5 Reasons why I went with i3 base model...

[Sammy Cat]

1. I plan to sell it in 2 years
It will retain its value better than other models

2. $300 more is not worth 500gb, additional 256mb vram, & +.2 cpu increase
I can store files online or burn onto DVD. I can buy a PS3 to watch Blu-Ray

3. i5 quad will not be easy to sell and will lose value faster in 2 years
Right now, it can hardly hold the jock of the dual cores, unlike big brother i7

4. 21.5" screen results in less heat focused on my head
No need for opening two browsers side by side and then sitting cock-eyed

5. It's not for me
Its for my lady so she can play flash games, surf the web, and video chat

 

[GoCubsGo]

#5 is all that matters. What is right for you. Enjoy your new machine.

 

[dagomike]

The relative merits vs the rest of the current line may be debatable, but that i3 w/ discreet graphics is a sure nice upgrade over the previous low-end.