Is computer science more enjoyable with a fast laptop?

College Life
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<p>I currently have an i3-350m laptop with integrated graphics. I’m going into computer science this fall and I’m wondering if a faster processor speeds up compiling/running/debugging time. I only make simple programs for my AP class but I’m worried that more complex programs would heavily tax my system. </p>

<p>I’ve been eying the $600 Asus A55VD (no sales tax, free 2-day shipping) which has an i5-3230m and a Geforce 610m. I know that the i5 is a dual core but according to notebookcheck.net it is almost twice as fast as my i3 due to Ivy Bridge architecture. The 610m, although technically the weakest in the lineup, is a vast upgrade to my old integrated graphics (I play games like LoL and Valve source games which barely run at 30 fps on lowest settings currently) and I’m not sure if we’ll be doing computing with CUDA.</p>

<p>My dad recommends to upgrade but my mom is against.</p>

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<p>Not in any way that makes a material difference. CS is not that intensive. Engineering modeling software is when you need more speed. Not CS.</p>

<p>$600 for an I5 vs. $800 for an I7 Lenovo Y500. If you really need the speed, the Y500 is the one to get.</p>

<p>Better yet, wait a year for the 4th gen intel laptops to come out and get cheaper. Then you will know if you need the speed, and how much.</p>

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<p>Thanks for your insight. I decided that I will finish a year of college and then get the 14nm cpu laptop!</p>