The processor, or CPU (Central Processing Unit), is the heart and engine of the notebook. It contains millions of transistors that allow our machines to calculate and process all the data that we will see in form of different results, as text, image, video, applications, games, etc.

Basically, the notebook CPUs are similar to the desktop ones, but designed for way lower power consumption and temperature. There are cases, though, were the laptop makers included desktop CPUs in their models to get a positive performance hit. This would cause on normal basis, (and on the negative side), a drain for the battery duration and excess of temperature for the notebook itself, so from NotebookDeluxe we do not recommend this option unless certain requirements are met for the notebook (specially high performance).

In the actual days* there are two major CPU producers, being Intel and AMD, and while is not our policy to be sided with one team only, at the moment this guide is being written our choice would be Intel every day of the week. The reader must realize the fact that the notebook business is not the same than the desktop one, where AMD is fierce competitor and matching in quality with Intel in most of their products, while on the notebook area, AMD is just not as good as Intel in terms of performance and stability at the moment. If the budget is limited, though, is a viable option.

When the time comes to buy a new laptop, there are different factors we will want to consider regarding the CPU choice:

CPU Type – Nowadays the most common option would be the Intel Core2Duo, which is a dual-core unit, being the single core notebooks already considered a bit old even though some Pentium IV models still do really well if we do not consider the temperature factor. The Quad Core technology is still in its early steps and usually giving as result overheat and high power consumption rates, due to this we do not recommend it*. For the hardcore gamer we recommend the Core2Extreme, but the price makes it prohibitive for the budget-limited user.

CPU Speed – It is measured in Megahertz’s or Gigahertz’s (MHz or GHz [1 GHz = 1024 MHz]) and along with the RAM memory it’s going to be one of the most important factors that determine the general performance of your notebook.

CPU FSB – The FSB or Front Side Bus Speed will determine the speed at which the CPU communicates with the RAM memory and the motherboard chipset, greatly affecting its performance.

CPU Level 2 Cache – Defined as well as secondary cache, we can consider it like a quick access memory that acts as bridge between the CPU and the RAM memory, speeding up the overall processing.

Let’s take an overlook to the actual* Intel processor C2D features.

The L series are under clocked versions that still do really good on performance, while having low temperatures .

The T series are one of the most famous, good performances and decent temperatures make this series the best seller.

The U series is directed to the ultra portable market with extended battery life times.

And finally, the X series score the higher ranks on clock speed, and are by far the most expensive of the C2D models. Most of people don’t find the difference between the X series and the T series big enough to justify the difference of prices, but the purists think in a different way.

Computers manipulate electronic data according to a set of instructions called programs. It is this feature of computers that distinguishes them from calculators and makes them highly versatile. A computer program can include instructions that may vary from a few scores to a billion or even more. It may take years for a team of computer programmers to develop a program for an internet browser. The program may still contain some errors called bugs. Some of the earliest models of computers were as large as a room. Modern computers use integrated circuits (ICs) to perform their complex functions. These circuits have helped in developing compact and light weight variants of computers. Some modern day simple computers are small enough to be fitted into a wrist watch.

The one feature that distinguishes a computer from other machines is their ability to be programmed. It simply means that they can store a set of instructions in their memory and execute them later as per the user’s requirements. A computer’s central processing unit (CPU) directs its various components and establishes coordination in them. Technological advances have made it possible to develop portable computers. These portable computers are called laptops or notebook computers. These devices generally do not weigh more than 18 pounds or 8 kilograms. They usually sport a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a full QWERTY keyboard. Many variants of portable computers like personal digital assistants (PDAs) and internet tablets are also available in the markets.

The first true portable computer, titled GRiD Compass 1101 was developed by Bill Moggridge in 1980. Apple released Macintosh Portable in 1989. It was the company’s first computer which was powered by a battery. In 1994, IBM released its PowerPC notebook that ran on a UNIX based AIX operating system. Most present day portable computers feature a PC card, and a 30 cm active matrix display with a resolution of not less than 1024 x 768 pixels. The devices usually feature an integrated video and sound chip. Newest models of notebook computers use lithium polymer batteries which are more powerful than earlier lithium ion or nickel metal hydride batteries.

Leading manufacturers of computers like Sony, Toshiba and Acer have released several high performance laptops in the markets. VAIO is among the most successful models of Sony laptops. The word VAIO is an acronym for Video Audio Integrated Operation. The device sports Sony’s proprietary XBRITE display that provides about 1.5 times better brightness than traditional LCD displays. The device comes loaded with Windows Vista operating system. The AR series of the device was first to feature a Blu-ray disc burner. The device’s SZ series feature an Intel GMA 950 graphics chip that shows high resolution graphics.

Toshiba’s many models of notebook computers have registered good sales. Qosmio, Tecra and Portege are among the best selling models of Toshiba laptops. The Portege M400-1115E uses an Intel Core Duo T2400 processor. The device is equipped with 80 GB of hard disk drive and weighs 2.1 kg. It runs on a Windows XP Tablet Edition operating system. It sports a 12.1″ XGA display. The device has support for Bluetooth and WiFi connectivities and is available in titanium silver colour.

Acer’s Aspire series of notebooks have got wide acceptance among the users. The notebook is counted among the best selling Acer laptops. The device features a ‘Pebble’ design and is intended for use by general users. Aspire 4710 comes equipped with Gigabit LAN, 160 GB hard disk drive and 1 GB RAM. It operates on a LINUX platform. Manufacturers like Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Compaq and Lenovo have also rolled out some highly successful models of notebooks into the markets. Laptops have given new dimensions to computing. The devices have become a must have for many senior executives and professionals.