BalancingAct
join:2009-10-31
|  ACER: Intel Core 2 Duo vs. Intel Core i7 720QM laptops
NOTE: please keep this post if there is a double post!
I really need some input from you guys on making a final decision on these two laptops.
I cannot decide between these two top of line Acer laptops below
Acer Aspire AS8730-6951 NoteBook Intel Core 2 Duo P8600(2.40GHz)
»www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a···34115548
PROS
-$500 less!!! I got a great deal on this one and could not find it cheaper anywhere!
- It has the finger print technology and the other doesn't for some reason.
CONS
- Not true 1080p (max is 1680 x 945)
- Core 2 duo (not really a con but it's not Core i7 like the other)
-DDR2 vs. DDR3
Acer Aspire AS8940G-6865 Intel Core i7 720QM(1.60GHz)
»www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a···34115679
PROS
- Core i7 (4 native cores instead of 2 and with HT tech and larger L2 cache, just all around better processor able to turbo to 2.89 GHz)
-NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250M dedicated graphics (This was rated as a tier one high-performance gpu by a couple sites while the other laptop is only performance. Also 40nm vs the others 65nm)
- Up to 3 hrs vs the other 2.5 but I don't really care
- True 1080p HD (1920 x 1080)
-DDR3 vs the others DDR2
- Blue Ray
- looks snazzier but blue lights may be annoying after a while if i can't adjust them.
CONS
- $500 more and I will be paying a premium.
- No finger print tech
-Processor still just 45nm
-Weighs more
The biggest difference between the two is about $500
I know I will be paying a premium for Core i7 but it is the latest and greatest. On the other hand I really don't want to pay $500 extra. I could get another laptop/PC or very large display or put that towards a projector or just save my money in the bank.
The Core 2 Duo is a fabulous deal but I will be behind the times immediately and I know I want to keep this laptop for at least 2-3 years (probably 3). I like to keep up to date on my computer technicals. I'm really aiming for the 32nm Sandy Bridge processors with quad cores or higher, I'm skipping Arrandale.
So do you guys think the Acer Aspire AS8730-6951 NoteBook Intel Core 2 Duo P8600(2.40GHz) is good enough? It's gotten rave reviews and is a stellar deal. It can handle a lot even high performance games at max settings from what I've read. |
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McSummation
Mmmm, Zeebas Are Tastee.
Premium,MVM
join:2003-08-13
Round Rock, TX | Without knowing your requirements, we can't make any recommendations. |
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BalancingAct
join:2009-10-31
| These are my requirements:
- Multitude of mulitasking (can handle photoshop, dreamweaver, flash, virtual host, MS office products, internet browsing w/ multiple browsers and tabs, video viewing, IM chat all at the same time) 
- Good gaming unit (not to the extreme max but some games at or close to max settings)
- Movies/ TV viewing with a high quality HD setup (I plan on getting a TV tuner card to go along with the laptop and will watch while do other things)
- good for video processing/conversion to different formats
- Budget: I was starting off with a laptop under $1000 depending on the setup but I may dare to break that if the ACER Corer i7 wins out. |
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asdfdfdfdfdf
@Level3.net
 from:
signmeuptoo 
3SGTE
| reply to BalancingAct
Unfortunately if you want a nice desktop replacement it costs you.
The uses you describe could take advantage of the 4 cores of the i7. The turbo modes on the i7 could compensate for the modest rated clock speed.
If you want to discuss specific games then we could consider it in that light and get a better idea of how important the gaming aspect is and how much the graphics difference matters.
If the cost is a big issue another option might be a lower end laptop for any mobile needs you have(or even a netbook) and a desktop for the rest. This, combined, might very well be cheaper than the i7 notebook you are looking at.
What is your reason for wanting a notebook, rather than a desktop, to begin with. What are your mobile needs?
Also what kind of machine are you coming from? This will give us a better idea of what your expectations are. |
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signmeuptoo
Folding and Crunching Not just Breakfast
Premium
join:2001-11-22
LOSTinSpace
clubs: 
 ·Future Nine Corpor..
 ·AT&T Southeast
| reply to BalancingAct
Yup! What games at what resolution specifically? Will the laptop feed to a larger monitor? Do you need Blue Ray/HDCP/HDMI? What is your budget? Have you considered other e-tailers like ZipZoomFly that are equally well rated?
