Which processor - AMD A8 or Intel Pentium?

Vincenzo

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My daughter is looking at buying a laptop. The two under consideration, HP and Lenovo, are similar in specs, the main difference being the HP has an AMD A8 and the Lenovo has a Pentium. I thought that the A8 is a much more powerful processor than the Pentium, but surprisingly they are about the same price so I am wondering if I am missing something here. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks

Here are links:
Lenovo 15.6" TouchScreen Laptop Intel Pentium 4GB Memory 500GB Hard Drive LENOVO B50 TOUCH - 59422927 - Best Buy

HP TouchSmart 15.6" TouchScreen Laptop AMD A8Series 4GB Memory 500GB Hard Drive 15-g014dx - Best Buy
 

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While Intels do generally cost a little more than comparable AMD CPUs, it is important to remember the CPU is but one component in a computer. Once you factor in the costs of the motherboard, RAM, graphics and monitor, case, power supply, keyboard and mouse/touchpad, wireless and Ethernet networking, drives, etc. the cost difference between CPUs is marginalized.

The two systems are nearly identical in features, but if me, I would, without question, go for the Lenovo and the primary reason is because the RAM is expandable to 8Gb, which I would opt for. And while 4Gb is plenty (especially with a 64-bit OS which can utilize the full 4Gb), 8Gb will ensure RAM is not a bottleneck considering the integrated graphics WILL steal... err, "share" a sizeable chunk of system RAM.

And while bumping the RAM to 8Gb will cost you a little more now, considering the same performance in a notebook 5 years ago would have cost you well over $1000. So IMO, it is well worth it to ensure she has the tools she needs. Also, she will probably need an Office suite. While there are free alternatives, I recommend you get her the real thing: Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013.
 

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OK thanks for the info. Turns out the Lenovo is no longer available, I think she bought an HP laptop instead.
 

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