Which lap top is better for mathematical modelling?

[YoungUser]

I am plannning to purchase a Mac Book Pro and there is a noticeable priced dfifference between the Core i5 Mac Book Pro versus the Core i7 version (2.5GHz vs 2.8Ghz) with about a $350 difference. I plan to use it only for general email, microsoft applications, Mathlab, Labview applications. Which would you recommend and why? I am just trying to understand if I should pay that difference or use that $$ and upgrade my DRAM instead. Thanks in advance.

 

[WR2]

Hello YoungUser;

Both versions will run your software fine (and fast).
IMO $350 for a .3Ghz speed bump is not a good use of your funds.

How much RAM is included and what would the upgrades cost?

 

[YoungUser]

Currently, the $350 difference is based on the following tech specs:
Mac BookPro Core i7
2.8 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i7 Processor
4 GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM
750GB 5400rpm Hard Drive; 8x DVD/CD SuperDrive

MacBook Pro Core i5
2.4 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 Processor
4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM
500 GB Hard Drive, 8x DVD/CD SuperDrive

As you can see, the only difference is the Core specification and the additional 250GB SATA HD (750GB SATA HD vs 500GB SATA HD).

What do you recommend?

 

[YoungUser]

Hello YoungUser;

Both versions will run your software fine (and fast).
IMO $350 for a .3Ghz speed bump is not a good use of your funds.

How much RAM is included and what would the upgrades cost?

WR2,
Currently, the $350 difference is based on the following tech specs:
Mac BookPro Core i7
2.8 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i7 Processor
4 GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM
750GB 5400rpm Hard Drive; 8x DVD/CD SuperDrive

MacBook Pro Core i5
2.4 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 Processor
4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM
500 GB Hard Drive, 8x DVD/CD SuperDrive

As you can see, the only difference is the Core specification and the additional 250GB SATA HD (750GB SATA HD vs 500GB SATA HD).

What do you recommend? $200 will probaboy buy me additional 4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM making that a 8GB instead of 4GB

 

[WR2]

I hate to see you pay $200 for 8GB of RAM when it's true cost is more like $40

 

[WR2]

G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Laptop Memory $40

My suggestion would get the laptop with 4GB of RAM and -maybe- consider upgrading it yourself at a later time. It's much more of a luxury than a necessity.
All your programs will run fine with 4GB of RAM.

 

[YoungUser]

Thanks WR2. You've been a great help!!

 

[YoungUser]

Best answer selected by YoungUser.