3.2GHz Dual Core or 2.8GHZ Quad?

I'm trying to figure out what machine is best for me to get. I dont game, I just usually have about 20+ browser tabs open, zone alarm, trillian, skype, and i talk on aim, browse websites and work on my website. i just want something extremely responsive. i run a virtual machine (running win XP here and there too, to run programs that i dont trust opening)

do i go with the dual core or quad core? i keep getting mixed reviews. please backup your answer. thank you very much

Personal preference: I'd go with the quad core if you're going to be running virtual machines. In my experience it helps with the host machine not getting bogged down as much while the VM is up and running.

eh virtual machines is prolly only couple times a week tho versus the hours on end i use the pc each day, still think sdo? thank you.

You'll be glad to have those extra 2 cores when you need them.

rvbfan said:

You'll be glad to have those extra 2 cores when you need them.

Build the Quad and overclock it past that 3.2 GHz - easily

I too concur with the Quad...

If you are only running one VM at a time, and don't plan to use more, I'd probably go with whatever is cheaper.