Quote:
Originally Posted by ritik123 Pentium processors operate faster than celeron. Centrino is nothing but a brand name: a intel processor + intel specified wi fi cards.
you may also consider AMD processors. I just picked up a compaq v2424nr mainly for its looks and the turion processor. AMD's are much faster than pentiums and the turions are 64 bit processors unlike the intels which can only run 32 bit applications.
All next gen O/S, apps will be 64 bit, meaning they will not be able to run on a 32 bit machine.
go for atleast 512 mb of ram. 256 is way to less for todays applications. |
centrino is not just the package of processor+wi-fi It alsoincludes the chipset and intel speedstep technology(similar to amd powernow).
But Turion is newer, better performer,cheaper and more loaded option. Turion is not a technology but a processor(A amd athlon processor which draws less power). If not Turion then look at Centrino DUO which has already replaced centrino.
why you should choose Turion
1. 64-bit enabled. the new Xp proffessional is already 64-bit. The upcoming vista is in reality 64-bit with a 32-bit crippled version for the 32-bit cpu's.
2. 1600mhz FSB with hypertransport removes all the memory bottlenecks of a FSB like in centrino. The latest centrino duo is still stuck at 667MHZ
3. Cheaper to buy. A similarly speced Turion based notebook is much cheaper than the centrino notebook.
4. Lightweight and cooler. A Turion notebooks runs cooler and is lighter than the centrino counterpart(Not taking the ULV centrino and Pentium M's into comparision)
5. SSE3 multimedia extensions are absent in pentium M based notebooks.Helps in multimedia programs, video editing,encoding, playback, 3d applications and games.
6. Nothing beats AMD in games. I.e. if you get an AMD notebook with a respectable GPU.
7. Twice the L1 istructions cache memory than the centrino at 128kb. centrino has 64kb.
8. Intgrated onboard memory controller.
Drawbacks
1. Any Turion processor is stuck at 2.5-3.0 hours of battery life. IF you buy the most powerful Turion than it is infact an advantage. my amd athlon 4000+ socket 939 Desktop cpu is also stuck at 3.0 hours and has also gone once to give an amazing 5 hours of battery life.
. but still I will consider that a drawback. Centrino cpu's clock 3hours and above.
2. Not many chipset designs are available like in Intel. And the chipset designs that are available are not efficient enough. the best chipset to buy would be the ATI xpress 200 chipset.
3. L2 data cache memory is half of centrino's L2 cache which is 2mb.
4. Dual-channel mode not available. Helps in increasing performance but also saps power. Over recommended but Turions dont have dual channel.
5. Not all manufacturers have Turion notebooks. HP/Compaq, Acer and ASUS and Fujitsu are some reputed manufacturers. DEll,sony,TOshiba,IBM etc dont carry AMD.
6. Dual core AMD's still some time away.
7. ML CPu's consume more power at 35W. 25W MT's are rarely available.
Some myths about AMD I have heard in India
1. AMD based systems hang a lot.
2. AMD based systems heat up a lot. This was the AMD k6 architecture that has been a thing of the past.
3. AMD's are some locally made processors which are no match for intel.
4. AMD is in financial trouble hence a risky buy. AMD infact has higher profits year on year and has taken a large market share from intel. intel still remains the leader though.
Even if someone wants to go for Intel then the cpu to go for would be The yonah core centrino duo
1. Dual core pentium M''s.
2. based on 60nm architecture against 90nm Turion and centrino.
3. 667mhz FSB is faster than 533mhz centrino
4 THough priced higher they are pretty affordable.
5. SSE3 multimedia extensions included.
6. better power management than pentium M's.
7. 2X2mb Monsterous L2 cache memory.
drawbacks
1. YOnah's have been foud to have power leaks through USB's hence low battery life. Problem will be solved soon.
2. Still 32-bit
3. Performance gain is very slight and not really worth the price.
4. expensive for what you get.
5. Soon to be replaced by Merom 64-bit intel cpu's this summer.
6. Power consumption is now 31W instead of previous 27W.
Decide on the cpu first then the options would be clear. Dont go for a dedicated GPU as it affects battery life.
My preference would be to go for a Turion or else Centrino DUO.
Look for the acer aspire 5002Wlmi for basic computing. Its costing 800$CAD so it should be around 40K in India.
it doesnt have bluetooth but has dvd-riter,is good looking,lightweight at 2.8-3.0kgs. 2.5-3.0 hours battery life.