Intel chips and Windows v. Apple.

http://www.intel.com/core/m/smart/shop.htm#share-info-top

This is a pretty cool tool.  At least it gives an idea of what chip is old, which may account for a "bargain" from Dell, HP, etc.

Core i7 looks good.  I had never heard of it before this.  I did not know that quad had come and gone, following duo.  One day you don't read the papers ...

I compared 17" laptops.  Same processor and otherwise comparable:

Sony Viao $1,100
Apple starts at $2,500.

Yet another reason I hate Apple.