How important is processor?

I found a good deal on Ebay for Insp 1520, but it has Core 2 Duo T5250 1.5GHz, not the T7250 2.0 GHz.
Speed is important to me, so I don't want to get a significantly slower processor. Is the 7250 that much faster? Is it very costly or difficult to upgrade the processor?
The most I will do on the notebook is download music, or watch movies online. I don't want a system that will get sluggish if I try to listen to music, while surfing the web and typing a Word document.
Thanks

 

yes it is that much faster and more future proof too so yes buy it ASAP

 

OT: I am just wondering about the ownership transfer thing...I hope that one is not a stolen computer...[censored]

T7250 is good, if you are not a heavy gamer.

 

i can't even begin to explain how music + surfing + word is not really "multi-tasking" to an extent that it would affect your processor. trust me when i say that you can music + surf + word on a processor from 5, 6, 7, 8 years ago and not stress the CPU.

things that stress CPUs are something like a 1,000 hour video render job or some ridiculous math crunching.

your processor won't even bump up 1 step from half speed for those tasks

 

I capture gobs of raw DV footage on my three year old Inspiron 8600; I can't WAIT to get a new Vostro with that 7000 series c2d Then I'll be able to actually USE my 'puter while it's rendering in the backround....

 

I'm still running a P4 2.4 HT at home with 2GB RAM and Windows Vista HP and I can do everything I need to.

As a matter of fact, my P4 "feels" as "fast" as my T7500, but I know that once I actually start doing anything that stresses either CPU, the T7500 will win.

 

that's interesting.. im thinking of installing vista on an old Insp 9100 dual P4 system

 

If its dual p4 HT CPUs, you'll have NO problem running Vista or even Vista ultimate. Just make sure you have a minimum of 2GB RAM.

 

For what you're gonna do, T7250 would be a waste. If you're getting a good deal for the T5250 (better than what you can get direct from dell).

 

False.... T5250 is just as good in the 1520 when it comes to gaming.
Laptops have a Graphics card bottle neck.

Take your XPS for example.. though you got a T7500, it's being HEAVILY bottle necked in gaming by the 8400gs. So much that a T5250 with a 8400GS will perform the same as your $3000+ computer in gaming.

 

I'm having this same problem.I'm planning on getting a Inspiron 1720 w/ upgraded 256mb 8600GT graphics card and I'm deciding on the processor to go with this thing. Is the 7500 enough or should I go with 7700? I just want the two to be on the same level, not one being super and one trash....

So, basicallly what I'm asking is what processor u'd recommend for a 8600M GT?

 

If you're just talkinga bout the 8600M, the 7250 at the most. CPU isn't going to bottleneck that video card. Get a laptop with an 8800 GTX (or 2) and then worry about your CPU bottlenecking you.

 

Thx for that fast reply.

Another question before I decide on the 7250
What's the L2 cache thing?
I think it's something like a smaller and faster RAM, is that right?
so does 2mb, 4mb make a difference?

BTW i intend for this to be a gaming laptop.

 

for crying out loud...Toshiba offers a laptop with SLI 8600GTs (or 8800GTX's?) with a T7250....don't worry about anything.

 

Thanks.. yeah it is... I'm not sure if I want to invest in the RAM since I know I'll probably not use it after installing.. the 9100 is literally a giant next to the my M1330 and fills my room up with sound (and heat) from its fans!