Enough horsepower for Win8?

Nil wrote, On 1/6/2014 1:22 PM:
I'm trying to advise a friend what new computer to buy. His needs are
light - he mostly does email, online bill-paying and light web
browsing, and he can't spend a whole lot on money on it.

I found this Dell Inspiron 660s that is on sale at Best Buy. They all
come with Windows 8 64-bit:

http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-660s/pd.aspx

- the cheapest model has an Intel Pentium processor G2030 (Dual Core)
and 4GB Memory

- the middle model has a "3rd Generation Intel Core i3-3240 Processor"
and 4GB RAM.

- the top model has a "3rd Generation Intel Core i5-3340s Processor"
and 8GB RAM

I'm not up on the newest processor technology. My questions a

- is 4 GB enough RAM to run Win8 64 reasonably?

- is a dual-core Pentium powerful enough?

- bonus question (mostly for my own curiosity) - what's the significant
difference between the Core i3 and i5 processors?

If affordable,I'd opt for the i3 with the 4GB RAM.

--
...winston
msft mvp consumer apps

Nil wrote:

I'm trying to advise a friend what new computer to buy. His needs are
light - he mostly does email, online bill-paying and light web
browsing, and he can't spend a whole lot on money on it.

I found this Dell Inspiron 660s that is on sale at Best Buy. They all
come with Windows 8 64-bit:

http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-660s/pd.aspx

Why a desktop? A notebook/netbook/chromebook would be more suitable to
your friend's needs. With dealers clearing out Windows 7 ones, you
probably can find a deal or two. I suggest looking online instead a
retail store.

- the cheapest model has an Intel Pentium processor G2030 (Dual Core)
and 4GB Memory

Should be no problem. Remember W8 was designed to run on lower spec
tablets, too.

- the middle model has a "3rd Generation Intel Core i3-3240 Processor"
and 4GB RAM.

This is the model I'd pick.

- the top model has a "3rd Generation Intel Core i5-3340s Processor"
and 8GB RAM

Overkill for e-mail and light web browsing.

I'm not up on the newest processor technology. My questions a

- is 4 GB enough RAM to run Win8 64 reasonably?

Yes.

- is a dual-core Pentium powerful enough?

Yes, but ... I'd go with the i3.

- bonus question (mostly for my own curiosity) - what's the significant
difference between the Core i3 and i5 processors?

Profit.

Stef