Need advice for notebook

[champion-7891]

Hi - a friend is buying a notebook, with the following requirements:

Budget: 550-650$ (400-500 Euro) - upper limit is strict.
Screen Size: 14" very very preferable
Processor: 3rd gen i5 (probably 3210m in this range)
RAM: >= 4GB
Graphics: HD4000 is fine
OS: Windows 8 x64

He isn't too savvy about ultra portable and stuff - just needs it for university stuff - basic multimedia together with enough power to run things like MATLAB well.

He'd prefer it to be light if possible.

I need to suggest him a model and these are the two that I've tentatively identified:
HP Envy DV4:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+ENV...specifications

Sony Viao E14
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+V...&skuId=6979562

I personally like the looks of the Sony one but he is of the opinion that Envy has better specs - but overall is the sony one a better buy (from a durablity/build quality point of view)?

Or are there any other options you would like to suggest?

 

[Pardus]

If your going with HP, i would choose this model. It has a metal frame, well built and in your price range. The difference between a 14" and 15,6" is minor. Smaller laptops tend to have heat issues.

Check out the Z380 and Z480 from Lenovo as well.