Is a 1.7ghz dual core processor as good as a 2ghz celeron processor?
Yes, 1.7GHz Dual Core is likely to be more powerful than a 2GHz Celeron, but it really depends what you’re using it for. You say the course you’re going to do specifies minimum 2GHz, which makes me wonder what the course is and why they specify a relatively powerful laptop? If it’s any kind of imaging (photography, video, 3D) or audio course then you will most certainly want the power of a dual core processor, but you may want to go for the recommended 2GHz as well. Sure it will cost more, but better to be sure now than to spend on a laptop that you regret for the next couple of years! Feel free to edit your question and add more details of what the course is or what you’ll be using it for, then I or anyone else can give you a better answer. It’s worth getting it right now. Rob.
