Processor question - Dual core vs. single core.

I currently have an Aspire 6930 laptop that I bought about a year ago on clearance from Best Buy.  I'm quite happy with it.  It has an Intel Core 2 Duo processor (2.0 GHZ, 800MHz, FSB, 2 MB L2 cache), 3 GB DDR2, 320 GB HDD if that means anything.  I'm not a computer geek so really don't know much about this stuff. 
Our old laptop is a modular laptop (about 4 years old) which my husband is using (I won't let him mess with my Aspire - long story) and it's pretty much falling apart.  None of the USB ports work, the CD/DVD RW is broken, one of the hinges is busted so it won't close properly and it runs slower than a snails pace as he's dowloaded any and all "speed up your PC"  and "diagnose your PC" programs from the web - if it's on the web it must be true, right????   Anyway, I've taken pity on him and have decided to try to buy him a new laptop as a combination 10 year anniversary/42nd birthday/Christmas present.  Money is a HUGE issue as I'm a SAHM and have been pinching pennies and clipping coupons from the grocery money to try to come up with some funds for this surprise.  I'd like to stay around $400. 
I've found this one at Best Buy and it has good reviews....  http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Acer+-+Aspire+Laptop+with+AMD+Athlon%26%23153%3B+Single-Core+Processor/9...
But it says it has a single core processor.  What exactly is the difference with single core vs. duo core???
We are not gamers.  DH basically uses the computer to surf the web, watch Youtube video's, upload and download photo's, burn DVD's, etc.  He does talk with family overseas so I would need/like to add a webcam.
I was also looking at this Asus model...  http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Pentium%26%23174%3B+Processor+-+Mid... 
But the Asus has a Pentium processor which I've heard isn't the best????  Also, it's over $150 more.  Is the duo processor and increase processor speed (1.6GHz vs 2.1 GHz) really going to increase the speed/response time significantly for what we do on the computer??  An extra $150 is going to be really tough for me to come up with but if it will truly make a significant difference I will try to find it somewhere.
Your thoughts/recommendations would be appreciated.
hugs -
lisa

Thanks for the input.  We really don't have the space for a desktop which is why the laptop worked so well for us.  The only place to put a desktop is on the kitchen table and then we are always taking it apart when family come for dinner (which is often).  I thought of netbook, but it does seem so limited.  My husband is an amateur photographer and I would like the larger screen so that if he decides to persue this he would be able to do some basic photo editing, etc.
I think I will go with the dual core processer.  BB has an HP that is $429 
 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Pentium%26%23174%3B+Processor+-+Black... 
and then another HP that is $499 
 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Pentium%26%23174%3B+Processor+-+Piano... 
and I can't seem to find the difference??????   Except the cheaper on has more RAM???  Doesn't seem to make sense.
Thoughts on the HP???
hugs -
lisa

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