From Pentiums unipolar high-end Core 2 quad-core, here's what you need to know about the CPU. The central processing unit, or CPU is the brain of your laptop. It is the component that performs the complex calculations that allow you to launch a web browser to play songs in iTunes, and run your operating system. Processors come in three varieties: single-core, dual-core and quad-core. Here are the things you need to consider when evaluating the CPU of a laptop.
clockspeed
All processors are assigned a clock speed megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz), but the -ci is much more common in modern computers. Generally, the higher the clock speed, the best performance you will see.
Number of cores
single-core processors use, as its name suggests, a single CPU. Dual-core is the next step, combining two independent processors on one physical chipset to provide a more powerful processing power. Quad-core, the king of power supply, ups the ante by combining four processors in one package. manufacturers of portable computers, however, place these CPUs and different processor marks which live inside of each class, in classes laptops very specific depending on the need for output power and the battery life of the machine.
processors for Netbooks
Designed for netbooks and nettops, the Intel Atom processor is designed for very light computing, such as web browsing, check email and instant messaging. The Atom is currently available in 800 MHz to 2.0 GHz varieties, but we recommend avoiding anything below 1.6 GHz, or you'll get gray hair waiting,
Although rare compared with Intel, Via Nano CPU is also a good choice. It comes in a range wider than clock speed (1.0 GHz to 1.8 GHz), and we found anything above 1.3 GHz to be acceptable.
In addition, 1.6GHz AMD Athlon Neo CPU is also available in ultra-thin laptops. Neo's performance is good, but the battery life is not as strong as what you will get from an Intel chip.
Ultrathin Notebooks
The new ultra class, low COST PC are powered by ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) Intel platform. This class processors include processors from Celeron, Core 2 Solo and Pentium brand. The chipsets specialize in providing long battery life; the ULV powered Acer Aspire Timeline 3810T (6415) lasted more than 8 hours on our LAPTOP Battery Test. These processors have the clock speeds of 800 MHz to 1.4 GHz.
If you need more performance, consider a business ultraportable with a low voltage Core 2 Duo processor, the Toshiba Portégé R600 as-ST520W or Lenovo ThinkPad X301. Just expect to pay a hefty premium.
Mainstream Notebooks
If you want a notebook with more processing power, mainstream notebooks are the way to go because they feature the top members range of Core 2 Duo family of Intel. Although you will not find notebooks with slim body of a ULV-powered machine, you will still be able to play games and soak in the creation of multimedia content. You might even be able to get a system with long battery life.
Whatever mobile consumer you get, you will need a Mac or PC running at 2.0 GHz. If additional processing punch is high on your list, however, we suggest a minimum clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
Laptop hunters on a budget may want to check out the offers from AMD (Athlon, Sempron and Turion), which are generally cheaper than their Intel counterparts. Pentium dual-core Intel is also acceptable for budget buyers.
Replacements Office
If you are a hardcore gamer or someone who makes a lot of demanding work (CAD, professional graphic design, video editing, etc.) and cares more performance than portability, settle for nothing less than a great laptop with an Intel Core 2 Quad CPU. Such a system will probably have a range of less than 2 hours, weigh more than 8 pounds and cost more than $ 1,500. However, if speed is your priority, the tradeoffs are worth it
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Jeffrey L. Wilson. | Laptopmag
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