Maximum PC

I didn't put this in the "help me build/buy" forum only because I'm not really looking for a laptop now. I did wonder about the new Core i processors for the newer laptops.

What processors from the i3/i5/i7 series compare to the dual core T and P series laptops? (i.e.: P8600, T9550). Are all i7 > i5 > i3 or does the highest i3 processor beat the lowest i5 processor?

Any method to the madness would be appreciated.

The disparity between Core ix laptops and Core 2 laptops is even bigger then the difference between the desktop counterparts, because Core ix laptop CPUs have even more aggressive turbo modes. For the most part, any non-CULV Core i3 and above will beat out any Core 2 from P8700 and lower. Core ix CPUs are simply so much more efficient. For example, though the Core i7 720QM is technically only 1.6Ghz, it can overclock two of its cores all the way up to 2.8Ghz. Couple that with the higher efficiency of the Core i7, and it destroys any Core 2 at anything.

Not to mention that they come with hyper-threading.

With regards to the turbo mode:

I believe that the i3 does not feature hyper threading or something, but the i5 has it? Would the performance difference between an i3 or i5 be worth the higher price? I'm still trying to find benchmarks around the web of similar configured systems.

i3's have HT, but not turbo mode. I5's have both. I don't think the price difference is worth it really. The i3's should already be quite fast and that's the only difference between the two CPUs.

Desktop i3 have HT, mobile ones don't. Just from specs, the highest Mobile i3 is about neck-to-neck with the lowest i5 except for the lack of HT. Also i seems the mobile i3 lack turbo boost. Honestly, the i3 mobiles are the low-end. Invest in an i5 and reap all its features.

my bad, you're right. Mobile i3's don't have HT (that's crappy!). In that case, I'd say an i5 is worth the extra money.

It doesn't have HT or TurboBoost. The i3 are the low, low end of the i series. The highest clocked i3 is the same as the lowest i5 but lacking the said features.

Which is very good for laptops. i3's are great for lapdogs, and if a job calls for a mobile i5 or greater, it needs stated. I'll take battery life over thinking I need to do 3D CAD only on a laptop. You can view stuff just fine on an i3, but render them at work.

But if it's just mobility, you don't need more than an i3. i3's are basically desktop Conroes with video duties. And you can still ask for i3 laptops with external video controllers and switch them on and off as needed. Brilliant!

i5 or more if this is your only computer...but only if this is the case.