What's the difference in platforms?

Can someone tell me some differences in platforms. As in what is a Santarosa?
I was told that my M9750 is on a Napa platform. Like so what is that? I know there's others too but who named them and where do they come from. Anyone can please clarify those different platforms and how many are there?
Don't know which is good or bad? Thanks for all you inputs.

 

CPU companies like Intel for example which is used by alienware, name different platforms. Each platform has differences in cpu power, power draw, speed, size, memory supportability and other things that are far more complex. For a complete look at the different intel systems like santa rosa you can read here, its explained pretty well

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrino

Its really not a good or bad, it is just what is out at the time. They are constantly changing. For example, right now the m15x uses Santa Rosa, and montevina is coming out mid 2008 with nehalm following in 2009. Between each individual upgrade there are not truly noticable differences to the average computer user. For example, you might get 5-10% more battery time with montevina over santa rosa, and it supports more memory, but overall a computer with santa rosa can function just as well as with montevina. Of course, you can expect new devices to be compatible with montevina over older systems so to get the newest system allows more upgradability (if thats a word...)

 

WOw! thank you just what I needed to know. I understand ppl always talk about Santarosas and never heard of Napa which what I got. Makes sense! Thank You!