[hansel22]

I'm comparing the 2 and it looks like the i7 with turbo boost out performs the q9000 even though the 9000 has a higher clock speed. But I believe the q9000 should last a  longer, it runs cooler. I'm not a gamer, but I do some video editing.I want this new comp to last/stay fairly current for a few years. Whats your thoughts Dimi or anyone else?

[Ðimi]

Intel® Core™2 Quad Mobile Processor Q9000 ($348)
2Ghz with 6 Mb L2 Cache and a FSB of 1066Mhz

Then we have the core i7 mobile processor:

Intel® Core™ i7 Mobile Processor i7 720QM($364)
1.6Ghz on all four cores or 2.8Ghz for single threaded apps
6MB L2 Cache
Capable of hyperthreading as well, for a total of 8 logical cores
Has a execute disable bit
Doesn't have a Front Side Bus, instead uses DMI (Direct Media Interface) and runs at 2.5 GT/s (Gigatransfers per second) and the old FSB is going out the door and outdated as we speak...

My Opinion:The Core i7 is a new chip with the newest technology. It uses faster memory (DDR 1333) and has massive memory bandwidth through the Direct Media Interface. They're about the same prices so I'd go for the i7 for sure.

The i7 will smoke the Q9000 in video editing even with a lower clock speed, and especially if your application is single-threaded, then the i7 will blow that Q9000 away.

The i7 also supports more RAM, a total of 8GB of DDR31033(Dual Channel) so upgrades are a possibility.

Intel Comparison Chart:
http://ark.intel.com/Compare.aspx?ids=40480,43122,

[hansel22]

Thanks for the info and your time Dimi.

[Ðimi]

Glad to help. Which did you decide to go for?

[kros]

i7 is looking really nice indeed.

[Ðimi]

hell yeah it's looking good. Especially the price point in this situation.

[hansel22]

Looks like I will go with the i7. Iwas worried about the heat, but I found this.

And, if you’re expecting all this power to turn your notebook into a mobile fireball, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Our test sample was a modestly-proportioned 16in laptop, and with just a single vent at its side the i7-820QM idled at about 37 degrees centigrade, only hitting 77 degrees once the CPU was working flat out. Compare that to the 2GHz Core 2 Quad Q9000 in the recently reviewed Asus G71GX gaming beast, which idles at 50 degrees and peaks at 75 degrees, and the Core i7’s efficiency shines through.

[Ðimi]

Good choice

[hansel22]

One important thing, battery life. http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Core-i7-laptop-workstation-Eurocom,7188.html
This probably won't stop me, I only get about 40 minutes with my current tired old laptop.

[Ðimi]

The i7 should clock itself down quite a lot to save power when using "balanced" instead of "performance" mode...

Not only that, but the Eurocom system that you mentioned in the link is a "workstation" class system with three hard drives, and...most likely a super damn good video card capable of eating batteries for breakfast too.

[hansel22]

This seems to be the the best value around in a brick and mortar store. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pavilion+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i7+Processor/9556312.p?id=1218123847836&skuId=9556312&st=hp%20i7&cp=1&lp=2

[Ðimi]

Sorry for the late reply, but yeah, that's a decent system for the money, especially as far as laptops go