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CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Laptops. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of laptop.
Laptop computer memory size
To maximize battery life, notebook computer processors are often designed to save more energy and run cooler than desktop processors. The drawback is slower performance, but more memory can help, which it won't consume energy or radiate heat. Even better, up to 4GB of RAM can now be found in budget configurations. If you want more memory later, expansion is often a simple procedure.
See more Notebook computer RAM products
Notebook computer processors
The central processor (CPU) is the heart of any computer system and an excellent litmus test as to whether a desktop computer or notebook fits your needs. The trouble is, processor names like Athlon and Celeron are as cryptic as system names like Latitude and Pavilion. Here's a quick guide to see which chip is a fit:
| Manufacturer | Processor name | Processing power | Designed use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel | Core 2 Extreme Quad | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| Intel | Core 2 Quad | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| AMD | Turion | High | Mainstream |
| AMD | Athlon | High | Mainstream |
| Intel | Core 2 Duo | High | Mainstream |
| AMD | Sempron | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Celeron | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Pentium Dual Core | Medium | Entry level |
| AMD | Athlon Neo | Low | Netbook |
| Intel | Atom | Low | Netbook |
| Via | C7-M | Low | Netbook |
| Via | Nano | Low | Netbook |
| Intel | Pentium | Low | Budget |
See more Notebook processor products
Notebook computer dedicated graphic cards
If you want a new gaming system then you probably want one of the newest video cards installed. Or maybe you only need enough graphics power to run your favorite game published three years ago. Series numbers get confusing so try comparing graphics adapters by the DirectX version supported in the firmware.
If you only need a multi-display solution then look into a workstation adapter.
| Manufacturer | Series | DirectX version | Launch | Designed use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATi | Radeon HD 4000 series | 10.1 | 2009 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | Radeon HD 3000 series | 10.1 | 2008 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | Radeon HD 2000 series | 10 | 2007 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | Radeon 9000 series | 9 | 2002 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | Radeon 8000 series | 8.1 | 2001 | Graphics and video decoding |
| nVidia | GeForce 9 series | 10.1 | 2008 | Graphics and video decoding |
| nVidia | GeForce 8 series | 10 | 2006 | Graphics and video decoding |
| nVidia | GeForce 7 series | 9 | 2005 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | FireGL | varies | Workstations | |
| nVidia | Quadro | varies | Workstations | |
See more Notebook computer dedicated graphic cards products
CNET product brief
Description: This configuration of the Lenovo IdeaPad Y730 is a 7.9-pound, consumer level notebook computer.Compared to other mainstream consumer notebooks on the market, it is expensive at around $2,855.The 17 inch widescreen has a native resolution of 1920 x 1200, which is outstanding compared to most laptops.Runs on the Intel Core 2 extreme CPU.This unit includes a 320GB hard drive and 4 GB of RAM.Features ATi Radeon HD 3000 series graphics with 512MB of video memory.
Pros: Has a 3.06 GHz CPU speed, which is considerably faster than some similarly priced notebooks.The built in Bluetooth connectivity will let you pair headphones or sync your mobile contacts.Includes an HDMI port so you can easily output the notebook's audio and video to a compatible TV or monitor.This laptop?s great sound performance will bring out the best in your games and movies.An anti-theft security tether can be fastened into the built-in lock slot.
Cons: Has only 3.5-hour estimated battery life, which is shorter than some similarly priced notebooks.For example, the HP Compaq 8710p, a 7.5-pound notebook at around $2, 800, has 4.3-hour estimated battery life.
Suitability: Suited for those who just need a basic notebook.If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Internet from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled notebook.The excellent battery performance will keep your laptop running longer without plugging in.Play high-definition films on this laptop with the Blu-ray optical drive.With 512MB of dedicated video RAM, this machine will do tremedously better than most other notebooks, when it comes to multimedia applications and games.
Value: In general, this notebook's price seems a bit steep, with respect to its features.
Suggestions: (1) Given this device's Wi-Fi capability, you may want to get a wireless access point for your home, so that you can browse the Web more conveniently from any room.(2) To get the most out of this computer's Bluetooth capability, you could have a Bluetooth-enabled headset, handheld or other device, and be able to link it wirelessly to your computer within a range of 20-or-so feet inside the same room.
CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.
