Laptops:

If you’re looking to save money on a computer, then Mini laptops are the way to go. Mini laptops get their name from the size of their screen, which generally range from 8in to 10in. Mini laptops will generally cost anywhere from $279 to $499. Some of the Mini laptops have Windows XP on them due to the size of the processor and the amount of RAM. For the mini laptops with the bigger processors and more RAM, they have Windows Vista. Here is a list of companies that sell Mini laptops: Dell, HP, Acer, and Asus. Here is my recommendation for a Mini: Aspire One, Atom Processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB Hard drive, 10.1in screen, and Windows XP ($289). Keep in mind prices vary in regions and in stores.

If you want something with a little more power, then you may want to look at a general laptop. The screen on general laptops range anywhere from 13in to 22in. Laptops will normally cost you anywhere from $399 to $2000. Unless you buy a Mac (Apple), they will have Microsoft Vista. General laptops have anywhere from 1GB to 4GB of RAM and their processors range from Intel 4, Duel Core, and Quad Core. This simply means the speed of the laptop will be faster. For basic use I would recommend 2GB RAM and a Duel Core processor. The reason being is most programs now will not run unless your computer has sufficient RAM. Again, prices will vary in regions and in stores. Here is a list of companies that sale laptops: Dell, HP, Acer, Gateway, Mac (Apple), e-Machine, and Toshiba. Here is my recommendation: Dell Inspiron Laptop, Duel core processor, 15.6in screen, 2GB RAM (expandable to 4GB), 160GB Hard drive, and Windows Vista ($429.99).

Desktops:

Desktop are normally used in office areas of your home or work. They are bigger and have more parts (Ex. Mouse and keyboard plug in the cpu, rather than being a part of the computer). Desktops are beginning to become cheaper. Since the new wave of laptops have come out within the last few years, you can buy a good desktop for $399. I recently purchased a desktop system and it cost me around $500. I added MS Office 2007 and an extra 1GB of RAM. Desktops generally come with more RAM, bigger hard drives, and faster processors. The RAM ranges from 2GB to 8GB, the hard drives range from 150GB to 500GB, and the processors are normally duel core, but some come with quad core. Most desktop, unless you buy a Mac (Apple) will have Microsoft Vista. Again, sometimes the basic computers are better in the long run. Here is a list of companies that sale desktops: Dell, Gateway, Mac (Apple), HP, e-Machine, and Sony. My recommendation: Dell 537 Desktop, duel core or quad core processor, Windows Vista, up to 4GB RAM, and 320GB to 750GB hard drive ($399+; Monitor not included).

Netbooks:

Netbooks are the newest computers in the bunch. They are laptops (generally Mini laptops) provided by mobile phone companies, such as AT&T and Verizon Wireless. You can also buy these at stores like Walmart or Best Buy. They will use regular wireless rather than a mobile signal. Just like a cell phone you will need to have a contract to utilize the internet on the netbook. Also like your cell phone plan, you will need to pay for the access of the internet (Verizon Wireless charges $39.99 mth.). The specs on a Netbook are somewhat the same as a Mini Laptop. Here are the specs on Verizon’s Netbook, the HP Mini 1151 NR Netbook: 1GB RAM, 80GB Hard drive, Windows XP, 10.1 in screen, and 2.4 lbs. If you are on the go a lot, then this may be the best buy for you.