To i7 or not to i7?

So lately I've been considering picking up an XPS with the i7 processor. However, the reports of throttling are starting to make me think twice so I have come to you all with a couple questions. How widespread is this problem? Should I look at getting an XPS with an i5? Do you have any recommendations of models comparable to the XPS?

P.S. My main uses of my laptop will consist of Office applications, internet, watching video (online, DVDs), and gaming (Valve games, Borderlands, UT3, Starcraft 2).

Thanks for the help.

 

Some peoples i7's throttle, but I think the problem is amplified in these forums as most people complain about their problems rather than rave about their good qualities.

i5 might be better for your applications due to its higher clock frequency than the 1.6/1.73 GHz i7's. Or you could spend a little more than the i5 and get the i7 620m which has the highest clock speed (2.66 GHz) and is still an i7, albeit a dual core one.

The 4670 GPU should handle all of those games fairly well, but it might be wise to invest in a cooling pad whilst playing games. But you can't have a laptop as thin and powerful as the SXPS without it generating a bit of heat.

 

Well said....I also feel that people are a over exaggerating a bit when it comes to the heat issue on the SXPS. It is a very thin laptop and packs a LOT of power, so it is supposed to get hot. If it is a problem for people, then get a cooling pad. Also, when people complain that it gets too hot while it is on your lap, that is because your lap is probably blocking the fan and not allowing the notebook to have proper air flow

 

None of these are quad core applications (except Microsoft Excel, but that won't make a difference unless you are some kind of spreadsheet monster). The only advantage of the i7 for you would be the 5730 GPU, which actually may be a good enough reason to consider the quad-core CPU.

Blizzard had said they are looking into quad-core support for Starcraft 2 for the future but it will not be available at release.

 

Alright, I'll keep these things in mind. Thanks for the advice.