CPUs

Your CPU is one of the two most important factors (the other is RAM) to consider when judging the power, or speed, of a computer. However, even when considering CPUs, you can't ignore other factors. For instance, if you're buying a notebook computer, you'll need a CPU that uses less power and stays cooler than the type that usually comes in a desktop model. In fact, because of this need to conserve power, the CPU in a notebook computer is usually at least one third as powerful as the equivalent desktop.

Below are some examples of CPUs that you can check out on the Web.

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Intel CPU Pentium 4

• 3.20 GHz
• Includes Hyperthreading technology
• Intel

Intel® Itanium® 2

• 1.40 GHz clock speed
• 1.5MB cache
• good for dual processor systems used business computers
• Intel

Transmeta Crusoe TM5800

• 1GHz clock speed
• Processor specially designed for mobile users
• Consumes 60 to 70 percent less power and generates less heat than comparable desktop models
• Transmeta