The P4 would have to be the HT model to gain any real edge over the Centino of similar clock rate. In my casual use of too many laptops, the general rule of thumb to compare P4 to Centrino is to multiply by 2 the Centrino clock rate to pick the matching P4 speed.
A few comments.
1. The CPU is only one piece of the performance puzzle. You could have the hottest P4 HT CPU, but saddle it with shared video RAM and a 4200 RPM hard disk and the other CPU with 5400/7200 RPM drive and dedicated video would zoom past it on some benchmarks.
2. This year will see more 64-bit announcements from Intel (maybe at CES?) with the EM64T addons. You may be looking over very stale CPUs.
Bob
buying a new laptop and confused about my options choosing a processor:
1. Pentium IV - Centrino
2. Pentium IV
3. AMD Athlon 64
a. I've been told the AMD Athlon 64 would be faster for the new operating systems of the future.
b. that Pentium IV - Centrino is specifically designed for light weight laptops running cooler -
c. that Pentium IV in laptops runs faster than the Centrino.
Any and all options are appreciated.
Thanks - Gene, Florida

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