Laptop for a Math major / Computer Science minor?

College Life
1

<p>I've decided on the model, but I can't choose a configuration. My budget is limited, so I wouldn't want to buy a system that is too powerful. I won't be using the laptop for games. A couple of sample configurations:</p>

<p>Intel Core i3-2370M (3M Cache, 2.40 GHz), Intel HD Graphics
Intel Core i3-3110M (3M Cache, 2.40 GHz), Intel HD Graphics 4000
Intel Core i5-3210M (3M Cache, 2.50 up to 3.10 GHz), nVIDIA GeForce 610M
Intel Core i3-3110M (3M Cache, 2.40 GHz), nVIDIA GeForce GT 635M
Intel Core i7-3632QМ (6M Cache, 2.20 up to 3.20 GHz, 4 cores), NVIDIA GeForce GT 635M</p>

<p>Also, how much RAM should I add? HDDs offer more than enough space for my needs, so I didn't list them here. Any help will be greatly appreciated.</p>

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<p>What model did you decide on? I am in a similar situation, and I was wondering if you could post the link.
Thanks.</p>

3

<p>I’m looking at the Lenovo Thinkpad Edge series, especially E330 and E430.</p>

4

<p>I usually don’t say this, but trust me, you’re going to need the RAM. I’d recommend 6gb to 8gb. First time I’ve actually done that, but I’ve seen the results of a good programmer on a RAM-deficit computer. Trust me, it’s not pretty.</p>

<p>The processor and the graphics card matter little. However, an i3 may not be able to suit your needs and an i7 will definitely go beyond your needs. With this in mind, I might suggest the i5. </p>

<p>As a programmer who isn’t doing gaming, I can almost promise you that graphics card may end up being used very little. If you can find a setup with an Intel HD 4000, I’d considering going with that. </p>

<p>Hope I helped!</p>

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<p>Thank you very much! You helped indeed (:</p>

6

<p>I’m not sure how much of an issue this will be, but if you’re planning on using Linux, be forewarned that Nvidia graphics cards are not fully supported until kernal 3.5 (I think - might be 3.8).</p>

<p>In particular, there’s a rather lovely bug that gets your computer stuck in low graphics mode I’ve seen around lately, and doesn’t seem to have a good fix to it.</p>

<p>The important number wrt to RAM is not actually the amount of RAM the computer currently has but the amount it can hold. RAM is dirt cheap and upgrading RAM on your own is much cheaper/more efficient than buying a computer with more RAM.</p>