CPUIdle and intel Speedstep Technology

[Variable]

With Intels Speedstep Technologie the CPU reduces power consumption whenever the CPU (or some part of it) is at idle (at least as far as I understand it) thus conserving power consumption. Now CPUIdle does basically the same thing (only for heat purposes but the outcome is the same).
Now I want to know if it makes sense to use CPUIdle with a Pentium III with Speedstep technologie?
Won't they pretty much cancel each other out? I mean won't the CPU because of the speedstep technologie appear to CPUIdle to be always on 100% CPU load???

I'm interested because I want to lengthen the power on my Laptop...

[JayMan]

From what i understand, Speedstep reduces power consumption by basically underclocking the cpu a certain amount when it is not needed to be running at full speed. E.g. a 850 may speedstep down to 650 (i'm not sure of exact speeds) when not being used, but then even if that 650 is not needed thats as low as speedstep will let it go, speedstep only goes so far. If only 50% of this 650 is being used, CPUidle (or RAIN for that matter) could then lower consumption alittle further by use of HLT commands. Speedstep isn't just using HLT commands as far as i know. Alternatively u could run win2000 which automatically uses HLT commands, so running a cooling software wouldn't be needed. Someone correct me if i am wrong please http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

JayMan