Ever since the introduction of the laptop computer, there has been a gap between the fastest desktop computers and the fastest portable computers. The limited space and weight requirements of laptops generally meant that they would perform much slower than their desktop counterparts. This gap has been closing over the past several years, however, and Intel is nearly closing the gap entirely with their new 2nd generation Core i-Series processors.

The new processors are simply labeled i3, i5, and i7, making them easy to differentiate. They are essentially the same processors built into desktop machines, with smaller form factors but nearly the same performance. Even better, they use less heat than previous models, making it easy to keep laptops running cooler.

The i7, the fastest of the three classes of processors, has many of the same features that make the desktop version so fast. The first of these is Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0. This allows the processor to adapt its performance when its heat and power usage are below specified limits. This keeps it from running too hot, but still gives the maximum performance when heat and power are not an issue.

The new processors also have hyperthreading built in, which allows individual cores to focus on separate processes, acting more like separate processors and speeding up tasks. Also included is integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000, which provides great graphics performance without the need for additional graphics hardware.

With the new generation of Intel mobile processors, the company is continuing to close the gap between laptops and desktop computers. Modern laptops with Core i-Series processors can now handle difficult processing tasks and multi-threaded programs with ease, allowing power users and professionals to take their work with them no matter what the processing requirements.