Looking for an i5 budget laptop

[AlreadyTaken]

Hello everyone. After spending several weeks trying to find the right laptop setup I came to ask myself: am I the only one that gets so lost trying to find the right laptop that feels like giving up because of its complexity?

I am well aware of my shortcomings and I’m far from an expert but Í get the gist of it. My approach was choosing the few features that I care the most and just accept the rest, but even that has been challenging.

So I´ve come to your aid.

I would the laptop for 3d design and heavy browsing (more than 50 tabs open at once).

Feature I´d like:
Full HD (1920X1080)
Good CPU (i3 or i5)
Enough RAM
HDD capacity doesn´t have to be excessive
SSD – maybe, still trying to understand the benefits of it
Price – $600-$700

I came across this model:
http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/59438762-Lenovo-Z50-in-White_1761767.html
Specifications
Processor Intel Core i5-4210U Dual Core (1.7GHz, Intel Turbo Boost up to 2.7GHz)
Screen 15.6" (1920x1080 Full HD Resolution)
Operating System Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit
Windows 10
RAM 8GB (DDR3)
Hard Drive 1000GB
Optical Drive DVD Rewriter (Records DVDs 8x & CDs 24x & Dual Layer Super Multi)
Graphics Integrated (Intel HD Graphics)
Wireless LAN Wireless (802.11b/g/n Wireless)
Network Card 10/100/1000 Gigabit Fast Ethernet
Integrated Webcam Integrated HD Webcam with Microphone
Card Reader 2-in-1 card reader (SD™, MMC)
USB Ports 2x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0
Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.0
Speakers Integrated Sound System
VGA Port 1 External VGA Port
Kensington Lock Kensington lock slot
Charge Time 2.5 Hours
HDMI Port 1 x HDMI Port
Warranty Lenovo 12 Months Collect & Return Warranty (View More Information)
Battery Life 3-4 Hours (up to 4 hours with power management)
Weight 2-3 Kg (This Model 2.39 Kg)
Product Type Notebook
Keyboard Type Laptop Keyboard

What about this one:
http://london-laptop.co.uk/shop/asus-n551jk-cn073h-15-6-inch-full-hd-led-notebook-intel-core-i5-4200h-2-80ghz-8gb-ram-1tb-hdd-windows-8-1/


What do you think about these models?

Are there any other models that I overlooked?

What are the differences between an i3 processor and an i5?

Why does the i5-4210U processor perform as an i3?

Which laptop manufacturers are recommended? I always wanted an ASUS but I´m willing to try Lenovo.



Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Matt.


Edit:

I also found this one http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/lenovo-edge-15 but I could do without the flexing.


Edit2:

And now I found this one http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/lenovo/z-series/z51/?sb=:000001C9:000156DB:#tab-customize


Now you see what I mean, it never ends. Please help me.

 

[Mike BD]

Why does the i5-4210U processor perform as an i3? - Beucause it's an Ultra Low Voltage CPU,made to get less high temps,with a cost of performance;meanwhile you'd better choose a Mobile (M) i3 CPU (4000M/4100M or later) - It will perform better and for less money in the bank.
Full HD (1920X1080) - that will need a superb GPU. (900M NVIDIA series or latest AMD R9 ones)
Enough RAM - I'd say to start with 8 GB. (upgradable to 16)

HDD capacity doesn´t have to be excessive - 7200 rpm (must-have!) 500 GB/1 TB.

SSD – maybe, still trying to understand the benefits of it - runs faster,stays longer (has less capacity than most of nowadays HDDs) - 120/128 GB one will be ok.

 

[velo3100]

Out of all the laptops that you have linked, I would go with this one: http://london-laptop.co.uk/shop/asus-n551jk-cn073h-15-6-inch-full-hd-led-notebook-intel-core-i5-4200h-2-80ghz-8gb-ram-1tb-hdd-windows-8-1/

But I am not quite sure what you mean by 3d design. Do you mean 3d modelling or some sort of architecture type software? If this is the case then I would get the asus as it is the only one with a dgpu. This will make 3d software run much faster especially if you are a semi-pro/pro.

Now to answer your questions:

1. An i3 is normally good for the basic tasks. I don't think it supports hyperthreading which is kinda of like running a program in a program. Think of this like a browser. Each tab will be a thread and the more tabs you have the more thread that are running the i3 can handle this but not good as an i5 as it support hyperthreading. It also allows visualization which is where each core has a core that is used in software.

2. The i5 ulv performs like an i3 m cpu as it is an ulv. This means that it is designed to save battery life. The only way this is possible is by restricting its power needs, 15 watts instead of 37 normally for i5 m cpu's I think. This is not always a bad thing as not everyone needs the most powerful machine.

3. Personally I would recommend asus but beware. Their n series is designed for multimedia and not for heavy gaming which you don't do. I made this mistake thinking it can handle most games as long as it could run it but I was wrong. It lead my laptop to have lots of dust which is a pain to get rid of as I have to remove a bunch of screws to get to the fans which I haven't bothered as I don't want to damage the laptop. Also I may have a broken fan.

Use it in the way it is designed and you should not have these problem. Also if you do get the asus, make sure you uninstall their bloatware as this can make a huge difference in temps.