Laptop Computer Purchase

Are there any computer boffins lurking here?

I am just presently considering the purchase of a new laptop.

My present Asus K72F is now 5 years old and starting to behave a little strange not the least is the keyboard is a little unreliable on some of the keys.

Anyway, my current preference is the Asus X751LDV with a 17" screen (like my previous one)

The X751LDV comes with a choice of CPU, i7-4710U and i7-5500U (for $150 more)

Here is some comparison info I have found.

http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/859/Intel_Core_i7_Mobile_i7-4510U_vs_Intel_Core_i7_Mobile_i7-5500U.html

Looking at these comparisons there seems to be no difference between the 2 models so I am wondering whether to buy the 4710 and spend the $150 on a solid state drive.

My second question is regarding SSD's. I have looked at the specs of several "high end" laptops and they all have 256GB SSD's.

The present price for Samsung SSD's are $160 (250GB) and $300 (500GB). Doesn't it make sense to buy the 500GB SSD for a little more?

My 3rd question is regarding RAM. The Asus laptop comes with 8GB standard with the option of upgrading to 12GB. Is this a worthwhile upgrade?

Definately upgrade the ram. Ssd's don't last as long as the old he's. This is because the chips can only be written to a certain amount of times. The old hd's wrote to magnetic disc and eventually died due to chip failure and motor failure. Unfortunately most computers these days are or will be ssd.

If the planned OS is 32 bit 8gb is plenty if 64 bit get as much as you can afford (assuming you're saddled to Window$)
SSD'd have come a long way and claims now are they will outlast magnetic disks. There's still no substitute for regular backups though.

The alternitave is a real computer and 64 bit operating system. Once you go Mac you'll never go back

*flame suit on*