Summer vacation is still going strong, but if you're a parent, you may be preparing to send one or more children off to college this fall — and shopping for a laptop in the process.

You may ask: Why a laptop, which generally costs twice as much as a comparable desktop computer?

A quick Google search of many schools' minimum requirements shows the majority of colleges and universities recommend students bring laptops.

Laptops have certain advantages. They're portable and fit easily in cramped dorms. Students can carry them between classes and to the library. Most new laptops also include built-in wireless networking — a favorite network technology on many campuses, allowing students to seamlessly tap into the college or university computer system.

Consider your son's or daughter's major when you shop. An engineering or architecture student needs a more powerful computer than an English major.

You'll have to decide between a laptop that runs Microsoft Windows or a Macintosh laptop from Apple. Windows laptops come in hundreds of configurations, which can create shopping confusion, so let's consider them first.

KEY COMPONENTS

You can buy a Windows laptop with processors from Intel Corp. or AMD. Both companies provide different lineups of processors. Intel Corp. produces Celeron and Pentium M (Intel). AMD produces Sempron and Athlon.

The Pentium M is probably your smartest choice. It is specifically designed for laptops. It's part of the Centrino chipset package, which features wireless networking. Battery life is phenomenal. Some computers get six hours' use on a single charge.

An English major may be OK with a budget chip. Intel offers the Celeron, while AMD calls its model the Sempron. With budget chips, choose one that runs at 2 GHz or higher.

You may run into 64-bit chips. Microsoft sells a 64-bit version of Windows, but software that takes advantage of the chip is rare. Don't pay extra for a 64-bit chip, unless the school requires it.

Consider 512 megabytes of random access memory as a minimum because much of today's software performs best with more memory.

Choose a 40-gigabyte or larger hard drive. It will provide ample room for software and files. Many professors offer recordings of lectures online. These use a lot of storage space. A CD burner is essential for backups.

ALL ABOUT APPLE

If you're shopping for a Mac, your options are more limited. For instance, the fastest processor used in Macs, the G5, isn't available for laptops because it runs too hot.

On the flipside, Apple diehards cite the stability, security and ease of use of the Mac OS X operating system.

Apple recently freshened its iBook lineup, which is targeted at students. Configurations are priced comparably with Windows laptops and now include more memory and slightly faster processors. All iBooks include built-in wireless networking.