With students heading back to school, many parents are in the market to buy computers, software and other digital gear.

Before you buy, ask the school for minimum system requirements. If possible, check with your child's academic department. It may have different requirements than the school at large.

You'll need to decide on an operating system. Microsoft Windows is by far the most popular. You'll run into fewer compatibility problems.

But Apple's Mac OS X will run Windows and Windows programs. That's thanks to Boot Camp, which is included with new Macs. You must buy a copy of Windows to run it on a Mac.

WINDOWS LAPTOPS

Netbooks are popular, thanks to their low prices. However, they don't offer the computing power of true laptops. Skip them. Netbooks are easily identified; they generally use Intel's Atom processor.

Opt for an Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Turion processor. These powerful, dual-core 64-bit processors will suit most students. Don't worry too much about processor speed.

Don't accept less than 2 gigabytes of RAM. If the machine runs the 32-bit version of Windows, don't buy more than 3 gigabytes of memory because that version of Windows can't use more than that.

Machines running 64-bit Windows don't have this limitation. However, you could encounter compatibility problems with some programs and older hardware.

Go for Windows Vista Home Premium or Ultimate. And remember, you may get a free Windows 7 upgrade. Check with the manufacturer.

Don't accept less than a 160GB hard drive. Skip solid-state drives. The prices far outweigh the benefits — for now, anyway.

Students in graphics or video production need a dedicated graphics card. This will take a load off the processor. Expect to pay about $100 extra.

Wi-Fi is standard on laptops these days. Choose 802.11n. A DVD burner, two or more USB ports and long battery life are essential. Buy a second battery, if necessary.

MAC LAPTOPS

There are fewer choices with Apple machines. There are the MacBook Pros and the MacBook Air. There's also a lone MacBook.

The entry-level MacBook Pro will suit most students. However, its 13-inch screen is on the small side.

It features a Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of memory and a 160GB hard drive. It has dedicated graphics and 802.11n wireless. There's also a DVD burner.

MacBook Pros' internal batteries can't be changed. However, Apple claims up to seven hours on a single charge.

SHOP AROUND

Even with educational discounts, it pays to comparison shop.

With Windows machines, price similar computers from different manufacturers. You may find a comparable machine for less.

Prices even vary between stores. Check educational sellers and the school bookstore. www.JourneyEd.com, www.AcademicSuperstore.com and www.Gradware.com are three educational sellers. Compare their prices to those the manufacturer offers direct.

You may also qualify for other discounts. For example, many stores offer discounts for government employees and military members. You may save more than with educational discounts.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Discounts vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and from machine to machine. Some schools or departments may get better deals.

Students can buy Apple's entry-level MacBook Pro for $1,100, or $100 off. Apple is also throwing in an 8GB iPod Touch ($230) with most computers.

You can pick up an HP dv6t series laptop starting at $585; retail starts at $650. Base configuration includes a Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, a 160GB hard drive and Vista Home Premium.

Software discounts are more impressive. Journey Ed.com sells Adobe Photoshop extended for $200; retail price is $1,000. Microsoft is selling Office Ultimate for $60 at Ultimate Steal.com, about 90 percent off list!