Is the icore processor worth it?

I really want to get the m11x but I can't figure out if I should spring for the i5 or i7 core or just get the core 2 duo. I'm not looking to play a lot of games but I was thinking perhaps if I put down the couple hundred more for the i7 it would last me longer (I want something I could use for 3 years). Is that the case or will the core 2 duo do the trick for what I need?

 

You need to better define for us what your needs are now and what you think they might be in a year or two.

 

Also, there are a ton of threads on this subject from around the time the R2 came out, so going through those many threads might provide more information than the replies of (this) one will

 

My needs are mostly school related. Internet, word processing, streaming video for my online courses and multi tasking. My needs in 2 years will probably be the same. Maybe using more applications. My main concern is multi tasking. I need something that can handle multiple applications at once. I don't need a computer to play Crysis or CoD or anything like that. Maybe a few lesser demanding games like Portal or WoW.

 

I think the i5 should be plenty for what you listed.

 

If battery life is important youll get about 45 min more out of a full charge with the core2duo... and the core2duo should be sufficient for those games.. also save you some cash and give you VGA but you lose optimus which i personally LOVE and driver support from nvidia

 

Also, before purchasing my R1 I saw how many threads there were about people having issues running certain games with the R2's, that definetly kept me at bay with my C2D instead of going with the i5. I think its more of a driver issue than a processor issue.

 

I got the i7 for future-proofing. I've been buying older hardware and having to upgrade more frequently, so I figured I'd spend the extra money this time and see what happens.

 

Besides the PunkBuster issue with Optimus, I think most of people here who have problems with Optimus aren't running the better modded inf drivers such as the 258.96. That and they're having problems understanding what really is a simple white listing process. They immediately freak out when they get their new system and aren't taking the time to figure things out.

 

True - very few pc's can you purchase, fire up and then automagically play all the games and never worry about updates or configurations. It's just not in the nature of the pc. It has never been easy. Even though folks wont admit it, part of the appeal of PC gaming is researching, tweaking, failing, researching, tweaking and then finding that max performance sweet spot that makes all the effort worth while.

If folks need a system that is simple,has 3 video processors and even after 4 years plays loads of games---get ready for it---get ready for it---->Xbox360. Granted it's not the most portable system.

Take Care, StevenX

 

core i will probably last about 5+ YEARS .

 

Yes but the Video card wont... so that take into consideration.

 

I'll bet you the price of an R-2 that less then 20% of the people here will have their m11x's in 5 years (I'd even go so far as to say 3 years under 20%) These are NOT high end systems, middle of the road at best, it's their portability, and lack of competition that makes them unique right now. These systems will not register as modern middle of the road machines in 5 years, or even 3. The i core might PHYSICALLY survive for 5 years, but it won't be anywhere near adequate for the majority of people. There is many limits to what the m11x can do NOW never mind in 5 years, but like I said it's all about the portability/battery life (ATM the only thing in its class) that makes these such nice machines.

 

If it is only for simple task such as you listed and you may utilize more applications in future, yes it is worth it. Get the i7. Buy the after market ram and upgrade yourself, you save more money that way.

 

The responses seem to be mixed. Now I'm confused.

 

Just get the i7. The C2D/i5 are for wimps

Then throw in a Vertex 2 SSD and bam..

You have a ultraportable that will last for years (assuming the hinge doest break)

 

I got my i7 with 8GB of ram and 250HDD for $1386 including taxes during the 15% off deal. I love my m11x, except for the current stupid nvidia drivers not letting me play games using Punkbuster.

 

For general gamers, this life of the current generation M11x will not exceed 2 years as newer games demand higher performance. For general purpose, such as web surfing, video streaming and using other applications that are not gaming related, this laptop should able to provide the life span of about 3 years or more. Getting the i7 can increase the life span of your laptop usage and I think 3 years is pretty good.

 

Ok I guess I'll go with i7. Does anyone know where I can get those coupons for discounts? I live in Canada however. Should I call dell? What do I say to get the best deal? I'm new at this.

 

I'm going to throw a noob response out there...but with all this talk of cloud computing...are you really going to need a high powered pc in 5 years?

 

remember the cpu can not be upgraded at a later date

 

order the 4gb off the alienware website. if you go to dell.com they will rip you off. the same i7 on dell is about $200 more than the one on alienware.com.

I ordered mine a few days ago and I actually had to email a link from the alienware website to the dell sales person to get them to believe me (was having issues with their website and was forced to call)! Also, I used the coupon code listed below to get free overnight shipping. I'm in the states so I'm not sure if this will work for my brothers in The Great White North.


?8CN$RJ?W5TQ0C

 

You think dell rips you off in the states? Go to dell Canada. I think they still think the dollar is at 65 cents.

 

1. Cloud computing? My IP has enough issues keeping a basic high speed DSL going, let alone a ultra high speed enough to power a "Game Terminal"... which is really what cloud computing is.. Dumb terminal with fast access.

No thanks. I think those thinking about "cloud computing" will find that it works ok for lite to moderate productivity work, similar to citrix connection. No way am I going to FPS game off a "dumb terminal"...

*** Note.. before the moderator strikes the post as derogatory, the term "Dumb Terminal" describes the old terminals that were utilized to connect to mainframes back in the day. It is in no way meant to offend
anyone or any post on here***

To the OP - The ULV I series will probably be useful for 2 to 3 years max. The video card 3 years. Simply research the notebook offerings from 3 years ago and see where they are now. (Example Dell Inspiron 1520, Nvidia 8600 mGT, cpu duo core 2 @2.0 ghz, sold new in 1997)

 

PC word is now "thin client"