Question : Problem: Is Centrino 1.5Ghz = Pentium IV 3 Ghz

While purchasing laptop, a company told me that

Centrino 1.5Ghz = Pentium IV 3 Ghz

likewise

Centrino 1.6Ghz = Pentium IV 3.2 Ghz

They say "Intel Centrino Processor is equal to "Double" the speed in comparison to P4 eg. Centrino 1.3 is similar to P4 2.6"

How far is it correct.

Answer : Problem: Is Centrino 1.5Ghz = Pentium IV 3 Ghz

The company you talked to was somewhat off in their representation of Pentium M (the processor in Centrino) compared to Pentium 4.  A Pentium M of any given speed is roughly comparble to a Pentium 4 processor that is 50% faster, so a Pentium M of 1.6 Ghz is comparable to a Pentium 4 - 2.4 Ghz, While a Pentium M - 2 Ghz is comparable to a Pentium 4  - 3 Ghz.