In 2005, Pentium M and Centrino processors were very popular among laptop makers. They had similar price points and clock speeds, and it was hard for the average consumer to tell what the differences were.
The Pentium Line
Intel's line of Pentium processors includes more than just laptops: Pentium "1," Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium IV, Pentium 4-M and the Pentium M.
Pentium M
The Pentium M processor was designed for laptops (the "M" stands for "mobile") and provided for better energy management.
Misconceptions
Intel Centrino is not a processor in the way the Pentium M and other Pentium processors are. It is a marketing brand that says it includes several specific components, including the processor and chipset in this case. A computer labeled with Intel Centrino actually has a Pentium M processor inside, but also must include several other items.
Centrino
In order for a computer to bear the "Intel Centrino" name, it must be using a Pentium M processor and the Intel 855 Chipset. Including this chipset means that the laptop is also guaranteed to include Wi-Fi, the Intel 855 graphics chipset and memory controller.
Beyond Centrino "1"
Since the debut of Intel's Centrino technology, Intel has introduced the Intel Centrino 2 processor technology, which is similar to Centrino "1" in that it is a set of specifications as opposed to a processor alone, but it has been improved for more modern computing. In January 2010, the name identifying "Intel Centrino 2" will be changed simply to "Intel Centrino."
Tags: Intel Centrino, Pentium Pentium, Pentium Pentium Pentium, Pentium processor, Centrino processor, Intel Centrino processor, Pentium Centrino