Processor Comparison vs Celeron - Hardware

glsen_az@yahoo.com wrote:

> I'm looking at the differences of processors for laptops and there is
> such a large number of choices being presented, I really don't know
> the advantage of one over the other.
>
> I'm mostly certain that I want to stay away from the Celeron camp--I
> don't want shared video memory which is what I usually see associated
> with the Celeron; apparently for cost-saving measures.
>

It has nothing to do with the processor type... It has everything to do with
increasing the bottom line for the manufacturer/seller.

The only laptops that don't sport that particular hardware feature, are the
ones that have actual plug in mini video cards.

> What about the Centrino and Pentium M vs a Pentium 4 - what's up with
> that? I understand the Centrino is supposed to have laptop features
> built-in or enabled (wireless, power management, etc.) How does the
> Pentium M relate to the Centrino.
>

They work..

> Then there's the AMD processor camp. My current laptop (recently in a
> comatose, vegetative state) has an AMD K6-2 400Mhz processor. I don't
> plan on game playing on a future system, but video and audio playback
> are important.
>

They work...

> Any good sites you all have found in your wanderings that provide a
> reasonable comparison of processors with recommendations? I've done
> some googling and didn't come up with much. (Tom's Hardware rocks!)
>
> -*-Bill

Personally, I'd buy a compaq with a mobil athlon XP, lion batteries and stay
away from those wide lcd panels...

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Jerry,
Thanks for your responses. I appreciate the time you took to give me
your feedback.

Jerry McBride wrote:
> glsen_az@yahoo.com wrote:
>
>
>>I'm looking at the differences of processors for laptops and there is
>>such a large number of choices being presented, I really don't know
>>the advantage of one over the other.
>>
>>I'm mostly certain that I want to stay away from the Celeron camp--I
>>don't want shared video memory which is what I usually see associated
>>with the Celeron; apparently for cost-saving measures.
>>

> It has nothing to do with the processor type... It has everything to do with
> increasing the bottom line for the manufacturer/seller.

The fact of the matter is, when you see Celeron in a laptop, it is
usually on the low end of the manufacturer's offerings and usually has
the shared video. Your point is well taken...

> The only laptops that don't sport that particular hardware feature, are the
> ones that have actual plug in mini video cards.

Right - at the additional cost for the vendor who passes it along to us.
I'd rather go that route.

>
>>What about the Centrino and Pentium M vs a Pentium 4 - what's up with
>>that? I understand the Centrino is supposed to have laptop features
>>built-in or enabled (wireless, power management, etc.) How does the
>>Pentium M relate to the Centrino.
>>
> They work..

Right - I'm looking at any future laptop I purchase will have a Linux
distribution on it, possibly keeping the original OS and having a dual
boot. Right now, the Centrino isn't supported directly by any of the
Linux ditros--soon, tho...

>
> Personally, I'd buy a compaq with a mobil athlon XP, lion batteries and stay
> away from those wide lcd panels...

I'm thinking along the same lines. The Apple machines are quite sexy,
but I'm staying with PC hardware after being burned so many times by
Apple hardware.

Thanks again - much appreciated.

-*-Bill

"Bill M." wrote...
> >>What about the Centrino and Pentium M vs a Pentium 4 - what's up with
> >>that? I understand the Centrino is supposed to have laptop features
> >>built-in or enabled (wireless, power management, etc.) How does the
> >>Pentium M relate to the Centrino.

"Centrino" = Pentium M with integrated Intel wireless chipset. Pentium
M runs at a lower clockspeed, but more efficiently so it is comparable
to Pentium 4 in the same price range and other features. Pentium M
uses considerably less power and generate less heat, so battery life
is generally a lot longer.

Some makers use lower cost Pentium 4 desktop chips in laptops -
resulting in lower costs, but much lower batter life & considerable
heat. These are usually found in larger, desk-top replacement
machines, since heat and battery life are not a big deal if the user
generally has the machine on a desk and plugged into AC power.

The Pentium 4m falls in between the Pentium M and desktop Pentium 4,
but closer to the P4. It is a Pent 4 designed for laptop use,
generates a little less heat and is optimized for battery/mobile use.

Also, note that both Dothan and Banias (?) Pentium Ms are now
available in laptops. Don't remember off-hand which is which, but a
quick Google search will show you the difference.

One uses .13 micron manufacturing, the other uses .09 - the .09 will
produce even less heat, and be easier on the batteries.