Options for the PC buyer abound like never before.

So, what is a PC buyer to do?

What's not clear is whether PC buyers truly care which chip maker produced the microprocessor in their personal computers.

Microsoft is being helped by the conservatism of first-time PC buyers.

"PC buyers are moving away from traditional retail stores and to distribution channels that are tailored to their particular needs," he said.

But this year, market researchers say, the majority of computer shoppers will be first-time PC buyers.

So what's a PC buyer to do?

"If the application is only available in one place, (PC buyers) will select that place," he said.

Question: What's the big issue among corporate PC buyers these days?

For first-time PC buyers, however, more money can mean greater peace of mind and enjoyment.