Core Duo vs. Pentium M for a student laptop?

[hut49]

Assuming the notebook specs are similar (e.g. 1024MB RAM, 60GB HD, 15.4" WGXA screen, DVD +/-RW, MS Windows XP Home) and the use will be prominantly MS Office based applications together with Corel Paint Shop Pro and very occasional video editing) would there be a benefit in paying an extra 65 quid (price GBP605) for a Dell 6400 with a Duo Core T2500 processor compared to an Acer Aspire 1642 Intel Pentium M 735A 1.7GHz (price GBP540)?

[aldi]

Get the Dell with the Core! I've been very impressed by the few I've used so far. Faster and with better battery life. Plus I'd rather have a dell than an acer in general anyway. Pentium M = old and busted, Core Duo = new hotness.

[thepassenger]

If you'd said the price difference was more I'd have said to stick with the P4-M, they're pretty meaty (or can be). But for £65 extra you can't really go wrong, better power saving, improved performance... all for a night on the tiles

[hut49]

Having forked out 110 quid for a night on the tiles for 2 in Dartmouth (just dinner, not even including a pub crawl) last weekend, I think the advice about going for the 65 quid premium Dell device is well taken. Thanks for your valuable perspective. Now all I've got to hope is that Dell doesn't go belly up before I get my hands on their Duo Core!

[thepassenger]

No worries. And enjoy the lappy when it arrives.