Personal Computer Buyer's Guide

There are a lot of feature decisions that you can delve into including graphics, networking, expansion, speakers and audio, weight and size that can make buying a new personal computer for non-techies more of a pill than ever. But whether you opt to purchase an all-in-the box model to simplify matters, or decide to build your own system by selecting components, you need insight into the latest and greatest features so your system isn't technically obsolete before you exit the store. Here's new information on the basics (operating system, processor, monitor) that you'll want to know to find one that's just right for you and your finances.

Operating System

There's a version of Microsoft's dominant operating system to match the specific needs and budgets of most buyers. If you're in the market for a mainstream desktop or laptop, Windows Vista has a system for most buyer's budgets and computing needs. Vista Home Basic, Vista Business, Vista Home Premium, and Vista Ultimate are each slightly different.

Home Basic is the least expensive but offers little beyond the basics including Windows Movie Maker and Windows Photo Gallery. Vista Business adds remote access and support of system imaging; Vista Home Premium comes equipped with the Windows Media Center and Windows DVD Maker. Vista Ultimate offers all these features as well as encryption for stronger security. For most home users, the Home Premium version offers the best balance of price and features for everyday tasks. If you want Vista Business, prepare to add about $100 to the Home Premium price. For Vista Ultimate, you'll need to add about $130.

If you want a super-small and super-cheap laptop, check out the Dell Inspiron Mini or a similar tiny deskbound "netTop" that have attractive prices usually less than $300, laptop mobility, and features that people who like to play games really enjoy.

Processor

The big processor news for 2009 is in desktops. Intel introduced Core i7 with features such as a new 32-bit nanometer manufacturing process; an integrated memory controller and graphics processor. It will take a while for the Core i7's advantages to find their way into every PC makers' desktop lines and laptops will take even longer to integrate the Core i7, but there's no lack of choices for CPU s out there.

If you want a desktop with respectable power at a reason price, Intel's Core 2 Duo or AMD's Athlon X2 processors fit the bill. Most two-core CPUs cost under $200 but if paired with the right amount of memory and graphics card, you'll get all the processing oomph you need. If you have more than $200 to spend, a four-core chip will give your processing capabilities an even bigger boost. CPU's with Intel's Core 2 Extreme are the fastest quad-core chips available but you'll pay big-time for all that speed. You'll only want to consider a four-core if you're seriously into playing games on your computer.

On the mid range laptop side, look for systems that support Intel's Centrino 2 platform, which offers the highest bus speeds and new features for enhanced HD playback and wireless support. Laptop gamers should consider notebooks equipped with Intel's Core 2 Extreme series of CPUs for four cores of processing power.

Displays

Whether you have your sights on a laptop or desktop, you'll have to decide how much screen space you want. Get a slightly larger monitor screen that you think you'll need - once you discover how handy a big display can be, it's hard to go back. A good starting point for a desktop PC is a 19-inch widescreen display, which provides ample room for comparing documents side by side or displaying both your web browser and your email program onscreen at the same time.

If you're into movies, remember these numbers: 1920x1200. That display resolution, whether on a desktop monitor or laptop screen, will let you watch high-definition video and Blu-ray movies in their full glory. For desktops, that resolution tends to be available with a 24-inch monitor; on laptops you'll need at least a 17-inch screen. Warranty, Service and Support.