Does that laptop have 'Speed Step' technology? The type that reduces the CPU speed when running off batteries? If so, go into the BIOS and disable it. My laptop, an older Dell Inspiron 5150 with a 3.06ghz HT P4 had problems playing back DV avi's without dropping frames.. It was ridiculous! A call to Dell did not help any. They had no idea. Anyway, I disabled the Hyper Threading.. That improved things, but would return to dropping frames once the computer was on for about 10 minutes or more. Then I disabled the Speed Step. That fixed it!

Yes, the Core Duo and Core 2 Duo is based on SpeedStep for its power-saving and superb battery life. While it is conceivable that this would cause frame loss on CineForm playback, it doesn't explain why playback is flawless using GraphEdit...

That means that when it's on power outlet it is FULL speed? IT does not help when I plug it in....I have the new on on the way, will see how that does. man the core duo is FASSSSTTTT

No, it still uses SpeedStep when it's plugged into the mains. If you go into the Power options under control panel, you might be able to change that.

However, I honestly have severe doubts it's a SpeedStep issue for the reasons I have already pointed out.