intel will most likely be more power and heat friendly.

You could easily upgrade ram and/or to a SSD later if you should so feel the need. I am not saying for your needs the L645 will not suffice, I am quite sure it would from what you list. The i3 and hyperthreading to me would just be a better idea.

At this point I have a preference for Intel too but this is based on the fact they cost more but also perform better in the mobile market right now. So while AMD wins cost/performance in alot of cases, Intel wins overall performance.

 

^ you make a good point. the i3 and the AMD p340 are about the same thing, just one isnt Intel

 

There's no question that the i3 is the better performer, but frankly, I doubt you'd notice the performance difference between them. That said, though, the i3 is likely more power-efficient and puts out less heat than the Athlon II, so if either of those are concerns, the i3 variant may be a better choice.

 

Thanks for all the helpful replies. Heat isn't an issue, but power-efficiency is to a degree. I'll try finding out more about battery life and the decide.

 

If heat is not an issue, it is a tough choice. I am pretty sure you don't need a power CPU for the described usage but a better CPU for 170 is a bit on the high side, as much as I like Intel CPU.