500 gb hard drive fast enough??

[jamangel]

Hello,
I'm looking at Laptops on HHGregg. I have to buy it there, (no interest deal). This will be my first laptop and I'd like to get one that will still be fast in 6 months. Here's some of the specs from the two I'm looking at:

Intel Core i7-2670QM Processor
6GB DDR3 memory
750GB (5400 RPM) hard drive
Processor speed 2.2GHz
Cache memory:6 MB L3
$849

Intel® Core™ i7-2630QM Processor
6GB DDR3 memory
Hard drive: 500GB (5400RPM) SATA
Processor speed: 2.0GHz
Cache memory: 6MB L3
$799 on sale

The latter with less hard drive space, (and cheaper model),actually has a few things the former with more space doesn't.I'm wondering if the difference in types of processors, processor speed,and hard drive space would be very noticeable for my needs. For example, 750 GB versus 500GB when both run at 5400 rpm?
I play around w/some video editing but it's a hobby. Otherwise my needs focus on word programs, uploading photos/videos, Google Earth, and research, (need fast searching).Thank you in advance for any help.

 

[ram1009]

If you want the fastest storage device available get an SSD but be prepared to pay.

 

[das_stig]

Ranked in order of speed.

SSD
7200rpm HDD
5400rpm HDD
4200rpm HDD

Also with HDD's, a slower drive with a bigger cache can sometimes equal the performance of a faster hdd with less cache, but will draw less power, extending the performance of the battery.

I think the 2nd one will more than suit your needs, with the $$ saving, invest in extra memory.

 

[phatbuddha79]

Ranked in order of speed.

SSD
7200rpm HDD
5400rpm HDD
4200rpm HDD

Also with HDD's, a slower drive with a bigger cache can sometimes equal the performance of a faster hdd with less cache, but will draw less power, extending the performance of the battery.

I think the 2nd one will more than suit your needs, with the $$ saving, invest in extra memory.

I think those 6GB's of RAM are already enough.

 

[mayankleoboy1]

in benchmarks, you would see some difference between the two.
in actual, real world use, there would be no difference at all. the 200mhz on the cpu means nothing in real world subjective difference.

i would suggest to try to buy a model with an SSD. booting into win7 with the preinstalled bloatware and an antivirus on a 5400 rpm drive is torture. i cant use my computer for about 3 mins after the desktop comes, because of the intense disk activity.
if ssd is not an option, try to get atleast a 7200rpm hdd.