What is the difference between Intel Core 2 Duo and Dual core processors apart from the Ghz speeds?
I a shopping for a laptop (browsing, mailing and MS Office applications are my usage) and found two different processors; but the price of the ones with Dual Core processors is quite competitive. What is it that one has to compromise in terms of performance and is it a worthwhile purchase to go for a laptop with the Dual Core while all the new models seems to be released with Core 2 Duo processor?
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You seem to have the terminology mixed up.
An "Intel Core 2 Duo" is a line of "Dual Core" processors. Core2Duo is Intel's most recent 2-core processor development, being first released in 2007.
A "Dual Core" processor is one that uses two cores to do the processing. There are many types including Core2Duo, CoreDuo, Pentium Dual-core, and Celeron Dual-core (and that's just Intel!). AMD also has Dual Core processors: Athlon x2 and Turion x2.
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Generally, when looking for a new laptop today, you want to aim for an Intel Core2Duo or an AMD Turion x2 - these are the most recent in Dual Core technology and most affordable and efficient notebook processors. Settle for no less. Anything older than that is worth reconsideration.
Generally, when listed, processors are described using Clock Speed (GHz), Cache Size (MB), FSB Speed (MHz). Of course, the higher the better. Most average laptops today use a 2.0GHz Dual Core processors with an L2 Cache of 2MB and an FSB of 800MHz. Aim no less than this. The higher these values, the better the performance. However, quad cores and higher speeds are also available; you must realize though that price goes up very quickly. As time goes on, more cores and faster speeds will be available.
The technology is different. I believe the dual-core technology are the last of Intel's NetBurst microarchitechture from the Pentium 4 family of processors, whereas with the recent Core 2 Duo has the Intel® Core⢠microarchitecture designed to provide powerful energy-efficient performance so you can do more at once without slowing down. In most cases with Intel, the newer generation processor is usually better than the previous. The link below perhaps may give you a little more information and answer your specific questions. Good luck.