Expert: Bobbert - 7/29/2011

Question
Hi, I am currently looking for a new laptop to go to university, and after searching for a long time I have narrowed it down to two. However, for the samsung there are very few reviews so I was Wondering if you could help me out with which would be a better purchase please. Either the Samsung RV711-A01 or the Lenvo G570.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lenovo-Notebook-i5-2410M-Windows-Premium/dp/tech-data/B0

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-17-3-inch-notebook-i3-380M-Premium/dp/tech-data/

Thank you :)
James

Answer
These systems should be fairly similar in terms of performance, I would make note of the Samsung's size, as it may have trouble fitting on the slide-out desks common in some lecture halls. It will also be fairly large to lug around (17" is generally considered desktop replacement, not fully portable). Based on that, I would probably go the route of the Lenovo.

I would ensure that, if you intend on completing a program that relies heavily on the use of a computer (such as architecture, drafting, animation, or anything within science, technology, or mathematics), you have contacted your appropriate department and asked what (if any) equipment they suggest. Some programs have specific requirements for hardware or software (and that software may have specific hardware requirements), which these systems may or may not meet.

-bob