So you're buying a new computer? Well, you're in luck, because there's never been a better time -- they're faster, smaller, and more powerful than ever before, and they don't necessarily have to cost you an arm and a leg (in fact, plenty of decent desktops and laptops can be had for less than $500). But should you get a Mac or a PC? Laptop or desktop ? Specs-wise, what difference does having an AMD or Intel processor make? And if you're planning on getting a laptop, how do you make sense of the alphabet soup that is Wi-Fi (802.11a, b, g, n)? Well, dear reader, and potential buyer, Switched is here to help you wade through the spec lists you see on those Sunday circulars and help you make the best of your computer money. Take a look at our crib sheet of five things to consider when picking out your new computer, which starts on the next page, so click below....

When shopping for a computer, you need to decide whether you want a laptop or a desktop. If you need to work from anywhere except the computer desk in your home, a laptop is clearly the way to go -- many portables are as or more powerful than their bulky, stationery desktop cousins.

That said, desktops usually offer more bang for the buck -- $1,000 can buy you a pretty powerful desktop with most of the fixin's you need to live a productive and fun computing life (in other words, it can handle everything from basic office tasks to video editing and music management with aplomb), but the same money will only get you a so-so laptop.

Also, if you plan on using your computer as the central hub for all your music, movies, and online entertainment, then getting a souped-up media-centric PC or Mac that plugs into your TV and home theater system is the way to go. Otherwise, pricey, top-of-the-line desktops are useful only for hardcore gamers and video editors -- if you don't fall into either of those categories, then don't spend an arm and a leg (more than $1,800) for a desktop.

Laptop Types:

Most often, laptops are divided up into four general size categories: ultra-portable, thin-and-light, mainstream, and desktop replacement, each with its own particular pros and cons. But, that list has now been complicated by the emergence of the Netbook, a very small, low-power laptop aimed at basic tasks like Web browsing.

Ultra-portables are for those who want to carry their laptops everywhere everyday. They weigh less than 4-pounds and have long-lasting batteries (four hours or more on a single charge), but also have tiny screens (12-inches or less) and slightly sluggish processors. Ultra-portables sometimes also lack bulky extras such as DVD drives and extra inputs, which make them ideal for business users who need to have a computer with them at all times for work, but do not care about entertainment, gaming or editing their videos or pictures.

If performance and screen real estate are important, but you still plan to carry your laptop around much of the time, then make the jump to a thin-and-light notebook. Models in this category generally weigh in at about 5-pounds and pack in beefier processors, as well as 13- or 14-inch wide screens. This size category is popular with business users or students who need to carry their computers with them always, but want more power for fun tasks like watching movies or downloading and listening to music. Thin-and-light notebooks also have regular-sized keyboards, which will be a relief to anyone who has to write TPS reports and/or term papers

So-called mainstream laptops are, more often than not, cheaper and less svelte versions of their thin-and-light cousins. 15-inch wide screens are the norm, as are weights of about 6-pounds. These specs make them portable, but they're a bit big to stick in many backpacks and can be tiring to carry around with you every day. Still, you won't get more bang for your buck in another category, which makes mainstream laptops an ideal choice for those on a budget.

At the top of the heap are desktop replacements. These over-sized monstrosities are good if you want top performance, but are tight on space or want to be able to compute from various locations in your home (since they can be easily moved from room to room). 17-inch screens are the standard, but 19-inchers are available as well. The models in this category contain top-of-the-line components that are far better at handling video editing and gaming than the other types of laptops. They also weigh anywhere from 7-pounds to 10-pounds. But with such big screens and powerful innards, desktop replacements only have an average battery life of about two hours, so don't expect them to last for too long away from an outlet.

Netbooks -- the Asus eeePC, Everex Cloudbook, and Acer Aspire One -- are the latest fad from the computing industry. Companies desperate to make a little extra cash have created a whole new category of computer designed to be sold as a second, cheaper (around $400) PC. Though small and cute, netbooks aren't really ideal as your main computer since the keyboards are just too small for long typing sessions and some won't even let you install any software. If you're just looking for something light to lug around with you to check e-mail and browse the Internet when you're out of the house, but don't need "real" computing power, then look into one of these little guys. They usually come with Linux or XP (never Vista) and usually have 7-inch to 10-inch screens -- not really great for watching a movie, but fine for some quick correspondence or reading the news.

