Older HP with Core2Duo or newer iCore?

Alright, this isn't like me but I'm torn between getting a DV5 custom outfitted, a Probook with similar specs or perhaps used Elitebook.

The only thing is that the Elitebooks in my range ($850 max) come primarily with older C2D cpus on ebay.

My question is, is there enough difference in performance and battery life to stick with a newer HP 14"-16" with iCore technology than to find a sturdier Elitebook or even Powerbook with older C2D technology.

My current laptop is powered by a mediocre AMD Athlon 64 2ghz single core cpu so I imagine anything would be a huge step up!

 

It'd be nice to know what your using it for before giving a recommendation one way or another

 

Nothing huge, but I'm a big multitasker....like leaving a dozen Firefox tabs open at all times along with streaming music while using a photo editing program at the same time....I'm not really into laptop gaming either...

I've been doing this with my zv6130 which has 2gb ram and an upgraded (recently) single core 2.4ghz 939 socket CPU though it doesn't always like it (never gets above 53degrees Celsius).

I figure the better C2D processors could run rings around my Athlon 64 setup but it seems that a well equipped Probook or DV5 complete with i3/i5 or AMD CPUS are about the same price as the older CD2 setups...

Just wasn't sure how much faster clock for clock and more power efficient the new iCore series was than the older CD2 setups...I've had my current laptop since new in '05 and plan on keeping the next hopefully for at least a couple of years.

EDIT: I'm really liking the look of the older Probook 4510 and newer 4520 but like the backlit keyboard option of the DV5...still can't find if the backlighting is only red or blue...

 

Core 2 Duo's are usually a bit more power efficient but the i3/i5 would provide a lot of performance. If you're not using it for business go for the Dv5, and I believe the backlit keyboard is white.

 

I appreciate the input very much! May I ask why you recommend the consumer line over the business? I like both alot so I'm more curious than anything...

Jeremy

 

The consumer laptops offer a bit more performance per dollar than the business ones, although most people recommend doing a clean install to get a fully performing machine.

 

Well honestly that's why I was so surprised to see the Probook line being priced nearly the same (or a little cheaper) as a custom configured DV5 with similar specs. I just don't understand why the Probook doesn't have the backlit keyboard option...kindof sucks.

It seems like the DV5 attracts smudges from skin oils very easily from what I saw in Best Buy and nowhere around Memphis seems to have a Probook to look at/demo (no more Staples around here!). However the champagne color may do better aesthetically...

But it seems as if now is the time to snag a DV5 since Cyber Monday may not hold the amazing deals that most wait for...