Question:
Difference betwen 0.2GHz in Pentium-M worth cost?
I will most likely be buying a 1.6 or 1.8GHz Pentium-M, as those seem to be the only speeds I can afford right now. Certain models, such as the Fujitsu lifebook S-series start at 1.6 or 1.5. The upgrade to 0.2GHz more is $150. I was wondering if upgrading this much is worth it? I know the P-M is more efficient than the P-4 in desktops, so is this 0.2GHz increase more like 0.3-0.4 GHz in a P-4?
I will be using the laptop for office apps, web browsing, AIM, winamp, and most of the time simultaneously. I take lots of digital photos and store them, but hardly ever edit them. I want good battery life, but I can't imagine 0.2GHz having a large affect on that...or am I wrong?
Thanks
Answer:
first of all, as you stated .2 GHZ wont effect the runtime.
most of the times i use my device in the max power saving mode, and in this mode the device runs 200 mHz. the performance in this mode is enough for office apps, web browsing etc.
i only use medium power mode (400-600 mHz) when i am running visual studio .net, and windowsCE emulator. (while running winamp background)
you can imagine that these two applications are realy "heavy" applications but still i never need to run the device in full performance mode.
i hope you got what i am trying to say, eighter one you get, you'll run the device very slower than the max speed. so get slower cpu, and with 150$ buy a faster HDD or more RAM or extended battery or something which you will notice the difference in usage or performance.
Answer:
Hi there!
The 1.6GHz and 1.8GHz Pentium M's are identical in all other respects: 400MHz FSB, 2MB L2 Cache, and 90nm technology. I have used the 1.6GHz (Penitum M 725) for a while, mostly for office apps, browsing, e-mail, music, and some coding, and I found the 1.6GHz sufficient.
From what I've learnt in my Digital Computer Design class:
1- A 0.2GHz increase may not always be utilized to it's full potential, and clock speed is certainly not the most important factor deciding the speed of the system. In fact, I've had success running Windows .NET Server RC1 on a 333MHz Cyrix M-II processor desktop with 192MB RAM in the past :-).
2- Increased clock frequncy usually means higher power consumption.
The Pentium M's are more efficient than P-4 since they operate at a variable frequency rate and also use different techniques by design to give equivalent performance at lower clock speeds.
Hope thsi helps.
Answer:
Just one more thought to say no, I don't think it's worth it if budget is a conern. They will both perform very well, well enough to meet your needs. If money were not an object I'd say go for it...well, just because. [:D]
Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com