Laptop/Dual Processor info

[cougarfreak]

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=169464

I'm thinking about the above laptop, but have a question for all the computer gurus on the board. What's up with this dual core processor thing? Is the 1.7 ghz dual as good as a 3.4 single, and it'll just split up when it's multitasking?? and how does the above look on specs?? I use mine for text sims, watching dvd's, power points to teach my class at school, etc. I'm thinking with the 220 gb dual hard drive, this essientially will replace my desktop as my main computer. Is it powerful enough for that?

[CraigSca]

It's my understanding that it's hard to go by pure gHz these days. Apparently the processors are so well made that they can perform multiple functions per cycle, so a straight 2 to 1 ratio in dual core vs single doesn't really apply. Go dual core!

[lordscarlet]

And, to be a tickler, I believe it's "duocore". I'm sure you can find some reviews out there that show actual performance numbers.

[Klinglerware]

I've read that the performance difference between the core duo and the core 2 duo processor at the same gHz is actual rather minimal. I researched this because I got mad that I jumped the gun and bought a core duo laptop, when if I only had waited a month I could have gotten a core 2 duo.

The bottom line of some of the performance reviews was that the core 2 duo of course had a slight performance advantage over the core duo, but it was minimal--certainly not anything to lose sleep over. Also, the core 2 was slightly more power intensive for some reason, but I've also heard that the net effect on battery life is a wash, because while the core 2 duo requires slightly more juice than the core duo, it processes at a slightly higher rate mitigating power consumption.

In the end, unless you are doing professional video editing or encoding, I don't think most people will notice much of a difference between the two dual core options. For most people who just do e-mail and surf the web and stuff like that probably won't notice the difference between the single and duo, but of course since the duo is now widely available, it probably just makes sense to get the duo.

[cougarfreak]

Well.............my wife knew I wanted it, and went and got it for me today as an early birthday present. It's a bad, bad boy compared to my old laptop.

[MizzouRah]

Actually, the Core 2 duo is noticeably better for 3D gaming than the Core duo, but that's about it.

I waited and purchased a Core 2 duo pc, but you'll see Quad Core processors at some point.

I would DEFINITLY get a Core duo or Core 2 duo processor over a single core though.

Looks like you did ok cougarfreak! (well, except for buying a Toshiba)

[cougarfreak]

Actually, the Core 2 duo is noticeably better for 3D gaming than the Core duo, but that's about it.

I waited and purchased a Core 2 duo pc, but you'll see Quad Core processors at some point.

I would DEFINITLY get a Core duo or Core 2 duo processor over a single core though.

Looks like you did ok cougarfreak! (well, except for buying a Toshiba)

ehhhhhhhhh i had a low end toshiba for 15 months, and had zero problems with it. That's why I decided to stick with them. I'm sure mileage varies with each brand for different users.

[MizzouRah]

ehhhhhhhhh i had a low end toshiba for 15 months, and had zero problems with it. That's why I decided to stick with them. I'm sure mileage varies with each brand for different users.

When I first started out in the IT/Technical field like 12 years ago, a company we provided tech services for had Toshiba satellite laptops and we replaced 100's of system boards due to a manufacturing flaw. Funny thing was they were out of warranty and we charged like $250 a pop to fix them. Talk about a cash crop.

Haven't messed with one since.. and you're right about mainstream pc's, YMMV. If you're happy, that's all that matters. ;)