Dual vs Quad Core

[NZed]

Meh. Either Or. Both have turbo boost, and it looks like you'll be doing a whole lot of nothing (single threaded apps). No pressing need to get the quad.

when using PSE and processing pictures and stuff, 2 or more core is nicer

 

[kushed]

Sorry I interpreted your comment to be regarding the i5 dual to i7 dual upgrade, which is very marginal.

I'm a believer in buying computers for our needs now. I think for most people that's the right thing to do because in general software lags behind. When I read the OPs activities and I look around at family and friends that are doing similar things with their computers, their money would mostly be wasted by upgrading to quad core CPUs.

There are many tasks that will never scale greatly with additional cores. The only way these things get better is by heavy multitasking, and average folks simply won't do that. The question isn't whether they are better to have.. simply whether or not they are a wise way to spend money.

i feel like people that buy computers for just NOW should be purchasing PCs. People that plan on using their computers for years to come should invest in Macs, because they really do hold up well. so if you were to buy the maxed out 15 now theres really no reason why it wouldnt hold up in 4 years, id love to see a pc do that. Im not saying that eveyone should max out their computer, but hey if you have the money why not? itll help resell and its some awesome bragging rights! besides the fastest computer now will be the norm in 6 months. and we all know that apple is known for building computers that last. thats why im not worried about spending 2700 on my 15 because i know that in 4 years from now ill still have a blazing fast computer

 

[adnoh]

Sounds like you will be using mainly single.dual core apps. I think you see better performance by going with faster dual cores than slower quad cores.

So go with the dual I7.