Laptop question here!

C

ChrisUlrich

Active Member
Everyday computing and little gaming but mostly school. That is the main purpose of this laptop.

i5-580m Dual Core 2.66ghz 3mb L3 Cache (Turbo boost up too 3.33ghz)

vs

i7-720qm quad core (1.6ghz 6mb L3 Cache with turbo boost up too 2.8ghz)

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/cto.do

Question is... is the money worth the upgrade from the i5 combo to the i7 combo? It's a $50 upgrade? Giving up A LOT of speed there... but 3mb more L3 cache. Not sure if it really makes the i5 the better buy in the end though.
 
The quad core will be better if you do a lot of multitasking for school. But the dual core might be better at games...
 
The extent of multitasking would be: Internet Explorer, IE, IE, IE, etc... Microsoft Powerpoint, Excel, and word, AIM, and a media player. That's about it.

When playing games, it will be the only thing open.

Is the HD5650 any good?
 
I feel pretty comfortable going with the i5.

I do have a gaming PC that I use (in signature) but sometimes it's fun to play in the living room while watching TV.

Another question, is it worth it to get the "Intel Wireless-N Card?" My house isn't huge but I want to make sure I get the most out of my new 35 up, 35 down internet from Fios.
 
If your router only has Wireless G that will be a bottleneck for your internet connection, if your router and computers are all Wireless N you won't have an issue.
 
Is your router wireless N? If so, then N would help. If it is G, then when you get your N card, it will still have to connect in G mode, so it will be of now benefit. But if they are both N, then it will probably help.
 
I think the Verizon router is a G router. I guess the Intel Wireless N Card will just help keep the signal stronger from a longer distance? Even though the house is small?

Sounds like a waste of $25 huh?
 
Just because of everything in the future being N, that probably will help, as you will probably upgrade eventually. But if you are tight on money, then maybe it is a waste right now.
 
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