Back-to-school computer shopping

PC primer

PC Magazine offers this checklist for what to look for prior to buying a new school computer:

DO

“Ask about your school’s system requirements before you buy anything.

“Buy the biggest hard drive you can afford.

“Pay attention to a system’s wireless capability.

“Consider bigger screens and better resolutions.

“Upgrade to 2 GB of memory.

“Get Windows Vista, but only if your school can handle it.

?

DON’T

“Pick anything less than a dual-core processor unless you know what kind of CPU you’re getting.

“Skimp on graphics.

“Settle for anything less than a DVD burner (or two).

“Forget to buy an extended warranty.