i5 vs i7? Opinions if worth the $$ upgrade

[TLmac]

http://store.apple.com/us/product/F...nch-macbook-pro-24ghz-dual-core-intel-core-i5

This is the Mac Book I have decided I'm getting. My ? is, is the upgrade from i5 to i7 worth the $330 difference?

I think I prefer the 13' screen b/c I have an HP and I like the smaller size better (I am currently on a 2008 15" Toshiba and it's big/bulky and heavy (although I know a 15" Mac would be much thinner than my Toshiba).

My budget is about $15-1800 but I'd like that to be an "out the door" number. After adding Apple Care and a case.

I used to use Microsoft Office but I've been using Google Docs/Sheets so I don't think I will need to purchase Office for Mac (I'm hoping anyway).



http://store.apple.com/us/product/F...-20ghz-quad-core-intel-i7-with-retina-display

 

[maflynn]

I'd say for office apps, and other similar type activities, you'll not notice the i7. I'd save the money if it were me.

 

[MagicBoy]

Not worth it for the CPU alone as the i7 is only about 5-6% faster. You'd never notice the difference.

The i7 is the same design chip as the i5, just clocked faster and with a bit more cache RAM. Better to invest the money in more RAM or a bigger SSD.

 

[redheeler]

I'd say it mainly comes down to screen size, either one would work fine for light usage (Office, web browsing/email, iTunes, etc.) and there wouldn't be much of a difference for those tasks.

If you're fine with a 13" screen then get that.

 

[Meister]

I'd say it mainly comes down to screen size, either one would work fine for light usage (Office, web browsing/email, iTunes, etc.) and there wouldn't be much of a difference for those tasks.

I second that. Any macbook in 2015 works equally fine for Office.

 

[TLmac]

Thank you for all your help guys!

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Without knowing your use case

..... we are just assuming that it is mainly office apps, web browsing and media consumption. In which case a chromebook would do what you want with little hassle so I'd say go with the 13 inch especially as you like the screen size.

One note of warning if you plan on using chrome as your web browser it is a bit of a pig on OSX but if you aren't doing much else at the same time it'll be fine...

 

[TLmac]

I will be doing Office documents word and excel (work)

Pictures, videos, web browsing, music, email (basically the basics but I am over Windows PC's and have been advised a Mac will last longer without the same amount of issues.

I have been advised on here before about a Chromebook...Haven't really looked into them yet to compare.

I need a reliable computer that isn't going to have as many issues I've had with Windows.

If I did the Mac, what browser do you advise? Currently I am using Chrome as a browser.

 

[redheeler]

If I did the Mac, what browser do you advise? Currently I am using Chrome as a browser.

Safari.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

What redheeler said

Safari.

Safari is apples browser and optimised for their software, Many people still use chrome and it'll work ok but add in a flash video, 20 pages open and a couple of apps in the background and it's rampant CPU usage may be an issue...

i would recommend you experiment with safai, chrome and firefox and settle on what is best for you..

 

[TLmac]

Thanks for the Safari reminder....DUH..I should have known that as I have an Iphone 5...but I wasn't thinking of that as I was thinking browser on my computer, not phone!

 

[cbautis2]

I will be doing Office documents word and excel (work)

Pictures, videos, web browsing, music, email (basically the basics but I am over Windows PC's and have been advised a Mac will last longer without the same amount of issues.

I have been advised on here before about a Chromebook...Haven't really looked into them yet to compare.

I need a reliable computer that isn't going to have as many issues I've had with Windows.

If I did the Mac, what browser do you advise? Currently I am using Chrome as a browser.

You might miss the features that are exclusive for Chrome though. I still use Chrome but when doing a lot of research stuff, I use Safari as it uses less RAM for each tab and allows my other apps to work without lag.

 

[OS X Dude]

Not worth it for the CPU alone as the i7 is only about 5-6% faster. You'd never notice the difference.

The i7 is the same design chip as the i5, just clocked faster and with a bit more cache RAM. Better to invest the money in more RAM or a bigger SSD.

Well, the i7 proper is a true quad-core processor whereas the i5 series is dual-core. Non-issue in the 13", as both are dual-core processors.

 

[MagicBoy]

Well, the i7 proper is a true quad-core processor whereas the i5 series is dual-core. Non-issue in the 13", as both are dual-core processors.

Both are i7s, Intel don't differentiate in the branding. I find it's a common misconception that i7 always equals quad core.

 

[technosix]

Not worth it for the CPU alone as the i7 is only about 5-6% faster. You'd never notice the difference.

The i7 is the same design chip as the i5, just clocked faster and with a bit more cache RAM. Better to invest the money in more RAM or a bigger SSD.

This is excellent advice above.

Simply because I do scientific work via very resource intense software, requiring as much power and speed as possible I use a new 15" MBPr i7 chock full of ram.

Some of my fellow engineers at work doing less demanding yet still very complex tasks are using i5 powered MBPr's with great results. Apple has created a very good laptop that will serve you very well.