Consumer Reports
has been playing around with computers using Intel’s newest generation of Core i5 and i7 processors and has determined that they deliver the goods. After testing out several i5 or i7-based laptops, the popular buying guide found that the processors boosted performance for certain tasks by as much as 20%. Specifically, the tests showed that functions such as CD-to-MP3 ripping, video file conversion and photo uploads were all notably faster than on previous generations of the processor. CR said that there was no noticeable improvement for basic word processing and spreadsheet programs on the new processors since those programs “are already as fast as they need to be.” Included among the laptops recommended by CR that house the new processors are the HP Pavilion dv6-7014nr, the MSI GE60 0NC-006US and the Samsung NP700Z7C-S01US.
