[Solved] GPU and Quad vs Dual CPU for mobile gaming

Hello, I am looking at buying an HP Envy for use as my primary computer. Aside from the usual Word/TV/Internet use, which is completely fine on my current laptop, I'd like to do some gaming. Right now, I want to play Mass Effect 2 on top settings, but I'd like to future proof myself for 2-3 years. I have two connected questions:

1. dual vs quad
2. importance of CPU with good GPU

I like the Hp Envy line, so I'm sticking with them I think. I can get the quad i7-720 or 740 option in the Envy 17 or the dual i5 560m for maybe $100 cheaper. I'm under the impression that now most games don't use the quad function yet, but what about in 1 or 2 years? How important is the i7 in gaming performance? I've heard that with only 1 or 2 cores going, the i5 goes at a higher clock. The Envy 17 comes with the ATI HD5850.

If I opt for the Envy 14 or 15, the GPU gets dropped to the HD5650 or the HD5830. Will this make a noticeable difference?

Price isn't really the limiting factor here, but I want to get what I pay for.

Thanks!

If you are a hardcore gamer then get a Quad Core. During the next year or two more "higher end" games will utilize more than 2 cores. Are there any going to any properly coded or ported games that will use more than 3 core? I don't know...

some already use 4 cores: Final Fantasy XIV has a 4-core Athlon II as a minimum. GTA IV uses 4 cores as well.

Best answer selected by buggaby.