Intel’s introduction of the dual-core Pentium D processors for use in desktop PCs offers greater power and speed to home users and small business operators who want extra bang for their computing buck. But the processors are not for everyone, analysts say.“For those folks who think they need more performance than they could get from a single-core processor, this provides a big bump in performance and only a small bump in power requirements and heat,” said Nathan Brookwood, principal analyst for Insight64.The Pentium D 840, 830 and 820 processors use dual-core technology enabling everyday users to operate more than one program at a time or use extra computing power of the chips’ dual cores. That kind of horsepower is not necessary to run many everyday applications, Brookwood said. “If you access the Internet on DSL or cable modem and using run-of-the-mill applications like the browser, e-mail, processing or spread sheets, you’re never going to see how fast these things are, Brookwood said. “The test is do you spend any of your time staring at an hourglass display? If so, these things will help. This is a performance story. If you are lacking performance, this will give it to you.”The launch was part of Intel’s new “platform strategy,” in which the company describes business models for its products in addition to traditional product specificatfions. Intel’s Professional Business Platform included its Pentium 4 600 series processors, the 945G and 945P chipsets, and the Intel Pro/1000 Network Adapter as its first desktop platform, modeled on the success of its Centrino notebook PC platform.The 945G chipset features integrated graphics, while the 945P chipset is designed for use with a third-party graphics card. “Certainly Intel has concluded that there is a broader story than just processors to be told so they are trying to tell the platform aspect,” Brookwood said. “So you see the usage model for games and PCs being accessed from the family room.” Technology Industry