I’m looking at new laptops. I’m considering a Dell that has an Intel Core Duo 1600 MHz processor.
My questions:
Is this a 32 bit or 64 bit processor?
Will this processor handle VirtualBox? (I’m told my p4 isn’t capable of running two os)
What is the difference between the Core Duo and the Core 2 Duo?
Thanks for any answers you can offer.
If it is indeed Core Duo then it’s a 32bit only processor. Mobile Core2Duo should be all 64bit capable processor. If you have more specific model number then you can search google for the Intel tech sheet.
For Virtualbox, it depends on what ‘handle’ means to you. I’ve tried booting Windows XP and various Linux VMs with VirtualBox on CoreDuo 1.87 GHz, Athlon x2 1.8GHz and Neo X2 1.6 Ghz processor and they all seems fine. Just what you’d expect from a sub 2GHz processor. It’s not lightning fast but certainly usable.
Since you’re getting a new laptop, why look at Core Duo? That’s 2 generations behind and you probably wouldn’t want that. If budget is your concern you can look at the newer Intel CULV processor lineup or even the Penryn Pentiums. Or even the latest 45nm AMDs if you’re willing to sacrifice some battery life.