If you are buying a notebook PC, look for a model with Intel's Core Duo or Core 2 Duo CPU. Intel's Core Duo and Core 2 Duo CPUs, and AMD's Turion 64 X2 models, include 2 CPU "cores" on a single chip of silicon, allowing them to perform symmetric multiprocessing at a lower price than PCs with separate mulitple processors. This results in a much faster machine, particulary for people who like multitasking--running more than one program at a time. Intel's dual core CPUs also include features carried over from their now almost passé Pentium M CPU, like a 2MB L2 cache, advanced branch predicting, and "speedstep technology", to give high performance at relatively low clock speeds, thus extending battery life. Particularly desirable are the Core 2 Duo T7200 (2GHz), T7400 (2.16 GHz), and T7600 (2.33 GHz) CPUs, which have a 4MB L2 cache with a 667 Mhz Front Side Bus, and the newer T7300, T7500, & T7700 Core 2 Duo CPUs for the Santa Rosa chipset, which also have the 4MB L2 cache, with a 800 Mhz FSB.     Intel Core 2 Duo Table     Core 2 Duo .pdf     Intel CPU Comparator Also consider the AMD Turion 64 X2, Turion 64, & Athlon 64 notebook CPUs--although they may have somewhat shorter battery life. The Intel Centrino name on a notebook PC indicates that it has the Intel mobile CPU & chipset, plus Intel's own built-in 802.11a/b/g wireless networking card. Systems witn Intel CPUs that are not "Centrino" branded are often sold with non-Intel 802.11g or 802.11a/b/g internal wireless networking cards, and there is nothing wrong with that. Also important on a new laptop PC: -- As many USB 2.0 ports as possible. -- IEEE-1394 (also known as Firewire or iLink; so you can transfer video from your camcorder to edit and burn to CD or DVD) -- S-Video out (or at least a composite video-out, so you can play DVDs in your notebook PC and watch them on a larger TV).

PC Dealers (selling their own brand) Shop Toshiba is the place people come to buy Toshiba Notebook Computers & Tablet PC's (their Satellite, Qosmio, and other models are available with Intel Core Duo processors, and some Qosmios also include built-in TV tuners and recording capability), PDAs, Digital Cameras, Projectors and Toshiba brand accessories direct from the manufacturer. Remember to check their Toshiba special offers page, too. ThinkPad & ThinkCentre PCs, formerly designed and marketed by IBM, are now sold by the Chinese company Lenovo (founded in 1984). Lenovo purchased the IBM PC division in May, 2005, along with an agreement that IBM will continue to provide warranty services for ThinkPad Notebooks and ThinkCentre Desktop PCs for at least 5 years. Canadian shoppers can link to Lenovo Canada The Official Sony Store (Sony Style) sells Sony VAIO notebook and VAIO desktop computers, famous quality Sony computer monitors, CD/DVD burners, accessories, and AIBO entertainment robots. They also sell sells Sony electronics from Sony TVs, home theater and video products to portable audio & home audio products (and accessories) direct from the manufacturer. Their inventory includes Sony digital imaging products, like Cyber-shot & Mavica digital cameras and Micro MV, Mini DV, Digital-8, & Hi-8 Sony camcorders plus Video Walkmans, digital photo printers and accessories. Canadians: shop at Sony Style Canada. The HP Small & Medium Business Store and the HP Home & Home Office Store sell Hewlett-Packard and Compaq desktop PCs, workstations, notebook PCs, and servers, plus HP printers, digital cameras, and other peripherals and accessories, direct from the manufacturer. find this: Dell Computers is the number one online computer dealer, and with good reason. Custom configure your own today. Dell notebook PCs, like the E1520 (with 15.4" widescreen and 4 USB 2.0 ports) and E1720 (with 17" widescreen and 4 USB 2.0 ports), are available with Intel Core 2 Duo processors at low prices. Of course, they also sell fine desktop PCs as well as software and peripherals. For refurbished and clearance deals, check out the Dell Outlet. Canadian shoppers: link to Dell Canada. Fujitsu PC offers great savings on Fujitsu LifeBook notebook computers, pen tablet PCs, and accessories, direct from the manufacturer. The OQO Model 02 is the world's smallest Windows Vista PC. Weighing one pound, the model 02 features a 5" sliding WVGA LCD screen, integrated thumb keyboard and track stick, and capacitive TouchScrollers™. OQO Model 2 is available with 1.5GHz CPU, 60GB HDD, and 1GB RAM, and a built-in EV-DO WWAN for wireless broadband Internet anywhere from Verizon or Sprint.   Computer Hardware Shops (that also sell PC systems and software) Founded in 1984, CompUSA, with about 225 stores in 90 metro areas, in 2008 was acquired by Systemax, an NYSE-traded corporation which also owns Tiger Direct.     Both CompUSA and TigerDirect carry a very similar inventory of over 50,000 identically-priced items, including notebook computers (Core 2 Duo models from Toshiba, Sony, HP-Compaq, Gateway and Acer), monitors, motherboards, CPUs, PDAs, networking gear, accessories, gaming supplies, digital cameras, consumer electronics, plus more than 2,000 software titles, and DVD & VHS movies. CompUSA and TigerDirect both have a 30-day return policy (see websites for details) and both do ship internationally (but accept wire transfers only for international orders). Because they are both owned by Office Depot, Computers4SURE and Tech Depot both carry nearly identical merchandise at nearly identical prices. The prices are low, and the inventory includes over 60,000 products: computers of all kinds, and everything you need to go with them. They ship only to the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They CAN ship to PO Boxes and APO/FPO addresses. You can also order computer gear directly from Office Depot itself, but their computer inventory is not as extensive as that at TechDepot and Computers4SURE.

