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View Full Version : Which is More Important to You? Battery Life or Graphics Performance?


Jason Dunn
08-04-2010, 05:00 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://blog.laptopmag.com/which-toshiba-t235-is-better-the-amd-or-the-intel-version' target='_blank'>http://blog.laptopmag.com/which-tos...e-intel-version</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Overall, we love this lightweight notebook's gorgeous design, snappy performance, and amazingly comfortable keyboard. But which of these two configurations is best? While both received a "highly recommended" rating of 4 stars, we gave our coveted Editor's Choice award to the Intel-powered T235 because it lasted 50 minutes longer (6:10 versus 5:20), it had better Wi-Fi connectivity, and it copied files faster than its AMD-based counterpart. Overall performance was pretty much a wash, though the T235D did a little bit better in graphics tests and gaming."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/lpt/auto/1280893772.usr1.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p>It's always interesting when two laptops have identical parts but differ on CPU and chipsets; you get to see how each CPU and chipset change factors that are otherwise virtually impossible to measure head to head. In this case, going with an Intel CPU and GPU gets you 50 minutes of extra battery life for $20 more. The AMD option brings better graphics performance to the table, and a savings of $20. Which is more important to you? Battery life or better graphics performance? For me, it's better battery life - hands down.</p>

Lee Yuan Sheng
08-04-2010, 09:29 AM
Both! Switcheable graphics should mean that decision shouldn't be an issue nowadays.

Jason Dunn
08-04-2010, 05:56 PM
Both! Switcheable graphics should mean that decision shouldn't be an issue nowadays.

Well, maybe, maybe not - Intel's integrated GPU probably uses less power than ATI's integrated GPU...and in this exact case, you can't have both. ;)

Lee Yuan Sheng
08-05-2010, 07:12 AM
Wait, aren't there notebooks that uses Intel's HD iGPU and switch over to say, an ATi 5650? I'm pretty sure the Lenovo Y series does that.

Jason Dunn
08-05-2010, 06:00 PM
Wait, aren't there notebooks that uses Intel's HD iGPU and switch over to say, an ATi 5650? I'm pretty sure the Lenovo Y series does that.

I'm not saying it's not possible, but there aren't a lot of choices if that's your #1 factor in selecting a notebook. Saying "both" drastically limits your choices.

Anyway, I'd take better battery life over better graphics performance any day. :)