This is what I use for programming.

[Link: rog.asus.com]

The thing is big and heavy, but you cant ever have too much screen resolution. The most important thing for me is getting the job done. I like to be able to see 4 symbols open at a time in simple along with my program tree, and the symbol library. I like to build an X pannel in VT pro without having to scroll around on the screen. Just because your laptopp has a large screen doesnt meen that you have a high resolution screen.

I make my money programming, I use what helps me get my job done fast. I also connect a samsung 32" 1080p monitor t the laptop via HDMI as a second monitor. I run the VT program on the laptop and them simpl program on the 32". Having the i7 may not help the fact that simpl is single threaded program, but I also have multiple other programs running at the same time. I know you do to. Just look to the bottom right of your screen and see what isrunning in the background. All of those things use processing cycles, so the Multi core processors will appear faster.

Last but not least, if you dont want to complie for 20 to 30 minutes, learn Simpl. your compile time will be less than a minute. I tell everyone this because of the compile times but also because you can have so much more of a custom system. If you build the same type of systems often enough with similar pieces you should be able to cut your programming time down to next to nothing.

I will also agree that SSD is the easiest way to see an improvement in speed when using Crestron software. Since moving Simpl to an SSD, start up time wint from 39 seconds to 18 seconds. Thats twice as fast!