Core 2 Duo

• The Core 2 Duo microprocessor has been installed in many PCs and laptops since its launch in 2006. The "Core" in the name refers to the design of the chip. There are three types of Core processors: Solo, Duo and Quad. "Duo" indicates that this Core processor has two cores. Essentially it is like having two processors on the same chip. Confusingly, Intel also produced the "Core Duo" microprocessor that did not use Core technology.
  
  

Capabilities

• The distinctive feature of the Core 2 range is better utilization of the clock cycle. Information is moved around a chip as an binary number represented as an electric pulse. That pulse beats at a rate decided by the system clock. Each tick of the clock shows the microprocessor where one bit ends and another starts. This is how a processor can distinguish between "11101" and "101." Data is moved in and out of registers in sync with the clock. Therefore, a faster clock means faster processing. The Core 2 design upset that yardstick by achieving faster processing with a lower clock speed.
  
  

Features

• The Core 2 Duo's features provide greater benefit to laptop computers than desktops. This is because power usage is a prime consideration for mobile computer, which are meant to be used in situations where no power source is available. The Core 2 Duo's efficient use of resources means that it uses less power than previous microprocessors and laptop batteries last longer where the Core 2 Duo processor is installed. This feature was one of the prime selling points of the Intel Centrino laptop.
  
  

Centrino

• The Centrino brand first appeared in 2003. Originally, Centrino laptops were based around a Pentium M processor. Centrinos featuring Core 2 Duo microprocessors were released in 2006. The Centrino package does not represent a specific type of laptop. Different manufacturers integrate Centrino into their product range, meaning the consumer is presented with different brand names offering the same Centrino technology. A buyer has to look further into the specification of a laptop to see if it includes Centrino Core 2 Duo.