XPS 14: Downgrade from i7 to i5?

I'm receiving a refurbished XPS 14 sometime in the next couple weeks as a replacement for my defective XPS m1330 (a 2 year nighmare). The specs of the replacement are:

i7-740QM
4gb RAM
6 cell battery
NVIDIA GeForce GT 425M 2GB graphics
500gb 7200rpm hard drive
6 cell battery
It also has some nice features such as the backlight keyboard and the Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 wireless card.

Overall, I am happy with what I am getting (vast improvement over what I have). I may upgrade the RAM at some point, but that is an easy fix.

However, I'm very concerned about the battery life. With the 6-cell battery and the i7 processor, based on what I've read this forum, I'll be lucky to get 2 hours on a charge. With an i5 processor, I would likely get 3-4.

I use my computer for schoolwork (lots of powerpoint), watching online video, itunes, etc. I always have a lot of applications running at once, but I never play video games and very rarely do any video editing. I also carry my pc back and forth to class a lot and it is a huge pain to have to plug it in all the time.

So, based on what I have read (I'm a medical student with limited knowledge of computer hardware), I think the i7 processor is somewhat wasted on me. I talked to Dell and they agreed to swap the i7 for an i5 processor instead after I receive the computer so I can get the better battery life if I want. I am also considering buying a 9 cell battery, but one from Dell is $156 (ouch) and I'm having trouble finding a reliable off-brand replacement online.

So, my question is which processor do you think I am better off with? For my average computing needs as described, would I notice a significant difference between the i5 and the i7? Battery life is important to me, but not if it means a big decrease in performance. Am I crazy to consider downgrading?

Thanks in advance for any help with this.

 

I would not go with a quad-core i7. Not only is the CPU more power hungry, there's no integrated graphics so you'll be using the 425M all the time.

What couldn't they fix on the M1330? I have one that I still have to set up for a mobo replacement (USB ports are fried), but other than that it's been solid with a 9-cell battery and 8400M graphics for the past two years and change.

My M1330 was never hurting for CPU, so when I picked out an XPS 15 in the Dell Outlet last week I selected a dual core i5. So far, so good. I'm stll not hurting for CPU and the system goes for three hours or so on the 6 cell doing various things (but not watching a Blu-ray. haven't tried that test yet).

 

If you rarely play video games and such then the i5 is a far better option, optimus will save you lots of battery usage. Core i5 is plenty powerful for power point,itunes and having many apps open. Online video is affected more by your internet connection then you processor.

 

Everything. The computer was purchased new in September 2008. I am on my 3rd motherboard. The hard drive has been replaced twice. I've also the processor and heat sink replaced as well as the mouse/palm rest 2 times and the keyboard. Dell sent me two batteries that fried and I had to buy one myself after the battery warranty was done (now a waste of $80). My motherboard is broken again; USB ports are on the fritz and my video card is also having issues (I think).

If it didn't freeze every two seconds and break once a month or more, the performance would would be great. But because of all the issues, I consider this the worst computer I have ever owned and I am looking forward to being rid of it. I should have requested a replacement long ago; this has been a constant source of aggravation. But I put it off because several times the computer wasn't functioning at all and I didn't want to wait eternity for a replacement.

If Dell ever actually ships my replacement, that is.

If anyone needs a barely used 3rd party 9-cell battery for the m1330, I'd be happy to sell you mine cheap once my replacement finally comes.

 

Good point. My m1330 has a 2.5Ghz Celeron Dual core, less than the i5, and you are right I don't think I have ever hurt for CPU. Although it is hard to tell since this darn thing constantly freezes.

 

how about accepting the replacement with i7 and then selling it.
Then buying a i5 powered xps 14 from dell outlet again.

that way you will save money to get a 9 cell battery an some loose change.

 

Honesty if I did that, I probably wouldn't get another XPS 14 or a Dell at all. I suppose it is possible, but I think it would still be a financial loss for me because of how much I paid for the m1330 two years ago.

Actually, I guess that is an emotional response. If I did as you suggested and got another refurb Dell, all I'd lose is some warranty and I would get the components I want more in exchange, but it is still a lot of trouble and I can't guarantee I would come out ahead.