The answer to which PC you should purchase will be different for everyone. The main considerations are computing need and budget. The specifications for the hardware that is available changes too fast to list a specific setup as a recommendation. Instead, these are general guidelines to help you make purchasing decisions. This is geared toward purchasing a Desktop PC but the same principles apply to purchasing a laptop or a MAC.
As a general rule, PCs should be replaced on a three year cycle. This is just an unpleasant but none the less true fact of keeping up with the digital age. This will be almost as true of a $3000 machine as it will be for a $1000 machine.
A basic machine will surf the web, allow access to email and run productivity software. For most users this is adequate. Purchase the basic PC model and use the extra money to buy the three year warranty. This will help you to keep the PC running smoothly until it is time to replace it.
If you are involved in gaming or creating videos you will want to look into a higher end machine. If you need the extra computing power indentify what you really need and balance it against your budget.
The first step is to identify what the PC will be used for.
How are you going to use the new PC?
- Take a WebCT class
- Surf the net
- uTube
- games
- photos
- home movies
- iTunes
Will you be the only user or will other household members be using the PC? If your spouse, children or others will be using the PC, make sure to find out what types of use they are interested in as well. Check out the PC World article called The Specs Explained to see if any of the uses you have identified will require upgraded hardware components. You are the only one who can decide if the need indentified is worth putting more dollars into hardware upgrades.
Desktops:
- cost less
- more comfortable keyboard
- easier to repair or upgrade
Laptops:
- mobility – if you need to use the PC at school, at home, on the train etc. the laptop is worth the extra money
- security - laptops can be lost or stolen - security cables should be purchased if you plan to leave it unattended in a public place
- cost for extras: laptop case, mouse, keyboard, etc.
Check current reviews.
PC World has very good reviews of currently available products as well as helpful articles.
How to Buy a Desktop PC – this is a very good article that will take you through the decision making process.
Top Ten Value PCs Reviews - to find the latest reviews:
- http://www.pcworld.com
- Click on Shop & Compare on the top menu bar
Reviews for Laptops and Macs / iPods can be found at the same site.
Consumer Reports is another good source to check. Some information is available online for free, more extensive reports can be found in the Consumer Reports Buying Guide Issue available in the library.
- Upgrade the Operating System, get VISTA Business .
- The 3 year in home warranty is a good value. (Best Buy Geek Squad has a lower cost package to bring the PC into a store. Dell has many levels of service plans check them out and weigh cost against your comfort zone in handling some tasks yourself.)
- More memory equals greater speed, 1GB RAM should be the minimum, 2 GB is recommended if you are purchasing the VISTA operating system. (Your internet provider is also an important aspect of better speed – even a new PC with plenty of memory will be slow on a dial up connection.)
- Processor that is close to the latest, but a few notches down in speed. This will save you some money without sacrificing too much speed.
- 256 MB Video Card
