Getting Things Done: Intel® Core™ i5 Review and More Chances to Win $250

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Intel.

Disclosure: Some weeks ago, BlogHer and Intel offered the opportunity to review the new Intel® Core™ i5 processor, wrapped up inside a new laptop and a really cool Intel® Wireless Display (a.k.a. WiDi) that I would get to keep. Read on for my review.

 
I like lists. Lists are an easy way to organize items or ideas, you can easily check things off as they get done (or don’t apply anymore), and they make things look doable. But an entire home inventory that takes weeks and weeks to complete? That’s a list of epic proportions. And I don’t like things when they break the “everything in moderation” rule. Unless they’re covered in chocolate. Or wrapped in bacon.

 
We’ve been using the new laptop sent to me by BlogHer and Intel®, which was outfitted with the new Intel® Core™ i5 processor, Intel® Wireless Display (a.k.a. WiDi), and a Netgear Push2TV adapter. It’s been working great for us. Not only have we been using it to work on our home inventory, but Tom and I also use it to organize documents and keep track of important papers, which is a big leap from our former method.

 
 
Tim also uses it for school, to listen to performances, and do all his schoolwork.

 
 
The laptop powers up promptly, and shut down is just as speedy. So far, it’s handled a lot of what we’ve thrown at it. Multiple browsers, streaming music, and flash videos open all at the same time, without any noticeable performance hit. The new processors are equipped with Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology², which makes multitasking much easier and smarter by allowing each core of the processor to work on two tasks at the same time. Then there’s Intel® Turbo Boost Technology¹, which means the processor automatically responds when you need more power and quickly dials up extra speed and performance. You may not notice the boost, but what’s noticeable is what isn’t there: the expected drop in speed when you start demanding more of your machine.

 
I’m a nerd who gets all tingly about techie things like that.

 
Whether it’s jumping from page to page, loading catalog pages with up to 100 items per page, or downloading huge files and watching high definition streaming videos while waiting, the new processor hasn’t failed to deliver. 

 
 
Even Tim has played around with the webcam feature, recording a few bars of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California” to test it out. 

 
(Me, I was just there to enjoy the guitar playing.)

 
 
The Intel® Wireless Display adapter was a breeze to set up, and we’ve been putting it to work too. The technology is available in computers featuring a smart Intel® Core™ processor, Intel® Wireless Display combined with an adapter that you simply connect to your HDTV’s HDMI port. All you have to do is activate the feature, set your HDTV to HDMI input, and just like that, your laptop screen is duplicated on your television.

 
Now, this is cool for us for several reasons. For one, there’s no more need to huddle around the small laptop screen when we’re working on something that needs our collective input. Like that all-consuming inventory. With just one click, now all of us can sit on the couch and look at the same screen. No more “here, let me scoot over so you can look at this more closely.” When you find yourself having to do that for every other line item, getting rid of all the “scoot over” instances can be a real timesaver.

 
It also works wonderfully for examining house plans. Ever tried looking at that fine print on a small screen, squinting a few inches away from the monitor? It’s hard on the eyes. Back. And it makes me increasingly vulnerable to sneak tickle attacks from behind. 

 
 
Our verdict? The new Intel® Core™ i5 processor definitely fills our need for robust performance while multiple applications are open and running, and the ability to wirelessly project the laptop screen on our (okay, the furniture rental company’s) HDTV with Intel® Wireless Display has been both a timesaver and an eyesaver. We have, indeed, been able to do more, faster. My only complaint is that this processor refuses to complete the home inventory for me. I’ve asked it multiple times, begged, cajoled, bribed with butter cookies and WD40. But alas, it refuses to budge. Said something about building character and what-not. 

 
Smartypants.

¹Intel® Turbo Boost Technology requires a system with Intel Turbo Boost Technology capability. Consult your PC manufacturer. Performance varies depending on hardware, software, and system configuration. For more information, visit www.intel.com/technology/turboboost/.

²Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) requires an Intel HT Technology enabled system, check with your PC manufacturer. Performance will vary depending on the specific hardware and software used. Not available on Intel® Core™ i5-750. For more information including details on which processors support HT Technology, visit www.intel.com/info/hyperthreading/.

³Gotcha! There wasn’t a #3. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention.