Question about CPU speed

I don't yet own a laptop but have owned desktop computers since the beginning of time so am a bit confused at what seems like awfully low CPU specs for laptops. I've been looking at small screen sizes (11 or 12") in the TZ line just in general, but it seems like many of them are sporting 1.06 or 1.2 speeds. Was wondering just how slow these actually are in general usage. Does the fact that there is a smaller screen compensate? The TZ series is a little larger but seems to have better CPU specs (and a larger price tag) and am wondering if I shouldn't go that route?

I'm looking for something to complement my desktop. Wanted portability, maybe even the ability to play a game or two if I'm away from the desktop, but primary usage would be surfing the net and if it's laggy or draggy, it would drive me up the wall. Could any owners elaborate on this for a laptop neophyte? Thanks!

 

The advantage of a dual core CPU is responsiveness since the CPU can do two things at one time. Gaming is best confined to Solitaire or similar. If you get Vista then disable the eye candy and put in a 2GB RAM module (if not already with 2GB).

My single core Sony G11 (link below to my review) is usable but I have to remember that it can only do one thing at a time. So working on a document, or web browsing or email is OK, but it lags if I try to do all three at once. It is currently living in my computer bag in case there's a significant power cut and my main notebook runs out of power.

John

 

TZ is perfect for surfing the net. In fact I run multiple apps all the time with no lag. MS Office, Dreamweaver CS3, Firefox. Remember the 1.06 GHz is DUAL core so its not as slow as it sounds. I also pair my TZ with my ATT Tilt via bluetooth and get good internet speed on the go. Great combo and I'm sure you will be happy if you get a TZ.

 

the 11" and 12" ultraportable machines have underclocked and undervolted processors (ULV) for more battery and less heat dissipation. these are meant for buisiness men who are in the move and not gamers. if u want serious cpu speed . just go one step further into the 13.3" market. the dell xps m1330 comes with the best laptop processors

 

These CPUs (1-1.2GHz range) are generally designed to have a low heat output and power consumption. Basically, they are undervolted and underclocked versions of their more powerful Yonah/Merom variants. Such CPUs are used for smaller size laptops since they often cannot fit larger, more robust cooling systems in the confines of their small chassis.

 

Appreciate the information. Looking at newegg, seems like the the SZ at 13.3 has better CPU specs so perhaps that would be more workable for me. Just a personal preference that I'd rather avoid Dells.

I'm really feeling that ultraportables are going to be awfully popular with folks--like me--looking for a second machine to complement what they already have but who don't feel a smartphone or the like is large enough or powerful enough. I'll continue looking; there's an overwhelming abundance of information, almost too much information, so appreciate you guys helping to refine it. From what's been said, I think that while the slower cpus are workable for most, I'd feel hamstrung by them. I think I will go up to the 13.3 (but prefer not to go larger). I'd like not to spend an arm and a leg, though (maybe around $1500), so any recommendations are always welcome.

 

SonyStyle has the SZ680ND for $2000 - $500 with coupon code SZ680ND500. Also this deal is pretty strong as well: http://www.ecomelectronics.com/prodinfo.phtml?id=2749&ref=nextag
Good luck.

 

I have a ribbon windowed instance of Process Explorer running all of the time right now trying to track down the occasional appearance of dllhost.exe and quartz.dll that gets stuck. But I have also been watching the CPU use of Sidebar and DWM.EXE, the primary purveyors of the "eye candy" in Vista. Neither of them put any significant load on the CPU. Sidebar peaks at 4.2% of the cpu and most of the time idles a 0% to .77% As for DWM.EXE it too idles at 0% to .77 % and peaks 1.55%

So it would seem that neither are really that significant. Now I do realize that sidebar is very much dependent on what gadgets you have installed. I have seven of them: MultiMeter, CPU Utilization, Clock, Full Sun, Net Meter, Slide Show and Top Processes. The % numbers quoted above are with all seven active.

Gary

 

Thanks for the coupon code, bejand. I'll probably haunt the forum for another week or two before I feel settled in my mind what to order. I did take a look at the Sony at Best Buy and it looked quite nice, size wise, and if I can configure it online to what I need, that'll make it that much better. I'd love to take a look at an Asus; they may be out of my price range but they sounded quite nice, too. Oh...I really shouldn't be so judgmental and snobby about Dell. I happened to see the 1330 this morning at Sam's and it actually looked really nice, too. So I guess I'm saying my mind is open and I'll keep researching...but I will definitely keep the CPU as high as I can get it.

 

Don't order from ecomelectronics unless you want to risk possibly getting an open box computer. Even though it said "New" on the item page, I ended up with a "resealed" VAIO TZ from them. Immediately noticed it was a reseal because they put a second factory Sony sticker over the original sticker (which was cut, so it was obvious it was opened previously and they were trying to hide this). There is reason why their prices are low...if it's too good to be true...

They did offer me a refund after I called (and had to argue with them for about an hour) but they didn't reimburse me on shipping. Just thought others who do a search for this site before buying want to know.