<p>I’m a CS major and i5s are too expensive :(</p>
<p>The speed of the processor won’t really have much to do with dual booting, as you’re only running one OS at a time. You might eventually want to get an i5 notebook or something, but an i3 should suit you just fine.</p>
<p>That makes sense. But it should be sufficient for programming?</p>
<p>I’m learning python with a Pentium, so an I3 is fine. Computer programming is not a taxing operation, unless you are programming something really big, like writing an Operating System.</p>
<p>I know of some computer technology firms which had their junior/mid-level programmers use Pentium M based notebooks and Core-Duo based desktops for programming production software to be used in the business context as recently as a year ago. </p>
<p>Moreover, while Ubuntu is one of the bulkier linux distros, I’ve ran and used Ubuntu 12.04 successfully on an old Pentium 4 based notebook with 768 MB of RAM for several months before selling it off. </p>
<p>Ubuntu should fly on any i3 system unless it is severely constrained by low RAM(less than 512 MB) or a full hard drive.</p>
<p>I3s can be kinda slow. I would go for an I5. But I’m a gamer too.</p>
<p>There are cheap i5 out there…</p>
<p>I use a laptop Pentium DC(from 2009) for Visual Studio 2012 (probably as big and convoluted as you can get) and it runs well. I think an i3 should work fine for programming but make sure if you’re planning on running VS, have at least 4GB RAM. You can get a good i3 or a low power i5. You just have to research, there are lots of deals out there. Also, dual booting Ubuntu will be fine on it. You’re fine with an i3.</p>
<p>Already got my laptop guys haha. Got an ASUS zenbook with an i5 for 600 so yup :]</p>
<p>Excellent choice</p>