subject: What's the best Core i7 laptop? [print this page] Intel's Core i3 and Core i5 processors provide ample power for the price.
But when it comes to getting the most power for your money, nothing comes close to Intel's high-performance Core i7 processors. sony laptop battery.
The Core i7 has finally blurred the lines between laptop and desktop PCs and, in many cases, the prices are highly affordable.
To help you choose the right machine for your needs, we've brought together four of the best Core i7-powered laptops, at prices to suit all budgets.
Offering staggering performance and features ideal for the whole family, you won't fi nd a more powerful range of consumer laptops. asus laptop batteries.
Advent is PC World's in-house brand and provides a wide range of affordable laptops built around the latest technology. The Advent Sienna 700 is the best-priced Intel Core i7 machine in this group test but, unfortunately, falls too far short when compared to its rivals.
Built around a dual-core Intel Core i7 620M processor running at 2.66GHz the same as the Sony in this group test we expected stunning performance. Unlike the Sony, however, the Advent failed to deliver in initial benchmark tests, forcing us to undertake supplementary testing.
HP's Pavilion range offers a huge choice of consumer laptops from entry-level machines to high-powered, big-screen media centres. The Pavilion dv8-1250ea falls into the latter category and is a stunning example of high-end mobile computing.
With its huge 18.4-inch screen, this is a laptop built for desktop use. At 4.1kg, you won't want to carry it far, although there is 174 minutes of battery power on offer when you need it. This drops to just 104 minutes when watching a DVD, however.
Sony's VAIO Z-Series comprises some of the only sub-2kg laptops to currently feature Intel's Core i7 technology and are among the best ultraportable laptops you can buy. While the price is high, the VAIO VPC-Z12V9E/X continues this tradition.
Due to the high-powered performance of Core i7 processors and the subsequent cooling they require, it is rare to find them inside such a slim laptop. As a result, some rivals have used low-voltage variants of the Core i7 range to reduce heat output. Sony has not chosen to take that route. dell replacement battery.
Toshiba's Satellite series comprises its consumer machines and offers a range of high-quality laptops at varying price points. The Satellite A660-18N is a powerful home media centre, designed to combine basic entertainment features with mid-level mobility.
At just 2.6kg, this is a laptop you can comfortably carry around the home. Despite its large 16-inch screen, the chassis' surprisingly slim dimensions let it slip easily into a carry case. Unfortunately, the 129-minute battery life is truly awful, so you won't be able to travel very far.
Best Intel Core i7 laptop: Verdict
While we were no strangers to the capabilities of Intel Core i7 before we started this group test, the low prices and cutting-edge features on display here were still a pleasing surprise.
Offering performance that was near impossible on a laptop just a year ago, all four laptops excelled in their own right, but while the Toshiba came very close, two machines really stood out.
Although the price is high, the power, quality, features and usability of the Sony VAIO VPC-Z12V9E/X continue to amaze. Offering a stunning design and performance, it combines the Holy Trinity of power, mobility and features so effortlessly that we'll be truly surprised if another laptop betters it this year.
Despite being bettered by the Toshiba's performance, the HP Pavilion dv8-1250ea secures our runner up prize thanks to its fantastic abilities as a big-screen home media centre. With a gorgeous HD screen, high-powered graphics and Blu-ray compatibility, this stylishly designed consumer laptop is a worthy winner.
