Processors (CPUs)

The concept of good enough

PC Marketing turned CPU speeds into a "horsepower race" at the beginning, because it is easy to pitch. (Anybody remember 16 cylinder Cadillac's?) Increased CPU speed was important when they were down around 0.8 GHz. Now GHz per watt is more important. [more]

These days, even low end CPUs are fast enough for word processing, email, surfing the Web, money management, etc. You'd barely notice the difference between a $250 and a $95 CPU for must uses. Spend your money on more memory instead.

Example of a pretty good computer

• CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo, or equivalent AMD processor. Note: These are not dual processors (two packages) -- they do have two CPUs integrated into one chip.
• Memory: 1,024 MB of DDR SDRAM
• Storage: 120 GB hard drive

A performance computer

If you want more performance, for whatever reason -- hedge against future needs -- really crisp performance -- you just *deserve* it -- whatever -- then get a computer as powerful as the one below (unless you're a "gamer", or somebody who needs even performance):

• CPU: 2.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, or equivalent AMD processor.
• Memory: 3,072 MB of DDR SDRAM at 800 MHz or better.
• Graphics: These days you want graphics that support Vista or Windows 7 "Aero". You may need a plug-in graphics (video) card to get it. Look for one with at least 256 MB of memory.
• Disk Drive: 250 GB, 7200 RPM
• DVD/CD Burner

More on the Web

ExtremeTech has tons of information on performance CPUs and all other aspects of high performance PCs.

Tom's Hardware has very good information on more ordinary CPUs and PCs.