Comparing computer benchmarks

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Get the geekbench program--

this will give you some kind of performance number for your laptop/desktop/server:
http://www.primatelabs.com/geekbench/

Also you can view results others have posted here:  http://browser.primatelabs.com/
(search by model, processor type, etc. and view the range of results expected.

This type of metric is much more meaningful for comparisons than 'GigaHertz' -- processor speed.
Going simply by CPU speed is like comparing a sports car to a semi-trailer truck.
Your specific needs will depend on whether you just want to get somewhere fast, or have a lot of stuff to haul.