Notes:

	It is not generally cost effective (i.e. a good value) to purchase the very newest and fastest processor.
	As you use your computer more and more, you'll appreciate a bigger screen immensely - it is easier to read and requires a lot less scrolling to view documents or web pages.
	RAM Memory (sometimes designated as SDRAM, DDR SDRAM or DDR2 SDRAM) is one of the most important items to affect performance, especially heavy-duty programs.  Purchasing an upgrade of more RAM is almost always necessary to give improved performance.  Buy as much as you can bring yourself to buy.  We now recommend you purchase a minimum of 2 GB of RAM.  Get more if you can afford it - you'll never regret it!
	Antivirus software is a necessity for a computer.  We recommend you use Microsoft One Care as we've encountered numerous problems with others, such as Norton Antivirus.
	System Bus speed is also important, so be sure to ask.  This is often overlooked and is one of the ways cheap systems are sold (they don't reveal the bus speed).  You should get at least 533 MHz.
	Upgrading to a bigger Hard Drive is usually inexpensive - be sure to check out pricing and consider an upgrade.  Also consider purchasing a hard drive with a higher RPM speed.  The faster the drive can spin, the faster it can access information.
	Software is expensive; don't overlook the value of software that is "bundled" with your system, and consider upgrades to the bundle
	Also consider Warranty & Service upgrades if they are priced reasonably, especially for your laptops (about $60/year).  Three years is an optimistic life expectancy for your computer.

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