Lighter, leaner, longer-lasting

So what is dual-core? Basically, it's putting two computer processors into one shell. It means a much more powerful chip, though not quite double the power.

The key advantages to dual-core include space saving: the single shell takes up less room than two individual chips would. That means smaller and lighter computers. A dual-core processor also uses less power than two single core processors - especially important for laptops.

Dual-core processors are seen as one way to bridge the currently significant performance gap between laptops and desktop PCs. Heavy, non-mobile computers have always been vastly more powerful than mobile versions.

This doesn't make much difference if you are just using Microsoft Word and surfing the web. But with the growth in digital video and high end gaming, it's a big problem. People are more mobile, and they want their entertainment to be mobile with them. It's no good only being able to play games and videos on your office computer, because they make your laptop stagger and quickly drain its batteries. More power and more mobility are desperately needed.

Until recently, dual-core chips were only available for desktops. But that changed last month when Intel announced dual-core processors for laptops. Not just for Windows-based PCs: Apple's new MacBook Pro is also using an Intel Core Duo chip.

Intel's Centrino Duo Mobile chipsets are supposedly 68 per cent faster than their single-core equivalent, while reducing battery consumption by 28 per cent. Tests carried out have so far been impressive. The game Quake 4 showed a 50 per cent higher frame rate: meaning a much smoother visual experience.

PC World tests also showed significant improvements with multitasking and video applications. The dual-core laptops converted video 30 per cent faster than their single core equivalents.

One issue that may discourage people from buying dual-core is a current lack of software supporting it. While existing applications still work, they are not ready to harness its full power. Rather like buying a Ferrari but only driving it in a 60 zone.

But the operating systems are now ready, and the rest of the software is on its way. According to CNET, dual core is 'clearly... a major milestone for laptops and will be a dominant force in mobile computing during 2006.'