Kodi Community Forum - Choosing between two laptops; advice-at-a-glance?

Hey guys, I didn't see anything discouraging soliciting product advice, so if that's frowned upon, I'm sorry.

I'm choosing between two laptops from Craigslist, so I will have minimal chance to do any real testing before committing. With that in mind, I am looking for some advice at-a-glance on my two options. Thanks ahead of time!

My HTPC needs include, running XBMC (over windows 7) playing 720p, and 1080p encoded MKV files. Playing 8-bit, 16-bit emulators, music.

1. Acer Aspire S3
Intel 2nd Gen Core i5 i5-2467M / 1.6 GHz, 2
3GB DDR3 SDRAM

2. Asus x401u
AMD® Brazos APU Processor
DDR3 1333/1066 MHz SDRAM, up to 4 G

I could hardly find any info on the Asus, I think it might not be for sale here in the US (dunno how it got to my craigslist.)

Both computers are selling for a very reasonable price, though the Asus is cheaper.

The reason I'm not dedicating the machine strictly to HTPC use is so I can have the benefits of using it as a laptop (web, email, etc.) as well.

I tried to be concise as possible here so as not to bore anybody. If I left out any information please let me know! Thanks for looking.

Asus - better brand, doesn't get easier :-)

(2012-10-16, 00:02)RaggSokk3n Wrote: [ -> ]Asus - better brand, doesn't get easier :-)

I've been researching this "x401u" literally all day and have barely found anything to report. Are you sure its capable of running XBMC w/HD video?

I've also been researching the processor AMD A68M. I've found a little more info on that, but still not enough to make a grand decision.

I thank you for your input, I'm just curious if you have any familiarity on the performance of the A68M or "Brazzos 2.0" chipset.

Big Grin

EDIT: Been doing some more research and I've concluded that the Asus won't be able to play 1080p videos smoothly. That is my main requirement. I'm not sure about the Acer though, still researching...

If you tell me your budget I'll take a look later today Smile

(2012-10-16, 14:24)RaggSokk3n Wrote: [ -> ]If you tell me your budget I'll take a look later today

My budget is about $350, but since I'm looking on craigslist I'm hoping to find massively discounted products Blush

(2012-10-15, 21:18)d3mncln3r Wrote: [ -> ]1. Acer Aspire S3
Intel 2nd Gen Core i5 i5-2467M / 1.6 GHz, 2
3GB DDR3 SDRAM

Out of your two choices, Acer w/ i5-2467m is the best choice....

(2012-10-16, 19:55)bluray Wrote: [ -> ]
(2012-10-15, 21:18)d3mncln3r Wrote: [ -> ]1. Acer Aspire S3
Intel 2nd Gen Core i5 i5-2467M / 1.6 GHz, 2
3GB DDR3 SDRAM
Out of your two choices, Acer w/ i5-2467m is the best choice....

I think you're absolutely right, although I just realize I typed the wrong information for the particular device I'm looking at. The specs should read:

Core i3 2377M / 1.5 GHz 3mb

the RAM is the same.

Last question (!): Do you think that processor is enough to handle XBMC & 1080/720p videos smoothly?

Thanks to both of you for your input, sorry to drag this out...

the Acer packs more "heat" but the Asus is better quality wise. Take a look if you can find a slightly more powerful Asus around your budget

(2012-10-16, 21:03)d3mncln3r Wrote: [ -> ]
(2012-10-16, 19:55)bluray Wrote: [ -> ]
(2012-10-15, 21:18)d3mncln3r Wrote: [ -> ]1. Acer Aspire S3
Intel 2nd Gen Core i5 i5-2467M / 1.6 GHz, 2
3GB DDR3 SDRAM
Out of your two choices, Acer w/ i5-2467m is the best choice....

I think you're absolutely right, although I just realize I typed the wrong information for the particular device I'm looking at. The specs should read:

Core i3 2377M / 1.5 GHz 3mb

the RAM is the same.

Last question (!): Do you think that processor is enough to handle XBMC & 1080/720p videos smoothly?

Thanks to both of you for your input, sorry to drag this out...

If this is Aspire S3-391-6899 13.3" Ultrabook - Champagne the model you are referring to, it should be able to handle 1080p video smoothly because it included Intel HD3000 iGPU.......