[Snow-i]

Okay so I need a new workhorse for the business. I've been eyeing the iMacs for a while and given the month we've been having - i think its possible to scoop up one of the new ones. I'll keep this alu macbook for mobile purposes.

Now the question remains....27 inch i3 dual or i7 quad, (i'm not opposed to the i5 either)? The duals seem to be faster per core - even with turboboost for the quads, but I'm not sure which is the better value in the long run....this computer will be around for awhile and even if it needs to be sold - looking for the best resale.

Uses:

-Filemaker Pro 11
-Mail, Web, Quicken, VMware Fusion (running XP, or possibly 7) for some industry specific CAD and design programs, and testing environment for FileMaker.


Not real demanding I know, except for Fusion. I guess my question is, which processor gives me the best performance to cost? And how much better is the video card in the higher end model? I'll probably end up with 8 gigs of Ram aftermarket either way, so that isn't really a consideration.


Thoughts?

[mduell]

The i7 with 4 cores running can turbo to the same clockrate as the i3.

I doubt there's much difference between the 5670 and the 5750. Apple doesn't post figures and they're generally cagey about what the actual configuration is.

I'd take 12GB (stock 2x2 + $260 2x4) and at least the i5 quad (which does 3.33Ghz on 2 cores).