3 Ways to Choose a Computer

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Getting a new computer is an exciting experience. The lure of new technology is hard to stifle. Unfortunately, that emotion can quickly subside if you find you haven't bought the computer you need. The breadth of choices can be daunting, but this guide can help guide you towards optimal technical choices.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Assessing Your Needs

Step 1. Ask yourself what the computer is for

The main functionality of the computer will direct you to the type of machine you need. By identifying the role of the computer early on, you can save some money in the future.

• Will you mainly use your computer to check emails and browse the web?

  

• Are you planning to do a significant amount of office work on your computer?

  

• Do you like games and plan to spend most of your time on the computer playing the latest and most popular releases?

  

• Are you an artist or musician? Do you plan to use your computer to create pictures, music or videos?

  

• Is it the computer that everyone in the family will use? Is your computer going to be the entertainment hub of the living room?

  

Step 2. Decide between a laptop or a desktop

Laptops are portable and are ideal for students or office workers, but are generally less powerful when it comes to gaming. Desktops are typically much more powerful than laptops, but they can also be more expensive. They also take up significantly more space than a notebook.

• Ask yourself how much you want to feel tied to a desk. Laptops will allow you to work from virtually anywhere that has a Wi-Fi Internet connection.

  

• If you choose a laptop, pay attention to the advertised battery life, as it is a determining factor for mobility.

  

Step 3. Compare Apple to a Windows PC

Much is due to personal preferences. If your business is mostly done on Mac computers, having a Mac at home too can make work more convenient. Apple computers are typically more expensive than an equally powerful Windows PC; moreover on Windows they can run more games than on an Apple computer (even if for Mac they are coming out more and more).

• Apple computers are preferred by musicians and artists, because they generally handle content creation programs much more efficiently than a Windows PC.

  

Step 4. Check your budget

A netbook can be purchased for less than 200 euros, while computers for graphics processing and high-level games can go up to 2000 euros. Balance your needs against the available budget.

Step 5. Search for basic computer components

When it comes time to start looking around, it would be helpful to know what the basic pieces are, so that you can make good comparisons.

• Hard Drive - This is the storage for your computer, measured in gigabytes (GB). All documents, programs, photos, videos and music will use this space. In general, the more space, the better, although average users can easily get away with 500 GB.

  

• Memory / RAM - is the specialized storage that programs use to hold temporary information. Without enough RAM, programs will run slowly or even crash. 4GB is a good base number for RAM, although gamers and graphic designers will want at least double that.

  

• CPU - is the processor, what makes your computer work. There are two major manufacturers - Intel and AMD. AMD is typically cheaper than Intel for the same performance, but offers slightly less quality and support. Be sure to research which CPU you plan to buy, as the market changes frequently.

  

• Video card - if you aren't running games or doing 3D development, you most likely won't have to worry about the graphics card. If, on the other hand, you are passionate about games, then the video card will be a fundamental component of the computer.

  

Part 2 of 3: Get a Desktop

Step 1. Consider the pros and cons of the construction and also of the purchase

One of the oldest traditions in the computer world is building your own machine. The desktops are modular and are designed to be easily assembled and updated. Building your own desktop can be significantly cheaper than buying a pre-built computer. The drawback is the lack of computer support: all replacements and technical problems will have to be handled independently.

Step 2. Look at the pre-assembled computers available

If building your own computer scares you, you can find ready-made machines from all major manufacturers. Be sure to compare the specs between different brands and avoid computers with unnecessary features that you will never use. On the other hand, you don't have to buy a computer just because it's cheap, but make sure it has the features you need.

• Popular desktop manufacturers include: HP, iBuyPower, Acer, Dell, Lenovo, Gateway, and more.

  

• Apple desktops use Mac OS X instead of Windows and are often far less customizable or upgradeable. Conversely, their unified hardware means that the programs they designed generally run much more efficiently, and with OS X you have less worry about viruses.

  

Step 3. Shop around for computer components

If you have decided to build your own computer, you must purchase each component individually. Look around to make sure you're paying the best price, but also make sure the retailer you're buying from has a good return policy in case something arrives already broken (which is pretty common in the IT industry). Once you have all your pieces, follow a guide to learn how to put them all together.

Part 3 of 3: Get a Laptop

Step 1. Compare manufacturers

Since laptops cannot be built easily, you will have to choose between the different options offered by the manufacturers. Compare not only the features, but also the support offered by the manufacturer. Be sure to read the online reviews on customer service and the return opportunities they provide.

Step 2. Pay special attention to the components

Laptops are much more difficult to upgrade than desktops. In most cases it is downright impossible. If you are going to get a laptop, you really need to be confident and satisfied with the performance and technical features. Upgrading the hard drive isn't usually a problem, but changing the video card is next to impossible and changing the processor is out of the question.

Step 3. Try before you buy

If possible, find a place that allows you to try the laptop before you spend your hard-earned money on it. If you can't try the laptop, try to find some reputable reviews online.

Advice

• In a year or two, your computer will be worth half of what you paid for it, so get the latest model of whatever brand you want.
• Remember that the larger model number is not always the best. Make sure that the brand you choose has a proven track record in customer service: this is very important!
• Don't buy on impulse. You should set aside a couple of weeks, from when you start your search to the time of purchasing your new computer.