Buy a computer on a budget

— -- Computers don't last forever. Even if the old clunker is still chugging along, you can always drum up reasons why you need to buy a new one. Fortunately, $500 will buy you a fairly capable machine.

You'll be able to use the Web, do your e-mail, manage your photos and write that best-selling novel you've dreamed about. Here's what to look for.

General specifications

A bottom-of-the-line computer will probably get you Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, but just say no. You want the more expensive Vista versions — Home Premium or Ultimate — that offer Vista's Aero look. They also include Media Center. That's important if you watch movies or TV on the computer. And when Windows 7 comes out this summer, rumor has it that Microsoft will offer a free upgrade only from Home Premium, Ultimate and Business versions. Vista Home Basic users are out of luck.

You need 1 gigabyte of memory. Double this, if possible. You also need 128 megabytes of graphics memory. Again, I recommend doubling this to 256 megabytes.

Don't expect high-end processors in budget machines. Intel's Celeron or AMD's Sempron are common. They work, but much faster processors are available. I'd opt for a 64-bit AMD Athlon, or an Intel Pentium or Core 2 Duo. These were high-end a few years ago. They still perform well.

Laptops

In the $500 range, expect a laptop with a 15-inch screen. In addition to the specifications above, make sure the laptop has built-in Wi-Fi so you can connect to wireless networks easily.

The Compaq Presario CQ60 costs about $450. It features Vista Home Basic and a Sempron processor. It has a 15.6-inch screen and 1GB of memory. There's a 160GB hard drive, a DVD burner and built-in wireless. For $100 more, you can bring it up to my recommended specifications. You can order the upgraded version through Hewlett-Packard.

Dell's Inspiron 1525 runs about $480. It features Home Basic and a Celeron processor. You'll get a 15.4-inch display and 1GB of memory. There's a 120GB hard drive, a DVD burner and built-in wireless. Bringing it up to my recommendations pushes the cost to about $599. You can upgrade by ordering through Dell.

Toshiba's L305-S5921 costs about $550. It features a Pentium processor and Vista Home Premium. There's a 15.4-inch screen and 2GB of memory. Additionally, you get a 160GB hard drive, a DVD burner and a wireless card. This laptop probably will not need an upgrade.

Budget laptops can be bulky. If you need something more portable, consider a netbook. These sleek, lightweight machines start around $300. You'll make compromises, though.

Netbooks generally use Intel's low-end Atom processor. Storage, screen size and keyboard size are limited. Most don't have optical drives.

Some run the Linux operating system. If you want Windows XP, check before you buy.

Desktops

You'll get more for your money with a desktop. Expect to see more memory and roomier hard drives. Also, you can forego a wireless card; save money with a wired connection.

Desktops are less popular these days. After all, they're a pain to carry to the coffee shop! They can be purchased without a monitor. Use an old monitor and save some bucks. Or, buy a monitor for about $150 to $200.

EMachines' EL1210-11 ($350) features an Athlon X2 processor and Home Premium. You'll get 3GB of memory, a 160GB hard drive and a DVD burner. A monitor is not included.

HP's Pavilion a6410t runs about $350. It has a dual-core Pentium processor and Home Premium. There's 2GB of memory, a DVD burner and a 250GB hard drive. A monitor is not included.

Dell's Inspiron 530s is about $480 after a $50 discount. It features a dual-core Pentium and Home Premium. There's 2GB of memory, a DVD burner and a 320GB hard drive. A 17-inch wide-screen monitor is included.

Macs

Apple's entry-level machine is the $600 Mac Mini. It doesn't include a keyboard, mouse or monitor. You may be able to find a refurbished Mac for less — if you're lucky.

Refurbished machines are restored to like-new condition by the manufacturer. Don't buy refurbished unless you get a full, one-year warranty.

Kim Komando hosts the nation's largest talk radio show about computers and the Internet. To get the podcast or find the station nearest you, visit www.komando.com/listen. To subscribe to Kim's free e-mail newsletters, sign up at www.komando.com/newsletters. Contact her at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.