AMD Processors

I don't know if there's a direct connection or just coincidence. Buuuuuut... I used to buy computers with AMD processors almost exclusively. Then one day I purchased an Intel-powered laptop and it just seemed like it was much less buggy in general. But it's really hard to say if it's because of that. I would almost venture to guess that it's more because that the AMD computers I've encountered are usually low end computers and Intel computers tend to be a little bit higher end. So it may not be the processor so much as the overall quality? I dunno, all guesses here but based on my experience.

Well..for general consumption AMD is fine. But they are an Intel knock off imitator (sp?) If you want the "real deal" then get it.

Xeon CPUs

are specifically programmed to work in CADD better than regular Intel chips. Not so much for gaming, tho.

Generally speaking, AMD processors offer a better price/performance ratio than Intel processors. If cost isn't an issue and you need a powerful processor for whatever program you're going to run, buy a more expensive Intel-powered model. If any new laptop will run the program you're going to use, you can save a few bucks by buying one with an AMD processor.

Here's a chart, showing the current common cpus: http://www.cpubenchmark.net/common_cpus.html#cpuvalue

It's more of an issue if you were going to build a desktop for yourself. There's so many different models of laptops and processors, sales coming and going, it's really hard to do a direct comparison between models. You're probably fine with either.

I totally agree with Wendell - the AMD machines I've had experience with have been buggier than Intel machines. I would imagine that it has to do with the bios that they use; I figure that if the software developers are running Intel then that's probably what I should run as well.