Processor

• The speed of your processor determines how fast your computer can carry out instructions. XP requires at least a Pentium 233 MHz processor, but 300 MHz is recommended for better performance. If you laptop has a dual-core or quad-core processor, it is more than enough for Windows XP.
  
  

Disk Space

• XP will be installed using the available space on the drive, and at least 1.5GB is needed. Newer hard drives can contain more than 500GB, which is plenty. If you plan to work with large file types, such as HD video, consider getting at least a 1 terabyte drive. You can install XP with the minimum amount of free space, but it will leave little room for anything else. If you will only use the laptop for basic functions, such as word processing and email, not much space is needed.
  
  

Optical Drive

• A CD or DVD drive is needed to install from the disk. The CD drive is the minimum needed, as a DVD drive is capable of reading both CDs and DVDs. You can purchase an external drive to install XP on a laptop that does not have an optical drive.
  
  

Input Devices

• You will need a keyboard to type in your product key and make other selections during the installation. A mouse is also recommended, but is not necessary with a laptop because of the built-in touchpad or trackball.
  
  

Display

• Your laptop must have a video adapter capable of displaying Super VGA (800 x 600) resolution or higher. Microsoft lists a "video adapter" and "monitor," both of which come standard with a laptop.
  
  

Sound

• The last hardware requirement listed for Windows XP is "Speakers or Headphones." This will enable you to hear sounds played during startup, or while using audio and video files. If you don't have speakers, it does not interfere with XP's basic functionality. All laptops have speakers built-in somewhere near the base or lid, so they do not need to be purchased separately.