Pentium 4 is old then they introduce Dual Cores then now i7. I suggest you go with Dual Core Duo or i5 if you have the budget.

Why don't you have a look on AMD processors?
I think they are cheaper than the pentium ones.
If you have the budget i7 is a safe choice.

If you want to run the big program or play 3D games, you can upgrade .

id go for a dual or quad

hello folks......
for me..........dou core is the best setup..

best choice would be quad core or a core i5 to i7. depends on your budget.

yeah u r right but here we have only two choices....
from which dou core is best........

I think you should go for DUO core now.
Introduction of New technology will be very favorable for you.

Dou core is much better then p4
but keep saving litle bit for future to upgrade ur system on regular intervals

Pentium 4 CPU socket area covered two TECHNOLOGIES (478 and 775), these two are not compatible with both newer Intel processors like the i5 and i7 is not really.

The Core 2 Duo is the superior processor in every way, shape, and form. Avoid the Pentium 4 line at all cost..
The lowly old E6300 can best the Pentium Extreme Edition 965 in some cases, and will run neck and neck with a 3.60 GHz Pentium 4 without any problems. An E6400 will out perform any Pentium 4 on the market today by significant margins, and the E6600 simply makes the Pentium 4 look like a Celeron of 3 years ago.