How To Buy A Computer 101

Walter S. Mossberg explains the differences between and pros and cons of different types of computers - notebook, netbook, desktop, tablet - and explains what to look for in a processor, memory, video, hard drive, etc.

"If you're shopping for a new computer this fall, you won't find big surprises. But you'll still have to juggle a lot of technobabble terminology and watch your budget. Perhaps the biggest question for some buyers will be whether to get a tablet or a laptop, now that Apple's iPad is a proven hit and a flood of competitors is on the way.

So, here is my annual fall computer buyers' guide, a simplified road map to the key decisions shoppers must make. I've focused on laptops—the most common purchase—but much of this advice also applies to desktops. As always, these tips are for average users doing the most common tasks. This advice doesn't apply to businesses, to hard-core gamers, or to serious media producers."