So you want to buy a new computer? Maybe this is your first computer or maybe it's an upgrade from an old relic you've had for a while. Whatever the reason for the new computer, this article will help you make some key decisions around what to look for in your new computer.
1. Desktop or Laptop? This is always a huge question and there are whole articles discussing just this very thing. For me it comes down to one question: Does it need to be portable? Laptops are great for people on the move. They are awesome if you don't have a lot of space to put a big desktop computer. But they are disposable. They are hard to repair and expensive if you decide to repair them. They aren't upgradeable either. The desktop computer will last you longer, you can upgrade it and if it does break, the part is easily replaced. Make this decision based on your own needs and preferences.
2. What am I going to use it for? You need a lot more power to play online games such as World of Warcraft than you do to write a letter in Microsoft Word. Decide what you will use it for first and then pick a computer that fits that need. Remember that they make computers specifically for gaming. They are high powered computers with expensive video and sound cards and a lot of processing power. You don't need all that to check the news your standard desktop computer will do just fine.
3. How much money do I have to spend? This determines everything! You can get a desktop computer for $300 if you want. These are perfectly good computers. They probably won't play your online role playing game, but they are good for surfing the web and doing some word processing. On the other extreme you can spend $2000, $3000 or even $5000 on a brand new system that does everything and will play any game you throw at it. So decide whether you're getting a laptop or a desktop and what your intended usage is and then pick a budget that fits your needs.
4. How do I pick once I've narrowed down my choices?
a. Look at processing power first. We are up to iCore7 and counting. You may not need an iCore7 for your purposes now, but if you can afford a little extra juice it will help extend the life of your computer.
b. Then look at the amount of RAM you need. I suggest no less than 4 GB of RAM. Make sure the computer will handle at least 6 or 8 GB though. This gives you some upgrade room when you need it.
c. Now decide how much storage you need. Most computers come with at least 200 or 300 GB now and many with much more than that. Storage space is easy to expand as needed with external hard drives and USB thumb drives so it's not a crisis if your hard drive is a little small.
d. Lastly look at the extras like DVD burners, a fancy mouse or keyboard, video cards and sound cards. Unless you're watching a lot of movies or listening to a lot of music or playing those games we talked about, the video card and sound card that are in the computer will be fine. Often these are referred to as "onboard video" or "onboard sound." All that means is that they are part of the motherboard, not an extra card like you can buy at any computer store.
When you finally decide on a computer make sure you have all of the cables you need to hook up your monitor and printer if you have one. Keep the receipt in case it doesn't work for some reason or you're missing pieces and make sure you keep the box for a while. Often the box is your warranty. Many manufacturers require you to send the computer back in the original box for repair if it's needed. Once the warranty period ends you can throw out the box.
Print this article in case you need it and have fun shopping! Buying a new computer is a lot of fun once you learn a little bit about what you're buying and what you need. Getting the right computer for your needs takes a little research, but it's worth the effort. When you get a computer that can keep up to your needs it makes your life a lot easier. Enjoy!
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