Desktop Types:

If you're getting a desktop PC, then size makes less of a difference. Most desktops are roughly the same size and shape (a blocky desktop tower that fits under your desk), but increasingly popular are all-in-one and small form factor (SFF) computers.

Small form factor (SFF) computers -- the HP Pavilion Slimline, Dell Hybrid, the Mac Mini and anything from Shuttle -- cram everything (computer, DVD or Blu-ray drive) into a small-cake-sized unit that literally will fit on your desktop. SFFs typically don't come with a monitor, but they're also only around $500 and tend to be optimized to plug right into an HDTV, if you're planning on using it as your entertainment player as well as a computer (in fact, they can make a nice alternative to buying pricey Blu-ray players and Tivo/DVRs, since they can handle the tasks of both of those components). SFFs often use laptop components to cram as much power in as little space. As a result they also use less energy than a standard desktop. And in this economy keeping your electricity bill as low as possible is always a good thing.

All-in-ones -- the iMac, Dell XPS One, and Gateway One, among others -- are also useful for saving space. By hiding all of the PCs components behind an LCD screen, all-in-ones cram as much computer as possible into something that looks just like a flat-panel television. Besides reducing desktop clutter, the generally stylishly-designed all-in-ones look nice on the media credenza in the living room.

Standard mid-towers -- which look just like every desktop you've seen for the past 15 years -- are still the most popular style of desktops, however, and tend to offer the most bang for your buck. They require no specially-designed compact parts, which keeps cost down, and their larger size allows for more airflow, which is necessary for keeping higher performance components cool. High-end gaming PCs that feature Intel's Core 2 Extreme processors and dual-graphics cards usually fall into this category. Again, only hardcore gamers need consider a gaming PC.

OPERATING SYSTEM (WINDOWS VS MAC, ETC)
Choosing an operating system (OS) -- essentially the tech term for Windows, Mac OSX, or Linux -- for your PC can be a tough decision. Macs are sexy and cool, but can you run all the applications you need on them? Windows is the industry standard, but can be a security nightmare, and Vista is bloated and slow. Then there is the dark horse, Linux, which is quick on its feet and infinitely customizable, but could give non-geeks migraines if anything stops working as the indie OS is known for being difficult to use.

Windows: The wealth of applications available for Windows makes it very alluring, but the boatload of viruses and spyware that target the OS can make it terrifying. Windows is the operating system for games -- most popular titles, 'Halo,' 'Bioshock,' and 'Crysis' aren't available on Mac or Linux. uTorrent (the best BitTorrent client out there for peer-to-peer filesharing of movies, TV shows, and the like) is also Windows-only, but the software gap between Windows and Mac OS X has all but disappeared outside of the gaming world (yes, you still have more choices for Windows, but most functions are nevertheless available in some Mac OS X software form). If you've decided you need access to the most applications and hardware, then you've still got to decide between Vista or XP. If you're planning on picking up one of those low-power ultra-portables, or a more budget conscious PC with limited resources, then opt for XP, which is faster than Vista and much easier on your battery. The average user should be fine with Vista Home Premium. While XP may have its benefits, Vista is the way of the future and the standard OS on most new computers, and hoping on board now will save you some trouble when Microsoft stops supporting XP in a couple of years.

Mac OSX: After years of being overshadowed by Windows-based computers, Apple computers, which use Mac OSX (also known as Leopard, in its latest incarnation), are gaining more acceptance. Third-party developers are building a substantial library of software to supplement the already impressive stable of Mac-exclusive applications, such as iTunes, iLife, and Garage Band, that are shipped with every Mac. Macs excel at creative tasks, such as music creation, photo editing, and video production. They're also more or less free of the viruses and spyware that plague Windows users (though it's a matter of debate whether this security will last or not). Sadly, you'll still encounter some compatibility issues with peripherals, such as printers, cell phones, back-up drives, and 3G wireless broadband cards (also, known as WAN cards, more on that later). And unless you're in publishing or graphic design, the corporate world doesn't appear to be embracing Macs any time soon.

