Shopping for a new notebook computer can be fun and exciting. Looking at all the new features and technology available these days on notebooks is mind-blowing. So let's walk through the various features you'll need to understand and make decisions about when you buy your new notebook computer.

Notebook ProcessorsIntel's Duo 2 Core processor is the top of the line right now in notebooks. The Intel Core 2 Duo processor offers up to two times the CPU performance on entertainment and gaming systems compared to Pentium M processor technology and up to 12% overall system performance improvement over first generation Intel Core Duo processor platforms.

So what does that mean? Well, in short, it means that the processor determines how fast you can go on your notebook. The processor is the guts, the power, and the meat in your system.

Hard Drive StorageYour hard drive is the data storage hub for your laptop. They come in three speeds for notebooks - 7200 RPM, 5400 RPM, and 4200 RPM. The higher the RPM the faster a hard drive can access and write data. 7200RPM hard drives can improve Windows XP start-up time by up to 18% over 5400RPM hard drives. 7200RPM hard drives can increase application loading speed by up to 14% over 5400RPM hard drives.

When you make your decision about the size of your hard drive and how much data it holds, you'll want to consider for the future. What may be sufficient now may not be in a year from now. The typical new notebook computer has an 80G hard drive standard. That's pretty good considering most desktops are about the same.

RAM - MemoryRandom Access Memory (RAM) is the workhorse behind the performance of your computer. RAM temporarily stores information from your operating system, applications, and data in current use. This gives your processor easy access to the critical information that makes your programs run.

The amount of RAM you have determines how many programs can be executed at one time and how much data can be readily available to a program. It also helps determine how quickly your applications perform and how many applications you can easily toggle between at one time.

Here's a general guideline for notebook computer use:

• " 1G - 4G Intensive gaming or complex video editing, or want to plan for future growth.
• " 512MB - 1G Email, web surfing or home productivity at the same time you are editing photos or playing music
• " 256MB - 512MB Email, web surfing or home productivity along with other basic applications

Pre-Installed Software and Operating SystemWindows XP is the industry standard right now but Windows Vista operating system was recently released and is coming preinstalled on notebook computers. Most people want the newer OS to ensure longer compatibility into the future, but others cringe at the idea of upgrading. New operating systems bring so many unknowns like; will my software work with Vista? Do I want to relearn everything right now? That's a decision you will have to unfortunately make.

You will also be asked to decide if you want Office software installed like Office 2007. While it can be expensive and not what you planned on in your budget, getting the software later could prove more costly than having it preinstalled.

You'll also need to decide on antivirus software. Most major notebook computer manufacturers offer McAfee or Norton. Everyone has their favorite, but since you know you need to protect your notebook, it's easier to have it pre-installed.

That covers the major decisions you will have to make when you buy a notebook computer. If some issues are still unclear, then ask your sales rep. That is what they are there for. Just be sure you understand what kind of system you are getting before you shell out the cash.