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General discussion

Intel 2nd Gen Sandy Bridge i5, i7 question

Jan 8, 2011 3:07PM PST

I am waiting to get a new laptop until they come with the 2nd generation intel processor chips known as Sandy Bridge. I saw that the quad cores are being released this month and the dual cores are being released next month. For a laptop, I don't understand what quad core means compared to dual core. I love my Sony Vaio and want another one with the 2nd gen processor. I don't know when they'll be out, but when they are, which should I get so the computer will last me 3 years? I want the computer to have a big brain to multitask well. Which one should I get? Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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(NT) If you're really multi-tasking, I recommend QUADCORE !
Jan 8, 2011 10:32PM PST
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You get what you want!
Jan 9, 2011 5:37AM PST

Since you can wait for the new versions, just give it a few months for the models to arrive.

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I can't wait!
Jan 9, 2011 3:26PM PST

It's soo difficult to wait!! I live in Las Vegas and the CES ended today and I want a 2nd gen processor now! My computer has been a workhorse since 2007 and it needs a rest. I definitely want one that won't run out of hard disk space. This one only has 141 GB and it's full. I've backed it up to a separate drive, but I can't bring myself to clear this one since I constantly use and refer to stuff I've saved.

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Re: can't wait
Jan 9, 2011 5:21PM PST

If you can't wait and they aren't there yet, buy one with another (older) CPU, but be sure it's compatible with the newer one. Than you can easily (although it's more difficult on a laptop than on a desktop) change the processor once it comes available.

A new processor, however, won't be cheap. The choice is up to you:
1. Continue with the older, non Sandy Bridge i3 or i5 or i7 for a few years
2. Wait a few months until you can buy a new laptop with Sandy Bridge processor
3. Buy now, update later, pay double.

Kees

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Hmmm...Newegg has has Sandy Bridge CPUs and over 30 socket
Jan 10, 2011 9:10AM PST