EggXpert

what u guys think is it worth the 700 dollar bump in price for core i7 labtop 550 vs 1300

it really depends on what you plan to do with the system.. if you just use it for web browsing and daily use with a little light gaming.. then no the core 2 duo is a far better choice..

 the only reason to go with the i7 is if you do video encoding/editing on the fly or really heavy gaming.. other then that the i7 in a laptop is completely useless..

just wondering if the c2d is outdated really

It's not outdated.. Laptops always lag a generation behind.. You're not getting a desktop, you're getting a laptop..  And the C2D is definitely not outdated when it comes to laptops..  I saw your other thread, on such a limited budget you should definitely go with a C2D and if you can scrounge up so more cash, put it towards a laptop with a graphics chip and / or Blu-Ray player and / or extended warranties.

Just echoing what Sidicas said...I've got a core 2 duo in my laptop, and it performs remarkably well. Would I like to have an i7? yes, absolutely. But right now, with what I do (gaming, web and office-type work, no heavy video encoding) it's not worth the price bump.

Yes I have to agree with you guys. Intel Core 2 duo is still very good, although Core i7 does better.  C2D enjoys performance/price ratio. maybe 2 years later, it will be outdated.