The CPU is the core of your system and affects both price and performance more than anything. Get the fastest CPU you can afford, because everything else can be upgraded later. Higher processor speeds (in GHz) and bus speeds (in MHz) mean faster computing. Unless you are on a very tight budget, skip the Intel Celeron and AMD Sempron models, as they are better suited for less-demanding uses (i.e. the kinds of things that you, not your kids, use the computer for). Ideal computers use either Intel Pentium D or AMD Athlon 64 CPUs. However, if you can afford it, opt for Intel Core Duo or AMD X2 dual processors that offer enhanced performance.

Memory

The more memory you have, the faster everything will run. Multi-media computers will need 1GB or more with an absolute minimum of 512mb. Memory can be increased at any time.

Graphics Card

Intensive graphics or gaming applications might require higher performance. If budget allows, look for a computer that has a PCI-Express video bus instead of the outdated AGP video bus. Your student will have better expansion options later. I would suggest they use the graphics card that came with the computer and then upgrade later if needed.

Hard Drive

Your student will never have enough hard drive space. To store the music, photos and videos, I would suggest at least 200gb of storage and more if possible. Plus, you can easily expand storage space by adding a second drive. Get a computer equipped with a SATA drive controller instead of the outdated IDE technology.

DVD Drive

Don't even think of getting a computer that can't burn DVDs. Today's media computers eat up gigabytes of space in no time and your student will need to back up those files quickly. Besides, you can't watch movies without a DVD drive, right?

Mac or PC?

It doesn't matter which platform your student prefers, more or less, or which company they think is cool or evil. Instead, find out what type of computer is most popular in their specific academic department and let that strongly influence your purchase. You want your student's computer to be as compatible as possible with file formats and applications. If you go with the wrong platform, they might have problems collaborating with others on campus.

Notebook or Desktop?

A notebook computer costs about one-third more than a similarly equipped desktop. However, since most colleges have campus-wide wireless Internet access, it's hard to imagine not wanting the productivity boost that comes with having your computer in your backpack all the time. If you can't afford an expensive do-it-all notebook, consider getting a multi-media desktop computer for the dorm and an el-cheapo notebook to take on campus.

Summary

If you're on a tight budget, get the fastest CPU you can afford that has a DVD burner. You can upgrade everything else later as needed. Today's college generation is multi-media intensive, so you'll need to think beyond simple word processing to get the right computer for your student.

Local computer guru Peter Kay is managing director of Honolulu-based technology mentoring firm FlatEarthVentures.com.