A computer processor, often considered the brains of the machine, has the most significant effect on performance and price. If you want a computer to be able to keep up with technology over the next few
years you should invest in a fast processor.

- Think about what you will be doing with your computer for the next 3 years. That is about the timeframe for machines these days.
- If you are just using your machine for casual use, such as word processing, web browsing and the occasional card game, consider an Intel Pentium Dual Core or AMD Sempron processor. If you prefer Macintosh machines, look into an Intel Core 2 Duo.
- If you are a middle of the road user, who likes all of the above things but also the occasional heavier game and multimedia use (i.e. pictures and mp3s), an Intel Quad Core would be better. The Quad Core is also great for heavy online multimedia games and heavier multimedia use.
- If Macintoshes are your taste and you are a heavier user, the Intel Dual Quad Core processors can take care of all your needs.
- If your budget allows it, try and spend as much as you can on the fastest processor. This is because technology evolves at a very fast pace and your machine will be able to keep up after a few years.

How to Decide Between a Laptop and a Desktop

When deciding between a laptop and a desktop computer, weigh your computing needs against the benefits of each type.
- Determine if you really need to take your computer around with you (you go on many business trips, for example). If so, buy a laptop computer.
- Determine if you have a slight need for portability, or if lack of space is a concern. If so, consider one of the new "slim-top" or "slim-line" desktop computers.
- Expect to get much more speed and functionality from a desktop computer, for the same price as a laptop.
- Expect more expensive and frequent repairs with a laptop computer.
- Buy a desktop computer if you'll be working with graphics or multimedia or playing action games, as laptop screens are small and low-resolution.
- Choose a desktop computer if you need upgradability.

How to Select Wireless Communication Cards for a Laptop

Free yourself from the phone line by getting a wireless communications card for your laptop. To select the card, you need to know how you will use it and what type of computer you have.
- Determine whether you will be connecting your laptop to a local-area network (LAN), such as at your office. Will you need to make that LAN connection from the road?
- Figure out whether you need to connect via an ISDN line.
- Determine whether you are using a notebook PC with 32-bit card slots or with 16-bit card slots or whether you are using an Apple PowerBook.
- Ask to see appropriate wireless communication cards based on your evaluation in steps 1 through 3.