Which Laptop to Buy?

Hi,

I am planning to buy a new laptop and had a couple of questions about the different kind of processors available. I will be using my laptop only for browsing the net, checking my email or listening to music. I believe Core 2 due is the latest (and probably the best?) processor out there (I’m not sure though)



(1) I was looking at the prices for laptops with the two processors and those with the Core Duo seem to be much cheaper than the ones with Core 2 Duo. However, when I look at the processor speed and the “bus speed” (whatever that is?) they happen to be the exact same for both! I.e. Processor speed=1.6GHz and Bus Speed=533MHz. If the speed for the processors is exactly the same then in what way is Core 2 Duo a better ( and hence more expensive) processor than just Core Duo?



(2) Secondly, what other technical specs should I look for which will be important in making sure that the computer will not perpetually run slow, freeze or crash every 30 minutes (used to happen with my ex-laptop Inspiron 5160 )



Eg: Ram 1GB Vs 2GB

Processor Speed 1.8 GHz Vs 1.6GHz

Bus Speed 667Mhz Vs 533 Mhz….

Hard Drive Speed 4200rpm Vs 5400rpm



Are the above listed differences in specs significant enough to make a huge noticeable difference in my web surfing experience, considering that all I will do is check my mail or listen to music?



Thanks in advance,

Sandhya

PS: Please try to answer in layman’s terms so that I don’t get confused by the technical jargon



Some laptops with Core Duo that I was considering (All Under $850)



Toshiba Satellite 14.1" Widescreen Notebook PC (M115-S3094) ($600)



Gateway Notebook PC (MX6920) ($750)



Toshiba Satellite® 15.4” Widescreen Notebook PC (A105-S4254) ($ 800)



Sony VAIO® 15.4” Widescreen Notebook PC (VGN-N130G/W) ($850)





Some laptops with Core Duo that I was considering (All Over $1000)



HP Pavilion 15.4” Widescreen Notebook PC (DV6130US) ($900)



Toshiba Satellite® 14.1” Widescreen Notebook PC (M115-S3144) ($1000)





Toshiba Satellite® 15.4” Widescreen Notebook PC (A105-S4334) ($1050)





Sony VAIO® Notebook PC (VGN-FE770G) ($1100)