The development of dual core technology is a major milestone for laptops. Developed by Intel and AMD, Dual core technology is where there are two microprocessors that can process information. Older computers only had one processor. These older computers got about as fast as they could but the limitations of the processors also limited new technologies. That is why dual core processors were developed - to allow for better and faster software programs to be used.

When the processor (or brain which controls the processes or programs running on the the computer) is doubled it enables the computer to process information faster (because the two processors share the information and don't get overloaded as easily as one processor did). This allows the applications to work faster because the power needed to run the system and programs is shared by the two processors. This also helps prevent overheating (which has traditionally been a problem with laptop computers).

In order to use dual-core technology to its best advantage, the operating system and the applications had to support multi-threading - which means being able to run processes side by side simultaneously. WIth the heavier use of graphics, audio, games and video that computer users need, these processors are a must in today's laptops.

Core 2 Duo is a later version of processor (and a brand name of Intel's chip). Since this is newer and faster than the dual core, it's expected that prices for laptops with dual core processors will be lowered. There are lots of debates about which is better. The goal for Core 2 Duo is to be even faster and consume less energy or power and also keep the computer components cooler. They are also designed for 64 bit technology. For digital photo editing, digital scrapbooking and viewing video files, this type of processor works best.