Linux: If you're adventurous, or a tinkerer, you can always opt for Linux. Linux comes in many flavors called distributions. Dell sells PCs with the Ubuntu Linux distribution -- which is the Linux operating system plus a collection of useful software programs -- pre-installed. Ubuntu features useful apps including a Web browser, as well as presentation, document, spreadsheet, and instant-messaging software, and is the particular brand we would recommend, as it is the most user friendly and has one of the largest libraries of available software.

Linux has many of the same pros (near invulnerability to viruses and spyware) and cons (lack of games and compatibility issues) as Mac OS X, but has an incredible library of solid free software like Tomboy, a note-taking application, Photoshop replacement GIMP, and the Open Office suite. These aren't perfect programs, by any means, but they certainly get the job done, and on the cheap (meaning, free). Plus, opting for a Linux-based computer lets you take a stand against Steve Jobs and/or Bill Gates.

The downside is that even basic troubleshooting may be a bit much for the novice computer user. Dell will sell technical support, and there is a large community of users out there who are very willing to help you solve your problems if you visit the Ubuntu forums, however solving issues in Linux can often involve complex command line operations or editing cryptic text files buried in hard to find places. If you have to ask what those terms mean, then you probably shouldn't be getting Linux.

TECH SPECS AND OTHER FEATURES

This is the really techy stuff. AMD or Intel processors? What speed? How much RAM (random access memory)? The most important thing to look for is RAM, which has the most impact on the speed of your computer. Accept no less than 2-gigabytes (GB), but if you've got the cash, spring for 3- or 4-gigabytes (GB), just to be safe, especially if you intend to run the resource-hungry Vista. If you're determined to save some money on RAM, then buy the standard 1-gigabyte (GB) and get your technologically-inclined nephew to upgrade it for you after the fact. (Hint: Shopping at Newegg.com could save you up to $100 over the Apple memory upgrade in particular.)

When choosing a processor, the decision between AMD and Intel is pretty simple: Unless you plan on only e-mailing or word processing, or if price is a concern, you should go with an Intel processor -- they just tend to be faster and more efficient, which means fewer mysterious freeze-ups during computing and longer battery life if you opt for a laptop. Any Core 2 Duo will do -- and aim for the 2-gigahertz (GHz) and higher models if you plan to do any gaming. If the computer you like only offers AMD processors, then go with AMD's top-of-the-line Phenom X4 or Turion 64 X2 mobile processor in a notebook.

Intel's standard Pentium line (not Pentium M or Pentium 4, just plain Pentium) is fine for those with only basic computing needs and tight budgets, but avoid anything that has the word Sempron in it. Sempron is the bottom of the barrel, bargain processors from AMD, and it's only single-core, under-powered, and outdated by the time you get it home. We'd also recommend holding-off on Celeron processors until the end of 2008, when the more affordable processor brand from Intel will get a dual-core upgrade. While both Sempron and Celeron processors may do the job for a brief period of time, you'll be wishing you dropped the extra $50 on a processor upgrade when it takes a full three minutes to launch the next version of Internet Explorer or Firefox.

Make sure to get the latest processors from Intel, which are built on the chipmaker's new(ish) 45nm process. The technology leads to faster and cooler processors that wont burn your lap or your wallet. The latest from Intel are still called Core 2, but can be distinguished by their processor numbers that start with "8" or "9" (i.e. E9500 or P8600). When shopping for a laptop you can make your life a little easier by searching for a Centrino 2 sticker, which ensures you've bought the right chip.

When it comes to optical drives, a DVD +/- writer is the standard, and is good enough in most instances since it'll handle the most common disc formats. If you plan to watch HD movies, look for a Blu-ray drive -- it's pricey but worth it if you're a high-def movie buff (and if you plan to watch video content on your TV, look for an HDMI output on the computer). Be warned, though, that many ultra-portables, such as the MacBook Air and the Lenovo X200, shed an optical drive to save size and weight, which means an external drive will be needed to watch DVDs, rip and burn CDs, or, in most cases, install software from a CD or DVD.

The last thing to look at is a graphics card. Many cheaper computers and laptops use "integrated" graphics, which means they're built into the system and borrow RAM to operate. These graphics chips are good enough for most everyday tasks, but if you plan to do any gaming beyond playing 'Minesweeper' and/or run Vista, then look for a "discrete" graphics solution from either ATI or Nvidia that has its own memory. In a laptop look for either an ATI HD 3xxx or an Nvidia GeForce 9xxx series with at least 128-megabytes of memory. If you're going the desktop route and plan on doing any serious gaming or video editing, then spring for the top of the line GeForce 280 or ATI's HD 4800 series with at least 512-megabytes of dedicated memory. Or, even better, spring for two!

