Deciding between Centrino and P4

[jaypro55]

I've got a dilemma on my hands here on whether to order my new notebook for college with a Centrino processor (probably at 2.0Ghz) or a P4 core (at either 3.2 or 3.4Ghz).

I'm aware of the mobility, battery life, heat, and noise benefits of the Dothan Centrino processors. But I'm not wildly concered with extreme mobility as much as I am for a capable, extremely fast machine to use all around campus and to take home with me. I plan to use A/C power whenever it's convenient which means, always in the dorm room, and anytime possible in the library or campus grounds.

Basically my question is this: How will the machines peform on similar tasks? I am not a gamer and I don't see myself gaming too much on this notebook. I plan to use it for my studies, burning CDs and DVDs, and probably some programming since I'm going as a CS major. Can a Centrino clocked at 2.0GHz compete with a 3.4Ghz P4 when both are running A/C power?

I'm basically looking for the most powerful solution that will get me through my four years the smoothest. I would really appreciate the advice I can get from you guys. It's really the only problem I am hung up on. Other than that I have decided on all of my other options:

1024 MB of RAM
DVD+/-RW Drive
Graphics card 128MB of dedicated video
Integrated Wireless Ethernet
80 GB 5400 RPM HD

I'm just wondering what my best option is here...

[irwincur]

Centrino is probably the best for you. It will be a lot lighter but performance should be similar. I wouldn't even consider getting a P4 in a laptop. They are hot, heavy, and really not made for it.

[jaypro55]

Really, because I'm looking at DiscountLaptops.com for my purchase and the models are priced almost identically for the Centrino versus the P4. If performance is similar I think it does make more sense to go with the Centrino of course. I'll get the exact specs of the models I am considering and I'll let you guys see what you think would be better.

[freedon]

No contest get a Centrino. P4 for games, and even so I would still choose Centrino. I don't see any advantages on getting a p4 (unless you were doing some 3D modeling like Maya/3D studio Max).

Remember, higher Ghz does not mean a faster machine.

[jaypro55]

The more that I've read that seems to be the concensus. Even on Intel's website it appears that a 2.0Ghz Dothan beat up on a 2.8Ghz P4 in almost every test. The difference between the two seems very negligable and for the added mobility, lessened weight, and greatly increased battery power the Centrino really seems to be a better buy.