What is the difference in processor power?

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I am having trouble deciding what processor to use. I am looking for a laptop, but am looking for the most powerful processor.

I have found an intel pentium 4 (3.6 ghz) or an intel pentium M (2.0ghz). Please could someone explain which of these is more powerful, i also want to know which one is faster?

Thnakyou .

[khana]

The Pentium 4 processor is designed for use in a normal size PC where power requirements as well as cooling is not really an issue. As such, it can be clocked as fast as possble which takes up loads of power and generates a lot of heat.
The Pentium M processor was designed for use in laptops and is extremely efficient even though it runs at a lower speed. it is designed diferently to a Pentium 4 though so a direct comparison of the clock speed is not accurate for comparision purposed (much like AMD processors versues Intel ones).
You mention you are purchasing a laptop, for me, your best bet is to go straight for the Pentium M, its extremely powerful and I would say compares very well to the Pentium 4.
Pentium M processors are also being used in desktop machines due to the benefits I have outlined and when the fan on your laptop ramps up to keep the computer cool then you will be pleased you went for the Pentium M.
As mentioned above, also look at the amount of memory on your laptop (512MB should be the very minimum, 1GB even better). Also the graphics chipset has a baring on speed, assuming you want to play games on it, other wise discard the graphics chipset as unimportant.

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thanks that was helpful :o)