64-Bit Versus 32-Bit 64-bit is better in every way. 64-bit describes how many bits of data your CPU can handle as it moves data and instructions in and out of, and around the CPU. The list of advantages is proven. Simply put, you should get 64-bit if you can afford it. It is surely becoming the standard, and a brand new 32-bit laptop will be dated before you first turn it on.

Clock Speed Higher CPU speed does not always mean faster. The more complex the task, the more computations your CPU must complete. A CPU with a higher clock speed can complete more of these tasks every second. However, processors are built differently, making clock speed a less reliable measure between competing products.

Number of Cores Find a CPU that contains dual or quad cores to share the workload. Where older CPUs had one core, or “brain,” plus accompanying circuitry, new CPUs pack 2, 4, and even 6, cores into one processor. Moving data among processing units and cache memory is always faster if the data doesn't have to leave the chip. With multi-core processors, each core shares the advertised clock speed, but processes data simultaneously, greatly increasing the efficiency and performance of the CPU.

Model and Type of CPU Consider clock speed combined with the number of cores. Intel and AMD are the main competitors in the laptop CPU market, and each makes a few families of processors designed to cover the full range of uses from a light duty Netbook to a full-fledged business workstation. Here are some of the types of uses along with some CPU recommendations for each: Netbooks - Lightweight and low cost. Built for mobile computing, web browsing and email. Designed to minimize power consumption a maximize portability, Netbooks are great laptops to take on the road. With low demands on the CPU, Intel Atom N series processors are a standout, but they have some competition from companies like Nvidia with their line of Tegra processors and Qualcomm's Snapdragon which both offer a lot of processing power at a reasonable cost. CULVs - A step up from Netbooks in size and processing power. It stands for Consumer Ultra-Low Voltage and is intended for users wanting a little more from their Netbooks, this is Intel’s territory (they created the whole platform). CULV's are based on the Intel Core 2 Duo which is a solid choice due to its dual-cores and decent clock speeds. As with Netbooks, if you don’t expect more than the device is designed for, your choice should be easy. Notebooks - Standard laptops for everyday use. Found in ever-growing varieties of size, weight, and shape. Consider your price and needs carefully. Intel Core i3 and i5 processors are the premium choice and always a safe bet. However, the AMD Athlon II X4 is a competent, budget-oriented, pick. By contrast, Celerons, Pentiums, and Turions are dated and have one core; expect lagging performance even if the clock speeds are higher. Workstation - Replaces the desktop at the office and at home Gaming, video and audio editing, data crunching, you name it, these are the machines for the job. Lower-end workstations employ many of the CPUs mentioned under standard notebooks, but high-end products feature Intel Core i7 processors in dual and quad-core variants. AMD has another budget-conscious option in the Athlon NEO X2, but it lags behind the i7 in performance tests.