help choosing between 2 laptops

[xlangis]

Hi, i'm currently searching for a compact/lightweight (max 5 lbs) laptop with a medium size screen (13.3 to 14 ) and i've stumbled across 2 models which would fit my needs. One is a Asus and the other one a Lenovo, here are the specs :

Lenovo: ThinkPad L420 (753$) and weight 4.96 lbs

Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.50GHz, 3M Cache with Turbo Boost up to 3.20GHz)1
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)12
14.0" HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Anti-Glare
Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor graphics with dynamic frequency
4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)8
UltraNav without Fingerprint Reader
500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm4
DVD Recordable5
6 Cell 2.6Ah Li-Ion Battery60
None
ThinkPad 1x1 b/g/n10
No Wireless WAN support65
1 Year Depot/Express Warranty7

The asus : ASUS U36JC-B1 13.3" Notebook PC at 749$ and weight 3.74 lbs http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7221822&CatId=4938

Memory Type: DDR3
Memory Speed: PC3-8500
Memory Speed MHz: 1066MHz
Memory Slots (Total): 2
Total Memory Size: 4GB
Maximum Memory Supported: 4GB
Display Type: LED backlight
Screen Size: 13.3"
Maximum Resolution: 1366 x 768
Capacity: 500GB
Drive Types: Hard Drive
hard Drive Speed: 7200 RPM
Processor Brand: Intel
Processor Class: Core i5
Processor Type: Dual-Core
Processor Speed: 2.66GHz
Processor Number: i5-480M
Graphics Description: Hybrid Graphics System
GPU/VPU: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD
NVIDIA GeForce 310M
Lifestyle: Thin & Light
Home & Student
Condition: New
Operating Systems: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit
Platform: Laptop
Capacity: 5-in-1
Supplemental Drive Type: Media Reader
Media Types: Secure Digital (SD)
MultiMediaCard (MMC)
xD-Picture Card
Memory Stick (MS)
Memory Stick Plus
Audio Description: Integrated Audio
USB Ports (Total): 2 - USB 2.0
1 - USB 3.0
LAN Ports: 1
Audio Out Jacks: 1
Microphone Jacks: 1
VGA Ports: 1
HDMI Ports: 1
Communications Description: Integrated LAN
Integrated Wireless LAN
Integrated Bluetooth
Interface Type: RJ-45 Ethernet Connector
Bluetooth™
802.11b/g/n Wireless Networking
Data Transfer Rate: 10/100/1000Mbps Network
Up to 300 Mbps
Protocols: 802.11b
802.11g
802.11n
Width: 12.9"
Height: 0.76"
Depth: 9.28"
Weight: 3.74 lbs
Mouse Type: Touch Pad
Battery Type: 8-Cell Lithium-ion
Color: Black
Specification Notes: [6] To provide the most accurate specifications, the specifications listed are base upon information provided by the vendor.
Integrated Webcam: Yes
Webcam Resolution: 0.3MP

Bottom line is, i'm looking for a light laptop that doesnt take alot of space because im a student who travels mostly using a bicycle. I don't know much about the difference between lenovo and asus and how 1 lb of weight can make the difference in everyday use. Also, If you guys know a better deal on theses kind of laptop right know plz share with me. Thank you !!

[_Allan_]

Asus's Warranty (taken from NCIX, as TD doesn't have it)
1 Year Global Warranty (estimated $100 value, FREE)
30-Day Flawless Display Guarantee: If you discover one defective bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel at no cost.
Two way free shipping

Accidents Happen

You have extra protection when they happen to your ASUS notebook purchased in the US or Canada. ASUS will fix it or replace it for you at no charge during the first year after purchase in the event of damage from accidental spills, drops, electrical surges, or fire.


Warranty covering accidental drops, spills, power surges, and fire damage
Target 3 business day turnaround time for repair / replacement; not including receiving and shipping time
One-way shipping (from ASUS to the user) at no additional cost
24/7 toll-free phone support
One incident covered per notebook


That alone should make you lean towards the Asus. Also, if you're taking it on a bike, say you drop your backback, or someone hits you, Asus will replace the notebook. How sweet is THAT?!

[DavidY]

That Asus is kinda pricey for a first generation i5.

If you don't plan game a lot, I prefer this 4.12 pound 13.3 inch Acer with a second generation i3-2310M and GT 540m graphics, 4 GB RAM and 750 GB HD (known to overheat if you game a lot)...on sale right now at $529 (spend the savings on a better warranty...sale ends on Sept 7th):

http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=67%2C68,3352&webid=330197&affixedcode=WW

Dave

[xlangis]

I'm not sure about the acer, the I3 second gen processor doesnt seem to be so good in the benchmarks (ranked 76) as opposed to the I5 first gen of the asus (ranked 47) ref: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Processors-Benchmarklist.2436.0.html

The question is what do i gain with the second gen ?

Plus what about the built quality of acers ? are they any good? i'm willing to fork the extra money to have a more robust/long lasting machine. That aside, i was tempted to pull the trigger on the acer a couple of days ago but i felt i could get something of superior quality like an I5.

I have to agree that the 1 year warranty for accidental damage is a strong selling point since my laptop will be moving alot...

Thx for the replys guys.

[PA0L0]

just choose the one with the cheaper price, problem solved

[DavidY]

I'm not sure about the acer, the I3 second gen processor doesnt seem to be so good in the benchmarks (ranked 76) as opposed to the I5 first gen of the asus (ranked 47) ref: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Processors-Benchmarklist.2436.0.html

The question is what do i gain with the second gen ?

Plus what about the built quality of acers ? are they any good? i'm willing to fork the extra money to have a more robust/long lasting machine. That aside, i was tempted to pull the trigger on the acer a couple of days ago but i felt i could get something of superior quality like an I5.

I have to agree that the 1 year warranty for accidental damage is a strong selling point since my laptop will be moving alot...

Thx for the replys guys.

Sorry, my bad...the i3-2310M is similar to a slower i5 (i5-430M). Was trying to give you a cheaper option.

Dave