Amazon - eBay See also: Computer Hardware Computer Software Office Supplies Current Specials: Hot Clearance Deals at CompUSA Today ClubMac Clearance

Best Buy is a retailer of personal computers, consumer electronics, entertainment software and accessories, with over 800 retail stores throughout the US. Most items can be returned up to 30 days later for a full refund, and to avoid shipping charges and receive a refund more quickly, you can return items to any Best Buy store.

Buy.com carries a full range of PC products, including notebook PCs with 802.11g Wi-Fi, 512MB ram, 40GB HD, and a DVD burner for under $800 (Averatec 5400). Notebook brands they carry include Sony, IBM, Toshiba, Hewlett-Packard, Gateway, Averatec, and Acer. As of this writing, they offer free shipping on many items. No credit card? Buy.com now accepts payment via PayPal.

Circuit City carries a huge variety of computer, video, and audio products. Their inventory includes desktop & laptop PCs, PDAs, digital cameras, camcorders, and TVs. Their guarantee (see website for details): "Try it out for 30 days. If something's not right or you've simply changed your mind, please return it within that time so we can either exchange it or give you your money back. Since computer technology changes so quickly, we can only offer a 14-day tryout on PCs and related merchandise. For a full refund of a Product, we'll need you to return the box and packaging too... Any Product purchased on-line may be returned to any Circuit City store (except our Circuit City Express locations)..." As of this writing, Circuit City offers free shipping on all orders over $24. They ship only to the continental USA, plus Alaska and Hawaii, and they cannot ship to APO, FPO, or PO Box addresses.

PCMall is a computer products superstore with more than 1.3 million customers, from individuals to large corporations. They carry almost anything you might be looking for, including Lenovo ThinkPad Notebook PCs with Core Duo CPUs and 802.11g wireless networking. They also carry countless other desktop & notebook PCs, as well as peripherals and software.

Founded in 1989 in Walnut, California, MWave sells new notebook & desktop PCs, computer components (including hard drives, memory, and flat panel monitors), peripherals and electronics (including mp3 players) at low discount prices to a customer base of over 3 million users.

In the UK, Conrad Direct UK is one of Europe's favourite electronics and technology retailers, with a huge selection of more than 15,000 articles and the very best brands at best prices. Their wide range of products includes computer, multimedia, telephone, auto hi-fi, modeling and model railways gear.

  Discount and Closeout Computer Hardware Shops, & Used Computers

Surplus Computers is located in the heart of Silicon Valley next to San Jose International Airport in a 30,000 square foot warehouse, no more than 15 minutes from the headquarters of Intel, AMD, Quantum, Applied Materials, Maxtor and others from whom they purchase manufacturer and corporate excess, overstock, and slightly obsolete inventories in huge quantities to maximize the savings to you. Many of their offers come with free shipping. Check their new items page for daily additions.

If it's electronic, OnSale! has it on sale, including digital cameras, iPods, computer systems, and peripherals.

Computer Geeks specializes in providing computer-related excess inventory, manufacturer-closeouts, and high-demand computer components and peripherals at highly-discounted prices to tech-savvy, "Geeky", consumers. All of the products sold on their site are in stock, ready to ship, and include a warranty.

Based in the UK, and established for over 15 years, with four retail locations, Morgan Computer (UK) are one of Europe’s leading dealers in surplus, end-of-line and refurbished computer equipment. Mainland UK delivery is charged at £10 (ex VAT) - £11.75 (inc VAT) per order. You can also bid for overstock, refurbished and second user computer equipment at Morgan Computer Auctions.

  Mac, PalmOS, Linux, Mobile

You can purchase ALL Apple products direct from the manufacturer at The Apple Store, including the new iMac G5, PowerMacs, eMacs, Apple PowerBooks & iBooks, MacOS, Mac software, iPods, and much more. The Apple store provides free ground shipping with orders over $50.

Club Mac is the number 1 online Macintosh superstore. You name it, they've got it. Also check the ClubMac Clearance section.

More than 1.3 million individuals, home offices, small businesses and large corporations rely on MacMall to deliver the Apple-Macintosh products they need. MacMall offers a 30-day return policy on selected items based on manufacturer return policies otherwise all purchases are final. Ground shipping is available throughout the 48 contiguous states, overnight is the only shipping method available for orders that must ship on Saturdays, or to Alaska and Hawaii. They do not take online orders for international addresses or APO/FPOs.

The Official Palm Store is the place to find Palm Centro Smartphones, Palm Treo SmartPhones, and Palm TX, Zire and Tungsten handhelds direct from the manufacturer, including free software and free shipping. They also sell designer accessories, Palm expansion cards, and PalmOS software. You can search for PalmOne handhelds, software, and accessories with this form:

find this:

---

This page now only features shops that sell complete computer systems. For other computer hardware, see: Computer Hardware