What is the primary duty of the computer? Business or Fun? Why a notebook (you can't get as good a video card on a notebook as you can with a desktop, and the cost is MUCH more on a notebook)?
Do you know that upgrading on a notebook is next to impossible on most units with the usual exception of HDs and RAM?
Do you know that Core 2 is a disappearing standard now?
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BalancingAct
join:2009-10-31
2 edits | reply to asdfdfdfdfdf
said by asdfdfdfdfdf :
Unfortunately if you want a nice desktop replacement it costs you.
The uses you describe could take advantage of the 4 cores of the i7. The turbo modes on the i7 could compensate for the modest rated clock speed.
If you want to discuss specific games then we could consider it in that light and get a better idea of how important the gaming aspect is and how much the graphics difference matters.
If the cost is a big issue another option might be a lower end laptop for any mobile needs you have(or even a netbook) and a desktop for the rest. This, combined, might very well be cheaper than the i7 notebook you are looking at.
What is your reason for wanting a notebook, rather than a desktop, to begin with. What are your mobile needs?
Also what kind of machine are you coming from? This will give us a better idea of what your expectations are.
Gaming is not at the top of my list but I would like to be able to play Fallout 3, WOW, strategy games mostly. What's most important is being able to use Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Flash, Virtualhost, TV/Video viewing and editing, web browsing. Anyone know how the Core 2 Duos handle ArcGIS?
I do not want a small screen hence not going for a low end model (large screen size and low end just don't mix). I like to have a most powerful laptop too. Heaven forbid going for a netbook lol.
I would like to be "comfortable" with my PC. Some school work, travel and may take it to work on an occasion. There's also a business I manage so I would need to go to that location from time to time, it will require a use of a projector at some point at different locations, another reason I don't want to buy a tower.
My "main PC" right now is a Athlon 1500+ with 1.28 Gigs of RAM with a 15 inch screen and it can surprisingly handle all that software at the same time (not games and perhaps minus flash) |
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PeteC2
Got Mouse?
Premium,MVM
join:2002-01-20
Bristol, CT
clubs:
·AT&T Yahoo
| BalancingAct, while I tend to be a cost-sensitive user, reading about your needs and your likes, although the less expensive model should do well overall, I can not help but get a strong impression that the Coe i7 model is what you really want...and sometimes, that is what counts.
You have enough desire for gaming/HD movies, that for you, this will not be "over-kill".
Usually, folks opt for a more expensive machine because they are afraid that a less expensive one won't "last", only to discover that their needs only dictate a modest computer. In your case, I believe that in the end, the extra $500 will be worth it.
--
Deeds, not words |
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ironwalker
World Renowned
Premium,MVM
join:2001-08-31
Keansburg, NJ
clubs:
 ·Optimum Online
| reply to BalancingAct
Multitasking and the phtoshop dreamweaver software, I'd go i7.
All I have read with the i7 blows away quad and dual core cpu's. The numbers are almost doubled across the boards.
Now, the mobile i7's are fairly new and the reports and tests I have read were based on the desktop cpu. I do not see a difference accept maybe how the cpu heats up and the power saveing specs.
Still, if it were me, I'd go i7 without question.
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www.sidux.com
www.chronixradio.com
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asdfdfdfdfdf
@Level3.net
| reply to BalancingAct
Based on the games and the fact that you seem to be pretty contented with the performance of your desktop I think the less expensive dual core would be adequate. Having apps loaded and having them working simultaneously isn't the same and if you were multitasking as heavily as you think I don't think you would be able to stomach using your desktop. People generally overestimate their usage. |
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BalancingAct
join:2009-10-31
| reply to BalancingAct
Re: ACER: Intel Core 2 Duo vs. Intel Core i7 720QM laptops
Thank you all for your input, I decided to go with the Acer Aspire AS8940G-6865 Intel Core i7 720QM(1.60GHz) and just got it.
I actually feel it was necessary to spend more and even got a little discount so the difference ended up being less. Their were more "faults" with the older model than I realized initially too.
MY NEW LAPTOP IS AWESOME!!! |
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ironwalker
World Renowned
Premium,MVM
join:2001-08-31
Keansburg, NJ
clubs: | reply to BalancingAct
Good luck with her...what did you name her? |
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