more powerful or headset + backpack?

I'm kinda stuck between the M14x i5 that comes with an alienware headset and backpack or the i7 itself? What do you guys think? I'm gonna use the laptop for games and school work and hoping it would last around 3-4 years. Also, i was wondering that how many years would it take to have a game that couldn't be played in an i5 but can be played in an i7? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

I personally would go for the i7 Fast!

 

There was a thread online comparing the new Sandy Bridge processors. It was noted that there was little if any difference between the i5 and i7.
I have tested both and would advise you to purchase the i5 and accessories. The Gt555m will bottleneck before either of the processors will.

 

For 3-4 years, definitely get the i7. There are always cheaper alternatives to backpacks and mice (Or buying them used)

The i5 is plenty powerful, but the extra cores make that difference in my opinion.

 

I'll get the i7, u can get the headset and backpack after getting m14x... yea I know that u can get the i7 after but will be cheaper get the backpack and headset.

 

Oops, alternatives to headsets and backpacks, not mice!

 

seriously are we comparing a headset and backpack against a processor ...IMHO go for the i7 ....sometimes you just need the extra bit of processing power...specially if you use virtualization tools like i do.........dont just think from a gaming point of view(i know its a gaming laptop but you can use it for other stuff too right )

 

I know it's kind of stupid to ask something like this but i'm really tight with money and i've also read that there's not much of a difference between an i5 and an i7. My primary use for this is programming and gaming and that's it. Well, of course i'll be surfing the web, itunes, etc. but not video editing, photoshop, or not any kind of intensive cpu applications. So do you guys think that the i5 for me will last? Thank you guys for replying and sparing your time even if it's a bit of a stupid question. Really appreciated your help people!

 

What's the price difference? The only reason I ask is that you can pick up a kick laptop bag from Amazon for pretty cheap. I got a SwissGear bag which fits not just the laptop and charger, but a TON of stuff for travel.

Amazon.com: SwissGear Computer Backpack: Electronics

 

1.) The price for the i5 with upgraded screen(900p) and the Killer card and everything's stock is $1354 and it comes with the headset and backpack.

Now, 2.) the i7(laptop only) but with the upgraded screen(900p) and the killer card is also $1354.

3.) I've been also thinking about the i7 WITH the headset and backpack but the EVERYTHING is stock and it's for $1339.

What do you guys think i should get?

 

I'd rather get the headset and backpack After the laptop because there're TONS of aftermarket accesories out there online unless you want the brand new Alienware brand. And plus you wont be able to replace the CPU easily like the M17x/M18x counterpart, so I'd suggest you should go with the higher CPU.

Or if you satisfying with the CPU, u can save it for other thing like screen upgrade, Oh and the Warranty upgrade too, because I heard that some people getting an after-sale warranty for a more expensive price than if they should have chose to do so with they config the laptop.

 

@CGSDR That was my point.

 

One more point ...I was also really low on cash ...my budget was 1k and my machine came out to be 1399$ ...I must have made 100 calls to different reps before I got it for 1199 ..so u might wanna haggle a bit..just a suggestion to save you some bucks

 

go with the i7, and get the 900p screen, you won't regret it. You can get the backpack somewhere else for probably cheaper than what Dell is pricing it at.

 

You're right guys, i'll take the i7 then. And just get the backpack and headset somewhere else. But just one question, do you think that the i7 will last longer than the i5? If so, by how many years? Just wondering. I'm talking about in terms of gaming and programming and other stuff like web browsing, itunes, etc. Thank you for the replies NBR people, really appreciated your help.

 

I really really want to order by phone(talking to a sales rep) but that's going to be hard on my part since I live in the Philippines and i'm just going to order online and send it to my aunt's address in Kentucky and get it there. Pretty much, i'm relying on coupons for discounts. :-/ but thanks for the advice! All i really want is the backpack. I really don't care that much about the headset.

 

awww...ohk...frankly speaking the backpack for 99 isnt even worth it...you`ll get a same backpack on amazon for around 60 ...cause retailers arent able to sell a lot of these ..since they are over priced...i would suggest find a btter laptop back and one which is cheaper too Good luck

 

I used my laptop to convert some AVI files to MKV to save space, and with the i7, I was getting almost 300fps with Handbrake. Trust me, it's worth it!

 

Yeah, probably i'll just order the alienware backpack from amazon and get the i7 with the screen and wireless card upgraded. Thank you!

 

Ohh. Nice. Okay then, i'll get the i7 and the screen upgrade as well. I'll just buy the alienware backpack somewhere else.

 

Yep, long run that's a better investment than a backpack that will break.

I love the 1600x900 screen, makes my work laptop look so crappy in comparison.

 

My headset and backpack are on there way. I'm new to the gaming world. So I went with the package.

 

You didn't upgrade anything? So you got the i5? Tell me how the backpack and the headset is. Just wanted to know if it's worth it if i'll buy online but not from dell.

 

Yeah pretty much. I got the i5. This will still be a big upgrade from what I had. Only two games I really play are WOW and Civ 5.

 

Lemme summarize the discussion.....for people who have got the i5 will not face any issues in most of the games , but if you do any other CPU intensive jobs like Virtualization or Video editing or even compiling ....you`ll be better of with a i7...This is not to say that the i5 is bad from anywhere..its a great cpu ...works well..so etiher ways you cant go wrong....go for the i7 if you want to use it for anything above gaming or else if this is your gaming rig and thr is no way you can afford an i7 ...you`ll be ok with a i5!!

 

Thanks for being honest, And yes money was a factor. I would have went with the i7 if i didnt have a wife and kid. Those two are all ways messing everything up.

 

Here is a good article on the difference between i5 vs i7:

Core i5 vs. Core i7: Differences Between Intel's i5 and i7 Processors

 

Oh. I'll be programming on this thing so should i get the i7? I mean, programming isn't that cpu intensive right? That's all i'll be doing then the rest will be games, movies, web browsing, etc.

 

I know it's too late now but this is my choice. I choose the i5 and use 200 to buy the warranty on squaretrade for 3 years with accident. The alienware backpack will attract thefts. If you want to keep your laptop 3-4 years, you should buy the warranty.

 

Yeap, you're right, thefts will attract the thefts so i'll just buy the orion sleeve. As much I want to upgrade, i can't because i live outside US so it'll be hard as well to send it back to US to get it fixed or something. I'll use it with 100% care.

 

The backpack that Dell is selling for 99 $ .....Here it is for 63 Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

Hope this helps...in making up your minds

 

Thanks trooper! It def helps dude. Instead of getting the backpack, i'm planning to buy the orion sleeve since this backpack attract thefts. But thanks anyway!