Celeron M processor question

[Mithrandir]

My friend is on the lookout for an ultra cheap laptop and he's seen a couple. They both seem to have same specs except for the processor.

One is a Celeron M440 and the other Celeron M520.

Since Laptops are not an area I'm too familiar with, I'd be grateful for some advice.
Does anyone know what the differences are between these? I can only find that the M520 has 64bit instructions and is clocked slower than the M440.

Much appreciated.

[Budding]

Both CPUs are pretty rubbish. They are based on the Core architecture, but they are budget CPUs with very little cache and lacks a number of technologies.

The M440 is basically a tuned down Intel Core CPU, and the M520 a tuned down Intel Core2 CPU. The M520 performs better than the M440 as it is based on a newer architecture; twice the cache of the M440; twice the FSB as the M440; and is 64bit, despite having a slightly lower clock speed.
If both machines are priced somewhat the same, go for the M520.

However, I would still strongly recommend your friend get a computer with a Core or Core 2 CPU. Prices of Core CPUs have come down in recent months. If you post his budget on this forum, I am certain someone will be able to help him pick out a laptop that offers the best value for money.

[Mithrandir]

Thanks for the info. I did try and convince him to go dual core as it's only a little more. The price of the machines were both the same price if I remember him quoting.

I think his budget is as cheap as possible and his usage will only be for Internet and some office usage. Something in the region of £300-£350 I guess but I think he could go up if anything.

[Budding]

He can get himself a Core Duo Dell 6400 at that price. Alternatively he could snoop around at some online shops like laptopsdirect or something and get a well speced HP Pavillon. I recommend against getting an Acer laptop, as they tend to break.