I am looking at possibly purchasing a newer laptop that I can do some of my rough timeline cuts on so I can be out maybe watching my kids play or something like that instead of in my office editing. I was wondering which of the new Intel processors are adequate to get normal timeline playback of a single layer or more with Canon 7D files converted to medium quality in Neoscene.

I have seen lots of deals on the i3 processor, but I don't know if that's going to have the horsepower to do what I need. Are i5's even capable? Or is the i7 mobile the only way to go? Any advice on specs to look for in a new laptop while keeping cost in consideration?

Thanks!

Medium is not necessary to enhance spped, and the speed is not greatly impacted by the quality setting in NeoScene. All the new Intel processors are fine. Go with a quad core if it in your budget, or a faster dual core.

So in a normal workflow converting 7D files to Cineform codec, what setting is optimal then? I thought medium was.

It is subjective, you choose the level that look right for you.