If only you were done with your computer-shopping considerations, but there's more to a computer than simply the computer. How will you get online? What's WAN? And what kinds of extra hardware or peripherals -- monitors, printers, keyboards, speakers, and more -- will you need?

Wireless: The wireless mess of 802.11a, b, g, n -- that mysterious set of letters and numbers you see on computer wireless spec lists -- is actually much simpler than it would appear. "802.11n" is the latest and greatest, "802.11g" is the standard and "802.11b" is the original standard. "802.11a" is the red-headed step child that never quite took off, and you probably won't miss it if your wireless card won't support it. We strongly recommend making sure your laptop has "n" installed and it couldn't hurt on a desktop either (who wants to run messy cables all around the house?). It's twice as fast as 802.11g -- ideal for streaming or downloading even HD-quality video over Wi-Fi -- but will still work on "g" networks. If a laptop doesn't have Wi-Fi capability, then don't buy it.

There are other connectivity options to consider when shopping as well. Bluetooth will allow you to use a headset with your PC for placing voice calls over applications like Skype, Google Talk, or Gizmo. It will also allow you to sync your smart phone or use your mobile handset as a modem with a laptop for getting online when Wi-Fi isn't an option. Some keyboards, printers, and mice connect to your computer wirelessly via Bluetooth as well.

If you plan on being out and about with a notebook, but always need to be able to get online, then think about adding a built in 3G cellular WAN (Wide Area Network) connection for broadband speeds from just about anywhere there's a cell phone signal (many ultraportable and thin-and-light notebooks offer this option). You can also get add-on cards for WAN access on laptops that don't have the feature built-in. You'll need a PC card slot or a USB port for these add-on cards to work. Sprint and Verizon offer 3G EVDO mobile broadband cards, while AT&T Wireless offers 3G HSDPA cards, which will work overseas if you plan on traveling internationally.

Ports: As far as ports (a.k.a. inputs on your computer) go, make sure your computer has at least 2 USB ports, but the more the merrier. (Most desktops have plenty of USB ports, so this is an issue that mostly affects laptop buyers.) If you plan on watching HD movies (from Blu-ray or downloaded files) on a TV, consider getting a computer with an HDMI output, which is the standard Hi-Def connection.

Keyboard and mouse: Desktops always come with a keyboard and a mouse, but if you're picky or want a bigger keyboard for your laptop, then don't be afraid to upgrade to something a little more durable or comfortable. Wireless keyboards and mice are recommended if you want to have a clean desk or feel like working from the couch -- we prefer keyboards that use tried-and-tested 2.4GHz or IR for wireless connections rather than unreliable Bluetooth, which can be unreliable. For our picks of excellent keyboards for every need and budget, check out our computer keyboard roundup.

Monitors: Most desktops also include a monitor as part of the price, but on less expensive systems, companies skimp here to keep the price as low as possible. Definitely upgrade to at least a 19-inch widescreen monitor, though 20- or 21-inches is even better if you plan on playing games or watching any video or slideshows. A good quality monitor should have a resolution of at least 1440x900 (higher on larger monitors) and a response time of 8ms. If you're going to be doing any gaming, get a monitor with the quickest response time you can find (5ms or less or fast-paced games may look blurry).

Printers: Printers are usually the last thing shoppers think about when picking up a computer. But instead of settling for whatever aging model is on sale, spring for a quality device. If you print a lot of text documents (teachers and English majors,we're looking at you), you'll want to drop a little extra cash on a laser printer, which is fast and offers slightly more affordable "ink." Prices have come down and decent models can be had for $200, and you'll thank us when you have to print out 30 copies of your manuscript and it doesn't take all week.

For those with less demanding needs, go for an inkjet device. Inkjets are great for printing photos or color documents and much cheaper than a Color laser printer. A decent inkjet printer can be had for under $100. And a few extra bucks will snag you an all-in-one device that also faxes, scans, and copies. When picking an inkjet printer, make sure that color images print at a high resolution (4800 x 1200 at least) and that it will accept smaller glossy paper for borderless, professional quality photo printing.